Trying to Get Stuck in Zelda 1 (Analysis)

The Legend of the Video That Spiraled Out Of My Control

[@theretrodude154]

how did this video end up longer than the last one that wasn't supposed to happen EDIT: ok I forgot a few things 1. In Level 1 you can skip the first locked door with a glitch. I factored this in but forgot to mention it in the video. (You can actually see it in my notes at 5:14) 2. Some shops sell Keys for 80 Rupees instead of 100. Genuinely don’t know how I forgot that. 3. I have a Twitter! (Or X. Do people even call it X? Imma just keep calling it Twitter.) Anyways, it’s @RetroDudeArt. I infrequently post drawings, but I’ll also start posting updates for videos there as well (amongst other things).

[@InternetTAB]

cool, huh?!

[@leopoldbullot8016]

Can't wait for you to become one of those youtubers that publish 1 video every 3 months because after every 2h long video, they try to make a short 5min video which end up spiraling in another 2h long video, just to restart the process over and over again forever.

[@YeetZmeN]

Usually it takes a while for KZbinrs to fall into the habit of making longer and longer videos, but you’re moving ahead of schedule.

[@applesaucemorton5443]

hi

[@robinthrush9672]

I like Zelda 2 too. Not a favorite in the series, but I do like its music a lot and would like to hear more than just the Temple Theme reappear.

[@novelezra]

"The game never changes so why should I" I've never heard such a pointlessly petty and yet hilarious statment in my life.

[@Dethneko]

I'm sure that was meant to be a joke, but then he mentioned the second quest and I was like, "Well look at that, the game changed."

[@TyphinHoofbun]

I was half expecting a mention of the Randomizer, myself.

[@Retro_Rainer]

that's what you call a segue. I found it to ve a good one.

[@thedude5295]

Whenever the Lockpicking Lawyer plays The Legend of Zelda he starts the game with A Keys.

[@GunSpyEnthusiast]

No, he starts with the standard sword and just shoves the sword into the lock until something breaks, like a home invader with a katana would do.

[@Amiculi]

@@GunSpyEnthusiast No, that's McNally.

[@ChibiKami]

"Unfortunately Princess Zelda chose to lock the dungeon doors with Masterlock. So let's begin; nothing on 1, 2 is binding..."

[@TylerFurrison]

He does the first locked door glitch with that commentary lmao@@ChibiKami

[@psymar]

​@@ChibiKamiEven LPL just bangs on a masterlock, it's faster and easier

[@maskofthedragon]

I'm impressed how well designed the key system is in Zelda 1 That you don't even need the "get an out of jail free cards" until the 2nd quest, which was most likely nowhere near as playtested as the main game

[@nngnnadas]

They covered themselves pretty well with 1.more keys than locks before DM 2.The magic key 3.purchaseable keys

[@mielthesquid6536]

even if you get "softlocked" you can still kill yourself to reset your position, I know no way to actually get real stuck in this game.

[@mundodacrianca2147]

​@@mielthesquid6536 Killing all the enemies in the room should do the trick to get you truly softlocked

[@Ringcaat]

I remember trying to beat the game swordless, and getting stuck in some rooms in the second quest with no way to escape or die. The walk-through walls that only go one way may have been a cause. @@mielthesquid6536

[@AsdAsd-rd6ce]

⁠@@mundodacrianca2147 Holding up and a on a second controller while paused lets you save/kill yourself at any time

[@diamondsmasher]

Definitely feels like Miyamoto threw in the key buying as a “We’re not sure if you can get stuck” insurance policy. Because I can never recall ever buying a key.

[@Nesseight]

Yeah, but they're really expensive. It's like when you lock yourself out and your landlord is like, "yeah, we can open the door for you... for a price..."

[@panthekirb7561]

You got to give the man credit for being so forward thinking. Most other devs at the time wouldn't care. "Oh you got stuck? How about you git gud, sucker!"

