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The Islands of Zelda
Overview
Feature Quest
Creator:
Lightwulf
Genre: Story-driven
Added: 11 Oct 2014
Updated: 08 Jul 2015
ZC Version: 2.10
Downloads: 1495
Rating[?]:
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Download Quest (5.17 MB) |
Information
The Islands of Zelda is my first official, full-size quest. It takes place in an area other than Hyrule. Rather than having mountains as the main barrier, like in most other Zelda games, water is the main boundary in this quest. For this quest, I've created my own graphical style that I call "Modified Classic". Note: I chose "Story-driven" for the Quest Genre, but it has a big, healthy serving of "NES-style" mixed in with it!
About Reviews Comments Forum Topics
Description
- The whole idea behind this quest is that I'm tired of mountains being the main obstacle to reaching other areas. Why not make water the main obstacle and hide the flippers in a later level? So, Link starts out on one island and will explore many islands throughout this quest. Oh yeah, one clue I'll give you is that the raft is in the 1st dungeon, not a later dungeon, because you need it to visit all the other islands.
- For this quest, I've created my own graphical style by enhancing the Classic graphics, using over twice as many colors, and including some needed Link-to-the-Past-style graphics (which I greatly added to, BTW) to make what I call the Modified Classic tileset, though not a released tileset (yet).
- Since this is technically a Classic-style quest, I tried to use as many of the NES room types as possible. Don't be surprised to find a secret door that ends up being a door repair! (Don't be scared to look for secrets, though; I kept "door repair" types to a minimum. For example, the first island has plenty of secrets on it and none of them are nasty, I promise you.)
- This quest is being made using ZC version 2.10 for a couple of reasons: because that's how it began, and also because I wanted to learn ZC's full capabilities before learning scripting or having all the bells and whistles that came with version 2.5 (even though I have dabbled in 2.5 a bit since I started this quest).
- This quest uses 2 overworld maps, and, just to give you an early hint, I made the outside edges of the maps scroll-warp to the opposite side! (Of course, you'll need the flippers before you can find this out in-game.) This is to give the effect that (most) sailors lose their way and can't find their way home after arriving. (But of course Link should make it back to Hyrule after he finds Zelda. At least, I'm sure they'll find a way...)
- That being said, though, there are more than 2 "overworld" type maps. You'll see what I mean after you beat level 8.
- There are at least 9 dungeons, but many surprises to be found, to include a number of side-dungeons and caves in which Link will find useful items.
- If you're an explorer-type of game player, then this is definitely the quest for you!
- ***By the way, BE FOREWARNED: My Intro is LONG due to an extensive back-story. I apologize for this up front, but I'm a storyteller, so that's how it worked out. IF YOU DON'T WANT TO READ THE EXTENSIVE BACK-STORY, SKIP THE INTRO.*** (Just thought I'd tell you up front in case you're the type to jump right into the action.)
--- UPDATE --- (10/15/2014)
Included in this update:
- New midi for level 3 (same song, different version), courtesy of EddyTheOliveira
- A few bugfixes regarding combo placement, layers, and continue/spawn squares (blue/green squares)
- Redesigned a problem screen in level 6
- Fixed a missing burn flag on Serpento Island (for a secret)
Updated info on this database entry:
- Added tip about bombs in dungeon rooms (added as #4; all others after have updated #s)
- Included some credits I forgot to add initially - AirLuigi, Nolornbon, Freya
- Included credit to Eddy for music I just added to the quest file
--- UPDATE 2 --- (10/27/2014)
Included in this update:
- Fixed combo placement errors (primarily in level 8 )
- Fixed continue bug in level 8
- Fixed major bug in Magic Key Maze blocking you from entering
- Moved an old lady in a house in Seafarer Market to avoid player getting frozen when talking to her from the side
- Fixed a warp error on stairs in library of Lost Traveler Town
- Fixed typo in Jared's lines
- Fixed error in room for level 9 boss by removing stray warp tile
- Removed some swimmable combos (and replaced them with lava combos) in the Underworld
Updated info on this database entry:
- Added tip #8 about boss rooms
--- UPDATE 3 --- (10/28/2014)
Included in this update:
- Fixed a puzzle in level 9 to work as intended
Updated info on this database entry:
- Added warning (above) about the length of my Intro, in case you don't want to read all the background detail to the story (Sorry I didn't post this sooner, GrantGrief!)
