Have finally made it to the dark world for the first time in my life. Never made it past the desert dungeon before this playthrough, and tower of Hera had me stuck for a while. I was trying not to use a guide but ended up caving after walking around aimlessly for hours every time I would sit down to play. The method of reaching the dungeon was intriguing and very clever, just not something that I was able to understand or come to realize on my own. I don't think that it was bad. It was very cool, though I do feel that there really was not much beforehand that would bring you to an understanding of how it would be possible. Having played almost every other title since then, I can see how the idea was applied in more fleshed out ways and in such a way that one such as myself might come to understand that it is not only possible, but a viable method of reaching new areas. I don't fault the game or the developers. I honestly feel more like the concept was ahead of its time, and for my personal experience, I guess even in hindsight, I could not put the pieces together to accomplish it myself. I can't imagine that I would have easily or even intentionally figured it out myself if I had been playing this game when it was the newest entry, though I imagine that for those who did discover the solution themselves, it must have felt amazing. The boss of the Tower of Hera was another very difficult challenge for me, but it was a fair challenge in my opinion. While yes, it was very frustrating, I found myself compelled to get back up and face the monster again and again, feeling more courage each time until that final sword swing, and finally seeing that glorious moment as the boss exploded into nothingness, leaving a heart container, and the final pendant required to reach the master sword. I definitely feel that I am beginning to understand the reason so many look at this game as a masterpiece. It is ahead of its time in many ways, while other things may be a little outdated. I look forward to continuing my playthrough.