[@raymoo8504]

@@panthekirb7561 Thracia 776 moment you don't have at least 6 characters or a way to open doors? can't beat the game anymore lol

[@redpup112]

@@raymoo8504 true Also Thracia 776 is good but no one has ever played it :(

[@panthekirb7561]

@@raymoo8504 Trollcia strikes again

[@Firestorm2900]

Fun fact about buying keys in Zelda 1 I leaned from a documentary, it was designed to act like a "hint" system if you couldn't find your way through a dungeon. They designed the dungeons to not need to buy any keys, but left it there as a backup.

[@fanderesidentevil]

Thats pretty generous

[@ThePoltergust5000]

The stammering, breathy, unedited delivery of "How many keys are in the... first, Zelda--" cracked me up immediately LMAO, perfectly gets across the "uh, is this; is this a good; is this a good idea for a; for a video,," energy

[@osakeleto]

twitter humor

[@jkazos]

The whole "you have A keys" bit was so quietly aggressive, I loved it.

[@mistermike4023]

As someone who stumbled upon your channel not too long ago and really enjoyed your Mega Man points video, I'd like to formally apologize for putting extra eyes on said video. In total, I put around 6-8 eyes on your video: Four of them were from me (I wear glasses) and two of them were from my mom, who I showed this video to not long after. My dog was also in the room, and since I'm pretty sure he has two eyes (jury's still out on that) you could technically count him as well. His nose could also count as, at most, half an eye considering how much dogs use it to navigate their environment, but that's entirely up to you

[@alynnzz0491]

Very, VERY off-topic, but wow. Another internet user whom I'd heard of, seen their works, and then I happen to find them randomly elsewhere. Hello!

[@mistermike4023]

@@alynnzz0491 Oh wow, really? well, thanks, glad to hear you like my work

[@Jann75]

Same

[@Purriah]

@@mistermike4023is that THE mister Mike? Who the hell is THE mister Mike?

[@mistermike4023]

@@Purriah He's MisterMike... but THE

[@LuccasFranklinMartins]

"I'm not that familiar with the newer Zeldas". . Retro Dude indeed.

[@TonyCastle-gh9ow]

I walked in on my older brother banging our cousin when I was a kid. I'm not fucked up though. It just happened and I got over it.

[@pkmntrainermark8881]

Hey, he said "newER," not "new."

[@baconlabs]

"I just made a video talking about something I thought was interesting" And that's exactly why I subscribed! I appreciate sincere perspectives that aren't written by committees or chasing after trends.

[@raziyatheseeker]

Really, the fact that it's so difficult to get stuck in Zelda 1 is seriously a testament to how well-designed the game as a whole is. I remember a video once that talked about the fact it technically wasn't a true open world, guiding the player but in ways that still feel like you have freedom (and even being able to sequence break to a big degree). I suppose that one was just the tip of the iceberg, given all you've covered here. As someone who's also just breaking out into YouTubing as a hobby, I felt so much of your commentary about the struggles of video making. You seem so genuine in all your videos thus far, and that perspective is so refreshing. Plus, you too appreciate Zelda 2. That's already the sign of an awesome person to me. :D Lastly, I dig that xA Key bit. Had a similar energy to something like "How many keys do you have now? Yes".

[@aprildenham5376]

The A stands for "all of them".

[@leroyvisiongames2294]

Its sort of like Mega Man--the sequence to play the levels is clear cut, but you have the freedom to go off the beaten path and make the game more difficult should you choose to challenge yourself or figure it out the hard way (first time I beat Zelda I accidentally beat level 3 before level 2 and found level 2 by accident after having gotten a few triforce pieces already!!!)

[@toastle8005]

How many keys do you have? *AAAAAH*

[@Noobpopcan]

"A is for Ralph!"

[@arthursnyder6935]

The only serious way I could think of to get really stuck in Zelda 1 is if someone gets inside Ganon's room without the silver arrows

[@HKlink]

"Person talking about something they think is interesting" is the best genre. I don't care before, and maybe I don't even care after, but I definitely care while listening, because your passion infects me!

