Beautifully rendered graphics and sound fx. Best Zelda ever.
Gameplay: I would describe this game as a hybrid between Zelda 1 and the Wind Waker game for the Game Cube. It's a lot like Zelda 1 but it just has way cooler graphics with the same awesome game play. This is a long game, 20+ hours the first time through. It's the basic Zelda-type game play, 3 dimension, top view. Lots of dungeons, items to get, and bosses. There's a small village as well. This time there's both light and dark worlds to explore. The dark world is harder and has more dungeons. You have to collect pendants and crystals in each dungeon. Lots of bombing through stuff, going through secret holes, shooting arrows, hammering pegs, lifting up rocks and plants, etc.
Upside: Graphics are unbelievable for the SNES, very colorful game. Towns, castles, people, animals, and enemies are really smooth playing and great looking. I love the graphics. But the thing that puts it over the top is the music. It is absolutely spine tingling, best video game music I've ever heard. Also, there are many different weapons which are creative and fun to use, and many colorful and unique bosses. Furthermore, Link changes his appearance as you progress, a definite plus.
Downside: In some spots it is quite puzzle-oriented. I wanted to just keep progressing, but would get stuck a lot. At certain times it felt like a chore.
Overall: 9.3! I just wish I didn't have to have a walk-thru sitting in my lap in order to progress. Could have been a perfect 10. This will probably be smoother the second time if I can remember some of the secrets.
Suggested course of action: If you don't mind thumbing through FAQ's a lot, or if you're a Zelda fan, it's a must own. I bought a copy for the SNES for $20. Great value.