Legend of Zelda Third Quest Review & Longplay [SNES ROM hack] 2021

Have you ever heard of The Legend of Zelda: BS Edition? If not, you’re not alone. This enigmatic entry in the beloved Zelda franchise remains one of gaming’s best-kept secrets, a lost treasure from the early days of satellite gaming. Originally broadcast exclusively in Japan through Nintendo’s Satellaview service in 1995, BS Zelda, as it’s commonly known, offered a unique reimagining of the classic NES game that started it all. But what made this version so special, and why has it captivated die-hard Zelda fans for decades?

Development and Technology

Conceived as a flagship title for St. Giga’s BS-X addon, BS Zelda was designed to demonstrate the capabilities of the Satellaview system. While the overworld layout bears a striking resemblance to the original 1986 release, it’s the rearranged dungeons and unique gameplay elements that have earned this rarity its unofficial title as the ‘Third Quest’ among devoted fans.

The game’s development and distribution were revolutionary for its time. Broadcast in four weekly chapters, players had a mere 57 minutes per session to explore, gather items, and uncover secrets. This time-limited structure created a sense of urgency and excitement that was wholly unique to the Satellaview platform.

The Legend of Zelda – Third Quest is a remarkable ROM hack of this title that breathes new life into the classic Zelda formula. Created by the talented ROM hacker Con, this modification of BS Zelda no Densetsu transforms the time-limited satellite broadcast game into a full-fledged Zelda adventure for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). This review delves deep into the game’s development, gameplay, story, and reception, offering a comprehensive look at what makes this hack a must-play for Zelda enthusiasts.

You can find this hack here: https://www.romhacking.net/hacks/508/

Developer Background

Con, the primary developer behind The Legend of Zelda – Third Quest, embarked on this project with a clear vision: to turn BS Zelda into a “real” Legend of Zelda experience. Building upon the foundation laid by Dreamer_Nom’s time patch, Con took on the challenge of perfecting the game’s mechanics and resolving lingering issues. With assistance from the ROM hacking community, particularly contributors like Tre, Con successfully transformed the original BS Zelda into a polished, timer-free adventure worthy of the Zelda name.

Gameplay and Features

The Legend of Zelda – Third Quest offers a gameplay experience that closely mirrors the beloved classic Zelda titles while introducing unique elements:

• Play as Link or Zelda: Choose between the iconic hero or the princess of Hyrule.
• Triforce Symbols: Replacing the original crosses, adding to the authentic Zelda feel.
• Removal of BS-X Timer: Allowing for unrestricted exploration and puzzle-solving.
• Enhanced Shop System: Fixes to item availability, including the blue candle.
• Improved Progression: Corrected time settings for events like the whirlpool’s disappearance after Dungeon 4.

The game retains the top-down perspective and action-adventure gameplay that Zelda fans know and love. Players navigate through Hyrule, battling enemies, solving puzzles, and uncovering secrets in a quest to save the kingdom.

Graphics and Sound

While based on BS Zelda no Densetsu, The Legend of Zelda – Third Quest features graphics that harken back to the original NES Zelda while taking advantage of the SNES’s enhanced capabilities. The sprite work is crisp and colorful, bringing Hyrule to life with greater detail than ever before.

The music, a crucial element of any Zelda game, doesn’t disappoint. The soundtrack combines familiar Zelda themes with unique compositions, creating an atmosphere that’s both nostalgic and fresh.

Story

The Legend of Zelda – Third Quest presents a narrative that fits seamlessly into the Zelda canon. While specific plot details are scarce, the game follows the traditional Zelda formula of Link (or Zelda) embarking on a quest to save Hyrule from a great evil. The removal of the time limit allows for a more immersive storytelling experience, letting players uncover the lore of this version of Hyrule at their own pace.

Reception and Impact

Upon its release, The Legend of Zelda – Third Quest was met with enthusiasm from the ROM hacking and Zelda communities alike. Players praised the game for its faithful recreation of the Zelda experience and its improvements over the original BS Zelda.

Jake Thompson, a member of the RetroReplay community, shared his thoughts:

“The Legend of Zelda – Third Quest is a masterclass in ROM hacking. It takes everything we loved about BS Zelda and elevates it to new heights. The attention to detail, from the removal of the timer to the ability to play as Zelda, makes this feel like a lost Zelda game that Nintendo themselves could have made.”

Interesting Facts

1. The project took over two years to complete, with Con waiting for skilled hackers before taking on the challenge personally.
2. The hack is considered a “third quest” to the original Legend of Zelda, fitting into the series without canon conflicts.
3. The removal of the BS-X timer required intricate ASM hacking to ensure proper game progression.
4. Players can choose between Link and Zelda, a feature not common in official Zelda games of the era.

Replay Value

The Legend of Zelda – Third Quest offers substantial replay value through its dual protagonists and non-linear gameplay. The ability to play as either Link or Zelda provides two distinct experiences, encouraging multiple playthroughs. Additionally, the open-world nature of the game, typical of classic Zelda titles, allows players to tackle dungeons and explore Hyrule in various orders, making each playthrough unique.

Conclusion

The Legend of Zelda – Third Quest stands as a testament to the passion and skill of the ROM hacking community. By transforming BS Zelda no Densetsu into a fully-fledged Zelda adventure, Con and the contributing hackers have created a game that feels both familiar and fresh. With its improved gameplay, removal of time constraints, and faithful adherence to the Zelda formula, Third Quest offers a compelling experience for both longtime fans and newcomers to the series.

While it may not have the official Nintendo seal, The Legend of Zelda – Third Quest captures the spirit of the franchise beautifully. It serves as an excellent example of how fan projects can breathe new life into classic games, offering experiences that might otherwise never have existed. For anyone looking to relive the magic of classic Zelda or experience a unique take on the formula, The Legend of Zelda – Third Quest is an adventure well worth embarking upon.