[@mi4real771]

@3:34 Hey! Thanks for using my video! 😀

[@theretrodude154]

No, thank YOU for grinding 255 keys. Because I probably would’ve if I didn’t find your video first. You’re the real hero of this vid 👍

[@Kakodoyo111]

As someone who played a bunch of OG zelda growing up, Im glad to hear someone else also never messed with the 2nd quest haha. Great video dude

[@mielthesquid6536]

I was surprised a lot o people are on the same boat actually, I actually don't know someone irl who did the 2nd quest, I did it right after and loved the fact the adventure was just halfway done, but it's a tricky quest, haha.

[@Nesseight]

Then there was five year old me playing the game for the first time thinking it would be clever to name the character ZELDA not knowing that it's a code that makes the game harder.

[@rexrexwatson]

I feel like we're gonna see stuck% Zelda 1 speedruns.

[@rodneylives]

Or a run to get 26 extra keys without buying any.

[@rinnnnnnnnnnrin]

Stuck in a washing machine%

[@jayjasespud]

@@rinnnnnnnnnnrin What are you doing with that spear, step-moblin...?

[@HuntMeDown237]

Dude, this is your THIRD VIDEO?? DUDE the editing and scripts and visuals and humour are TOP TIER. First video I've seen of yours, but I'm definitely gonna watch the rest!! Very excited to see where you go!!

[@breadmilkYT]

You do a great job of getting me invested in a topic that seemingly isn't interesting or one I wasn't previously interested in, AND this is only your third video. Keep it up, subbed!

[@DarkonFullPower]

7:26 "Requires Chill Penguin defeat for heart" Not if you're fast and are willing to lose a life. ...Which means Dash Boots. ...Which is in Chill Penguin's level.

[@GoeTeeks]

With enough heart tanks you should be able to get that one without the dash boots. Just not sure how many heart tanks you can get without dash boots or other backtracking.

[@reedr7142]

Plus you can’t do a 100% completion without at least one backtrack (Chill Penguin x2).

[@QSHV]

I usually got the Magical Key early in my playthrough of the first quest, so I never thought too hard about whether or not it was possible to get key stuck. Fun video, and enjoy Persona 3 Reload!

[@Vprod.]

The algorithm blessed me once again! This is exactly the type of stuff i love to watch/listen to while playing games!

[@Vprod.]

By the way, as a fellow Zelda 2 enjoyer.. I really suggest you try out the Zelda 2 fan remake! Just finished it myself and i can safely day, my Zelda 2 cart will be collecting dust now. It mproves the experience a LOT for the average player as well as OG fans. Just some of the improvements include: -WIDESCREEN -Backtracking/retracking after game overs mostly fixed -New areas -New quests (kinda) -New minigames -Altered level designs -More helpful dialogue And much more! Apparently it's made with game maker but it feels 100% like the real deal. All the classic strats and tricks work, except a few cheesy ones which is overall for the better. (No spoilers, you'll have a good laugh at what i mean when you get to it. 😉 )

[@SomeCameo]

once again, this incredible niche topic ended up being quite entertaining. thanks for the quality content o/

[@NotTheWheel]

I'm already feeling let down. . . Because I can only like a video once. Keep up the good work! :D

[@otakubullfrog1665]

It's pretty easy to get yourself stuck in Zelda 2 because, not only do palaces lock after you collect the item and beat the boss, but keys aren't sold anywhere since there's no in-game shopping. I think that I managed to do it once by borrowing a key from the second palace and using it in the first one.

[@1up20x6]

Only if you don't get the Magic Key. If you're allowed to get the Magic Key, you can get unstuck by just using the Fairy spell to reach the required dungeon items, and collect the Magic Key in New Kasuto. Honestly, I'm not 100% sure you could get stuck even without the Magic Key - are there any areas where you need to get through a locked door *and* be in non-Fairy form afterwards in the same room?

[@NrgSpoon]

@@1up20x6 I believe in the Japanese version, you can't pick up equipment as a fairy, so that might be a point of concern.

