Eyes on Plays: The Legend of Zelda

Eyes on Plays:

This month of March, 2009, experience or re-experience what Zelda was before it was laded with superfluous meters, tutorials, plot sequences, bad camera control, platforming without a jump button, Z-targeting, and so on. Avid fans of this timeless masterpiece are encouraged to take up one or more of the suggested challenges which each bring a whole new unique life to the game. As for newcomers, treat yourself. It has been a long time coming. There are few games as gracefully constructed as the Legend of Zelda.
Red Ring Challenges
	Minimalism - Complete the game without any unnecessary acquisitions
	Frailty - Complete the game with the original three heart containers only
	Pacifism - Persevere to the final battle without ever collecting a sword
Blue Ring Challenges
	Completionist - Complete both quests
	Collector - Acquire every possible item and upgrade
	Cartographer - Fully explore every dungeon room and overworld secret
	Survivor - Complete the game without dying
Green Ring Challenges
	Analyst - Whatever it is that Kishi is doing
Notes State-saving completely eliminates the purpose of attempting a challenge Manual save/retry: Press start on player 1 controller, then up + A on player 2 controller The Minimalism challenge is extremely difficult, and the final battle requires a degree of luck and persistence not possessed by many men There is no green ring It's the Legend of Zelda and it's really rad

I won't attempt any challenges; I just want to play.

I gotta give these a try. The Legend of Zelda doesn't take that long to play through, unlike Final Fantasy games. :D

*hi5*

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Originally Posted by Necronopticous

Red Ring Challenges
	Minimalism - Complete the game without any unnecessary acquisitions
	Frailty - Complete the game with the original three heart containers only
	Pacifism - Persevere to the final battle without ever collecting a sword

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:aimsun:

Would you mind clarifying the 'Minimalism' challenge a bit more, though?

In the minimalism challenge, you only ever collect anything you absolutely need in order to beat the game all the way through. No heart containers, no rings, no medicine, no boomerang, no rod, no lion key, etc. You shouldn't even consider this challenge unless you're very familiar with the game, and in that case you'll be able to easily identify the set of things you need to be able to beat the game.

So basically, 'Frailty' without unnecessary luxuries. Got it.

I probably could do it if I really set my mind to it. I have the game pretty much memorized up to stage 6 (used to have the whole game memorized, but it's been a REALLY long time.)

Added the Survivor challenge. I forgot about that one. It could just as easily be called Retryer, though, I imagine.

How about a time-attack challenge?

Then again, it would be hard to monitor... it's too easy to cheat. x_x

I considered a speed-run challenge, but speed-running this game is too dependent on luck, and there is no in-game timer. It's a no-go.

Link is a fatty.

Link is hot. I'd hit those pixels.

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Originally Posted by Marshall Banana

Link is a fatty.

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Nice touch on the name.

I'm going to go for Pacifism for the first playthrough, then I'll go for completionist.

(After I get as far as possible with the Pacifism playthrough and show a screenshot for proof, can I then go and get the sword and complete the first quest?

Yeah, of course.

The swordless challenge is a lot of fun.

I started my playthrough this morning. I am attempting the Pacifism and Frailty challenges together; something I have never done before.

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The only way to challenge the Legend of Zelda: Starting out: The first step: After pre-dungeon preparation: After the first big hurdle of the challenge:

I've never played this game before, guess now's an excuse :p

Do you really need 2 controllers to get the most out of this game? :D

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Originally Posted by Necronopticous

Notes

• Manual save/retry: Press start on player 1 controller, then up + A on player 2 controller

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When you do a challenge in this game, you are constantly using this. It's actually very comfortable and natural to hold the two controllers like that, though. I wouldn't play Zelda any other way.

I'll start my Pacifism challenge on Tuesday, when I'll be at my dad's house, where my beloved NES resides. Playing it on an emulator just doesn't bear the same magical feeling.

I never owned an NES. :/

Triforce complete:

Dang! The Nintendo is at my parents house.

HEY! You're too fast!

I'm breaking up with you.

WTF NECRO

freak of nature xDDDDDDD

Treasures acquired from the final dungeon: Just before the final battle: The final battle (not much of a battle without the sword): All done. I did Survivor, too, so my continue count is 0:

After talking it out with Jeremy, I'm going for a Pacifist, Collector, Cartographer, and Completionist challenge.

