Video: We Weren't Sure We Wanted A Zelda: Link's Awakening Remake, Until We Got It

I really wouldn't want the game to go the Breath of the Wild route. It might have worked for that game, but it wouldn't work for most of the other Zelda games (or even all other Zelda games).

Luckily they aren't.
Also I really like the art style, it might need some polish still but I'm certain it will end up being great.

Having grown up with the franchise when it was still brand new, it's been a hoot watching all the various art styles that came with time. Owned this one on the original GB and immediately dug the trailer. Because most of the adventure is technically a dream, any art style could have worked. The playful visuals we are getting now totally mesh with a title that has telephones, quirky self-aware dialogue (the kids playing ball who tell you how controls work), the Mario nods (which even ALTTP had in Mario paintings on house walls), it just seems to work. I've always appreciated that Nintendo has taken visual risks with this franchise. The New SMB games totally bored me visually by all looking exactly the same, so it's always welcome to see new things from familiar favorites. The amiibo idea is solid, I could see the original rom being an unlockable with a corresponding amiibo or something. Looking forward to this one and am now suddenly open to HD remakes of Zeldas 1 and 3

The graphics are really crisp and clean. Suits the gameplay to a tee (especially in handheld I would imagine). Utterly adore how Nintendo think nothing of changing stuff up. If we get an ending as animated as the intro... we will all be in tears.

As long as you’re speaking for yourselves, because I sure as hell knew I wanted it, just as much as I wanted an official Metroid II remake. Both times I didn’t think they’d take the form they have, but I love the style they ended up taking them both.

On a different note, funny you haven’t mentioned the GI “dead and buried game revival” rumour yet.

Does Bowser Inside Story needs a remake? (The original game was only one generation old, the DS cart still works in the 3DS.) Unlike the original, it doesn't run in 60 fps and has toy like visuals... what is going on at Nintendo?

Who is this Zion? No more lovely people dude?

I thought the same thing. Link's Awakening was really good, did we really need an update? But then Link's Awakening DX came out. A photo system and a new dungeon? Well sign me up.

I love Link's Awakening, but I've played it a billion times...a remake might shake things up.

Shame they cancelled the 3DS version, though...Link Between Worlds was pretty great. I guess I might need to get a Switch, now that they will have 2 or 3 games that I want...

I’d like to see remakes more like Metroid II. I don’t have time to replay games that are exactly the same except graphics. There are so many new games to play and new experiences.

Realy hoping for Zelda Lbw twist on this one... but so far, no hints..,

@GrailUK it's not even sad, it's just a dream after all.

I kinda feel like people would be upset no matter what visual style they went with for this game. But I happen to like it. It's very cute.

Personally I am glad that some companies are still going for creativity style in their game design. I feel like most big AAA titles these days go for realism, and while that can look really impressive, it also heavily limits creativity and style.

I mean just one look at a screenshot from this game and you'll instantly be able to place it. But the same sort of thing can't be said for a lot AAA games these days, unless it's got a specific character or particularly important scene.

It’s the only game I’ve downloaded on my New 2DS XL and still haven’t finished it yet. I’m finding it good but not great so far, will definitely be getting the new version as well tho.

Gorgeous...and the game look good too!

I wanted it and I love it. I have no problem with the art style, I actually think it fits the game perfectly.

One of the things I love about LOZ as a franchise is that Nintendo dare to change it up on a regular basis, but it's still recognizably Zelda. Every time they bring a new art style or story, some people are going to love it, some will hate it. I myself don't always love it, but I almost always warm up to it after a while.

Personally, I think if the game went for an art style more like the animated intro, I would've loved it, but as it is, I'm probably gonna end up leaving this one and sticking with the original for the foreseeable future.

I completely have no interest Zelda games except BOTW for some reasons.
At first, i had no reaction at all when i saw Link's Awakening beginning movie until when i saw a Very CUTE toy looking Link, i was surprised.

