Its a departure from the LoZ formula, but it still a great game without question.
Gameplay:
The gameplay is a mix of RPG land roaming and 2-D platforming. The princess of Hyrule, Zelda, has been cursed and put into a deep sleep, its Links task to break the curse and awake her. The game is an Action RPG unlike most, you roam around the field, going from town to town, and dungeon to dungeon, on an overworld map, like most RPGs, but what sets it apart is the battle system, if Link comes into contact with an enemy (Black blobs or figures) he will be put into a 2-D world, were he must go across the "level" defeating enemys, and collecting some items, and he can leave the area by going out of the screen , left or right, and he will be taken back to the overworld, the Dungeons are also like this, but following the Zelda formula, the dungeons are much more complex instead of a simple 2-D plain. As stated before, like a Zelda game, you must collect tems and visit people to progress in your quest. Also, the game runs smoothly and all the controls are fine.
Graphics:
The graphics are top notch, or atleast for a NES game. All of the characters look like they should, and the colors are used well, I cant really judge an 8-bit games graphics that well, but there good.
Sound:
Although alot of the more memorable sounds are gone, the sound is still fine and the sound effects are up to standards.
Value:
This is one tough game and should keep you busy for awhile, although there really isnt much replay value.
Tilt:
Its good in many ways, not many flaws, its not the perfect Zelda game but its one you must have.