[@1up20x6]

@@NrgSpoonThat's a good point. In the Japanese version, you can make it unwinnable by doing as otakubullfrog1665 mentioned above: 1. Get all three keys you can reach in palace 2 without the Glove 2. Spend those three keys in palace 1. Don't pick up any keys in palace 1. Clear palace 1 so it turns to stone. 3. There is one key you can reach in palace 3 without the Glove. Just spend it in any locked door in palace 3 or 2, except the one blocking the Glove. You now have no accessible keys, you can't progress any further in palace 3 because all paths forward require the Glove. You can't go to palace 4-6, because you need the Raft for that (which requires the Glove). And there are no accessible keys left in palace 2-3, so you can't unlock the Glove. The game is unwinnable in this state.

[@mresturk9336]

On a more obscure note abusing the fairy warp glitch in Zelda 2 can also get you stuck, to the point of making the game unwinnable. If you use the warp glitch to swap which palace you are in and place the gemstone while in that state the wrong palace will get destroyed, preventing you from placing all six stones. For example I once used the warp glitch to go to palace 3 from inside palace 6. Placing the gemstone in the warped palace 3 caused palace 6 to be destroyed, so I couldn't place the palace 6 gemstone to get the final palace forcefield to open.

[@mzxrules]

@@1up20x6 the Fairy spell's keydoor clipping effect is broken in the PAL version, so it's a lot easier to ruin your game in that one.

[@_fudgepop01]

12/10 intro that blew me away especially with how early on it is - I hope that even as you improve you’re able to look back on these older videos with pride because the quality and effort put in really shows!! ^^

[@Danarchy3]

You want to walk into level 8 with 3 hearts and no heart except the bow and the candle? *insert "you serious" meme*

[@BackPalSA]

Well you've already cemented that I'm here for whatever. I rang the bell after this one. Keep it up! You clearly have a grasp on something you wanna talk about or an idea for a thing, so when you have one I'm here. If you take time to make a vid, I'll be here to watch it!

[@lucenildofilho5710]

Hope God keeps giving you mission objectives like this

[@toastle8005]

Completely agree

[@reillocb]

Keep up the work bro, don't sweat the new views too much just keep doing what you're passionate about. That said anything sonic related would be sweet

[@diosoth]

This doesn't even mention the strange bug on dungeon 1 where entering, leaving & re-entering opens the first locked door. I'm not sure if it was ever patched out of any later version.

[@aprildenham5376]

Strictly speaking, it's not restricted to the first dungeon, but you have to be playing the randomizer to see any other situations it's doable in. Which brings up the question of "so is it possible to get stuck in the randomizer?" The answer there is "oh god yes, and it's hilarious when you watch it happen to someone, especially if all the secrets rolled low".

[@mielthesquid6536]

In fact, it's adressed at some point actually.

[@brodindamp]

​@@aprildenham5376nothing like farming ghosts for a few minutes 😭😭

[@MasterZebulin]

I still don't know why that happens.

[@thewhitefalcon8539]

​@@MasterZebulinit's something about the game seeing that you came from the bottom of the screen and unlocking the door at the top of the previous room, but it's the first room so the previous room is also the first room. There's an analysis somewhere.

[@bideoVames]

Hey, your vids really get your interest into obscure video game stuff across and that is amazing, thanks

[@topthog]

Put a big fat smile on my face seeing you'd uploaded again, loved the score video and was hoping you'd make more cool stuff, and you certainly have!

[@thejaykay97]

Incredibly high producation value, keep up the great work on these spectacularly niche topics.

[@PrincessRinsicles]

I'm happy to see another upload because yes, I was one of the people that very much enjoyed your previous one.

[@Erick-ux3qh]

Great video, and i think its ok to take your time on videos with such good edit, i am exited for more megaman content, and i hope you have fun with p3 realod❤ Edit:sorry for bad english

[@TheKeybladegod]

good content, honestly interested in you making more stuff. you have the air of knowing what you're talking about and a nice passion in the way you talk about it that I find makes the video very interesting to watch

[@skyevlyn]

I loved this video so much, thank you for making it! I didn't know I had this question either but it shows how much thought the devs put into it which is always cool in my book

[@jackbolin1550]

Your content is great and I’m glad I discovered you! You’ll do fantastic in your future.

[@norris5754]

Great video! I'm alright with it taking longer than expected if the end product is enjoyable.

