When killed, they often leave behind an item – a heart to restore energy, rupees that function as money (and can be used to buy stuff in various shops in the Overworld), or bombs which can be picked up and set down to attack enemies or destroy some walls. The enemies are varied – some attack from up close, some shoot projectiles. Link’s health is represented by hearts initially he can have a maximum of three hearts, but as he progresses in the game, he will find heart containers that increase his maximum health.
If Link is at full health, he can toss his sword to attack enemies from afar, but when he is hurt, even slightly, he can only fight in melee range.
Link can explore the Overworld freely, though when he enters a screen, he will encounter several enemies. Link begins his quest in the Overworld, which features forests, mountains and lakes and is divided into several screens. The game is drawn in a top-down perspective. Once all pieces are joined, Link will be able to gain entry to Death Mountain, home of Ganon, and prison of Princess Zelda. Players must make their way through the various forests, graveyards, plains, and deserts of the Overworld to find the secret entrances of the eight dungeons in an attempt to piece together the broken Triforce. The Legend of Zelda marks the first title of the Zelda series. Link must restore the fragmented Triforce of Wisdom and save the Princess Zelda from the clutches of the evil, power-hungry Ganon.