Finally checked out this classic in the form of a fan-made ROM hack called A Link to the Past Redux that adds a bunch of quality of life improvements, bug fixes, and general tweaks streamlining the experience - though controversially also changing Link's hair from pink to blonde...

It's good, and I totally get why it's a considered such a gaming keystone (especially for anyone coming from the NES games before it, goddamn what an experience that must've been), but it ultimately falls prey to some of the worst of what I call "retro game bullshit", where solutions are unclear or deliberately obtuse and some common enemies are almost unfairly difficult for no real reason. It's very clear that this is the blueprint for damn near every Zelda that came after it though, I can't deny that.

If I had played it on a device that supported save states instead of an Analogue Pocket FPGA core, maybe I'd feel better about it. Should've considered picking up an old strategy guide too, for maximum nostalgia. Oh well.