Bow: Difference between revisions

| caption  = Artwork from [[The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword|Skyward Sword]]

| related  = [[Slingshot]]<br>[[Hero's Bow]]<br>[[Fairy Bow]]<br>[[Iron Bow]]<br>[[Sacred Bow]]<br>[[Nice Bow]]

The '''Bow''' is a ranged weapon with great power found throughout [[The Legend of Zelda (Series)|''The Legend of Zelda'' series]]. It's a recurring weapon, appearing in most ''Zelda'' games, the exceptions being ''[[Zelda II: The Adventure of Link|The Adventure of Link]]'', ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages|Oracle of Ages]]'' and ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons|Oracle of Seasons]]''. It can often be upgraded with new types of [[Arrow]]s and larger [[Quiver]]s. The perks of having a bow is that Link can attack enemies from range, not having to engage in melee combat with them or activate switches which can't be reached by the sword. However, the Bow is ammunition-based so he must keep supplying it with arrows.

The Bow is found very early in ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]''. In fact, it is found in the first [[dungeon]] of the game, [[Level 1: The Eagle]]. The Bow allows Link to fire off arrows at enemies. Before Link gains the ability to use it, he must first purchase the arrows from one of the [[Item Shop]]s for 80 [[Rupee]]s. Also, as opposed to possessing a limited number of arrows, firing an arrow drains Link's [[wallet]] by one [[Rupee]].{{Ref|pg. 24|For every arrow Link shoots, he loses one [Rupee].|''[[The Legend of Zelda]] Game Manual''}} The Bow is required to complete the game, because it is the only weapon capable of killing [[Gohma]], as well as Ganon. In the final dungeon of the game, [[Level 9: Death Mountain]], Link receives the [[Silver Arrow]]s, which do more damage and are required to defeat [[Ganon]].

In ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|Twilight Princess]]'', the Bow is called the Hero's Bow and is obtained in the [[Goron Mines]]. Depending on what system the game is being played on, the controls regarding the Bow vary. In the [[Nintendo GameCube|GameCube]] version, the aiming system is the same as in previous 3D Zelda titles. On the [[Nintendo Wii|Wii]], the player must aim the Wii Remote at the point where they want to shoot. The camera can be rotated using the joystick, allowing for simultaneous movement and aiming. The quiver upgrades can be obtained by completing the [[STAR Game]] in [[Castle Town]] with the [[Clawshot]], or, to make it easier, the [[Double Clawshots]]. These upgrades allow Link to hold 60 and 100 arrows, respectively.

 

This game features [[Bomb Arrow]]s, which are projectile explosives that can destroy faraway obstacles. They can be equipped by first making Link equip his Bow, and then moving the cursor over a [[Bomb Bag]], and pressing the appropriate button.

[[File:Bowlinkpng.png|right|150px]]

The Bow is again featured in the 16th ''The Legend of Zelda'' installment, ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword|Skyward Sword]]''. In this game, the Bow is received in the [[Sandship]], and can be used to kill far-off enemies, activate [[Timeshift Stone]]s, and more. The controls are much different than that Link has ever since before. It is used with the Wii Remote in the right hand and the Nunchuck in the left. After holding C to nock an arrow, the player can pull back the Nunchuck, as if the player is pulling back the string on an actual bow, and release the C button to shoot an arrow. This is the same control scheme that can be found in Wii Sports Resort for archery. As usual, Link can shoot enemies with the bow, and items can be knocked off trees and other objects. Additionally, items dropped by enemies (such as hearts) can also be shot with the bow and pinned to walls. By doing this, Link can reclaim his dropped heart as well as his arrow.

The Bow returns in the newest ''The Legend of Zelda'' adventure, ''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds|A Link Between Worlds]]''. The Bow can be rented or purchased from [[Ravio's Shop]], for 50 and 800 [[Rupee]]s, respectively. However, there are no [[Arrow]]s in this game. Instead, every time Link uses the Bow, his [[Energy Gauge]] depletes; this is the first game since ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'' to feature the Bow but not collectable Arrows.

 

 

 

Later on in the game, Link can upgrade the Bow into the [[Nice Bow]]. This upgraded version shoots three arrows at a time instead of one, dealing three times as much damage. It can be acquired by returning ten [[Maiamai]]s to [[Mother Maiamai]], and then giving her the Bow. However, Mother Maiamai can only do the upgrade on the Bow if Link has purchased it, not rented.

The Bow is featured in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Battle Quest|Battle Quest]]'', one of 12 attractions that make up NintendoLand, a launch title for the [[Nintendo Wii U|Wii U]]. It is specifically called the Hero's Bow. It is the weapon of choice for the player who is using the GamePad. It is used by holding down the right control stick to load the shot, and then releasing to let the arrow fire. The GamePad's gyroscope is used to aim.