I was bored Sunday morning, so I busted out the original Legend of Zelda. I created a new character named “Memory” and decided to play the game from memory – no online maps to show me all the “it’s a secret to everybody” or, perhaps more importantly, my way around Death Mountain.

It started off well enough, except no one would give me bombs (“10th enemy has the bomb,” my ass!). So after about 15 minutes, I got frustrated and went to level 1. I believe I died in here, which, with only 3 hearts isn’t that sad. Beat it on my next try, and came out with 80 rubies. I used that to buy bombs and a blue candle. Then, wouldn’t you know it, monsters started dropping bombs!

With my new tools, I found 3 “secrets to everybody” (including one for 100!), and 3 heart containers, which was enough to get me my white sword! While in the area, I also got the letter. I finished off level 2, and had enough cash for the blue ring, which made levels 3 and 4 even easier.

I then went for my remaining 2 heart containers, my magic shield, the power bracelet, made a quick pit stop in level 8 for the magic book, and went for my magic sword. While in the area, I did level 6, and then went back for arrows and found I was just shy of enough money for my bomb upgrade in level 5 – but you know I wasn’t skipping that, so I walked around killing those damn blue knights until I got enough money for it!

I knew I needed bait and 100 more gold for bomb upgrade for level 7. For the second time, was finding myself short on cash! I was missing my map because I knew there was at least 1 (actually 2) more 100 ruby “secrets” out there! I found 1 or 2 more minor ones, but also found a door repair! I finally grinded out enough cash and beat level 7 and 8.

Up to Spectacle Rock I went! My first time in, I only had a blue potion with me. My shield was eaten (stupid ham!!), but I got the silver arrows. I then accidentally stumbled upon Ganon who, since I had already taken my potion, tore me apart.

I got healed and got a new red potion, but forgot to buy a new shiled, and went back in. Because I didn’t have the shield anymore, the blue ghosts were tearing me apart even worse then normal. I managed to get the red ring, found Ganon again, but I was out of potion and he quickly beat me.

The third time, I got my shield back, and another potion. By this time, I also had a good mental map of the place. Since I didn’t need any more items, Ganon was the only thing on my mind! The monsters could sense that I was on a mission, and were dropping hearts all over the place. I made it to Ganon with full health and a full red potion! 30 seconds later, I had Ganon’s triforce in hand, and Princess Zelda was rescued!

All in all, a fun time with an old game!

I have since looked at this map (which is really cool!), and found where my missing treasures were located. I’ll remember them for next time!

Also, after looking at that map, I noticed some interesting things such as how close the green fairy pond is to the starting point, and that level 2 is much further away from it then I remembered!