I think I really have the best perspective on this game being hard or easy. I actually played this game when I was younger, when it first came out, but I didn't own the game so never really got deep into it. Flash forward many years later, for the first time I am attempting to beat the Legend of Zelda. The game is HARD. I have not used any tips or hints and I believe some of you who beat the game long ago new all the tricks (maybe even from guides). I was vaguely aware of the cross trick, but didn't remember how to get around the maze at first. By the way, this is from someone who has beaten Mega Man 1 and Ghouls and Ghosts.