Oddly enough I found the hardest part, outside of the Cave of Ordeals, of the game to be Snowpeak Ruins - that is, until I found out that just holding the Ball & Chain can deflect ice spears. I did a wooden sword run with minimal shield not too long ago, and that wasn't too bad. I think I will try it again, only this time it will be a three heart run as well. Already got TWW and SS(Hero mode) done as well, so this shouldn't be too bad.