As soon as I saw the graphics they looked spot on fantastic looking game can't wait to replay Zelda on my TV

The Metroid 2 remake needs a remake on Switch, but only if they double the frame rate back up to the Gameboy level of 60 fps. I love remakes as long as they run smoothly, like Superstar Saga. Cutting frame rates in half is not good Nintendo behaviour! Metroid Samus Returns and Bowser's Inside Story 3DS are visual downgrades in my book because of the loss of smoothness in movement. I'll admit that Samus Returns is still fun and a good game, but I really hope they double the frame rate and release it on Switch. I realise that it would also need to be reworked graphically. Maybe an increase in resolution, texture detail, and a change in aspects ratio. Oh, here's an idea! How about having a traditional pixel art choice like Wonder Boy on Switch?! It would make so many fans happy if we could choose 60 frames per second simple pixel art in Metroid, Link's Awakening, and many other games. I would always choose a pixel art style, especially if it also meant an increase in frame rate! If the choppy 4 player Kirby game on Switch had a 60 fps pixel mode I would've bought it! Actually I think I would like pixel graphics mode on every game. I'd love to see Smash Bros in pixel art. Breath of the Wild would be very interesting with paper Mario style Link and enemies. It would even be interesting to see Mario Kart and Splatoon 2 in chunky pixel art graphics...

I’ll probably buy it but to be honest I hate the art direction

I’ll buy this because I’m a sucker for Zelda games and because I have never played Link’s Awakening, so it will be a new experience for me & not a remake. That being said, my hype level for this isn’t all that high. BotW May have ruined “traditional” Zelda games for me. I’ll have to wait and see.

@60frames-please Samus Returns is possibly the most complete game on the 3DS. I cant think of a single complaint. It's the only reason I dust off my 3DS anymore.

It would be cool on Switch but I wouldn't expect that for at least another year. Nintendo is going to try to make the DS line last as long as they can.

Never figured out how to beat the gameboy version. Didnt have internet til like 2003. I like the toy art style. It's a smart way to present a 2D game(Links Awakening)

They just need to add "Toy Link" to the Smash roster. That game needs more Links.

Wow another overwhelmingly positive comments section. Except for those people who hate the art style of course. I agree with those people as [sarcasm mode initiated] the art style of the original game was so hard edged and gritty in the first place.

@Mqblank it was one of the best Gameboy games graphically. Also it was cool to change the color palette on the GBC. Looked and played like a SNES game.

I'd like a 3D Zelda that was a spiritual successor to Link's Awakening more.

Graphics look like link between world's but they should be more grown up imo

@Franklin Ideally we will get the equivalent to what Majoras was to Ocarina with the next 3D Zelda. It would be downright foolish to mess with the BOTW formula at this point.

@USWITCH64 Little squatty link is the best way to do 2D. It would look ridiculous is he was adult sized

I find it very important that the 2D and 3D games have different identities. Pokemon could take a page from this book and release games in the old style whilst simultaneously releasing 3D breakthroughs. It ensures them more audience, and more chance of crossover sales

Didn’t want it, and don’t want it even more with those graphics. Tiny Link looks stupid, and the 3D/2d view looks awful. Why couldn’t they of made it in the link between worlds style

wait that’s not alex

Edit: Never mind, I just didn’t realize that NL had more than one video making guy 😁

I haven't got it yet.

Link's Awakening is actually my favorite Zelda game, so obviously I was thrilled to see the announcement. But in terms of the art style, I'm definitely not a fan. I mean, I'm sure it'll be fine, and I'll get used to it. But considering the fact that the original game and island of Koholint were so mystical and bittersweet, I think a softer, more artistic look would've fit better. Either way, it's still a remake of my favorite Zelda, so I'll definitely take it!

I hope that someday in the future Nintendo would remake Zelda II: The Adventure of Link as well. Maybe turn it into an overworld adventure like the other ones.

I'm pretty sure I never asked for any Zelda game, let alone their remakes. Wario Land games, on another hand...

@Preposterous I would love a Warioland remake. Being a Virtual Boy game not many people got to experience that wonderful hidden gem. I never understood why the Virtual Boy failed because of how excellent Warioland was.

Wow Alex, all it takes is a nice haircut and you look like a new man!

