Nintendo arguably left the best announcement until last in the most recent Direct presentation. In case you missed it, we're talking about the reveal of The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening for the Nintendo Switch - a remake of the Game Boy classic, first released in 1993.
With very few details about the game available at this point in time, other than the year of release and game trailer (see below), most returning fans are likely expecting it to be a relatively straightforward port, with a new lick of paint and some quality of life changes here and there. The game listing on the official Nintendo website though has led to speculation there could be a multiplayer option in the game, as the page says the number of players has not been determined. See for yourself below:
We know it's still early days, but given the fact the original title was a solo experience, it raises questions as to why the listing doesn't already say this. If we were to wildly speculate ourselves, perhaps there is a chance Nintendo will add in a bonus mode or game similar to Tri Force Heroes or the Four Swords, as this next outing appears to be another classic take on the series.
If you don't know what all the fuss about this remake is for, why not take advantage of the current half-price offer on My Nintendo and download the Virtual Console DX version on your 3DS.
What do you make of this? Were you expecting a multiplayer component to be included with this Game Boy remake? Are you excited about Link's Awakening coming to the Switch? Tell us in the comments.
[source nintendosoup.com, via twitter.com]
Comments 108
32 players, online Battle Hyrule mode - calling it now!
I'll definitely be interested in seeing what this might mean.
I hope the trailer was mostly a lie and this turns into a Switch version of Triforce Heroes with an Awakening coat of paint. Everyone knows TH was the best Zelda game.
@JHDK Don’t even.
I'd bet it's something like in Mario Galaxy, where a second player can sort of help you. Or perhaps an assist mode. Nintendo's been trying to have optional modes a lot recently to make things really REALLY easy on kids.
@JHDK That's a funny joke. Not.
I doubt they'll add multiplayer but it would be nice to have playable Zelda. You just need to add her to the boat with Link. You could "share the joy" since the game doesn't even require most of the buttons.
2 Players Co Op like Pokemon Let's Go.
@Late
I’d rather her not added for no other reason than just a second player. I’d rather her get her own game completely.
Isn't it a remake?
For all we know, they could easily pack in something like Four Swords or Tri-Force Heroes as an extra mode.
So Astral Chain has coop multiplayer, and Super Mario Maker and Link's Awakening might have it.
Gosh, what a year!!
@BenGrimm I mean, it would be better than another Link. I'd like to see her get her own game as well.
@Late why not just Linkle?
Tried to play it, couldn't stay engaged (granted, I felt the same way about Super Metroid and Chrono Trigger).
But one of my hometown buds could speedrun the game, knows all the breaks, knows all the glitches, etc.
The thing about Nintendo revealing a game is, they can blow you away with only showing a small part of it. When they say they will share details later, I'm inclined to think we don't know everything...but already hyped about an Awakening remake.
I would love a co-op mode or online leaderboards with online play .
Anything extra in this game is just gonna be sweet sweet icing on the already sweet sweet cake . I cannot wait to play this Link's Awakening is easily in the top three of my favorite Zelda titles . I was actually playing Link's Awakening DX on my 3DS when Nintendo announced this and what a phenomenal announcement it was., I actually am hoping we get some new amiibo to go along with the game to, that Link is just so freaking adorable I can't wait to see the other characters from the game .
@the_beaver
Linkle was pretty good in Hyrule Warriors but I’d still rather Zelda. Switching between her royal side and Sheik side seems a neat idea.
I do think they'll add something new to it. But I dunno if it'll be multiplayer.
It will have a four swords episode like in the gba port of link to the past.
Posting for A Link Between Worlds says the same thing before it launch too, nothing new here folks. It's the same thing as the rating pending, it's not determined until the game is actually finish as more contents are still made for the game.
I’d be surprised if it didn’t have an Online Four Swords-type game attached to it, like the GBA LTTP. They’re keen to push the Online service.
Though at the same time that could make a neat ‘Special Offer’ along the lines of Tetris 99.
I hope not, since Tri Force Heroes and Four Swords are hardly average games ....the Zelda gameplay is not just meant to be for multiplayer
@sikthvash I've played through the original half a dozen times and this basically just looks like a 1:1 graphical upgrade... great, but I wouldn't necessarily pay full price for it. HOWEVER if what you mentioned was part of the package, it would be an insta-buy from me.
Mostly I'm just curious if they will expand the core experience.
