Four Swords Adventures Game Overview

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 There are many hidden gems that people often seem to ignore. One of those gems that deserve to be looked at is the legend of Zelda’s four-sword adventure. Very few people give it the attention it deserves and misses out on an excellent game.

What sets Four-Sword Adventures apart is the fact that it is a multiplayer experience. Unlike the rest of the Zelda games that existed up to that point, Four Sword allowed you to live an epic adventure surrounded by your friends. This change was quite radical for its time, and to this day, there is only one other main game in the franchise that has multiplayer as its central focus. However, The Legend of Zelda Four Sword adventures made significant contributions to the series. It’s one of my favorite games, and I think if you give it a chance, it could become your favorite game as well.

Four Sword Adventures is one of the best options to get started in the franchise if you have never played a Zelda game. Not only is it an adventure that you can play without knowing anything about the Story, but it also has exciting mechanics. Once you start to play, you will get used to the mechanics in no time. It also allows you to learn a little more about the land of Hyrule, the people who live there, and how everything relates to each other. So, if you have never played Zelda before, get together with three other friends to play four sword adventures together. It may end up becoming an unforgettable experience.

The Gameplay of Four-Swords Adventure

In The Legend of Zelda: Four Sword Adventures, the gameplay is focused on action-adventure and puzzle-solving. It also has a heavy emphasis on dungeon crawling. Players control Link, who can split into four copies of himself, each with its unique color. The game is played from an overhead perspective. The player moves Link and his copies around the environment to solve puzzles and defeat enemies. Some puzzles require the player to use all four Links in specific ways, such as creating a human ladder to reach a high platform. Other puzzles are more combat-oriented and require players to use the Links’ sword skills to defeat enemies. The game also features several minigames, most of which are based on classic Nintendo games.

The best part of the game is being able to venture into it with your friends. All four players use Link, the main character, so everyone is the Story’s main character. All Link have the same abilities, so you can combine them to perform more devastating attacks. Besides that, you can avoid any kind of obstacle by making use of specific commands called formations. By taking any of the formations, you and your friends can generate more damage or reach higher places. In addition, there is a specific competitive component. Every time you finish an area, you will be evaluated on who had the best performance, so you have to be skilled enough to beat your friends.

What differentiates each Link is the color of the clothes they wear. There are four different colors: Green, Red, Purple, and Blue. This change is only aesthetic. Besides that, you have many control options. You can use the Nintendo GameCube controllers, or you can use a Gameboy advance as a controller. This gives you a unique experience with your friends when playing. Link’s movement mechanics feel smooth, he moves steadily and quickly, and the feedback he gives when you hit enemies is very satisfying. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best games in the technical section of the gameplay.

The Story of the Legend of Zelda Four Sword Adventure

Legend of Zelda Four Sword Adventure
Image from Zelda Fandom

The Story of TLOZ’s four sword adventures is quite different. The Story puts us in the role of Link, Princess Zelda’s childhood friend, who takes him to Hyrule Castle to check the status of the four-sword. This sword is the prison of an evil wizard captured hundreds of years ago. When Link and Zelda arrive at the shrine of the master sword, they realize that a shadowy figure has broken the seal of the wizard Vaati. This figure had not only broken the sword but had also kidnapped the six sacred maidens.

Link tries to fight against this dark figure but is defeated. At that moment, he discovers that the figure is his shadow. The influence of the wizard Vaati had possessed his shadow. Dark Link kidnaps Zelda, so in order to defeat him, Link takes in his hands the remains of the quadruple sword, separating him into four copies of himself. His goal is to rescue Zelda and the six maidens and re-seal Vaati before it’s too late.

In addition, there is a small side story that narrates the events from the perspective of grey-link. Grey-Link is a fifth copy of Link that we don’t control in the main Story because he is too afraid of everything surrounding him. It’s an exciting and nice addition, which is why you can play it once you finish the game’s main Story. It doesn’t add anything new, but it might give you an alternative perspective on the events of this game. Grey-Link is primarily a comic relief character, but its side of the Story can make you laugh once you play it.

The Characters of TLOZ Four-Sword Adventures

Four Swords Adventures Characters
Image from Zelda Fandom

There are different characters in the legend of Zelda’s four sword adventures. All of them are important, but some of the most important are:

  • Link: The childhood friend of princess Zelda and also was chosen by the gods to protect the land of Hyrule. He is courageous and is always ready to fight for what is right. He is a skilled swordsman and archer. He is known for his quick thinking and resourcefulness. In this game, he has split into four copies of himself.
  • Zelda:  Zelda is one of the six damsels of the Four Sword. Vaati has kidnapped her, and you must rescue her before he uses her in a ritual sacrifice.
  • Vaati:  An evil sorcerer who the Four Sword sealed away. He is the primary antagonist in The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures. He was using shadow Link to stole the four-sword to break free from his prison. 
  • Ganondorf: The final boss of the game, who is actually four Ganon clones fused together. He is the Lord of evil and wants to defeat Link and conquer Hyrule. 
  • Shadow-Link: He is a dark reflection of Link created by Vaati. He is incredibly powerful and is often mistaken for the real Link.
  • Kaepora Gaebora: Kaepora Gaebora is a large, wise owl who acts as a guide to Link. He is very knowledgeable and provides helpful advice throughout Link’s journey. You will find him at the start of every level to describe what will happen inside it.
  • Tingle: Tingle is a small, green-clad man obsessed with maps and rupees. He often charges other people to help them find things or decipher map clues. He will be the one in charge of selling you maps through the adventure.

