Grappling Hook

If you thought that this new addition to the Zelda franchise is a replacement for the Hookshot, then think again. The Grappling Hook cannot latch onto boxes or targets and pull you across the room. Instead, this rope with a hook at its end is quite a bit like a portable version of Donkey Kong's vines -- or perhaps Mr. Belmont's classic whip in Castlevania. You can only aim high with it (as Link needs room to swing the rope) and only latch on to special grappling bars attached to the ceiling or walls. It does, however, break pots when thrown at them -- but it cannot retrieve the items they yield.

• Swinging: Hit the button you assigned the hook to and the game will switch to a first-person view that lets you take aim freely in a first-person view. A target and audio signal will let you know if you're aiming at something that you can latch on to. Once the hook connects, you will automatically swing forward.If you press and hold R, Link will stop swinging and you can climb up or down the rope or change direction. Pushing up and down on the stick (without holding R) will increase Link's momentum and help him get the maximum boost when jumping off the rope.
• Combat: You can also use the Grappling Hook in combat. Simply target an enemy and hit the corresponding button and Link will swing the rope like a lasso. If you hit it again and hold the button, Link will throw the hook at the enemy and steal a power-up (the types and number of items you can steal varies from opponent to opponent). This is a sure-fire way to get valuable spoils, like pendants or necklaces. Defeating the enemies with your sword will sometimes yield the same power-ups, but you won't always have time to retrieve them -- or they could fall into lava or off a cliff. The Grappling Hook is also great for knocking out smaller airborne enemies, like bats.
• On the Boat: Use the hook on your boat and it will function like a small utility crane. Using the Grappling Hook is the only way to lift treasures that you can track down on the watery overworld. Treasures are marked on treasure charts or hinted at with glowing spots on the surface. Most glowing spots only yield 20 rupee pieces, but select ones (as well as special ones marked on Treasure Charts will get you as much as 200 rupees in one shot. There is also the occasional dud, where you reel in a crusty old pot.