155 The Legend of Zelda: A Link to a past introduction and graphics

2In a particular Tokyo household, Niwa Makoto purchased KiShin's SKES and Gameboy, depleting his savings entirely to acquire 'The Legend of Zelda' video game.

He also bought the revamped 'Zelda II: The Adventure of Link' for SKES, which had been available for 'KiShin SKT FamiCom' for a while. However, it didn't garner much attention because 16-bit video games were steadily gaining popularity.

'The Legend of Zelda II: The Adventure of Link' was also accessible for Gameboy, but due to his limited funds, Niwa Makoto couldn't afford it.

Therefore, apart from 'Super Mario World' and 'The Legend of Zelda II: The Adventure of Link,' Niwa Makoto primarily played 'The Legend of Zelda II: The Adventure of Link.' It was a side-scrolling video game resembling 'Super Mario Bros.' and 'Metroid,' but it incorporated gameplay elements reminiscent of 'Dragon Quest.'

In all honesty, Niwa Makoto couldn't afford 'The Legend of Zelda II: The Adventure of Link' because the popularity of 16-bit video games was on the rise, and people were gravitating towards the improved graphics of 16-bit, causing a decline in KiShin's video game sales, including 'The Legend of Zelda II: The Adventure of Link,' which didn't perform well.

Now, when KiShin released their own 16-bit video games along with a surprising product, the handheld 'Gameboy,' people started taking notice of KiShin's previously overlooked video games, like 'The Legend of Zelda II: The Adventure of Link.'

Niwa Makoto had a deep fondness for 'The Legend of Zelda II: The Adventure of Link' due to its innovative gameplay, combining elements from 'Dragon Quest' and 'Super Mario Bros.' for an engaging and captivating gaming experience.

Upon completing 'The Legend of Zelda II: The Adventure of Link,' Niwa Makoto eagerly inserted 'The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past' into the SKES.

This time, Niwa Makoto, along with other 'The Legend of Zelda' fans, was eagerly anticipating the graphics and gameplay of 'The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past,' a 16-bit masterpiece by KiShin.

It wasn't just him; video game enthusiasts who were fans of 'The Legend of Zelda' were eagerly awaiting the SKES's 16-bit graphics and enhanced animation capabilities.

As expected, Niwa Makoto, along with others in their respective homes, was not disappointed when the 'The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past' title graced the screen. The sprites, color palette, and overall graphics were immediately striking, evident from the moment the menu appeared.

With a smile, Niwa Makoto exclaimed, "Hehe, with graphics like this, it's clear that KiShin has outdone Tora and Suzuki's 16-bit consoles."

Indeed, the game's content, performance, sound, and graphics surpassed those of the Tora and Suzuki 16-bit consoles.

Niwa Makoto launched the video game, and it finally began. As the scene transitioned, a message appeared: 'Long ago, in the beautiful kingdom of Hyrule, surrounded by mountains and forests...' Then another message followed: 'Legends told of an omnipotent and omniscient Golden Power that resided in a hidden land.' The image above the text changed to armored soldiers seemingly locked in combat as the narrative continued: 'Many people aggressively sought to enter the hidden Golden land...' The text further explained: 'But no one ever returned. One day, evil power began to flow from the Golden land...' Another message added: 'So the King commanded the seven wise men to seal the gate to the Land of Golden Power.' The image banner now displayed the seven figures. 'That seal was supposed to endure for all time...' The image changed once more to robed men with outstretched hands pointing at a symbol, as the text continued to scroll: '... ...But, as time passed, these events became obscured by the mists of time and transformed into legend...'

Then, to Niwa Makoto's surprise, the scene transitioned into what appeared to be a map. His amazement grew as the camera seemingly started moving, seemingly transforming the 2D pixelated map into a 3D model. It approached what seemed to be a square castle within an open green space. As the camera drew near to the castle's entrance, the scene seamlessly transitioned into the interior.

The screen scrolled upwards, leading to the grandeur of the throne room. A figure sat upon the throne, and beside it, an empty throne awaited. At the far end of the throne room, two swords were prominently crossed on a soft cushioned table or surface.

A blue text message scrolled across the screen: 'A mysterious wizard known as Agahnim came to Hyrule to release the seal. He eliminated...' Niwa Makoto pushed a button, and the text continued: 'the good King of Hyrule...'

The scene shifted to what appeared to be a prison, with a few figures gathered outside. Two soldiers were guarding the prison, one of them prodding a captive character with a sword.

A prominent character, clad in green, approached the prison gate. The character in green raised their hands, and a blue text message rolled onto the screen: 'Through evil magic, he began to make descendants of the seven wise men vanish, one...' Niwa Makoto continued with the text message: 'after the other.'

The scene then transitioned to an altar, surrounded by blue-armored soldiers and one in red armor. In the center of the altar stood the character in green, with raised hands. The character in green was positioned in front of another smaller figure also covered in green, which floated at the center of the altar. After a while, the smaller figure disappeared in a spark of light, accompanied by the blue text: 'And the time for Princess Zelda is drawing near.'

The screen then went black, displaying the text: '® 1991 - 1992 KiShin.'

Next, the scene changed to player selection, offering options from 1 to 3.

Niwa Makoto was genuinely surprised by the two-minute introduction. However, it still felt refreshing to witness KiShin's 16-bit console showcasing their sprites and graphics in this newly released '16-bit' world.

Upon selecting 'Player 1,' Niwa Makoto was prompted to set his in-game name, and he simply chose 'Niwa,' his family name.

The scene transitioned to a dimly lit room with a bed and a character lying on it.

A blue text message appeared below, reading, 'Help me...' followed by 'Please help me...' The blue text continued to scroll, and as Niwa Makoto pressed a button on the controller, it read, 'I am a prisoner in a dungeon of the castle.' Below, the blue text continued, 'My name is Zelda.' Subsequently, more text scrolled, saying, 'The Wizard, Agahnim, has done something to the other missing girls. Now only I remain...' It went on to explain, 'Agahnim has seized control of the castle and is now trying to open the seven wise men's seal...' Another blue text message followed, '... I am in the dungeon of the castle.' Finally, with a plea, the screen displayed a blue text: 'Please help me...'

Then, the dark room transformed as the scene burst into vibrant colors.

Link was seated at his bedside, and a blue-haired character said, "Link, I'm going out for a while. I'll be back by morning. Don't leave the house."

Finally, Niwa Makoto gained control of Link, guiding his character to the treasure chest in Link's room.

Upon opening the treasure box, a lamp item floated out, and a blue text within a square border read, 'You got the Lamp! Now you can light torches and see your way in darkness.'

Niwa Makoto then maneuvered his in-game character, Link, out of the house. The background outside revealed a rainy setting, and thus, Niwa Makoto delved into playing 'The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past' video game.

Those fortunate enough to experience 'The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past' were truly impressed by the sprite animations and graphics capabilities of SKES, which outshone the Tora and Suzuki 16-bit consoles.