The Dungeons of TLOZ Four-Sword Adventures

Hyrule
Image from Zelda Fandom

The main thing that sets TLOZ Four Sword adventures apart is that it is not a Zelda game where you explore an open map and can go wherever and whenever you want. It’s more like games like Super Mario Bros 3 or Megaman, where you have to choose a level in which, when you finish, you will fight a final boss to go to another point on the map. It is one of the most exciting changes in the game.

Whereabouts of the Wind

It is a mountainous level which has giant forests and a lake. Besides that, you have to explore the subway, which is very dark and cavernous. The final dungeon is Hyrule Castle. What sets this level apart is that it serves as a tutorial. Here you will learn all the essential mechanics of the game. 

Eastern Hyrule

The second level of this game. It is also a level based on a paddleboard. You will have a lot of room for movement. Besides that, there is a secret village where there will be many enemies and rewards. It is the area most similar to a classic Zelda compared to the rest of the game. The dungeon is the Eastern Temple.

Death Mountain

This is a level that combines lava, fire, and heat. Its main mechanic is to be able to jump through different areas to avoid falling into lava pits. You will also have to use different Link formations to solve different puzzles. The final level is the Tower of flame. It is one of the most exciting Levels in the game.

Near the Fields

It is a dark, swampy terrain. There are many poisonous enemies, so you have to be extremely careful when facing them. If you are not careful, you can die from carelessness. Besides that, in many areas, you won’t be able to see where you are going. The final level is an attempt to infiltrate the Hyrule castle.

The Dark World

The Dark World
Image from Zelda Fandom

Link is trapped in an alternate dimension and has to get out of there. To do this, he has to go through a copy of the lost forests and a copy of a very important village for Hyrule. One of the mechanics of this world is the mirror enemies, which are copies of conventional enemies but are much stronger. It is one of the most original areas of the whole adventure. The final dungeon is the Dark Tower.

Desert of Doubt

The desert of doubt is a large, featureless desert with only a few cacti and sand dunes. The main hazard in the desert of doubt is the large, red, Eyegore enemies that shoot lasers from their eyes. These enemies are only found in the desert of doubt and can be challenging to avoid. Large boulders also fall from the sky in the desert of doubt, which can crush Link if he is not careful. The final dungeon is the pyramid.

Frozen Hyrule

This world is different because it is technically three temples in a row, one after the other. The first temple is about the gelid desert. After that, you have to go through the ice and water temple. This is a difficult place because of its slippery surfaces. Besides that, the last level is the Tower of the winds. There the wind is too fast and can knock you off the platforms.

Realm of the Heavens

This is the sacred realm version of this game. Here Link has to go through multiple trials to restore the Four-Sword. After that, he has to defeat Vaati and avoid the resurrection of the evil king Ganon. It is one of the most complicated areas because it mixes elements from all worlds.

The Enemies in TLOZ Four-Sword Adventures

There are many deadly enemies in TLOZ four Sword Adventure. However, the most relevant are the following:

Phantom Ganon

Phantom Ganon
Image from Zelda Fandom

It is a copy of Ganon created with dark magic and negative energy. To defeat him, you have to use your sword to stun him, and then the other three links must hit him from behind to eliminate him. It’s a pretty simple enemy.

Stone Arrghus

It is a large, boulder-like creature that rolls around in an attempt to crush Link. To defeat a Stone Arrghus, Link must use the Power Bracelet to lift the enemy and throw it into a wall or other object. You can also use Your bombs and arch to defeat it.

Dodongos

A Dodongo is a large, dragon-like creature that appears inside the Death Mountain Temple. The Dodongo can be defeated using the Bombs provided by the Bombchu or the Bow and Arrow. If you can hit a Dodongo in the head with the Hookshot, it will be stunned, and you can then attack it with your sword. 

Big Poe

big poe
Image from Zelda Fandom

A Big Poe is a large, black, floating ghost enemy. Big Poes are much stronger and faster than regular Poes and can be challenging to defeat. The best way to defeat a Big Poe is to hit it with your sword until it is stunned, then quickly slash it with your sword until it is destroyed.