- Removed accidental smiley in "Update 2"
--- UPDATE 4 --- (12/30/2014)
Included in this update:
- Added map-on-floor rooms to existing rooms in levels 1 and 2
- Added visible secrets on all map-on-floor rooms that weren't previously visible without Lens of Truth
--- UPDATE 5 --- (1/3/2015)
Included in this update:
- Fixed bugs in a secret room in level 5
- Added a shortcut to level 5 that requires the dungeon item to access
Updated info on this database entry:
- Added GrantGrief to my credits list for testing/helping me find bugs (as well as doing Let's Play of the quest)
--- UPDATE 6 ---
Included in this update:
- A few Lens secret combo bugfixes and hints added
- Corrected my in-game hint for the location of the gold ring
- Improvements to certain room designs in level 6
Updated info on this database entry:
- Inclusion of pixcalibur in thanks for his help with identifying these things
--- UPDATE 7 ---
Included in this update:
- Fixed a missing secret flag for a recently-fixed room in level 6
-*** Included a new Heart Container Piece Guide to help those who like to find everything in quests and need the help (spoiler alert included at the top of the text file)
--- UPDATE 8 --- (1/24/2015)
Included in this update:
- Moved some locked doors to account for multiple (though hidden) routes causing some to be bypassed (therefore giving the player extra keys)
- Fixed a screen on the overworld where there was a bush next to the edge of the screen
- Fixed another string that had content that changed by a screen redesign (there's been a few before)
- Fixed a room in level 6 where you could get trapped without getting a key prior
- Added more spikes in one room to account for skilled players who know how to get past damage combos
--- UPDATE 9 --- (1/27/2015)
Included in this update:
- Fixed the order of whistle warps (I don't know why it was a little scrambled)
- Fixed Ice Cavern so that you can't get any super bombs without the whistle
- Fixed room with the boots in level 7 so you can't just tank damage to get past the spikes
- Removed an unnecessary lock block in Big Island Sewerways
- Modified a couple rooms in level 9 (moved an unnecessary locked door to a necessary position; added a shortcut to prevent requiring another super bomb to get back on a certain path)
- Fixed a lock block in Key Maze that could make you get stuck
- Modified a screen from the boss battle in Ancient Ruins so it's less of pain in the neck to beat
--- UPDATE 10 --- (2/5/2015)
Included in this update:
- Modified some rooms along the edges of the minimaps in levels 1-5 and 7 so that they're not just rectangular (made good use of my Classic diagonal dungeon tiles)
- Fixed a couple of strings
- Switched placement of two items found in the Sewer Dungeon (the more important item is now behind a locked door)
- Fixed a bug involving secrets not triggering (in room I just modified for last update) in the Ice Cavern
- Heart Container Piece guide updated for a recent change
- Added a midi that I couldn't find before but recently found (played in Ancient Ruins entrance)
Updated info on this database entry:
- Added "Illusion of Gaia" to first list of music in Credits section (because the midi I found was from VGMusic.com which is already in that list)
--- UPDATE 11 --- (2/6/2015)
Included in this update:
- Fixed a "door" bug caused by a previous modification in the Ice Cavern
- Fixed the DMap title for Gorblin Passageway (was "Warrior Passageway", which is what it was called before I created Gorblins)
- Fixed a few combo errors in level 7
--- UPDATE 12 --- (3/24/2015)
Included in this update:
- Fixed a combo error in level 7 (hopefully the last one this time!)
- A few additional Moblin money rooms hidden on Overworld
--- UPDATE 13 --- (6/13/2015)
Included in this update:
- Fixed some remaining swim-scrolling bugs on the northeastern side of Big Island
- Added a fish jumping (over a certain item) in the water north of level 6
--- UPDATE 14 --- (6/30/2015)
Included in this update:
- Fixed a room in level 9 to force the need for the boots (could take damage and walk through before)
- Added boss-lock copycat blocks to a boss-lock shortcut in level 9
- Added a boss-lock door to the passage leading to a boss-lock chest (so the player doesn't find out at last minute that it's a boss-locked chest)
--- UPDATE 15 --- (7/7/2015)
Included in this update:
- Moved boss-lock blocks & copycats for shortcut in level 9 to above room
- Modified Ancient Ruins boss rooms/enemies; added more bomb refills
--- UPDATE 16 --- (7/8/2015)
Included in this update:
- Tweaked the boots-required room in level 9; added item to this room
- Modified wand-use hint found in level 9
- For this quest, I've created my own graphical style by enhancing the Classic graphics, using over twice as many colors, and including some needed Link-to-the-Past-style graphics (which I greatly added to, BTW) to make what I call the Modified Classic tileset, though not a released tileset (yet).
