History ScrappyMechanic / TheLegendOfZelda

* In ''VideoGame/HyruleWarriorsAgeOfCalamity'', the fact that weapons have hidden seals that are unlocked at later levels is highly frustrating as, without a guide, you can make a weapon loadout that doesn't gel well with its unchangeable hidden stats, wasting all those seals.

** Speaking of recharging, the Master Sword and the four abilities you gain from the champions have a flat recharge time after being used up. The scrappiness of this is they won't even begin recharging until you ''completely'' use them up. You can't use the Master Sword in moderation to keep it from running out of energy, or keep one Revali's Gale in reserve just in case, but rather are forced to use them up and go without for a period of time. This means burning them and arbitrarily waiting before you have access to them again, and you can't even sleep or wait at a fire to skip it.

* Generally speaking, Link's sidekicks have a tendency to be [[AnnoyingVideoGameHelper a little too overly helpful]]. The fact that they give you pointers on where to go is fine, but sometimes the screen will have a notification pop up where you have to press a certain button so they can speak to you. Some, like [[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTheWindWaker the King of Red Lions]] and [[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTwilightPrincess Midna]], only ever speak to you like this when you're in a spot that triggers them, which aren't that frequent. But then there are the Big Three: [[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaOcarinaOfTime Navi]], who started the trend ''and'' became the local AntiPoopSocking spokesperson of the game come the [[UsefulNotes/Nintendo3DS 3DS]] version; [[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTheMinishCap Ezlo]], whose trigger points are exceedingly common [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWsy-leD6Kk (SHUT UP, ELMO!)]]; and [[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaSkywardSword Fi]], who combines Navi's 3DS issue above with reminders that you're low on health or battery juice (whichever comes first) and [[CaptainObvious aggravatingly obvious]] hints ("There is a switch here. There is an 89% chance you should push it") all annoyingly drawn out since she talks in [[RoboSpeak Robotic]]-[[ExpospeakGag Expo]]-SpockSpeak.

* In the [[Platform/GameBoyAdvance GBA]] version of ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaALinkToThePast'' you need to play through ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaFourSwords'' in order to unlock the bonus content added to ''[=ALttP=]''. Sadly, ''Four Swords'' is multiplayer-only. For introverted players or people who just don't have any friends with Game Boy Advances, playing the game is impossible, and even if you forked over enough money for three more [=GBAs=] and four wireless adapters, trying to play the same game on four controllers at once isn't exactly a manageable task. The fact that the Platform/GameBoy line's been discontinued since the [[UsefulNotes/NintendoDS DSi]] only adds to the problem nowadays.

* ''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaOracleGames The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages]]'' added a mechanic for the Mermaid Suit where you have to ''constantly tap the + Control Pad'' in the direction you want to swim in, not hold a direction on the + Control Pad as usual. This makes the sixth and seventh dungeon bosses extremely annoying, thanks to both fights being fought underwater (the sixth boss is both under and above water). Also frustrating is that you can only use the item you have equipped to the A button while underwater since the B button is used to surface, meaning you constantly have to open the menu to switch between the sword and the Switch Hook in the seventh dungeon. Made even worse in the UsefulNotes/VirtualConsole release on the 3DS: You either have to double tap the Circle Pad (which is as inefficient and potentially inaccurate as it sounds) or, on an original 3DS at least, an incredibly stiff + Control Pad.

* In the [[UsefulNotes/GameBoyAdvance GBA]] version of ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaALinkToThePast'' you need to play through ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaFourSwords'' in order to unlock the bonus content added to ''[=ALttP=]''. Sadly, ''Four Swords'' is multiplayer-only. For introverted players or people who just don't have any friends with Game Boy Advances, playing the game is impossible, and even if you forked over enough money for three more [=GBAs=] and four wireless adapters, trying to play the same game on four controllers at once isn't exactly a manageable task. The fact that the UsefulNotes/GameBoy line's been discontinued since the [[UsefulNotes/NintendoDS DSi]] only adds to the problem nowadays.

** The multiplayer system forces gamers to use the UsefulNotes/GameBoyAdvance and Link Cables as controllers rather than UsefulNotes/NintendoGameCube controllers in a very clear attempt to foist the peripheral on people. Good luck finding three friends with all the essential hookups to play what could otherwise be an amazing game, especially considering said devices are no longer being made and are quite hard to come by.

