The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is an action-adventure game presented in stereoscopic 3D polygonal graphics, with gameplay predominantly experienced from a top-down perspective.[1] Players control a young boy named Link, who embarks on an adventure to rescue the Seven Sages and defeat Yuga, the primary antagonist.[2] The game is set in two kingdoms—Hyrule and Lorule—both of which bear a nonlinear structure and similar layout, but contrast in style and tone.[1][2][3][4] A Link Between Worlds is a successor to the 1991 Super Nintendo Entertainment System game A Link to the Past, and is similar in many aspects.[2][4][5] The worlds of Hyrule and Lorule in A Link Between Worlds are analogous to A Link to the Past's depiction of Hyrule and the Dark World.[2][4] A number of items, enemies, and audio tracks featured in A Link to the Past return in A Link Between Worlds.[4][6]
The top screen of the Nintendo 3DS displays hearts, an energy gauge, and an action icon.[7] Link's life energy decreases when he is hit by an enemy and can be replenished by collecting hearts that can be found in a variety of ways, such as defeating enemies, breaking pots, or cutting shrubbery.[7] The energy gauge governs item and ability usage; it depletes on use and replenishes over time.[6][7] The action icon notifies the player of interactive objects.[7] A map of the kingdoms is displayed on the bottom screen of the 3DS, showing Link's current position and marked locations.[1][2][7] The bottom screen is also used to view and select Link's gear and items.[1]
Friendly and enemy non-player characters inhabit the two worlds.[2] Friendly characters can provide Link with assistance or side quests to complete.[2][5] Link wields a sword and shield, which can be used to defeat enemies and deflects their attacks.[4][7] Other combat items from past Zelda games return, such as the bow, the fire rod, and bombs.[3][6] Unlike previous games, the methods for obtaining and using these items is different.[4][6] Rather than finding them in dungeons, they are rented or purchased from the merchant Ravio.[4][5][6] If Link dies, his rented items will be returned to Ravio.[4][6] They also do not require ammunition; instead, their use is limited by a shared energy gauge.[6][7] Link's total life energy can be increased by collecting heart pieces.[1][5] His weapons can be upgraded by completing a long term side quest that involves searching for small hidden creatures and returning them to their parent.[1][5] Link can also participate in several minigames to earn rupees, Hyrule's primary currency.[1][5]
As with many previous The Legend of Zelda games, solving puzzles and clearing dungeons is a fundamental part of gameplay.[1][2][6] Progression through A Link Between Worlds is more open-ended than previous titles, with the possibility of tackling many of the dungeons in any order.[1][4] Certain dungeon obstacles will require the use of the rented or purchased items.[1][2][3] Towards the end of each dungeon, Link will encounter a boss that must be defeated.[6] A unique mechanic is Link's ability to merge onto walls and move horizontally along them.[1] Link is presented as a mural when he is merged on a wall,[2] and the perspective shifts to a side view to follow Link around corners.[8] While merged to a wall, Link's energy gauge will deplete.[7] The mechanic can be used to traverse the environment, solve puzzles, avoid hazards, reach previously inaccessible areas,[1] and travel between Hyrule and Lorule via fissures that connect the two kingdoms.[2]