I guess I'll have to whip it out and play with it a while!

Oh gods, I haven't played that game in over 15 years!

I may have to give this a go. There are several other hacks of this which look fairly interesting, as well; the only one I completed was called Outlands or something

I don't know if I'll have the time to devote to actually complete any of the challenges, but I am so in.

If Link wasn't so fat, Darknuts wouldn't be able to outmaneuver him and me.

Fatty.

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Originally Posted by Necronopticous

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Originally Posted by Necronopticous

Notes

• Manual save/retry: Press start on player 1 controller, then up + A on player 2 controller

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When you do a challenge in this game, you are constantly using this. It's actually very comfortable and natural to hold the two controllers like that, though. I wouldn't play Zelda any other way.

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Witnessing this discovery firsthand was like being in the same room as Nicolae Paulescu when he discovered insulin.

I've never played any Zelda game before (I know right) but I'm doing this. I have no idea what the smurf I am doing, wandering around being chased by horrible things and stabbing them with my sword. It's great fun.

I don't think I'll be completing any challenges, though!

I am crap at the first zelda! I have never even had the patience to make it to the first dungeon. I will not do this xD

Holy crap just used a bomb to try to blow up some asshole monsters and it blew a hole in a wall and some nice fella inside gave me a heart.

It's probably old news to you guys, but man, that was pretty lucky and awesome.

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Originally Posted by Psychotic

I've never played any Zelda game before (I know right) but I'm doing this. I have no idea what the smurf I am doing, wandering around being chased by horrible things and stabbing them with my sword. It's great fun.

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The overworld is a maze, so I'm using a map: GameFAQs: The Legend of Zelda (NES) Overworld Map by DEngel

Strangely, I just finished designing a "Third Quest" for this game. If anyone wants to play it when they're done with the regular first two, lemme know.

I hate to say it on this board, but I'm much more of a Zelda fan than a FF fan (notice the Triforce tat on my shoulder) and I know this game inside and out.

That being said, why the hell have I never tried the "Pacifist" challenge idea? I'm doing that!

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Originally Posted by Marshall Banana

The overworld is a maze, so I'm using a map: GameFAQs: The Legend of Zelda (NES) Overworld Map by DEngel

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Oh that's really useful, thank you! I think I will go to see that fairy and see what she's all about!

Hey Psy, if you get the candle, try burning random bushes. :)

Ah, fun times...

Here is the results of my second playthrough.
Collector/Cartographer/Survivor

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Rematch: Look who it is! Complete item set: All done.

Mm'kay Znes says the ROM Jeremy sent me is bad, so either it is or they're like not compatible or something. I haven't used an emulator in years so someone tell me how to be less stupid.

is Minimalism only on the first play through, or both?
If it's only the first play through.... I might be able to do that. Sadly I do not possess a digital camera and would probably play my GBA version so I can do it in class when I'm not taking notes lol

THE JACKEL

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Originally Posted by ShlupQuack

Mm'kay Znes says the ROM Jeremy sent me is bad, so either it is or they're like not compatible or something. I haven't used an emulator in years so someone tell me how to be less stupid.

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ZSNES would say that, because the original Zelda was for the NES. Wrong system. :monster:

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Originally Posted by ShlupQuack

Mm'kay Znes says the ROM Jeremy sent me is bad, so either it is or they're like not compatible or something. I haven't used an emulator in years so someone tell me how to be less stupid.

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zsnes is for super nintendo games and Zelda is a nintendo game. You're going to need another emulator. download Nestopia or Nesticle.

edit: I see Aaron already got you covered.

also, using maps is for sillies! It's much more fun to draw the map yourself as you discover things.

I did, until I reread her post and saw that it actually said "Znes," so I deleted mine. Maybe you'll want to undelete it now to provide context to your edit though. Is there actually a NES emulator named Znes or is that just a typo for ZSNES like I originally thought it was?

also as far as NES emulators go I've been using FCE Ultra, but really they're all pretty comparable.

I forgot. Either way, none of the emulators will play. I've tried two actual NES emulators with two ROMs.