** In the remaster, using the GameCube map as the default and having the flipped Wii map locked behind Hero Mode is a grievance to the huge chunk of the fanbase who originally grew up playing on the Wii version of the game.

** While opinions on the motion controls vary, the lack of a left-handed option causes no small amount of agony to southpaws. Even worse, Link himself is usually portrayed as being left-handed.

** During some missions, a Hylian Captain may appear in the battlefield, [[TooDumbToLive often behind enemy lines]], [[RedShirt and be just as competent as you might expect]]. If he takes too much damage, he will proceed to retreat to the allied base and escape. If he dies before he can make it to the allied base, he comes back as a ghost that [[ScrewThisImOuttaHere causes a huge chunk of your allies to flee]]. It's a minor inconvenience if the mission only allows you to use one playable warrior, but it is an ''absolute emergency'' otherwise because ''the ghost can make your other playable warriors flee'', [[NonStandardGameOver causing you to automatically lose the mission]]. As a result, you have to go and escort the Hylian Captain back to the allied base so he doesn't get himself killed, which wastes a lot of time and prevents you from A-ranking the mission if you drag the mission for longer than the strict time limit allows you to (15 minutes in the original Wii U version and ''Definitive Edition'', 20 minutes in ''Legends''). It doesn't help much that the Hylian Captain, [[ArtificialStupidity being as bright as he is]], is highly likely to stop to fight ''every single enemy'' he encounters along the way, even if it is an enemy that takes ''zero'' effort to kill. And just to add more insult to injury, unlike most events featuring ally forces, this Hylian Captain gives the player ''absolutely no rewards whatsoever'' after helping him retreat. All of this makes this event come out as a huge time waster that not only has no rewards attached to it, but that severely punishes you if you dare to ignore it.

** During some missions, a Hylian Captain may appear in the battlefield, [[TooDumbToLive often behind enemy lines]], [[RedShirt and be just as competent as you might expect]]. If he takes too much damage, he will proceed to retreat to the allied base and escape. If he dies before he can make it to the allied base, he comes back as a ghost that [[ScrewThisImOuttaHere causes a huge chunk of your allies to flee]]. It's a minor inconvenience if the mission only allows you to use one playable warrior, but it is an ''absolute emergency'' otherwise because ''the ghost can make your other playable warriors flee'', [[NonStandardGameOver causing you to automatically lose the mission]]. As a result, you have to go and escort the Hylian Captain back to the allied base so he doesn't get himself killed, which wastes a lot of time and prevents you from A-ranking the mission if you drag the mission for longer than the strict time limit allows you to (15 minutes in the original Wii U version and ''Definitive Edition'', 20 minutes in ''Legends''). It doesn't help much that the Hylian Captain, [[ArtificialStupidity being as bright as he is]], is highly likely to stop to fight ''every single enemy'' he encounters along the way, even if it is an enemy that takes ''zero'' effort to kill. And just to add more insult to injury, unlike most events featuring ally forces, this Hylian Captain gives the player ''absolutely no benefits whatsoever'' after helping him retreat. All of this makes this event come out as a huge time waster that not only has no rewards attached to it, but that severely punishes you if you dare to ignore it.

* The second quest in ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZelda1'' adds in some elements that only show up there and not in the first quest, which makes the game harder for the wrong reasons:

* Dungeons in the second quest has invisible doorways that Link can go through by just walking against the wall for a few seconds. There's absolutely nothing in the game that tells you about such walls. Some of these walls are also one way only, meaning you can't go back once you go through them.
* The Bubble enemies can temporarily curse Link if he touches them, which prevents him from using the sword for a while. The second quest adds blue and red Bubbles to the mix where red Bubbles permanently disable your sword while blue Bubbles removes the effect. There are rooms that can contain only red Bubbles, which will screws you over if one manages to touch you and there are no blue Bubbles nearby. The Life Potion can remove the curse as well as visiting a fairy fountain, but using the potions to remove the curse while Link is already healthy is a waste and leaving the dungeon just to find a fairy fountain also eats up a lot of time.

* In the [[UsefulNotes/GameBoyAdvance GBA]] enhanced port of ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaALinkToThePast'' you need to play through ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaFourSwords'' in order to unlock the bonus content added to ''[=ALttP=]''. Sadly, ''Four Swords'' is multiplayer-only. For introverted players or people who just don't have any friends with Game Boy Advances, playing the game is impossible, and even if you forked over enough money for three more [=GBAs=] and four wireless adapters, trying to play the same game on four controllers at once isn't exactly a manageable task. The fact that the UsefulNotes/GameBoy line's been discontinued since the [[UsefulNotes/NintendoDS DSi]] only adds to the problem nowadays.

