The Famicom Disk System included extra sound hardware that let game creators make more interesting sound effects and music than they could with the ordinary Famicom and NES. Since we’re comparing the FDS version of Zelda with the NES version here, it’s natural that a number of audio differences exist between the two.
Since I grew up with the NES version, I’m used to the audio it uses. But Japanese fans are mostly in agreement that the FDS version sounds much better and that the cartridge versions are lackluster.
Here are some audio comparisons for your listening pleasure. See which ones you prefer!
And for more info and details about audio differences, you can see here too!
The Zelda Legends of Localization book also includes:
- Further details about the audio differences
- The audio connections this game has with other Zelda/Nintendo games
- Notes about audio hardware changes
- Some quick history behind the famous Zelda theme
- A full page of quotes from Japanese fans’ opinions about the NES music, and English-speaking fans’ opinions of the Famicom music