I'll try on my laptop later. Right now BJ's making me play portal.

I'll send you one tomorrow if you haven't located one that will work by then. Right now I'm too lazy.

Also the cake is a lie.

Haha, I completely missed the lack of the S too. I've never heard of an emulator named Znes either, so probably just a typo?

edit: god I'm slow

I just got the Magical Sword and entered Level-5!

ZSNES is a stupid name. ZNES is cool though.

WE SHOULD TOTALLY PLAY THE SAILORMOON RPG!!! That's a good game.

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Originally Posted by Levian

Haha, I completely missed the lack of the S too. I've never heard of an emulator named Znes either, so probably just a typo?

edit: god I'm slow

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Now that I think about it again I think there actually is one, I just forgot it existed.

Also since I can't undelete my post, could you kindly do it for me?

my favorite nes emulator is nestopia just fyi

I used to rock it old-skool with NESticle for the longest time, but I've now moved onto FCE Ultra.

NESticle! That's the one I used to use.

I can't tell the difference between the NES emulators, they all seem to run all the games perfectly fine to me. I use nesticle as that's what I'm used to and that's where I have all my save states.

I don't think I'm going to start a new game for this as I downloaded it from virtual console a few months back. I think I'm on one of the last dungeons, so I'll just continue from there on out. I hate those people with shields that you have to hit from the side, which is pretty damn hard to do as they follow you around all the time. :p I think they are the reason why I quit playing last time actually. I should probably buy a cheap item in the used store that I can break when I get frustrated before going to see those guys.

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Originally Posted by Levian

I hate those people with shields that you have to hit from the side, which is pretty damn hard to do as they follow you around all the time.

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Oh seriously, seriously, smurf those guys. I pulled off some slick duck-and-move moves to kill a whole room full of them with my special sword laser beams and not take any damage. And all that, only to find out I didn't have enough money for a bomb upgrade. My poor heart couldn't take it. I stopped there and I will carry on tomorrow I guess! Currently halfway through Dungeon 5 according to Monda's map, so I guess I am halfway through the game, too!

Since the mood is already set, here's a relevant video a couple of friends of mine did a while back.

That was amazing.

Dudes on violin are hot.

It couldn't make any less sense than it does in English!

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Originally Posted by Kawaii Ryûkishi

It couldn't make any less sense than it does in English!

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I want to play it in Japanese now.

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Originally Posted by ljkkjlcm9

is Minimalism only on the first play through, or both?
If it's only the first play through.... I might be able to do that. Sadly I do not possess a digital camera and would probably play my GBA version so I can do it in class when I'm not taking notes

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You can do any of the challenges on whichever quests you want. They are really just for fun, as there is obviously no reward aside from your own personal satisfaction.

The Minimalism game is a ton of fun, but extremely difficult. I still have never beaten Gannon in this challenge, though I have tried dozens and dozens of times. It's very satisfying to make progress in such a restrictive challenge, though. Overcoming a room of blue Darknuts or Wizzrobes has never felt better.

I got them Wizzrobes runnin'! I got them Wizzrobes runnin'!

Getting the file ready for my third run. I want to take on the second quest.

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I beat the first quest with the blue ring because Zelda looks cutest in blue: That wraps up the first quest. Ready for quest 2:

I hadn't played through The Legend of Zelda before now! I'm excited that I completed it, so I think I'll do the second quest.

I'm pretty sure that I unearthed every hidden place on the overworld and filled out every dungeon map, too.

Oddly enough, I've had an urge to play the second Zelda lately, and this isn't helping.

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Originally Posted by Kawaii Ryûkishi

It couldn't make any less sense than it does in English!

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isn't that the truth.

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Originally Posted by Necronopticous

Since the mood is already set, here's a relevant video a couple of friends of mine did a while back.

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Originally Posted by Momiji

That was amazing.

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Originally Posted by Marshall Banana

completed

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!

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Originally Posted by Marshall Banana

I think I'll do the second quest.

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Get in there.

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Originally Posted by Marshall Banana

I'm pretty sure that I unearthed every hidden place on the overworld and filled out every dungeon map, too.

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I think you also got every item and upgrade, didn't you? I don't think you were missing anything except, perhaps, a second food item, which isn't necessarily important.