- Since this is technically a Classic-style quest, I tried to use as many of the NES room types as possible. Don't be surprised to find a secret door that ends up being a door repair! (Don't be scared to look for secrets, though; I kept "door repair" types to a minimum. For example, the first island has plenty of secrets on it and none of them are nasty, I promise you.)
- This quest is being made using ZC version 2.10 for a couple of reasons: because that's how it began, and also because I wanted to learn ZC's full capabilities before learning scripting or having all the bells and whistles that came with version 2.5 (even though I have dabbled in 2.5 a bit since I started this quest).
- This quest uses 2 overworld maps, and, just to give you an early hint, I made the outside edges of the maps scroll-warp to the opposite side! (Of course, you'll need the flippers before you can find this out in-game.) This is to give the effect that (most) sailors lose their way and can't find their way home after arriving. (But of course Link should make it back to Hyrule after he finds Zelda. At least, I'm sure they'll find a way...)
- That being said, though, there are more than 2 "overworld" type maps. You'll see what I mean after you beat level 8.
- There are at least 9 dungeons, but many surprises to be found, to include a number of side-dungeons and caves in which Link will find useful items.
- If you're an explorer-type of game player, then this is definitely the quest for you!
- ***By the way, BE FOREWARNED: My Intro is LONG due to an extensive back-story. I apologize for this up front, but I'm a storyteller, so that's how it worked out. IF YOU DON'T WANT TO READ THE EXTENSIVE BACK-STORY, SKIP THE INTRO.*** (Just thought I'd tell you up front in case you're the type to jump right into the action.)
--- UPDATE --- (10/15/2014)
Included in this update:
- New midi for level 3 (same song, different version), courtesy of EddyTheOliveira
- A few bugfixes regarding combo placement, layers, and continue/spawn squares (blue/green squares)
- Redesigned a problem screen in level 6
- Fixed a missing burn flag on Serpento Island (for a secret)
Updated info on this database entry:
- Added tip about bombs in dungeon rooms (added as #4; all others after have updated #s)
- Included some credits I forgot to add initially - AirLuigi, Nolornbon, Freya
- Included credit to Eddy for music I just added to the quest file
--- UPDATE 2 --- (10/27/2014)
Included in this update:
- Fixed combo placement errors (primarily in level 8 )
- Fixed continue bug in level 8
- Fixed major bug in Magic Key Maze blocking you from entering
- Moved an old lady in a house in Seafarer Market to avoid player getting frozen when talking to her from the side
- Fixed a warp error on stairs in library of Lost Traveler Town
- Fixed typo in Jared's lines
- Fixed error in room for level 9 boss by removing stray warp tile
- Removed some swimmable combos (and replaced them with lava combos) in the Underworld
Updated info on this database entry:
- Added tip #8 about boss rooms
--- UPDATE 3 --- (10/28/2014)
Included in this update:
- Fixed a puzzle in level 9 to work as intended
Updated info on this database entry:
- Added warning (above) about the length of my Intro, in case you don't want to read all the background detail to the story (Sorry I didn't post this sooner, GrantGrief!)