Zelda, at its core is a single player adventure experience – and multiplayer should always be no more than a side-serving imo. Multiplayer Zelda has never gained much interest. Zelda is a game-world in which a single player loses themselves in that world and main quest. Multiplayer breaks that.
The Switch, due to its extra local multiplayer appeal, has already been guilty of shoehorning multiplayer into many games that don't need it and would have benefited from that extra development time being used to offer more options to the core game.
OMG it also says Rating Pending — is that a hint that this will be the first Adult Only Zelda?
Why couldn't Switch just come out in 2022 like it was supposed to so it wouldn't have to rely on all these ports???
How hasn't anyone said it yet...
Its dangerous to go alone!
The Four Sword Anniversary Edition on the DS has a huge Link’s Awakening overlap.
@Razieluigi : Post-game VR Zelda lovemaking mode confirmed. Will require Joy-Dong (sold separately) to play.
@brunojenso Beyond Kirby, what games have been whacked with the unnecessary multiplayer stick?
@sikthvash Real talk, not generally a fan of BR games but could you imagine BoTW with a BR mode?
I was super bummed that there was no AC update, but this made up for it. My body is ready.
Just curious about where you guys got this information from? Just because I mentioned this earlier today in the below post (see comment #45) and a few hours later it turns up on this very same site.
https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/02/get_zelda_links_awakening_for_just_p2_69_before_the_switch_remake_arrives_europe
I wouldn't be surprised if there was a online multiplayer mode like Four Swords or Tri-force Heroes. At least I hope there is. I love this game but I have also played through it a lot. If it isn't much more than a re-skin I am not sure I can justify buying it again.
I want to he able to justify buying it again.
It’s Rating Pending, so maybe it will be M rated too this time. Can never count it out!
anyone remember that one streetpass function in a link between worlds? they should bring that back, it was really cool
@Indielink It would be pretty sweet! The mod scene are doing some interesting things with BotW emulated on PC; who knows, maybe it will become a thing!
@Muddy_4_Ever Yeh, I'm kind of hoping there's going to be some additional content here. Something akin to the OoT Master Quest would be nice with some remixed dungeons and boss fights. A two player Co-Op would also be great!
I’d love to see the DSi Four Swords get a port or remaster, I think it would fit nicely with Link’s Awakening. It would be a very welcome fit on Switch.
Could just be a separate multiplayer mode, like in spirit tracks and phantom hourglass
Hyrule Battle Royale!
@Indielink Kirby was the biggest example I could think of. I guess Metroid FF was a good example of that - but not on Switch. I think there has been quite a few, however I probably over reacted to be honest, and your right to call me out on it.
Maybe many others would love multiplayer added to this game. I think what's actually been more common with Nintendo is them putting little single player content into predominately multiplayer games – like Mario Kart 8D (no mission mode for instance), and Arms, but in fairness Nintendo did try at least with Mario Tennis and Splatoon (mostly through DLC). And I believe Smash has amazing single player content?!
So I guess I need to be brave and admit I really didn't have a point
Just don't make it battle royal
I like LA but it’s a small game with a small map. It would have to be an additional multiplayer 4 swords type game.
number of players? well they have to justify their nintendo online subscription somehow i guess.
i really don't see why this can't be two player coop seems easy enough to implement to me
I would assume the number of players refers to the number of slots available so more than one single player games can be played at a time.
Otherwise the game info would say multi player yes or no.
If we are speculating then, if the game is a 2019 release, I would have thought the game would be complete now and would be at a testing stage.
If it is not complete a 2019 release looks dubious.
One of Nintendo's problems I feel is the decision to either make a single player or a multi player game has to have compromise. Usually the single player side is compromised.
@WOLF13 You never know, they may add additional contents to the ones we already had from the original Link's Awakening. Remember Metroid: Zero Mission and Samus Returns aren't just original Metroid games with new graphics there are additional contents added to the original ones too.
@retro_player_22 I hope so. It’s not close to being worth $60 with just a graphics update.
It also says ''Role Playing'' game, so skill trees and stats confirmed!
It's time for a proper revival of 4 swords
Fire Emblem: Three Houses; No. of Players: To be determined
https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/fire-emblem-three-houses-switch
Super Mario Maker 2; No. of Players: To be determined
https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/super-mario-maker-2-switch
Assassin's Creed III Remastered; No. of Players: To be determined
https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/assassins-creed-3-remastered-switch
It doesn't mean anything, at all.