** During some missions, a Hylian Captain may appear in the battlefield, [[TooDumbToLive often behind enemy lines]], [[RedShirt and be just as competent as you might expect]]. If he takes too much damage, he will proceed to retreat to the allied base and escape. If he dies before he can make it to the allied base, he comes back as a ghost that [[ScrewThisImOuttaHere causes a huge chunk of your allies to flee]]. It's a minor inconvenience if the mission only allows you to use one playable warrior, but it is an ''absolute emergency'' otherwise because ''the ghost can make your other playable warriors flee'', [[NonStandardGameOver causing you to automatically lose the mission]]. As a result, you have to go and escort the Hylian Captain back to the allied base so he doesn't get himself killed, which wastes a lot of time and prevents you from A-ranking the mission if you take drag the mission for longer than the strict time limit allows you to (15 minutes in the original Wii U version and ''Definitive Edition'', 20 minutes in ''Legends''). It doesn't help much that the Hylian Captain, [[ArtificialStupidity being as bright as he is]], is highly likely to stop to fight ''every single enemy'' he encounters along the way, even if it is an enemy that takes ''zero'' effort to kill. And just to add more insult to injury, unlike most events featuring ally forces, this Hylian Captain gives the player ''absolutely no benefits whatsoever'' after helping him retreat. All of this makes this event come out as a huge time waster that not only has no rewards attached to it, but that severely punishes you if you dare to ignore it.

** Passenger missions as well, at least when you're forced to go through enemy-infested sections of railroad tracks. Your passenger will get increasingly annoyed with you each time the train gets hit, and fighting to keep the ship from being blown up by pirates apparently isn't a valid excuse for not ''blowing your whistle when a sign tells you to''...

* In the [[UsefulNotes/GameBoyAdvance GBA]] port of ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaALinkToThePast'' you need to play through ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaFourSwords'' in order to unlock the bonus content added to ''[=ALttP=]''. Sadly, ''Four Swords'' is multiplayer-only. For introverted players or people who just don't have any friends with Game Boy Advances, playing the game is impossible, and even if you forked over enough money for three more [=GBAs=] and four wireless adapters, trying to play the same game on four controllers at once isn't exactly a manageable task. The fact that the UsefulNotes/GameBoy line's been discontinued since the [[UsefulNotes/NintendoDS DSi]] only adds to the problem nowadays.

* Generally speaking, Link's sidekicks have a tendency to be [[AnnoyingVideoGameHelper a little too overly helpful]]. The fact that they give you pointers on where to go is fine, but sometimes the screen will have a notification pop up where you have to press a certain button so they can speak to you. Some, like [[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTheWindWaker the King of Red Lions]] and [[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTwilightPrincess Midna]], only ever speak to you like this when you're in a spot that triggers them, which aren't that frequent. But then there are the Big Three: [[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaOcarinaOfTime Navi]], who started the trend ''and'' became the local AntiPoopSocking spokesperson of the game come the [[UsefulNotes/Nintendo3DS 3DS]] remake; [[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTheMinishCap Ezlo]], whose trigger points are exceedingly common [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWsy-leD6Kk (SHUT UP, ELMO!)]]; and [[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaSkywardSword Fi]], who combines Navi's 3DS issue above with reminders that you're low on health or battery juice (whichever comes first) and [[CaptainObvious aggravatingly obvious]] hints ("There is a switch here. There is an 89% chance you should push it") all annoyingly drawn out since she talks in [[RoboSpeak Robotic]]-[[ExpospeakGag Expo]]-SpockSpeak.

* In the [[UsefulNotes/GameBoyAdvance GBA]] remake of ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaALinkToThePast'' you need to play through ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaFourSwords'' in order to unlock the bonus content added to ''[=ALttP=]''. Sadly, ''Four Swords'' is multiplayer-only. For introverted players or people who just don't have any friends with Game Boy Advances, playing the game is impossible, and even if you forked over enough money for three more [=GBAs=] and four wireless adapters, trying to play the same game on four controllers at once isn't exactly a manageable task. The fact that the UsefulNotes/GameBoy line's been discontinued since the [[UsefulNotes/NintendoDS DSi]] only adds to the problem nowadays.

