Link returns to action in The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awaking. Created by Grezzo, a company who have made quite a business of re introducing Link’s earlier adventures to modern audiences. This release of an earlier Game Boy title has a difficult task. How do you improve a game most gamers think was perfect to begin with? The answer was updating the graphics, making some small quality of life changes, and making sure the game stays true to it’s roots.
Link awakens on a mysterious island, far from Hyrule. He is greeted by a local girl named Marin and learns that his only hope is to awaken the Wind Fish. He must find eight instruments in order to wake it up and leave the island. There are enemies who want this power for their own. Don’t look for familiar faces. Even Zelda is nowhere to be found.
Link’s Awaking seems strange from the start. There are enemies that I have seen, but not in a Zelda game. Characters that I knew from future games also make an appearance. Link’s Awaking came out right after A Link to the Past and it shows. One addition is that Link can jump, a necessity in this strange world. While future titles seem grounded, Link’s Awaking feels like a dream.
A lot was made of the animation style of this remake. There is no realistic characters here, but a style that shouts post modern. It works, especially as you start to piece together what is going on. It was a shock when the game lets you know what is going on. I have not finished the entire game. During a search, I saw something that would make sense. I hope it isn’t true, given the implications.
The new features in Link’s Awaking range from small changes to one big one. Link’s equipment is easier to equip, now that his sword and shield are always on. The mini games seem more real, such as the claw game. The biggest additions is the ability to collect rooms of a dungeons and then put them together to play through. Think Mario Maker for the Zelda set. If you grabbed Amiibos, they can activate special effects.
Link’s Awaking is a game that everyone should experience. While other games, such as Majora’s Mask, would make a player feel that their quest is hopeless, Link’s Awaking is about continuing the fight. I want to do all of the side quests just so I can spend more time on Koholint Island. If what I saw is true, then my time here makes me treasure the people and places I have met.
9/10
Available on the Switch.
https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/the-legend-of-zelda-links-awakening-switch/