- Removed accidental smiley in "Update 2"
--- UPDATE 4 --- (12/30/2014)
Included in this update:
- Added map-on-floor rooms to existing rooms in levels 1 and 2
- Added visible secrets on all map-on-floor rooms that weren't previously visible without Lens of Truth
--- UPDATE 5 --- (1/3/2015)
Included in this update:
- Fixed bugs in a secret room in level 5
- Added a shortcut to level 5 that requires the dungeon item to access
Updated info on this database entry:
- Added GrantGrief to my credits list for testing/helping me find bugs (as well as doing Let's Play of the quest)
--- UPDATE 6 ---
Included in this update:
- A few Lens secret combo bugfixes and hints added
- Corrected my in-game hint for the location of the gold ring
- Improvements to certain room designs in level 6
Updated info on this database entry:
- Inclusion of pixcalibur in thanks for his help with identifying these things
--- UPDATE 7 ---
Included in this update:
- Fixed a missing secret flag for a recently-fixed room in level 6
-*** Included a new Heart Container Piece Guide to help those who like to find everything in quests and need the help (spoiler alert included at the top of the text file)
--- UPDATE 8 --- (1/24/2015)
Included in this update:
- Moved some locked doors to account for multiple (though hidden) routes causing some to be bypassed (therefore giving the player extra keys)
- Fixed a screen on the overworld where there was a bush next to the edge of the screen
- Fixed another string that had content that changed by a screen redesign (there's been a few before)
- Fixed a room in level 6 where you could get trapped without getting a key prior
- Added more spikes in one room to account for skilled players who know how to get past damage combos
--- UPDATE 9 --- (1/27/2015)
Included in this update:
- Fixed the order of whistle warps (I don't know why it was a little scrambled)
- Fixed Ice Cavern so that you can't get any super bombs without the whistle
- Fixed room with the boots in level 7 so you can't just tank damage to get past the spikes
- Removed an unnecessary lock block in Big Island Sewerways
- Modified a couple rooms in level 9 (moved an unnecessary locked door to a necessary position; added a shortcut to prevent requiring another super bomb to get back on a certain path)
- Fixed a lock block in Key Maze that could make you get stuck
- Modified a screen from the boss battle in Ancient Ruins so it's less of pain in the neck to beat
--- UPDATE 10 --- (2/5/2015)
Included in this update:
- Modified some rooms along the edges of the minimaps in levels 1-5 and 7 so that they're not just rectangular (made good use of my Classic diagonal dungeon tiles)
- Fixed a couple of strings
- Switched placement of two items found in the Sewer Dungeon (the more important item is now behind a locked door)
- Fixed a bug involving secrets not triggering (in room I just modified for last update) in the Ice Cavern
- Heart Container Piece guide updated for a recent change
- Added a midi that I couldn't find before but recently found (played in Ancient Ruins entrance)
Updated info on this database entry:
- Added "Illusion of Gaia" to first list of music in Credits section (because the midi I found was from VGMusic.com which is already in that list)
--- UPDATE 11 --- (2/6/2015)
Included in this update:
- Fixed a "door" bug caused by a previous modification in the Ice Cavern
- Fixed the DMap title for Gorblin Passageway (was "Warrior Passageway", which is what it was called before I created Gorblins)
- Fixed a few combo errors in level 7
--- UPDATE 12 --- (3/24/2015)
Included in this update:
- Fixed a combo error in level 7 (hopefully the last one this time!)
- A few additional Moblin money rooms hidden on Overworld
--- UPDATE 13 --- (6/13/2015)
Included in this update:
- Fixed some remaining swim-scrolling bugs on the northeastern side of Big Island
- Added a fish jumping (over a certain item) in the water north of level 6
--- UPDATE 14 --- (6/30/2015)
Included in this update:
- Fixed a room in level 9 to force the need for the boots (could take damage and walk through before)
- Added boss-lock copycat blocks to a boss-lock shortcut in level 9
- Added a boss-lock door to the passage leading to a boss-lock chest (so the player doesn't find out at last minute that it's a boss-locked chest)
--- UPDATE 15 --- (7/7/2015)
Included in this update:
- Moved boss-lock blocks & copycats for shortcut in level 9 to above room
- Modified Ancient Ruins boss rooms/enemies; added more bomb refills
--- UPDATE 16 --- (7/8/2015)
Included in this update:
- Tweaked the boots-required room in level 9; added item to this room
- Modified wand-use hint found in level 9
Story
(Watch the in-game introduction in the quest to get the whole story. The basic story is this:)
After Zelda 1, Ganon's chief wizzrobe Xanthis began scientific experiments in an attempt to develop a clone of Ganon. In the back-story of Zelda 2, Xanthis is the one who controlled the magician that cast a sleep spell on Zelda. Many years after Link awakened Zelda, Xanthis was able to make a stable clone of Ganon and taught him all that happened to the original Ganon. Fueled with knowledge of the past, the Ganon clone succeeded in kidnapping Zelda.