Add Seasons and Ages as bonus items
@Silly_G wow, that controller name makes the good old joy con sound like some kind of puritanical device!
@Octane hopefully all those games are actually working out how many players they will allow!
@retro_player_22 oh baby, I hope Ninty brings Metroid zero mission to Switch with 720p 60 fps action!!!
Zelda 99. They're going to bring the joy of Tetris and Fortnite to Hyrule!
@Muddy_4_Ever not just the graphics but also movement in game. the original release was slow/sluggish. Of course limitation of that system hold it back. now you will experience better speed. So well done Nintendo. We want more remasters from you like this for the 2d games from gameboy. Don't need full 3d like breath of the wild. with that said
Might be an unpopular comment but i'm playing through Tri-Force Heroes right now and quite enjoying it Although admittedly i'm playing it in single-player but i wasn't expecting much from it but i'm pleasantly surprised, some sort of multi-player that's similar in LA would be fine by me.
Links Awakening Battle royal mode. 99 people Battle it out in a survival of fish. Whoever gets hooked last by the Fisherman wins!
@Octane All three of those games listed might actually include multiplayer.
Fire Emblem games have previously included multiplayer support.
There is currently a rumour Super Mario Maker 2 will include some form of co-op or two player mode (the inclusion of
Luigi in the artwork is also believed to be a sign of this).
And previous releases of Assassin's Creed III have included a multiplayer component, but who knows what Ubisoft has planned for the Switch version.
There are plenty of other new game listings on Nintendo.com that actually confirm the number of players as well:
Box Boy! + Box Girl!
https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/box-boy-and-box-girl-switch (2 players simultaneous) - Nintendo published
Astral Chain
https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/astral-chain-switch (2 players simultaneous) - Nintendo published
Rune Factory 4
https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/rune-factory-4-special-switch (1 player)
@Liam_Doolan Maybe, but I think you're really grasping at straws here. This happens with nearly all of their titles; the information on their website, or lack thereof, isn't really proof or suggestive that a multiplayer mode is in the works. The most reasonable explanation is that the employees responsible for managing and updating the information on their website don't have a clue either, since it wasn't specified in the Direct.
I don't see the point to having multiplayer in a single player puzzle adventure game.
The design documents for the original Link's Awakening did have a note, "what to do about two player mode." Or something close to that. Adding it back in would be a great way to make this game more than just a pretty version of the original.
A new Four Swords game is always welcome (especially for Koholint). @Schizor88 Fishing multiplayer would be insanely fun, too.
@Octane Well, it is just speculation. Obviously, it could go either way - so I guess we will find out. Perhaps it could be a case of western Nintendo employees only knowing so much about the game at this point.
Personally, I wouldn't mind an additional multiplayer mode/game in a remake like this. I also support the idea of a Zelda battle royale, given the amount of fun I've had playing Tetris 99.
Either four swords adventure, side games, Zelda playable character, mission mode......
I wonder!
Still a cute looking game!
A co-op mode would be nice. Not like the game is too harso begin with but for kids might it might seem like a grand adventure they can’t go on alone. I remember being like 9 and playing this with my older cousin watching ovet my shoulder, Helsingin me with the puzzles etc.
I don’t think they can justify a premium 60 price tag on this tho. Not even if they add any multiplayer. It needs additional content even to cost 40. Also, will it be digital only or physical too? Might determine the price.
@Razieluigi Shhh! Don't spoil the surprise! This game will draw people in with it's preschooler graphics but then shocks players when they find out link's new favorite weapon is a chainsaw and the temples are replaced with s-x dungeons!
Obviously Bow Wow will be the player 2 character, didn't you all play the original. (Joking. (I hope.))
@nintendosage go back to your cave troll.
This would be an excellent game to play with my brother if this is true!
Why is this an article? Not every game needs to be a multi player. It was an awesome game in single player mode no need to add others into the mix
If there's multiplayer then this game is day zero for me lol
@NinjaWaddleDee even if its entirely separate from the single player? sounds p close minded if you ask me
Didn't Hyrule Historia have design notes that mentioned plans for multiplayer in the original GB release?
Nah
Link's Awakening Remake will be a single player-only game, much like the original.
This is probably just an error.
They could easily add co-op. I mean even Luigi's Mansion managed to get co-op. I would not be surprised
I don't care what others think, I love the look and think it looks adorable.