** Having to pause and go to the equipment screen to change between normal boots and Iron Boots countless times in the Water Temple, where you need to walk on the bottom in some places and float in others to complete it. Made worse by the fact that it takes ages to switch to the pause screen, as every time the player presses the Start button, the game slowly generates a screenshot of the game in order to use it as the background for the pause screen, not showing this one until the process is finished. This was thankfully rectified in later games and the game's 3DS remake, as the Iron and Hover Boots become items that can be equipped to one button, thus making switching in and out of both items less time-consuming.

** Swimming. Zora Link can be ''extremely'' frustrating to control, giving both the Great Bay Temple and its [[ThatOneBoss infamous boss]] unfavorite status among many players. And the kicker? The 3DS remake traded one problem for a new one, as swimming is now infinitely more controllable but also much ''slower'' unless you use magic power to dash. The problem with this, however, is that there are still a few ledges in which Zora Link needs to make a "Dolphin Leap", a maneuver in which Zora Link needs to use his speed to leap out from the water to land on a platform. As you swim slower, this presents a problem getting the speed to make the jump unless you use your magic, but then you might have a hard time angling your jump when you can't easily see over your barrier.

* ''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaOracleGames The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages]]'' added a mechanic for the Mermaid Suit where you have to ''constantly tap the D-Pad'' in the direction you want to swim in, not hold the D-Pad as usual. This makes the sixth and seventh dungeon bosses extremely annoying, thanks to both fights being fought underwater (the sixth boss is both under and above water). Also frustrating is that you can only use the item you have equipped to the A button while underwater since the B button is used to surface, meaning you constantly have to open the menu to switch between the sword and the Switch Hook in the seventh dungeon. Made even worse in the UsefulNotes/VirtualConsole release on the 3DS: You either have to double tap the circle pad (which is as inefficient and potentially inaccurate as it sounds) or, on an original 3DS at least, an incredibly stiff D-Pad.

* In the [[UsefulNotes/GameBoyAdvance GBA]] port of ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaALinkToThePast'' you need to play through ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaFourSwords'' in order to unlock the bonus content added to ''[=ALttP=]''. Sadly, ''Four Swords'' is multiplayer-only. For introverted players or people who just don't have any friends with Game Boy Advances, playing the game is impossible, and even if you forked over enough money for three more [=GBAs=] and four wireless adapters, trying to play the same game on four controllers at once isn't exactly a manageable task. The fact that the UsefulNotes/GameBoy line's been discontinued since the [[UsefulNotes/NintendoDS DSi]] only adds to the problem nowadays.

** There's also treasure. When you pick up a new type of treasure, you get the usual animation of Link holding it up and a text box announcing what it is, followed by your tally of that item going up by one. All well and good, except that this aspect resets ''every time you start up the game;'' anything you haven't picked up ''in the current game session'' triggers the time-consuming cutscene all over again because, evidently, [[ViewersAreGoldfish you are woefully incapable]] of remembering what a bird feather is between game sessions (or woefully incapable of looking it up on the inventory menu). Wanna know how bad this feature is? LetsPlay/{{Chuggaaconroy}} made a RunningGag counter of how many times this came up in his playthrough. And according to [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GShYngULjN0 this video,]] the tally ends at ''[[UpToEleven 223 redundant explanations]]''. Thankfully, this can be avoided by picking the item up with the beetle and the HD Remaster removed this feature entirely.

** The dash mechanic. Link's stamina can only be enhanced through temporary ([[RandomDrop and]] [[ItemCrafting expensive]]) potion effects, and given that Link walks so slowly otherwise, you'll find yourself constantly having to press the dash button just to get around. In addition, climbing walls and stuff now takes up stamina whereas in previous games you could take as long as you wanted to climb a wall so long as you didn't fall off. There are usually Stamina Fruits in both cases to mitigate the issue, but it still can easily trip up new players.

* Inventory shuffling in ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaLinksAwakening'' and ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaOraclesGames'' is much more annoying compared to other installments. This is attributed to the fact that all of Link's equipment in these games count as items, including your sword and shield. Most if not all the bosses require specific items to defeat, and the overworlds have many obstacles that you need items to overcome. Having to switch back and fourth between your offenses and, for example, the Power Bracelet can get tiresome real quick. The Switch remake of ''Link's Awakening'', with more buttons to use, automatically equips your sword and shield, plus the Power Bracelet and Pegasus Boots, making inventory management less of an issue.

