The Nintendo DS version of The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords is officially known as the Anniversary Edition
. It is a unique entry in the series because it was never released as a physical cartridge and is no longer available on any official digital storefront. Game Overview
Originally released in 2011 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the franchise, this version is an enhanced remaster of the multiplayer-only "Four Swords" mode from the 2002 Game Boy Advance port of A Link to the Past Zelda Wiki DSiWare (playable on Nintendo DSi and 3DS). Key Addition: Unlike the GBA original, this edition added a Single Player Mode
where one person can control two Links simultaneously, switching between them to solve puzzles. New Content: It includes two exclusive new areas: Realm of Memories: Levels based on the art styles of A Link to the Past Link’s Awakening , and the original The Legend of Zelda Hero’s Trial:
A set of extremely difficult challenge levels for veteran players. ROM and Emulation Status
Because the game was a limited-time free download (last available in 2014), it is now considered "digital-only abandonware". Zelda Wiki Emulation Difficulty:
As a DSiWare title, it is more complex to emulate than standard DS cartridges. It requires a specific DSi ROM and often needs a BIOS/firmware dump from a physical DSi or 3DS to run correctly. Best Emulators: zelda four swords ds rom
Highly recommended for its native DSi support and ability to handle DSiWare titles.
A solid alternative for PC that supports DSi enhanced features.
While popular on mobile, it requires specific BIOS files (ARM7 and ARM9) to run encrypted DSi titles like this one. Why It's Worth Playing
The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords (not Four Swords DS, as there seems to be a bit of confusion) is a classic action-adventure game developed and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy Advance (GBA) in 2002. However, there seems to have been an attempt or a hypothetical discussion around a DS (Nintendo DS) version, which might not have materialized or could be a mix-up. For clarity, I'll review the original Four Swords game, as that's what's available and well-known.
The Game (Original Four Swords for GBA):
Story: The game is set in the Zelda universe, where the protagonist Link is tasked by Princess Zelda to save the land of Hyrule from the evil Shadow Link. This iteration of Link is unique because the game introduces the concept of multiple Links, achieved through the use of a magical sword that can create up to three additional clones of Link. The Nintendo DS version of The Legend of
Gameplay: The gameplay revolves around solving puzzles, battling enemies, and navigating through dungeons, all while controlling up to four Links at once. The innovative mechanic of having multiple Links allows for new types of puzzles and challenges that require coordination between the Links to solve. The game features a variety of magical swords, each granting different abilities, and a multiplayer mode where two to four players can play through a series of challenges together.
Review:
However, there are also some drawbacks:
Rating: Overall, I would give The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords a solid 8.5 out of 10. Its innovative gameplay mechanics, charming presentation, and enjoyable multiplayer make it a standout title in the series and a must-play for fans of action-adventure games.
DS ROM Speculation: If there were a hypothetical DS version (which might exist in rumors or as a fan project), one could speculate that it would likely feature updated graphics, perhaps touch screen controls for puzzle-solving and navigation, and possibly enhanced multiplayer features given the DS's capabilities. However, without an official release, this remains speculation.
For those interested in exploring Four Swords, I recommend checking out the original GBA version or looking into a GBA emulator that offers a stable and safe way to play classic games. Innovative Mechanics: The multiple Link mechanic is both
The brilliance of Four Swords lies in its level design. The puzzles are impossible to solve alone. You must stand on switches simultaneously, throw each other across gaps, and combine strength to move heavy blocks.
The gameplay loop consists of selecting a stage (themed around grass, forest, ice, etc.) and navigating through the Hyrule overworld to reach a dungeon. Each stage culminates in a boss fight that requires coordinated attacks.
However, the game introduces a brilliant "Competitive Cooperation" mechanic:
The premise is classic Zelda: a wind mage named Vaati kidnaps Princess Zelda. To save her, Link draws the legendary Four Sword, splitting himself into four distinct copies (Green, Blue, Red, and Purple). Unlike traditional Zelda titles where you are a lone hero, this game strictly requires cooperation.
If you are looking for a single-player experience, this is not the game for you. Even if emulation allows for single-player control schemes, the game is fundamentally balanced around having multiple brains working together (or against each other).
Four Swords is surprisingly replayable. The levels are somewhat randomized in their room layouts each time you play, and there are unlockables (such as the "Hurricane Sword" technique) that require you to collect a certain number of Rupees across multiple playthroughs. There is also a riddle-based mini-game that unlocks content for the A Link to the Past portion of the cartridge, linking the two games together.
If you decide to search for a Zelda Four Swords DS ROM, you need to be cautious. The ROM scene is rife with malicious files, fake downloads, and legal threats.