Before Link had time to act, Ganon and his minions boarded a ship and sailed to the far east. Link got help from Captain Mido, the captain of Hyrule's shipping fleet, and pursued. This quest starts right after lightning hits Link's ship and he awakens on the sandy beach of an island.
After Zelda 1, Ganon's chief wizzrobe Xanthis began scientific experiments in an attempt to develop a clone of Ganon. In the back-story of Zelda 2, Xanthis is the one who controlled the magician that cast a sleep spell on Zelda. Many years after Link awakened Zelda, Xanthis was able to make a stable clone of Ganon and taught him all that happened to the original Ganon. Fueled with knowledge of the past, the Ganon clone succeeded in kidnapping Zelda.
Before Link had time to act, Ganon and his minions boarded a ship and sailed to the far east. Link got help from Captain Mido, the captain of Hyrule's shipping fleet, and pursued. This quest starts right after lightning hits Link's ship and he awakens on the sandy beach of an island.
Tips & Cheats
1. Invest in the information shops. I only put worthwhile information in them. (Don't pass them up thinking that they'll trick you like in the original Zelda game.) If you're not sure how to proceed or are missing a vital piece of information, chances are you'll find it in a local information shop. Every major island has an information shop, so you won't go clueless if you visit them!
2. Explore, explore, explore! I've hidden many secret areas in this quest. Some places on the overworld, as well as in dungeons, you may be able to return to with later items and get farther.
3. Some things that look solid are not solid. Try pressing against the walls/mountains/trees.
4. ***If a bomb item appears after defeating enemies (in dungeons, mostly, though this applies to a few other areas), that's often a hint that you need to use a bomb in that room, i.e. on one of the walls.***
5. Most dungeons have 2-3 major items to be found.
6. If you didn't visit some rooms in a dungeon, either you missed a secret passageway, you have to return with a later item, or there could be another entrance...
7. Use the Lens of Truth once you obtain it. I've enabled Lens Hints, so that you can tell exactly what item to use (most of the time) to trigger a secret.
8. Most boss rooms have a secret hidden somewhere in them (for levels 1-7). They are not just boss rooms!
2. Explore, explore, explore! I've hidden many secret areas in this quest. Some places on the overworld, as well as in dungeons, you may be able to return to with later items and get farther.
3. Some things that look solid are not solid. Try pressing against the walls/mountains/trees.
4. ***If a bomb item appears after defeating enemies (in dungeons, mostly, though this applies to a few other areas), that's often a hint that you need to use a bomb in that room, i.e. on one of the walls.***
5. Most dungeons have 2-3 major items to be found.
6. If you didn't visit some rooms in a dungeon, either you missed a secret passageway, you have to return with a later item, or there could be another entrance...
7. Use the Lens of Truth once you obtain it. I've enabled Lens Hints, so that you can tell exactly what item to use (most of the time) to trigger a secret.
8. Most boss rooms have a secret hidden somewhere in them (for levels 1-7). They are not just boss rooms!
Credits
Original Developers of ZC - Classic Tileset (from which I edited almost everything)
Spriter's Resource - Various tiles from A Link to the Past, Final Fantasy (FF) IV, FF V, and other games
Radien (and others) - House/Interior Tiles from New BS Tileset
Ica44, judasrising & AirLuigi - Beta Testing & Continual Support
Spriters Resource.com - Sprites from Final Fantasy 4 & 5, as well as other games
Nolornbon - Coffin-house sprites; concept sprites for level 9 walls
Freya - Sprites for doors in Ancient Ruins
Bourkification - Goron Sprites (from "Goron Link Tiles" on database)
Anthus - Classic Ice Block Tiles
CastChaos - Information about how Whistle Warps work (Look for the Whistle Guru in the game.)