* Inventory shuffling in ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaLinksAwakening'' is much more annoying compared to other installments. This is attributed to the fact that all of Link's equipment in this game count as items, including your sword and shield. Most if not all the bosses require specific items to defeat, and the overworld has many item-requiring obstacles. Having to switch back and fourth between your offenses and, for example, the Power Bracelet can get tiresome real quick. The Switch remake, with more buttons to use, automatically equips your sword and shield, plus the Power Bracelet and Pegasus Boots, making inventory management less of an issue.

** When you travel back to the First Day, you lose certain sidequest items such as Deku Deeds or the event items involving the Anju and Kafei sidequest. Considering how much time it takes to get each portion back if you reset time and save, it's highly annoying; especially as Anju and Kafei's sidequest needs to be done at least twice to get 100% for the game.

* ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTheWindWaker'': The sailing deserves special mention here; while it's essentially the same mechanic as Epona the horse, at least Hyrule Field has more visual diversity. Epona also didn't require you to play a song every time you wanted to change directions for max speed, and the Great Sea is much larger than Hyrule Field. Of course, a BrokenBase developed around this mechanic, as about as many fans who hated the mechanic also loved it. Slightly changed in the UpdatedRerelease with the addition of a "Fast Sail" that doubles your speed and eliminates the need to manually change the direction of the wind; of course, the issue of whether it's needed or it ruins the experience of the game leads back to the same argument.

** After getting a Game Over, any extra lives you've picked up (and there aren't too many of them) are [[PermanentlyMissableContent lost for good]]. Get used to having only three tries in a dungeon before going back to start.

* Kinstones in ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTheMinishCap'', for wasting one of the GBA's precious four buttons on a seldom-used function. And the people you fuse Kinstones with keep changing. You could attempt to fuse Kinstones with somebody, discover you don't have the right type, and come back later when you do to discover that that particular fusion has moved to someone else. It's particularly bad when there are certain fusions that will always be from a specific NPC, but they won't always be willing to fuse Kinstones with you. Also, some possible Kinstone fusions will be [[PermanentlyMissableContent lost for good]] if you don't fuse them at the time the game wants you to fuse them. It's especially annoying when at one point in the game, Tingle will fuse Kinstones with you, but come back later in the postgame with only one Kinstone left to fuse and he suddenly won't want to fuse with you. This mechanic is required for beating the game as there are gold Kinstone fusions that have to be done in order to unlock new areas (thankfully, these pieces are in set locations unlike the other colors which [[RandomDrop appear randomly from cutting grass and defeating enemies]]).

* ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaOracleGames'' added a mechanic for the Mermaid Suit where you have to ''constantly tap the D-Pad'' in the direction you want to swim in, not hold the D-Pad as usual. This makes the sixth and seventh dungeon bosses extremely annoying, thanks to both fights being fought underwater (the sixth boss is both under and above water). Also frustrating is that you can only use the item you have equipped to the A button while underwater since the B button is used to surface, meaning you constantly have to open the menu to switch between the sword and the Switch Hook in the seventh dungeon. Made even worse in the UsefulNotes/VirtualConsole release on the 3DS: You either have to double tap the circle pad (which is as inefficient and potentially inaccurate as it sounds) or, on an original 3DS at least, an incredibly stiff D-Pad.

* Generally speaking, Link's sidekicks have a tendency to be [[AnnoyingVideoGameHelper a little too overly helpful]]. The fact that they give you pointers on where to go is fine, but sometimes the screen will have a notification pop up where you have to press a certain button so they can speak to you. Some, like [[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTheWindWaker the King of Red Lions]] and [[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTwilightPrincess Midna]], only ever speak to you like this when you're in a spot that triggers them, which aren't that frequent. But then there are the Big Three: [[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaOcarinaOfTime Navi]], who started the trend ''and'' became the local AntiPoopSocking spokesperson of the game come the [[UsefulNotes/Nintendo3DS 3DS]] remake; [[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTheMinishCap Ezlo]], whose trigger points are exceedingly common [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWsy-leD6Kk (SHUT UP, ELMO!)]]; and [[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaSkywardSword Fi]], who combines Navi's 3DS issue above with reminders that you're low on health or battery juice (whichever comes first) and [[CaptainObvious aggravatingly obvious]] hints ("There is a switch here. There is an 89% chance you should push it") all annoyingly drawn out since she talks in [[RoboSpeak Robotic]]-[[ExpospeakGag Expo]]-SpockSpeak. Arin of the ''WebVideo/GameGrumps'' describes her as "[[UpToEleven Navi times a million]]" without a hint of joking.

