Between Worlds

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is an action-adventure game presented in stereoscopic 3D polygonal graphics, with gameplay predominantly experienced from a top-down perspective. Players control a young boy named Link, who embarks on an adventure to rescue the Seven Sages and defeat Yuga, the primary antagonist. The game is set in two kingdoms—Hyrule and Lorule—both of which bear a nonlinear structure and similar layout, but contrast in style and tone. A Link Between Worlds is a successor to the 1991 Super Nintendo Entertainment System game A Link to the Past, and is similar in many aspects. The worlds of Hyrule and Lorule in A Link Between Worlds are analogous to A Link to the Past's depiction of Hyrule and the Dark World. A number of items, enemies, and audio tracks featured in A Link to the Past return in A Link Between Worlds. The top screen of the Nintendo 3DS displays hearts, an energy gauge, and an action icon. Link's life energy decreases when he is hit by an enemy and can be replenished by collecting hearts that can be found in a variety of ways, such as defeating enemies, breaking pots, or cutting shrubbery. The energy gauge governs item and ability usage; it depletes on use and replenishes over time. The action icon notifies the player of interactive objects. A map of the kingdoms is displayed on the bottom screen of the 3DS, showing Link's current position and marked locations. The bottom screen is also used to view and select Link's gear and items. Friendly and enemy non-player characters inhabit the two worlds. Friendly characters can provide Link with assistance or side quests to complete. Link wields a sword and shield, which can be used to defeat enemies and deflects their attacks. Other combat items from past Zelda games return, such as the bow, the fire rod, and bombs. Unlike previous games, the methods for obtaining and using these items is different. Rather than finding them in dungeons, they are rented or purchased from the merchant Ravio. If Link dies, his rented items will be returned to Ravio. They also do not require ammunition; instead, their use is limited by a shared energy gauge. Link's total life energy can be increased by collecting heart pieces. His weapons can be upgraded by completing a long term side quest that involves searching for small hidden creatures and returning them to their parent. Link can also participate in several minigames to earn rupees, Hyrule's primary currency. As with many previous The Legend of Zelda games, solving puzzles and clearing dungeons is a fundamental part of gameplay. Progression through A Link Between Worlds is more open-ended than previous titles, with the possibility of tackling many of the dungeons in any order. Certain dungeon obstacles will require the use of the rented or purchased items. Towards the end of each dungeon, Link will encounter a boss that must be defeated. A unique mechanic is Link's ability to merge onto walls and move horizontally along them. Link is presented as a mural when he is merged on a wall, and the perspective shifts to a side view to follow Link around corners. While merged to a wall, Link's energy gauge will deplete. The mechanic can be used to traverse the environment, solve puzzles, avoid hazards, reach previously inaccessible areas, and travel between Hyrule and Lorule via fissures that connect the two kingdoms. The game uses the 3DS's Play Coin and StreetPass systems. Play Coins can be used to request a tip from Hint Ghosts that are located at points of interest. If another system that has played the game is passed by via StreetPass, a shadow version of their Link will appear somewhere on the field. Players can fight against these Links, which are AI-controlled opponents based on their game's data. Winning against Shadow Link earns a rupee bounty based on their difficulty, and achievements can be earned for fulfilling certain conditions. A more challenging "Hero Mode" is unlocked upon completing the main adventure, wherein the player takes four times the damage.