GrantGrief - Let's-Play-ing my quest and helping me find some bugs that myself and other testers missed
Pixcalibur - Reporting Lens bugs and an incorrect in-game hint, and providing valuable advice for improvements in certain rooms
Various Member of PureZC - Help and Support in the Forums; Tiles and Ideas for Cameo Characters
... And let's not forget those that provided the awesome music:
ZeldaCapital.com, MidiShrine.com, VGMusic.com, Kingdom Hearts Insider (khinsider.com) - Music from such games as Ocarina of Time, Donkey Kong Country, Donkey Kong Country 2, Chrono Trigger, Twilight Princess, and Illusion of Gaia
Terra Earth.com - Music from Illusion of Gaia
Dave Wise - "Lockjaw's Saga" (mp3 format downloaded online)
EddyTheOliveira - Alternate version of Forest Temple music from Ocarina of Time
(There may be more websites I got music from; unfortunately, I didn't take note of them at the time because I didn't know I'd need to credit them when I first was compiling my quest's soundtrack. I think I got them all, though.)
Spriter's Resource - Various tiles from A Link to the Past, Final Fantasy (FF) IV, FF V, and other games
Radien (and others) - House/Interior Tiles from New BS Tileset
Ica44, judasrising & AirLuigi - Beta Testing & Continual Support
Spriters Resource.com - Sprites from Final Fantasy 4 & 5, as well as other games
Nolornbon - Coffin-house sprites; concept sprites for level 9 walls
Freya - Sprites for doors in Ancient Ruins
Bourkification - Goron Sprites (from "Goron Link Tiles" on database)
Anthus - Classic Ice Block Tiles
CastChaos - Information about how Whistle Warps work (Look for the Whistle Guru in the game.)
GrantGrief - Let's-Play-ing my quest and helping me find some bugs that myself and other testers missed
Pixcalibur - Reporting Lens bugs and an incorrect in-game hint, and providing valuable advice for improvements in certain rooms
Various Member of PureZC - Help and Support in the Forums; Tiles and Ideas for Cameo Characters
... And let's not forget those that provided the awesome music:
ZeldaCapital.com, MidiShrine.com, VGMusic.com, Kingdom Hearts Insider (khinsider.com) - Music from such games as Ocarina of Time, Donkey Kong Country, Donkey Kong Country 2, Chrono Trigger, Twilight Princess, and Illusion of Gaia
Terra Earth.com - Music from Illusion of Gaia
Dave Wise - "Lockjaw's Saga" (mp3 format downloaded online)
EddyTheOliveira - Alternate version of Forest Temple music from Ocarina of Time
(There may be more websites I got music from; unfortunately, I didn't take note of them at the time because I didn't know I'd need to credit them when I first was compiling my quest's soundtrack. I think I got them all, though.)
Malstygian
Posted 17 June 2023 - 08:40 AM
Outstanding. Skimming through the reviews, I can see how some could consider the game before level 7 to be bland, but I never got that impression. I have not enjoyed playing through a quest this much since Mike's Funhouse - there's just so much to do. I finished the game with all the items and missing 4 pieces of heart. The only item that I had trouble finding and sought out help for was the cross primarily because the hidden stairway was not where I expected it given the map. I thought that adding bombable walls that transport you between levels was innovative. FYI, this played perfectly in 2.55 if anyone else wants to give it a try today.
klop422
Edited 15 September 2017 - 06:43 PM
Before reading this review, I should say that I did not 100% complete the quest, just beat the final boss and did a few of the secrets. Also, spoilers for some of those follow.
The quest starts out fairly simplistically, much like many other quests - which, in my opinion, is not a bad thing. For the first while (really, until you get the flippers), while not being more than a Zelda 1-esque quest, this is pretty good. Also, it has two rather nice mini-dungeons: the Ice Cavern and the Sewer Dungeon (which is. of course, a 2D version of the Bottom of the Well from Oot). Both of these are pretty fun, though the Patra boss is really hard if you go in the the Sewer as soon as you get the flippers.
However, when you get to Seafarer Island (and just generally when you get the flippers) is when the quest really kicks off. An incredible 8th dungeon (could probably almost be a metroidvania mini-quest in itself) is probably my favourite place in the whole overworld of the game, despite moments of "What the hell am I supposed to do next?". And it somehow manages to pull off having no boss, save for mini-bosses throughout.