[@HerobrineGaming]

As a game designer all these videos are super interesting, not to mention your style also works very well for this type of content. Looking forward to seeing more! 🙏

[@SomaKyu]

Really enjoying these videos on obscure retro game quirks like this! Super entertaining dude keep it up!!

[@morgandusin2401]

This is some serious gourmet shit

[@MrCheeze]

Another banger. Expecting to see you with A subscribers soon.

[@ThCuriousPath]

I stumbled across this channel by chsnce, and youre an entertainment and charismatic dude. Love the video and i hope to see more!

[@xtecreborn]

Always surprises me how well og Zelda holds up

[@nerrickk9024]

Great video man! Made me go back and watch your others. Keep up the good work, can't wait for the next one.

[@johnr888]

This type of video with all this in detail data is my favorite types, subscribed my dude

[@Laenthor]

You got blessed by the algorithm. I really enjoyed the megaman video and this one too. I would definitely keep watching videos like these.

[@ChibiTails]

I watched your Mega Man score video shortly after it came out, but forgot to subscribe. Imagine my surprise when this one popped up! Thanks, Al Gorithm!

[@toastle8005]

As many others have said, the quality of editing on this video is brilliant. Absolutely putting the bell on for this channel, best of luck with engagement :)

[@StarManMatt1]

Absolute gold mine of a channel, Retro. Glad to be here.

[@yeknud]

Great video. Your editing and humor were awesome.

[@sarinabina5487]

i just want to say you're so entertaining and fun to watch:) new subscriber👍💖

[@RetroTechChris]

Absolutely loved this, you're style is "off the charts good." Keep it up!

[@8BitFun]

Love your style, demeanor, and editing. Can't wait to see what you make next ;)

[@creightonholub]

Your thumbnail was done amazingly well. Keep up the great work. And the best part is once you figure out how something works, you're always entitled to your opinion as to why or why not something should have been implemented. Keep up the great work!

[@NairbNroh]

You knocked it out of the park again with another great video!!

[@AceWolf456]

Damn, your channel exploded. I look forward to seeing it grow. I like your content style.

[@vasacca]

I am enjoying your videos. Keep up the good work!

[@andre-le-bone-aparte]

Just found your channel. Excellent Content. Another sub for you sir!

[@MasterZebulin]

You really need to make more videos. Your channel is surprisingly informative and *criminally* underrated. Also, your editing is hilarious. Seriously, please make more videos.🙏

[@MaxHaydenChiz]

Happy to find the channel. Congrats on blowing up so fast. Editing and script are impressively good.

[@miamimagicians]

Holy shit I totally forgot that you can buy a key in Zelda 1 . That is so crazy I don’t ever remember that being a thing in any of the other other Zeldas

[@sailorenthusiast]

Congrats! You have been graced by the KZbin algorithm! You shall now achieve incredible success with your videos! Do not resist :D

[@Hatchet2k4]

Only a couple videos in and already your channel has started taking off! I'd say you found a hungry niche for people interested in unique retro game analysis. Luckily that well is pretty deep. I wish you all the best, you certainly earned it!

[@centdemeern1]

Really great video!! Can't wait for more!

[@PleasantP]

Big fan of this video, I hope to see more in the future!

[@cameronwebb5621]

he's the retroest dude you'd ever heard

[@Fresh_Knight]

I’m really excited to see where this channel goes, your videos rock

[@thetayz72]

They probably asked themselves the same question and decided It was easier to add keys for sale than to analyze whether getting stuck was possible

[@DarkVaati13]

Very good video again! Take your time when making videos since I feel like I'd prefer good researched videos instead of rushed vids.

[@chronossage]

So I would like to make 2 points here. When you did your key cost math to seem to of forgotten the cheaper 80 rupee keys you showed earlier in the video. It is also really easy to miss the magic key in level 8 as the item itself and the map of the dungeon are hidden behind a bombable wall and it was definitely a thing I never found as a kid playing the game. I knew it was in the game due to the starting scroll listing all the items but I never knew where. Also dungeon 8 gives you 2 items so I always found the book and thought I got the dungeon item. And with the map to level 8 also being behind the hidden bombable wall the key is there is no clue there's a space up there and I always found the boss first. So I was totally that kid who grinded rupees and bought keys to finish death mountain. It was the 80 rupee keys though.

