The LEGEND of IOWA
Version 1.13


This is a patch for "The Legend of Iowa", meant to be applied to the PRG-0 version of "The Legend of Zelda" NES ROM. This update re-tasks the Death Counter as an Iowa Piece counter, and does a fair amount of behind-the-scenes acrobatics to avoid running afoul of the SRAM Sanity Check I didn't even know the original game had.

1.13) Re-tasks Death Counter as Iowa Piece Counter.


The biggest known problem with the hack thus far is its tendency to "black-out" when played on NEStopia* and PowerPak**. If this happens, simply press the SELECT button on Controller #2. This forces the game to trigger a screendraw, and should bring things back into view post-haste.

* Title Screen, Reg & Elimination Screens.
** Reg/Elimination Screens.

There's also an issue with the first half of the ending text not displaying on the aforementioned utilities. Rest assured, this is a main focus for the next update.


If you encounter any other glitches (or if something just seems "off"), by all means contact me at any/all of the following:

1) DrFloppyMD@aol.com
2) Via PM at www.BaddestHacks.net
3) Via PM at www.ROMhacking.net


Also, since the nature of this game is one of secrets & exploration, there are bound to be instances where you just don't know what to do or where to go next. Again, feel free to contact me with questions. I might not spell things out completely, but I'll do my best to nudge you in the right direction!

I designed this game with the original Zelda in mind, so fans of that game should know what to expect. I did tone down the difficulty (particularly that of the early Second Quest) pursuant to the feedback of several Beta Testers; I still maintain that this hack is on-par with or slightly easier than the original game.

Future updates will focus on fixing the above-mentioned "Blackout" issue, along with aesthetic updates & supplemental goodies like artwork and an official manual. It's also been suggested that I add a special Director's Commentary, which is likely.

In closing, I'd like to thank everyone at Bad/Badder/Baddesthacks.net, particularly Rotwang, Hax0rKyo and Goldengun. Also, total accolades to everyone in the wider ROM hacking community, who patiently endured a seemingly endless series of delays with respect to this hack. (The original release was supposed to be Xmas Eve, 2009!)


Enough waiting! Let's go tangle with some meth-heads!!!



~Dr. Floppy

May 1st, 2015