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Originally Posted by Flying Mullet

Oddly enough, I've had an urge to play the second Zelda lately, and this isn't helping.

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There is nothing odd about the urge to play this god game. Load it up!

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Originally Posted by Necronopticous

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Marshall Banana

I think I'll do the second quest.

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Get in there.

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:kaosick::kaosleep:

MB, your av makes me think Yams is posting. :spin:

I've never finished the first Zelda, maybe I should do so because I kind of feel like playing it now. Too bad I don't have the cartridge version, so I have to use an emulator.

Just completed Dungeon #7! Horace (that is what I named my Link) is a hero!

Let's get some action in here. Where's the enthusiasm?

I feel like I should be doing this. I don't know why I'm not. :mog:

Get your ass in here.

I may start playing this tomorrow. But do I still have my GameCube Zelda Collection disc? *digs*

All done. Completionist/Collector/Cartographer/Survivor

I started the second quest, but I stopped and haven't continued yet! I think I was in the process of collecting money for the Blue Ring.

I'm playing off of the Virtual Console on the wii, because I refuse to ever emulate this game. :p

I remember playing this when I was like 5. Finding level 7 for the first time was amazing. I remember also for some reason I hated level 6, and always did that one last. Currently heading towards level 4, 3 triforce pieces obtained.

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Originally Posted by qwertyxsora

I'm playing off of the Virtual Console on the wii, because I refuse to ever emulate this game. :p

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Uhhh

Can I beat the first dungeon before class? I THINK I CAN

I remember buying the official Nintendo strategy guide for the Zelda collection several years ago--not because I really like strategy guides, or even use them much, but because the cover was, like, platinum.

EDIT: IT BEGINS

http://www.wesleyfenlon.com/storage/...ays/zelda1.jpg
Ooh, shiny

http://www.wesleyfenlon.com/storage/...ays/zelda2.jpg
Apparently I already had a save file I'd never completed, but I started over. Just for you, Jeremy.

http://www.wesleyfenlon.com/storage/...ays/zelda3.jpg
Thankfully, despite the fact that I am terrible at NES games and have no memory, I reached the first dungeon within just a few minutes. It begins (for real this time)!

http://www.wesleyfenlon.com/storage/...ays/zelda4.jpg
My meager memory and equally meager skills carried me this far. The rest is going to be a bit harder.

I beat that rotter Ganon last night while the forums were down. I have now developed a newfound hatred for all things Wizzrobe related. Including Kentarou. Especially Kentarou.

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Originally Posted by Necronopticous

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Originally Posted by qwertyxsora

I'm playing off of the Virtual Console on the wii, because I refuse to ever emulate this game. :p

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Uhhh

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xD

also azar magical gamecube collectors edition :up: I have that!

Hey guys, I'm currently playing LoZ, started a month or so ago, but never finished... my question is, i'm on i believe the 4th dungeon, and many of the rooms are dark, what do you guys recommend? since i think the candle only works like once. I'm hoping after my test on friday, I'll finish the game this weekend... I'm on break next week so i'm hoping to finish LoZ, Zelda:4 sword adventures, and castlevania. half way done with 4 swords, and on the level with death in castlevania, so i'm sure i can finish all 3 in a week :cool:

-Dan

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Originally Posted by Necronopticous

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Originally Posted by qwertyxsora

I'm playing off of the Virtual Console on the wii, because I refuse to ever emulate this game. :p

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Uhhh

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-_- I was sleepy when writing that. I refuse to illegally obtain this game was my intention.

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Originally Posted by qwertyxsora

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Necronopticous

Quote:

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Originally Posted by qwertyxsora

I'm playing off of the Virtual Console on the wii, because I refuse to ever emulate this game. :p

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Uhhh

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-_- I was sleepy when writing that. I refuse to illegally obtain this game was my intention.

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(h5) Good for you, qwerty!

Yeah, uhh... I wouldn't do that either. :shifty:

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my question is, i'm on i believe the 4th dungeon, and many of the rooms are dark, what do you guys recommend? since i think the candle only works like once. I'm hoping after my test on friday, I'll finish the game this weekend...