Loved Legend of Zelda
Loved Zelda II
Loved a Link to the Past
Disliked for Link's Awakening
Loved Ocarina of Time
Disliked Majora's Mask
Disliked Oracle of Seasons
Disliked Oracle of Ages
Disliked Minish Cap
Loved Wind Waker
Disliked Phantom Hourglass
Disliked Spirit Tracks
Loved Four Swords Adventures
Loved Twilight Princess
Loved Skyward Sword
Loved a Link Between Worlds
Disliked Triforce Heroes
Loved Breath of the Wild
I still consider myself a Zelda fan, but many of the portable games haven't clicked with me, including the original Link's Awakening which I owned on my gameboy as a child. It was okay, but I always felt the gameplay and puzzles were beneath the first 3 games. I don't look forward to this remake, especially if its just the same game with updated graphics. I'm a huge Zelda fan and I hope this game is great for everyone, but I'm not excited about it for me. This is my opinion.

Funny, because I've wanted a decent remake of this game for a little while now. While I enjoyed Link's Awakening DX when I first played it on the 3DS VC, it could definitely benefit from some QoL improvements. For example, due to system limitations, you only had two item slots out in the field and sometimes had to deal with constant pausing/item switching.

@Illusion This game is for you then. A chance to change your mind. Crazy as it sounds Links Awakening has more story than BOTW. It has more story than most Zelda games.

@frogopus I understand the dislike for Majoras. It's a huge departure from any other game in the series. I didnt truly understand it til the remaster. And still it's not a traditional Zelda game. It quirky

First of all, I am very happy to see another member of Nintendo Life making videos besides just Alex Olney. As much as I like him, this is a fresh change of pace. For the announcement of Link's Awakening getting remastered, this could quite possibly turn out to be my game of the year since I haven't actually played this game yet.

When I first played through SM3DW certain passage really made me want a new top down Zelda with that engine (look), this is pretty close just more plastic-like.. I don't mind it, I think it looks great, and it'll be a day 1 buy from me.

Haven't played Links awakening since the mid 90's, so it'll almost be like a new game for me.

Since Bleh of the Wild have been bought up in the comments here I'll use this opportunity to once again crap on the play-doh weapons, annoying food crafting mechanics, lack of different enemies, the non-effort way they increased difficulty and the total absence of something that resemble a dungeon (no, those 15 minutes first playthrough divine beasts doesn't come close). It's the first Zelda game that I own and haven't finished.

Yup I'm a sour, old and grumpy git, Bleh of the Mild could've been a fantastic game but sadly there's no shovel to dig it out from under all the crappy shortcuts and bad design decisions.

Great now I'm pissy and annoyed because of a game I haven't played in over a year.. Woop woop

@Dpullam It played a lot like Link to the Past, mindblowingly impressive considering it came out two years later on a tiny green screened device powered by 4 AA batteries. I agree it's nice to see another face on the YouTube channel. Alex is "lovely people" but its nice to have another voice.

@kukabuksilaks I thought BOTW was amazing in many ways. Going around the world was a great experience.
After time has passed, I don’t think about revisiting it. The main 4 dungeons were pretty disappointing. I liked the shrines except for the repeating battle ones. I really hated the weapon system. They were the most brittle weapons in the history of gaming.

I am actually happy that it is a Zelda with top down view again.

Alex looks different in the video. Did he cut his hair.

I’ve never really been a huge fan of the 3D Zelda games , but the 3ds game a link between worlds totally connected with me and this remake looks similar in style . This game is gonna be amazing and I’m sure will do very well sales wise

@Nintendocom it’s an imposter Isn’t it

@Reverandjames At first I was like that, thinking like that. But I already got used to the style XD.

Huge fan of the art direction, the toy like aesthetic plays on the toy like feel of the gameboy. I’m surprised so many people are turned off by it. The proportions are spot on to the original, seems very logical to me.

I thought the idea of a LA remake or at least a new 2D Zelda was a pretty popular idea. It does absolutely nothing for me, but eh, Nintendo wasn't going to produce a new 3D Zelda in this time, so...

Did Nintendolige ever said they didn’t like a Nintendogame after the announcement?

Wow, a NL video that I was able to make it through to the end of. You should give this guy a fulltime position.

I love the look of this. IMO this cute toy look is ideal for the top-down Zelda games. Day 1 without a doubt.

@Gravitron Adventure of Link Link didn't look ridiculous in the least.

Looks good enough to triple dip!

@Level_Up I don't know what you're seeing. A lot more people seem very happy with it, then those of us who aren't thrilled with it.

As excited as I am for this, I would love to see a Zelda II remake even more! It will most likely never happen, but the game DOES have its fan base!

