The original Legend of Zelda on the NES was one of the first open world games. I played it for the first time last year, and it shockingly still holds up very well. So I made a video analyzing the design of the opening section and the core combat/movement mechanics. There’s a LOT of surprising secrets to these simple choices and controls.

When I first decided to do the video I wasn’t sure I’d have much to talk about. Now I have a whole new appreciation for these design choices. For example, the seemingly arbitrary use of a magical ranged sword attack while at full health is actually core to the open world experience.

I’ve taken a lot of feedback from the first series on Castlevania. I hope you enjoy.