The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past & Four Swords

About The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past & Four Swords (GBA)

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past & Four Swords is an action-adventure game developed and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy Advance in 2002. It combines two games in one cartridge: a portable version of the acclaimed Super Nintendo adventure A Link to the Past, created under Shigeru Miyamoto, and the brand-new multiplayer quest Four Swords.

In A Link to the Past, Link travels between the Light World and the Dark World to rescue Princess Zelda and stop the wizard Agahnim and Ganon. Four Swords sends Link into the Four Sword, splitting him into four heroes who must work together against the wind mage Vaati. Together they make one of the richest Zelda packages ever released on a handheld.

Detailed Gameplay

Explore towns, fields and dungeons from above, solving puzzles and fighting with sword, shield and a growing set of items.

Explore two worlds

• Travel between the Light World and the Dark World, where the same map hides different paths and secrets.
• Use the Magic Mirror to return to the Light World from almost anywhere in the Dark World.
• Find hidden caves, heart pieces and upgrades by bombing cracked walls and lifting heavy rocks.
• Talk to villagers and follow clues to learn where each dungeon and key item waits.

Conquer dungeons and bosses

• Each dungeon hides a map, a compass, a special item and a big key for its boss door.
• Learn boss patterns and use the dungeon item, such as the Hookshot or Fire Rod, to expose weaknesses.
• Collect the three Pendants of Virtue to claim the Master Sword, then seek the seven maidens.
• Manage magic meter and health carefully, since later dungeons punish reckless fighting.

Team up in Four Swords

• The Four Sword splits Link into four copies, each controlled by a player in multiplayer.
• Cooperate to push blocks, stand on switches and carry large items together.
• Compete for rupees, since the player with the most at the end of a stage wins medals.
• In single-player mode, switch between two Links and use formations to solve puzzles.

Game Highlights

• Two Zelda games in one: A full classic adventure plus a fresh multiplayer quest on one cartridge.
• Light and Dark Worlds: One map with two versions doubles the exploration and puzzle possibilities.
• Four Links at once: Splitting into four heroes turns puzzles and boss fights into teamwork.
• A timeless soundtrack and world: Hyrule feels alive, from Kakariko Village to the Dark World dungeons.

Controls

On Game Boy Advance, Link is controlled with the D-Pad and face buttons, with shoulder buttons for extra actions.

• D-Pad: Move Link, aim and navigate menus.
• A Button: Swing the sword, talk, read signs and pick up objects.
• B Button: Use the item assigned to the B slot, such as the boomerang or bombs.
• L Button: Use the item assigned to the L slot or dash with the Pegasus Boots.
• R Button: Use the item assigned to the R slot or guard with the shield.
• Start: Open the pause menu to check items, maps and quest progress.
• Select: Open the item menu to assign items to buttons.

Tips and Strategies to Win

Patience and exploration pay off more than rushing to the next dungeon.

• Cut grass and lift pots everywhere, since rupees, hearts and arrows hide in ordinary places.
• Save before boss rooms when you can, and learn each boss pattern before attacking.
• Return to earlier areas with new items, because many secrets need the Hookshot, Hammer or Flippers.
• In Four Swords, agree who grabs rupees and who holds switches before a stage starts.
• Keep fairies in bottles for boss fights, since they revive Link automatically when he falls.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need four players for Four Swords? A: No. A single player can control two Links and switch between them, though the full experience uses linked Game Boy Advance systems.

Q: Is this the same as the Super Nintendo version? A: Largely yes, with added content and tweaks for handheld play, plus the entirely new Four Swords game.

Q: Can I play The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past & Four Swords online for free? A: Yes, you can play The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past & Four Swords online for free in your browser on RiveGame, with no download or installation needed.