Pretty good, but needs some work.
For your very first game in flash, I am very impressed. I don't even want to mension my first game...
The good points:
*The hit tests were surprisingly good. During the trip down the river, I was just expecting to lose due to crappy hitTests. I don't know if you used hitTest with bounding boxes or not, but you made it fair enough.
*The game play was well thought out. Getting each item and using them to solve problems. I also like the boss and the minigame you threw in there. Changes the pace a little bit. And since Ive never played Zelda before, I don't really know what everyone else is talking about. But even if I did, it still should not bring down your rating as it is an excellent game. There are tons of tributes/rips out there that have gotten great reviews.
*The control style was also well thought up. I really liked how you kept everything to the keyboard. This is something that game developers need to take care of more often. If a game utilizes the mouse, then the navigation can include the mouse. However, if a game is keyboard controlled, so should the navigation (and the inventory). This way, the players does not need to change back and forth.
Things that need work:
*Definately speed up the character. Or at least add a run feature. As others have said, it was a little frustrating to have to walk back and forth at such a slow pace.
Not much else to say. I liked the preview of the sequel, and am looking forward to playing it. Good luck with it.
DBarbarian