The sword is the mainstay of the Zelda series since the beginning. You will start the game with the sword and will never be able to lose it. Like the more recent versions of the game, there are many different ways to swing the sword which will do different things to certain enemies. The ways to swing are:

• Common Attacks
  • Vertical Slash: Just as it sounds, you will swing the sword in a vertical manner. It is done by just pressing the B button. It will do normal damage.
  • Horizontal Slash: A horizontal motion with the sword. It is done by pressing the B button after performing a Vertical Slash. It will also do normal damage.
  • Diagonal Slash: A diagonal motion with the sword. It is done by pressing the B button after performing both a Vertical and Horizontal Slash. It will also do normal damage.
• Combo Attacks
  • Forward Slash Combo: After hitting a number of normal slashes, Link will jump forward and perform this slash, unleashing heavy damage. Once it’s over, however, Link will be left open for attacks from the enemy.
• Special Attacks
  • Spin Attack: By charging up the sword by pressing and holding the B button, you can unleash a spin attack (while the sword is front of you and glowing) and inflict some heavy damage.
  • Spin Attack Roll: Start off by rolling toward your enemy. Right before you end the roll, tap the B button to inflict a spin attack on the enemy.
  • Sword Beam: This attack is unleashed differently in the two modes. In Hyrulean Adventure, you must first collect 2,000 Force Gems and have a full heart meter to shoot a beam when attacking. In Shadow Battle, you must pick up the Four Sword and have a full heart meter to shoot the beam.
  • Hurricane Spin: Charge up like you would for a Spin Attack. However, let the sword glow and go behind your back before releasing the button. Link should start spinning and flying around the screen, hitting anything that comes into his path. You can control where Link goes by moving the analog stick (or D-Pad on the GBA). You are unable to be attacked while you in the spin.

The only upgrade to the sword you’ll find in the game is the Sword Beam, which is different in the two modes. You can gather the Four Sword in Shadow Battle, but it only used to gain a Sword Beam.

The shield is used to deflect attacks against Link. It is used the same as it was in the NES and SNES incarnations of the game, by doing nothing. As long as you don’t attack and are facing your enemy, you can dodge objects and some sword attacks. You will always have the shield throughout the game.

The Roc’s Feather is a nifty little feather that allows Link to do something he can’t do on his own and that is jump. Jumping allows Link to cross gaps and jump up to higher areas that are normally inaccessible to Link. Also, if you jump and attack at the same time, you will inflict heavy damage.

Level 2: The level 2 version of the feather allows Link to perform an additional jump at the top of the first jump.

Bombs are a basic weapon; they explode. While in past games, Link was given a limited capacity of bombs, FSA gives Link an unlimited amount of explosives to have fun with. Place one down, run away, and watch it explode. You can cause the bomb to explode earlier by hitting with a long-range weapon or a direct hit on your enemy.

Level 2: Level 2 bombs are similar to Level 1, only they cause more damage when they explode.

The Bow and Arrow allows Link to attack enemies from a longer range. By pressing A, you can shoot the arrow at your enemy, but by holding the A and charging the arrow up, you can do more damage.

Level 2: The Level 2 bow allows Link to shoot three arrows at a time instead of one.

The Boomerang is another long range weapon that will return to Link. The boomerang will only stun enemies, allowing Link to attack without worrying about being attacked back. You can also reach items that are out of reach with the boomerang.

Level 2: The Level 2 boomerang has a longer reach and will speed out of Link’s hand faster.

The Fire Rod allows Link to play with fire. By pressing the A button, you can shoot out flames to attack your enemies, or holding the A button allows for a continuous stream of fire.

Level 2: The Level 2 fire rod will create blocks. If you press A once more after creating the block, it will explode and send fire in all direction damaging anything in its path.

The Slingshot is a simpler version of the Bow. Weaker enemies will be killed with the Slingshot, while stronger enemies will only be stunned. If you hold the A button and charge the slingshot, the shot will go further.

Level 2: Just like the Level 2 Bow, the Slingshot will shoot three shots instead of one.

The shovel isn’t really a weapon, but it can be used by the Link’s. It will allow Link to dig a patch of dirt, usually uncovering hearts or Force Gems.

Level 2: There is a Level 2 shovel. If you do find it, it will chime when Link is standing over treasure or a hidden passage.

The Lantern can pass fire over to torches and brighten up a dark room, allowing Link to venture around. It can also burn up grass in fields.

The Hammer can be used to smash certain enemies and also remove pesky posts that get in his way. If you charge up the hammer and strike the ground, any treasure that is buried will be revealed.

Level 2: The Level 2 Hammer is stronger. Enough said.

The Pegasus Boots allow Link to run faster. Link will also hold his sword in front of him while running, striking down enemies that get in the way. You can also run into walls and trees and shake loose anything that is stuck. Cracked blocks are no match for Link when he running.

Level 2: The Level 2 boots allow Link to run across a one block long gap in the ground.

The heart is a staple of the Zelda series in the life giving department. Grab a heart if you are missing one and it will be replenished.

If you find a heart container in a level, you will gain an extra heart for that level only. Once you complete the level, the extra heart with vanish.

Small keys can be found all around the place, more so in dungeons. If you find one, you will be able to use it later to open a lock blocking a path. You can carry one at a time and you must carry it to the lock you want to use it on.

Big keys can open locks that small keys cannot. You can only carry one big key at a time and you must carry it to the lock.

An item that is carried around and can cause a lot of damage. Once you drop it on the screen, any small enemies on the screen will be destroyed instantly in a flash of light.

Similiar to the Bombos Medallion, only with different results. When you throw it on the screen, it will cause all enemies to be transformed into smaller and weaker enemies.

It’s a vegetable that you can use to ride Epona, the horse at the Lon Lon Ranch. You will be invincible on Epona, but if you are hit you will lose Force Gems.

It’s a spherical crystal ball like object that you can carry around. It activates a hidden Moon Gate, which is a portal to the Dark World that is hidden around certain levels. The dark world is similar to the Light World version, but certain paths are open in the Dark World that aren’t in the Light.

Force Fairies allow for Link to revive if he loses all his hearts. You can find them in the levels and you gain some at the end of each level.

The main reason for playing the game. You must collect 2000 in each level in order to break the barrier at the end of the level. Any Link can pick them up and you can lose some if you are hit by enemies. Each size and color are worth different amounts:

• Small Green (1)
• Small Blue (5)
• Small Red (20)
• Small Purple (50)
• Big Green (100)
• Big Blue (150)
• Big Red (200)
• Big Purple (300)
• Huge Green (1000)

The Power Bracelet allows for Link to lift large objects with ease.

An item you can carry that will reduce the damage you take during a level in half. Once you end the level, the bracelet will vanish.