It didn't need a remake, and it still doesn't. The effort should have gone into a brand new game that's actually worth $80, not a rehashed $6 game with an $80 price tag.

When the trailer started and they showed the waves, I had a hunch it was Link's Awakening; since it's my favorite 2D Zelda game, I'm ecstatic about this remake!

However, do we know what price point they'll use for it? I really hope it's around $40 instead of the full $60, cuz as much as I love the game, it'd be kind of hard to justify paying $60 for a remake of a game I could pay $6 for.

This was my first Zelda as well, so I know how you feel, Zion!

I was skeptical at first about the choices in character design and visuals, but I'm quickly come to find it enticing, and the soundtrack being rendered with penny whistle, ukulele, and kalimba is all sorts of adorable.

The likelihood of this game's visuals originally having targeted the 3DS is quite apparent. Many of the same choices employed as seen in Link Between World and the last handful of GameCube/Wii/Wii U ports to 3DS.
I hope the added processing power from the Switch means that the lovely soft tilt-shift camera focus, and the glossy/rubbery/waxy normal-map surfaces, all get to express exactly the qualities they're meant to portray from the materials of this miniature world.

I REALLY do enjoy how the abstraction level between the hand-drawn sequences, and the in-game graphics is being retained. Some developers seem adamant that a game universe be seamless in terms of visuals and player perspective. Zelda as a series usually embraces its gameplay abstractions, at times to the point of reveling in them, and I'm happy to see that come through in the visuals as well.

Gushing over, I look forward to playing this and finding what surprised they are bound to have in store for the oldtimers.

@Euler
We really have no idea what it's going to cost.

This game is ripe for a remake, if only because the limited number of buttons on the GB introduced constant pausing to switch items, detracting from an awesome game. I'm not sold on the art style yet, but I've initially griped about the art style in other Zelda games, only to come to love it eventually. So I'll try to withhold judgement for now.

It's beyond question that this will be fun (for fans of the original, like me, at least). But that "this is their original vision"? I don't think so. Not only is it stretching it to say the chibi "photo-cutscenes" from DX look "similar to Link's new aesthetic" (Link's new eyes appear to rather evoke Link's Link's Awakening sprite's eyes), but the way this new version looks could not be what the developers intended. Besides the fact that this game at various times was intended to be a port of Zelda 1 and then A Link to the Past, the 1993 developers were trying to work within the limitations of the (original) Game Boy when they made this (ie, they did NOT have grandious expectations when they were making this), and thus got VERY creative (which worked very well for the still unique "dream theory" plot). For similar "bizarre and creative killer app" types of games to the original Link's Awakening, see Wario Land 1 and Super Mario Land 2, both also on Game Boy.

@Chozo

I kind of enjoyed how even the sword and shield took no more priority than did boomerang, dash boots, and power bracelet. The world was built in a way that items were very multi-functional, and had their merits in most settings.
A lot of flexibility in play style was allowed.

This was something I came to miss in a game like Twilight Princess, for instance, where quite many items were rather specific to certain obstacles.

I'm not suggesting they stick to only two action buttons in this remake, though. That'd be silly.

@USWITCH64
And we don't actually know what the price will be.
But yeah, knowing Nintendo, full price or near-full is likely.

@Gauchorino Gameplay-wise, Link's Awakening isn't too radical of a departure from a typical 2D Zelda. It's a pretty good starting point if you're new to the series. I would argue that Wario Land 1 isn't too much of a departure from the 2D Marios, though a bit moreso than Link's Awakening.

Didn't like it at first but am looking forward to playing now. Have decided I'm going to play the DX version first though because it's simply awesome!

Kind of bittersweet to see the game remade; Zelda games used to be such a great combination of overworld, creative dungeons, awesome dungeon items, and fun boss battles. Now it's just another open world game... Breath of the Wild was an awesome game, don't get me wrong, but just didn't feel like a Zelda game at all to me. Obviously, with the amazing sales, most disagree I'm sure, but I want to go back to this, Ocarina, and so on when I want a real Zelda game now.

As soon as I saw those waves in the cutscene I knew exactly what I was seeing and absolutely lost it. Then I was quickly silenced by the shock of seeing gameplay...meh. I LOVE Link's Awakening and will for sure get this, but I'll need a while to get used to the art style. Would have loved if it looked like the art from the cutscene rather than "baby's first Zelda"... but I'll take what I can get.