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The blue candle will work once per screen. It doesn't go away after you use it. It just means to use it on that screen again you have to go over to the next screen and come back. That's handy burning bushes in the overworld but you should only need it once per screen in a dungeon. After the first use the room lights up. Heck, I never even use it in dungeons. I just go through the room with it dark. The red candle you get in level 7 can be used as many times on a screen as you want.

I couldn't remember where Level 2 was, but I remembered where Level 3 was. I went there first and made it about halfway through the dungeon before being stopped called by those damn Darknuts. I had no choice but to return to the outside world and seek out Level 2.

http://www.wesleyfenlon.com/storage/...ays/zelda5.jpg
Now to get a better sword, spend some rupees, and beat Level 3!

Does manual saving forfeit you from the Survivor challenge?

I always get lost in Zelda games, it makes me feel like a bad gamer D:

Manual saving doesn't count towards a death so your counter below your name will still read zero.

I know that, it's just the wording of the challenge makes me wonder if it's a sort of ironman challenge. I doubt it though.

Nope. Just keep that counter at zero. I reworded the challenge text; sorry for the confusion.

While we're all in the mood, some blatant advertising from me: I covered the main zelda theme in my enya-rip-off project at Bastian on MySpace Music - Free Streaming MP3s, Pictures & Music Downloads called "Book of Mudora" . . . Enjoy. Or not. :P

NOOOOO HOW COULD I MISS THIS!!!!!! Can I still play? =3


EDIT:

Completionist - Complete both quests
Collector - Acquire every possible item and upgrade
Cartographer - Fully explore every dungeon room and overworld secret

I did these during the summer. Does that count?

Of course you can still play. This is all throughout the month of March. Why not try one of the red ring challenges? They're a lot of fun for those already familiar with the game.

Why did I not see this thread before?! The Legend of Zelda's my favourite franchise!! (Sorry all of you Final Fantasy fans, I'm a bit biased towards Zelda games). I think I'm going to do all of the challenges, that is, if I have time for it. I know! Maybe I'm going to make a Let's Play EoP - LoZ edition video. I'll see how far I'll get. Wish me luck!

Good luck!

maybe it's just me, but this seems way easier than I remember it. Or maybe knowing all the secrets makes it easier. Or maybe it's just that after playing Outlands (a hack of this game) it's ridiculously easier. I still have four dungeons left to complete and I've got the magic key, thirteen heart containers, the Master Sword, Red Mail, etc., and I've been playing for about four hours. Awesome game though, but I do wish it were a bit longer.

Try one of the Red Ring Challenges. They add difficulty to the game, and they really do provide a whole new experience.

maybe I will next time I play through it. More likely I'll first investigate BS Legend of Zelda, which has been described as a "third quest" for the original, and replay Zelda Outlands, a very well done third-party hack.

Four dungeons through the second quest now. If I'd been playing straight through I'd probably have beaten the second quest by now as well, but I have a short attention span.

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Originally Posted by Psychotic

I beat that rotter Ganon last night while the forums were down. I have now developed a newfound hatred for all things Wizzrobe related. Including Kentarou. Especially Kentarou.

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:cry: Just 'cause I'm blue doesn't mean I don't have feelings.

The blues are tougher than the oranges.

I'd just like to take a moment to express how deeply disappointed I am with the lot of you.

There is still a half-month to redeem yourselves.

Not me, though. I'm a good girl.

It all came so suddenly! I... I couldn't handle the pressure.

After beating it a million times, I just didn't feel like doing it again. Do this with Zelda 2, and maybe I'll think about it. :p

(resists urge to be bitter)

Did you know that Zelda was named after the wife of Fitzgerald, the famous author? Actually, quite a lot of Nintendo characters were named after stuff (Mario after some landlord, Peach after some pet, Kirby after some lawyer who saved Nintendo from the maker of King Kong trying to sue them, etc.)

I don't think there will be Eyes on Plays: Super Mario World in April, because the participation in this round was so low. Even FFVII isn't getting much attention.

Does anyone want to play Super Mario World?

sure, I'll replay it. I can also provide links to >9000 hacks of it which are pretty interesting if people want to play those.

I'll postpone it until June. Maybe members will be less occupied then.

Bleh, never got around to playing. I'll do some challenges on my own time, I suppose.