It says the same on Super Mario Maker 2. Where's the article?!
I wouldn't put it past them to have some extras included with this remake. I'd be okay with a multiplayer mode as long as it's well thought out and handled properly. I enjoyed Four Swords Anniversary Edition on the 3DS (via DSiWare) but didn't particularly care for Tri Force Heroes very much.
If we can see other Links in the game while playing online, it could give this classic a very unique flavour. The twist needed for this game to go from "year one" to day one.
@Toadie You're not alone! I played TFH solo too and I enjoyed it.
I think Zelda multiplayer can definitely work. I played FSA with my little sister and loved it.
Luigi's Mansion had added multiplayer, and LA very well could have started life as a 3DS game, so I think it's totally fair to speculate that Nintendo might add multiplayer.
@Liam_Doolan Well, of course, but we could have this conversation about every one of their upcoming games
I'm not saying there isn't the possibility of a co-op mode. In all fairness, I do think they will add something new to the remaster, like how they added the colour dungeon to DX. But I think it's meaningless to speculate about it right now. I just don't think this is evidence of anything at all. We'll learn about it in due time!
I think it will be a four swords like mini mode similar to a Link to the Past.
Of there is anything to make me forget about a Metroid title it is a Zelda title.
Why is this via twitter and Nintendo Soup?
One would think NintendoLife would actually read the Nintendo official game page and look up the information themselves.
So props for NintendoLife for staying up to date with the rumour and grapevines. But NintendoLife should be doing things like looking up the page themselves. Ie their own research.
I look up the NoA or NoE/N-ANZ official game pages for every new game release or announcement. So I have the first hand information and be able to ask the right questions.
So I am surprised NintendoLife didn’t source the official game page and source that.
Bow Wow is a playable character.
I guess it would be like Zelda Triforce heroes or Zelda four swords adventures seeing they already done co-op with top-down Zelda games
@ClassSonicSatAm I'm guessing it may be like A Link to the Past/Four Swords on the GBA. The core game could be single player only but there's a separate mode for online multiplayer. I'm guessing Nintendo would want an online component to it so they can promote NSO.
@wazlon nods seems like Nintendo would add that as the new extra mode as with Link to the past, and how they add new modes to Mario & Luigi remakes
should have been a 3ds game
Hundred and first !
CO-OP mode would be really nice, so I can play together with my son.
I don’t see why not. What’s wrong with a social option. More options is always good.
You don’t like it. Simple. Don’t use it.
@sikthvash Watch them turn it into Graal Online!
LOL!
It just goes to show us how anticipated this game is, when every detail is being examined and then over 100 comments. I just want the game!
@IHateTombs ALTTP on GBA came with 4 sword, so I wouldn't be surprised if they added another 4 sword game to justify the price and promote Nintendo online.
@dugan it's not but the screen comparison shows you it's now a matured developed game. This is how a game remaster sells when compared to then to now. If Nintendo can remake past Nintendo comeback to life like this I will get them as well.
As long as they don't give it the Triforce Heroes effect, I'm good.
@boop23
Why not, though? Imagine being in a boss room and someone who's playing online in that said room - after clearing the dungeon - is asked if he wants to help another player defeat the boss. There are so many endless possibilities.
it will probably just be some side minigames type thing or boss raids or something.
@SwitchForce Good point! I hadn't thought of it like that, but of course you are right.
@dugan not trying to be right but if remastered are done correct it can make a difference like Links Awakening. And this can get new upcoming gamers coming to Switch.
Sounds interesting but personally I would rather have GTA5 on the Switch. I know it has most AAA games (Doom, Wolfenstein, Skyrim, Minecraft, LA Noire) but Grand Theft Auto has been on Nintendo systems before, the DS and Game Boys Color and Advance, not to mention GTA5 was a PS3 and Xbox 360 game originally, the Switch could handle it maybe, I would rather have it over stinking FIFA any day!
Slow news day. It's clearly a placeholder
It actually already crossed my mind that this could offer some kind of new online multiplayer feature and be offered for free to Switch Onlined subscribers. Afterall, since it looks a 1:1 remake so far with a very simple art style, are they actually going try to charge a premium price for it? That's when I remembered Tetris 99. Tetris was also originally a Game Boy game, so this could be a pattern.
Well, multiplayer isn't unfeasible, but yeah, this isn't a Triforce Heroes.
Maybe co-op play?
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