[@v2snyder654]

Your editing is already so clean and natural, I'm amazed this is only the third video on the channel!

[@Wyrdwad]

As newly minted channels go, this has the energy and editing of like, a really well-established gaming review channel. I was a bit shocked to click on your name and see a grand total of... 3 videos. Excellent work, and I look forward to whatever you may come up with next!

[@premsinha9415]

This is quality content. You ask good questions and make good attempts to answer them.

[@jaerker]

Finally found something great and new to watch! Thanks man! 🤗😄

[@natesalisbury2196]

Just got you recommended. Bro. I'm going to watch everything on your channel

[@AriochStarr]

Great video, very informative, interesting discoveries, and great overall presentation. Keep up the good work, dude.

[@CZPC]

Love your content. Just wanted to say that.

[@mikemartinez002]

I appreciate you answering a ludicrous question that no one else except you ever thought about. +1 subscribe.

[@MythrilZenith]

After a few straight days of YT suggesting this video to me, I gave it a watch. This time, the algorithm knew what I wanted to watch today. Liked, subbed and enjoyed!

[@ellie7252]

loving this cybershell-esque content :)

[@vouvusbovus9100]

Im sorry for the stress and preasure the youtube analytics can put on, ill watch every video of youres no matter what it is and i hope other people will do the same.

[@ElectricDogWoodworking]

Enjoyed the video! Keep it up!can't wait for the next one

[@Kainvainslay]

Awesome, I appreciate the level of depth you went into, just to answer this topic.

[@zurggriff481]

I am glad I could put eyes on your last video, and now I got to see another great video.

[@priff1376]

ok the zelda 1 video with the zelda 2 music was absolutely cursed but great video!

[@lander77477]

yeah that bothers me too

[@gfam581]

This is a great channel! Keep making videos!

[@neojakemcc]

First dungeon, first quest: when you enter and see that locked door right in front of you, leave and go back in. Door is unlocked. It saves you a key.

[@theretrodude154]

Don’t worry, I factored that in. I shoulda brought it up in the video tho lol

[@scorpionsapprentice3248]

theoretically if i remember correctly, this bug applies to any dungeon entrance however. level 1 is the only dungeon to have a north entrance locked door.

[@neojakemcc]

@@theretrodude154 Ah wow. I thought I was onto something for you there. I only actually found out about it through someone else’s play through a couple years ago and never knew it growing up!

[@neojakemcc]

@@scorpionsapprentice3248 I wonder if it could be tested in a randomized or editor!

[@scorpionsapprentice3248]

@@neojakemcc it can. there is a dungeon editor to test this out.

[@austincrook5304]

For a channel with only three videos, this is abnormally high quality content. Keep it up, dude!

[@YetAnotherSpyMain]

Love this kinda content, just a guy talking about stuff he likes and figuring out things in the game

[@kingemmoden214]

This actually encouraged me to check out the original because I'm terrified of softlocking myself like you can if you run out of ammo in the older Resident Evil games

[@dmollison84]

This is the first time a video of yours hit my feed, and I’ve already subscribed. You are very good at this! The quality of this video stands alongside those that have way more subs, so please keep it up! Specifically, you have some innate strengths in terms of your writing, your delivery, and editing that I can already see. You’re truly deserving of all these new eyeballs, and if you want to grow what you’re doing here, you definitely have the ability to put out videos of a quality that would do that.

[@monotone5059]

God tier editing as always 👏👏

[@s.l.r.9407]

I love this kind of videos with all the interesting but ultimately pointless trivia, they're the best!

[@danielalva2]

Great video idea, great title and great thumbnail! Just subd

[@kiwimints]

insant sub as soon as i heard zelda ii music playing in the background!!!! such an underrated soundtrack & overhated game! i always found it so so charming :3

[@jacksider5045]

Your video is enjoyable, appreciated.

[@TheeAntiFOB]

I will watch your career with great interest Subbed

[@karma_coin]

I do not know how the algorithm recommended me this video but I am glad it did and you earned a sub