While the general gameplay in this game is very much similar to the previous 2D-Zelda games, the story of Hyrule Adventure opens a whole new world of possibilities, because of the fact that there are four Links instead of just one.

Contrary to previous Zelda games, Hyrule Adventure is more of a straight-forward game, and the player is basically stripped from the freedom we have grown accustomed to. The game is divided into different stages, and each stage consists of three levels. Once you manage to clear the three levels in a stage, you automatically proceed to the next stage — In other words, the traditional overworld as we knew it from previous Zelda games, is absent in Hyrule Adventure.

Since this game is an extensive single-player game, as well as multi-player, the one-player mode will feature things never before seen in any Zelda game.

The player will have control over all four Links at the same time. This is the basis of the new addition to the Zelda series, the Formations. By controlling the different Links and setting them up in specific formations, you can defeat enemies and solve puzzles which would have been impossible for just one Link to confirm. Needless to say, this also makes way for more complicated puzzles, which are completely new to the series.

When using the GameBoy Advance as a controller, the underworld (dungeons, caves and the likes) will appear on the GameBoy Advance screen, while the overworld will be showed on the TV screen.

However, if one desires to use the GameCube controller instead, which is an option in the single-player mode, the areas that would normally be shown on the GameBoy Advance, will be viewed on the TV screen as well.

The actual progress of the game is actually quite innovative for a Zelda game as well, and it differs quite a bit from what Zelda fans are used to.

To be able to progress in Hyrule Adventure, the player needs to collect Force. By collecting Force the swords of the four Links will be powered up. Once the swords gain enough power, the player can break the electrified barrier, as shown on the screenshot to the right, which blocks the entrance to the boss of the level.