Surprised at the overwhelmingly negative opinions on the art style of this game. I’m not really into cutesy look, however, as soon as the gameplay started I did “awww” out loud....
it looks interesting and like others have said different. It is good to get something you may not expect every so often. Like Yoshi made of yarn these are trying something new rather than regurgitating the same look again and again.

Can't wait for the Princess Peach appearance. Lol

@Filth_Element I dont think many want to say awww when they see Zelda lol.

Oh I was wanting it ever since I was impressed with LBW.

Everyone hated the 80s/90's legend of Zelda cartoon, yeah link was a loud numbskull but I enjoyed it as a kid at the time. It wasn't all bad.
Wonderful Rif they'll remake the Oracle of gbc Zelda games too?

@bolt05 I haven’t played the oracle games so I’d actually buy that. A simple snes makeover would be enough.

Nintendo seem to know what we want even when we don't. And I personally love the new art style. Looking forward to playing it!

I'm excited for this as Link's Awakening was one of my first Zeldas but I'm also hoping this is a sign of behind the scenes goings on. Like how the HD Zelda Remakes we got was the team learning their way around a Zelda title before giving us BotW, I hope this is the team learning their way around classic Top Down Zelda with plans to do a more developed Zelda in the future.

That and every time I see the art style I think 'wow I need a Zelda Maker' - I know it'll probably never ever happen but let me dream!

Speak for yourself. there is a reason I want GBC game support on switch, and it's the 3 zelda GBC games.

We're now 1/3 so now I want other 2 remade as well. on GBC they all used same assets/engine so they could do so again!

I'm disappointed by the art style, but I did want a Link's Awakening remake. It's one of my favorite games. Lots of fond memories playing this after Christmas of 1998.

Really happy to see a remake of Link's Awakening. Love the art style even though it looks like its from mega blocks in a way.

If the price of the game reflects the basic nature of the graphics, and the fact it is most likely a basic remake, then I may consider buying it. This game is worth £30 in my opinion. When you think other companies make remakes, sometimes with several remakes on 1 cartridge (Crash, Spyro), and still release the games at a discount price, then Nintendo can do the same.

@WOLF13 I think that many of the fans would be happy with that. I say this because there is a lot of fan made art which is very “awww” inducing.

Again I’m not into cutesy stuff but I personally think there are many fans out there who would like this style. I’ve probs met more female Zelda fans than I have met guy Zelda fans... just my experience but I am just surprised at how many seem to really not like this style. Surely there are others that thought “that looks awesome”

During the Direct my wife and I sat there going “looks like your playing with real toys” that looks cool.

I don't think the game necessary needs a remake but I think it really deserves one. Because it's a gem left behind, and the graphics might be a dealbreaker to a younger audience. I think the original (well I only played the DX-version) holds up very well to this day. I like the visuals and the controls are spot on. I own the DX on gameboy and I have also bought it on the eShop for 3DS.
I like the new artstyle for the remake and I will buy the game, 99% sure day one.

Yes,I do feel Links Awakening needed a remake. Playing the game with more buttons is reason alone imo. The original still holds up decently, but not being forced to switch(pun intended) between items, sword and shield included, is a much needed improvement. Here's hoping they do the same for the Oracle games.

I don't want it. This new Zelda game looks rubbish.

A proper BOTW sequel would great though.

Even Jerusalem has an opinion on the art style!!

I would suggest that Nintendo were hoping there would this debate about the art style, harks back to the Wind Waker days.

@Franklin thats exactly what ocarina was

@Moonlessky

Have you played Link's Awakening?

@Pod I definitely understand what you are saying. I love the uniqueness of that game and really wouldn't change much at all. I just want to pause less frequently to select different items, and presumably the remake will help with that.

What happened to "Hello there lovely people, it's Alex from NL life here and today we are gonna look at why the remake of Link's Awakening is awesome"???

@Chozo
Sure, I just wanted to take a moment to reflect on how the button limitation might have forced a general improvement to the design.

@Bunkerneath Agreed. I was fine with the Link's Wind Waker art style face since they have life expressive face. But this Link Lego-like face looks stupid and lifeless. I don't understand why they were so lazy with the human faces. The face of the Owl at the trailer looks 50 times better than Link's (and Marin's) face.