Phantom Ganon ×4

There are four copies of Ganon that you have to fight at the same time. These copies can become invulnerable, so you have to be very careful. However, if you use several items simultaneously, you may defeat him quickly. Especially if you combine bows, bombs, or boomerangs.

Big Moldorm

A Big Moldorm is a giant caterpillar-like creature. It is usually found in dark caves or dungeons and can be challenging to defeat. However, there are a few ways to defeat a Big Moldorm. One way is to use the fire element to burn it. Another way is to use the wind element to blow it away. Finally, you can use the sword to slash it into pieces.

Frostare

frostare
Image from Zelda Fandom

It is a large, ice-based creature that attacks by shooting icy beams from its mouth. Frostares can be defeated by using the Fire Rod or the Bombs. It is found in the Snow Temple and is the mini-boss of the temple. It can shoot large icicles from its mouth and create a giant ice wall to block Link’s path.

Vaati

He is a selfish, egotistical being who seeks nothing but power and domination. To defeat Vaati, Link must use the Four Sword to split himself into four copies. These copies can then work together to attack Vaati from all sides. Once Vaati has been weakened, Link can deliver the final blow with the Four Sword.

Ganon

Ganon is the final boss in The Legend of Zelda: Four Sword Adventures. He is a powerful sorcerer and the leader of the Dark World. He looks like a giant, demonic pig-like creature that wields a trident. Link can defeat Ganon by using the Four Sword to reflect his dark energy back at him.

The Important Items of TLOZ Four-Sword Adventures

Some of the essential items in the game are:

Four Swords

four swords

It is the primary sword of the game. It generates more damage and allows Link’s copies to use the different game elements. In addition, it allows Link to split into more copies of himself during the spinning attack.

Bombos Medallion

When used, it summons a wall of fire surrounding and damaging all enemies on-screen. It is one of the best items in the whole game. To use it, you will need to finish the Death Mountain Levels first. 

Blue Bracelet

The Blue Bracelet is an item that, when found in a stage, cuts the damage Link receives in half. Link can only activate the Blue Bracelet once per stage, but it is one of the best defensive items in the whole game. 

Bow

bow
Image from Zelda Fandom

It is an item that Link uses in certain areas to be able to attack enemies from a distance. Besides that, you can use it to solve various puzzles without much trouble.

Pegasus Boots

They are the best boots in the entire game. Upon equipping them, Link will start running three times faster and won’t stop until he hits a tree or wall. In addition, he has his sword equipped, so he will eliminate all enemies in his path with one touch.

Quake Medallion

It allows the generation of an earthquake that eliminates large groups of enemies. It is a one-use item, so you must be careful when choosing when to use it.

Moon Pearl

It allows you to teleport around the map using the lunar portals. It is one of the best ways to do fast travel. You won’t need to use any magic to be able to use it. You will just need to find the item on each map level.

Alternatives

If you really liked the legend of zelda Four Sword adventures and want to play some similar games, you can try these ones: 

The Legend Of Zelda Phantom Hourglass

The Legend Of Zelda Phantom Hourglass
Image from Zelda Fandom

This is the best option if you want to experience a Zelda game with different mechanics from the rest of the saga. In this adventure, Link sails on a ship through the vast sea. In addition, you control it using the touch screen of the Nintendo DS. However, its multiplayer component is not that good, being somewhat repetitive.

The Legend Of Zelda The Minish Cap

It is a prequel that takes place 1000 years before the events of this game. Follow the adventures of Link as he attempts to create the first version of the Four Sword. He will use that sword to defeat Vaati’s ancestor and prevent Princess Zelda from turning to stone.

The Legend Of Zelda A Link to the Past

One of Link’s best adventures. This is the best alternative if you want to experience something more focused on the single-player element. It’s an excellent game with one of the best stories out there. It has excellent mechanics and a beautiful soundtrack.

FAQ

Question: Where in the Chronology Does this Game Take Place?

Answer: The Legend of Zelda Four Sword Adventure is the last game in the adult timeline. Technically speaking, it is the sequel to the events of The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess.

Question: Is this Game a Sequel to Four Sword?

Answer: Yes and No. Being the last game in a timeline, it is a sequel. But, it is not a direct sequel. Between the original Four Sword and Four Sword Adventures, there are three games: Ocarina of Time, Majora’s Mask, and Twilight Princess.

Question: Is this Link the Same From A Link to the Past?

Answer: No. Those two Links are on entirely different timelines. 

Final Thoughts on TLOZ Four Swords Adventure

On a personal note, this game represents one of the most critical moments of my childhood. I remember many nights spent with my friends playing TLOZ Four Sword Adventures at my sleepovers. To this day, my friends and I try to play it at least once every couple of years to remember the old days.
The game is excellent in terms of story, mechanics, and music. Simply everything the game offers is terrific, and if you get the chance to try it, you should definitely do it. It is one of the best adventures that not only the Nintendo Gamecube has, but all Nintendo consoles in general. You will not regret it.
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