Then, the Underworld. While good, this to me had the slight issue of being very large, but not too full. While there are a few things to do here - a sidequest between the two towns (with a fairly cool boss fight), a few mini-dungeons - there is a lot of running between them, and, if you failed to get the Din's Fire, for which rod and magic book (optional items, I think), there are no shortcuts until you beat level 9. This is somewhat mitigated by the number of secrets you can find here, and also how good some the bonus dungeons are (I'll get back to that), but it is still an issue.
Spectacle Rock was another brilliant dungeon. While clearly based on the original Spectacle Rock, it brings its own flavour to the game, especially considering that there is another entrance and everything on the left. There were a couple moments - one in particular where the hammer had to used on a statue multiple times - which got me very much stuck (I confess that for that one I had to look up the solution), but this dungeon, while difficult, was manageable as a 'final' dungeon.
The next dungeon, the Ancient Ruins, was a breather of a dungeon - a good thing, here, after the immense complexity of levels 8 and 9 - until the boss! This is the hardest mandatory boss of the game, and I confess I stopped playing one time when I reached it and couldn't beat it. This boss can be a little frustrating as it likes to teleport you around and make bomb drops disappear when you're about to pick them up, but this is not the quest's fault, as it was made with ZC 2.10, being an otherwise amazing boss fight.
Following this was when I did the three late-game dungeons as led to by the in-game Lightwulf (smooth creator cameo there! Though you put all sorts of PureZC members in too - myself included - so I can't complain
): The Sunken Ship, a wonderful mini-dungeon for the Master Sword; the Desert Ravine, with an insane boss fight (seriously, a Death Knight, two Splitting Darknuts, and two Mirror Wizzrobes in one room? And a Level 2 Manhandla for good measure) for the Gold Ring; and the nice and quite fun Key Maze. These three dungeons save the Underworld from being too affected by the issues I stated before.
Then the final dungeon. While easier, it works as a grand finale to the quest, and has the nicely creative bomb-wall maze. The final battle(s) were decently fun, though due to 2.10's limitations, the Ganon battle was a little bit underwhelming, especially since we didn't get a Big Damn Boss Fight against our good friend Xanthis.
Overall, a really good quest with a few small issues, a couple of which are caused by ZC 2.10's limitations. Hoping you get round to making another one soon!
The quest starts out fairly simplistically, much like many other quests - which, in my opinion, is not a bad thing. For the first while (really, until you get the flippers), while not being more than a Zelda 1-esque quest, this is pretty good. Also, it has two rather nice mini-dungeons: the Ice Cavern and the Sewer Dungeon (which is. of course, a 2D version of the Bottom of the Well from Oot). Both of these are pretty fun, though the Patra boss is really hard if you go in the the Sewer as soon as you get the flippers.
However, when you get to Seafarer Island (and just generally when you get the flippers) is when the quest really kicks off. An incredible 8th dungeon (could probably almost be a metroidvania mini-quest in itself) is probably my favourite place in the whole overworld of the game, despite moments of "What the hell am I supposed to do next?". And it somehow manages to pull off having no boss, save for mini-bosses throughout.
Then, the Underworld. While good, this to me had the slight issue of being very large, but not too full. While there are a few things to do here - a sidequest between the two towns (with a fairly cool boss fight), a few mini-dungeons - there is a lot of running between them, and, if you failed to get the Din's Fire, for which rod and magic book (optional items, I think), there are no shortcuts until you beat level 9. This is somewhat mitigated by the number of secrets you can find here, and also how good some the bonus dungeons are (I'll get back to that), but it is still an issue.
Spectacle Rock was another brilliant dungeon. While clearly based on the original Spectacle Rock, it brings its own flavour to the game, especially considering that there is another entrance and everything on the left. There were a couple moments - one in particular where the hammer had to used on a statue multiple times - which got me very much stuck (I confess that for that one I had to look up the solution), but this dungeon, while difficult, was manageable as a 'final' dungeon.
The next dungeon, the Ancient Ruins, was a breather of a dungeon - a good thing, here, after the immense complexity of levels 8 and 9 - until the boss! This is the hardest mandatory boss of the game, and I confess I stopped playing one time when I reached it and couldn't beat it. This boss can be a little frustrating as it likes to teleport you around and make bomb drops disappear when you're about to pick them up, but this is not the quest's fault, as it was made with ZC 2.10, being an otherwise amazing boss fight.
