The game seems to follow the formula from 2D Zelda, where the world appears open but you eventually need to find the correct item to progress.

I quickly noticed a place that had a rock blocking the path. Being a seasoned gamer, I quickly deduced this might require bombs. Turns out if you press select you get context about the area from a man in a turban that flies Link to this island. In that same initial area, I ran into Morshu. :morshu:

I finally understand the references. I knew the character from memes but, unlike everyone else, I hadn't yet played the game. So he sells items. I've been farming rupees to get enough rupees to buy lamp oil, rope and bombs.

Then I went exploring another area and found a man with a pet gohma. He gave me a better sword so now I do the ranged attack thing from when you have full hearts. So far, so good. I'll farm some more...