** There's also treasure. When you pick up a new type of treasure, you get the usual animation of Link holding it up and a text box announcing what it is, followed by your tally of that item going up by one. All well and good, except that this aspect resets ''every time you start up the game;'' anything you haven't picked up ''in the current game session'' triggers the time-consuming cutscene all over again because, evidently, [[ViewersAreGoldfish you are woefully incapable]] of remembering what a bird feather is between game sessions (or woefully incapable of looking it up on the inventory menu). Wanna know how bad this feature is? LetsPlay/{{Chuggaaconroy}} made a RunningGag counter of how many times this came up in his playthrough. And according to [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GShYngULjN0 this video,]] the tally ends at ''[[UpToEleven 223 redundant explanations]]''. Thankfully, this can be avoided by picking the item up with the beetle.
** This game also inexplicably did away with adjustable text speed, uses a ridiculously slow speed as the default, ''and'' has more text-exposition than any other ''Zelda'' game, so be prepared to sit through many lines of tedious text, often text you've been force-read dozens of times already, every time you buy anything or talk to anyone for any other reason. Plot-relevant text is even slower. Holding down the A button speeds it up a tiny bit, but not nearly enough to prevent boring an average-speed reader to death.

* ''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaOracleGames Oracle of Ages]]'' added a mechanic for the Mermaid Suit where you have to ''constantly tap the D-Pad'' in the direction you want to swim in, not hold the D-Pad as usual. This makes the sixth and seventh dungeon bosses extremely annoying, thanks to both fights being fought underwater (the sixth boss is both under and above water). Also frustrating is that you can only use the item you have equipped to the A button while underwater since the B button is used to surface, meaning you constantly have to open the menu to switch between the sword and the Switch Hook in the seventh dungeon. Made even worse in the UsefulNotes/VirtualConsole release on the 3DS: You either have to double tap the circle pad (which is as inefficient and potentially inaccurate as it sounds) or, on an original 3DS at least, an incredibly stiff D-Pad.
* ''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTheWindWaker The Wind Waker]]'': The sailing deserves special mention here; while it's essentially the same mechanic as Epona the horse, at least Hyrule Field has more visual diversity. Epona also didn't require you to play a song every time you wanted to change directions for max speed, and the Great Sea is much larger than Hyrule Field. Of course, a BrokenBase developed around this mechanic, as about as many fans who hated the mechanic also loved it. Slightly changed in the UpdatedRerelease with the addition of a "Fast Sail" that doubles your speed and eliminates the need to manually change the direction of the wind; of course, the issue of whether it's needed or it ruins the experience of the game leads back to the same argument.

** During some missions, a Hylian Captain may appear in the battlefield, [[TooDumbToLive often behind enemy lines]], [[RedShirt and be just as competent as you might expect]]. If he takes too much damage, he will proceed to retreat to the allied base and escape. If he dies before he can make it to the allied base, he comes back as a ghost that [[ScrewThisImOuttaHere causes a huge chunk of your allies to flee]]. It's a minor inconvenience if the mission only allows you to use one playable warrior, but it is an ''absolute emergency'' otherwise because ''the ghost can make your other playable warriors flee'', [[NonStandardGameOver causing you to automatically lose the mission]]. As a result, you have to go and escort the Hylian Captain back to the allied base so he doesn't get himself killed, which wastes a lot of time and prevents you from A-ranking the mission if you take drag the mission for longer than the strict time limit allows you to (15 minutes in the original Wii U version and ''Definitive Edition'', 20 minutes in ''Legends''). It doesn't help much that the Hylian Captain, [[ArtificialStupidity being as bright as he is]], is highly likely to stop to fight ''every single enemy'' he encounters along the way, even if it is an enemy that takes ''zero'' effort to kill. And just to add more insult to injury, unlike most events featuring ally forces, this Hylian Captain gives the player ''absolutely no benefits whatsoever'' after helping him retreat. All of this makes this event come out as a huge time waster that not only has no rewards attached to it, but that severly punishes you if you dare to ignore it.