Following this was when I did the three late-game dungeons as led to by the in-game Lightwulf (smooth creator cameo there! Though you put all sorts of PureZC members in too - myself included - so I can't complain
): The Sunken Ship, a wonderful mini-dungeon for the Master Sword; the Desert Ravine, with an insane boss fight (seriously, a Death Knight, two Splitting Darknuts, and two Mirror Wizzrobes in one room? And a Level 2 Manhandla for good measure) for the Gold Ring; and the nice and quite fun Key Maze. These three dungeons save the Underworld from being too affected by the issues I stated before.Then the final dungeon. While easier, it works as a grand finale to the quest, and has the nicely creative bomb-wall maze. The final battle(s) were decently fun, though due to 2.10's limitations, the Ganon battle was a little bit underwhelming, especially since we didn't get a Big Damn Boss Fight against our good friend Xanthis.
Overall, a really good quest with a few small issues, a couple of which are caused by ZC 2.10's limitations. Hoping you get round to making another one soon!
- Lightwulf likes this
Useless Old Man Wisdom
Posted 04 April 2015 - 08:41 PM
The quest starts out very bland and somewhat boring, and I have to admit I waited months before I decided to try playing on beyond level 1. The progression of the story is fleeting through the first 7 dungeons, and the path is painfully linear with little interesting exploring to be done. The challenge is also quite little and this is one of those quests that throws massive amounts of rupees and bombs your way with almost nothing to spend the money on, or bomb upgrades to find.
That said, once you attain the sudden ability to swim (flippers) the entire game opens up to something much better. The author isn't kidding when he says that water is the dividing force amongst the land where this quest takes place. At this point, you start to encounter the story of the quest, which is an interesting story, and you're free to more or less choose your own adventure - especially after level 8. The challenge picks up around level 8, but is never undue or even frustrating - dare I say, its a challenge keeping with a real Zelda game.
I'd rate this quest pretty low based on the first half of the game, but the second half after level 7 is pretty brilliant. Maybe that's what the author means by a blend of NES gameplay and a "story-driven" quest. I'd pick the story-driven quest given those two choices. Level 8 and the areas preceding the way to there are pretty brilliant and you can tell there was some effort put into making it look polished and visually appealing. The tileset throughout the quest is also something visually appealing in comparison to the classic tileset, and there's quite a bit of spritework done. The underworld contains some interesting dynamics, side quests and levels, though the final boss fight was very underwhelming.
Overall, I'll rate this one 4/5 and would recommend the bored or doubtful to stick with it through level 7 - because the quest picks up dramatically after then.
That said, once you attain the sudden ability to swim (flippers) the entire game opens up to something much better. The author isn't kidding when he says that water is the dividing force amongst the land where this quest takes place. At this point, you start to encounter the story of the quest, which is an interesting story, and you're free to more or less choose your own adventure - especially after level 8. The challenge picks up around level 8, but is never undue or even frustrating - dare I say, its a challenge keeping with a real Zelda game.
I'd rate this quest pretty low based on the first half of the game, but the second half after level 7 is pretty brilliant. Maybe that's what the author means by a blend of NES gameplay and a "story-driven" quest. I'd pick the story-driven quest given those two choices. Level 8 and the areas preceding the way to there are pretty brilliant and you can tell there was some effort put into making it look polished and visually appealing. The tileset throughout the quest is also something visually appealing in comparison to the classic tileset, and there's quite a bit of spritework done. The underworld contains some interesting dynamics, side quests and levels, though the final boss fight was very underwhelming.
Overall, I'll rate this one 4/5 and would recommend the bored or doubtful to stick with it through level 7 - because the quest picks up dramatically after then.
- Lightwulf likes this
Air Luigi
Posted 21 February 2015 - 09:57 PM
This is an awesome quest that I recommend for everyone that like to explore! It's full of surprises, secrets and charm (I am inside the quest!!!). The dungeons start really simple, but there are really creative ideas later in the quest (L8 the best level in the quest). My only gripe is that the underworld isn't as inspired as the rest of the quest, and the difficulty is a bit too much in the easy side.
- Lightwulf likes this
The Islands Of ZeldaStarted by pixcalibur , 04 Aug 2015 |
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Help with The Islands of ZeldaStarted by Spelunker , 12 Oct 2014 |
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