The Switch is getting its second Zelda game, but it perhaps wasn't one that people were expecting. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening was the franchise's first serious foray into the handheld arena (if you don't include the 1989 Game & Watch release, that is) and remains a beloved entry in the franchise; it's also a game that, thanks to the subsequent Game Boy Color re-release and its publication on the 3DS Virtual Console, is easy enough to experience in its 'original' form, even in 2019. So that's exactly what I did; I took my trusty modded Game Boy DMG-001, slotted in my dusty Zelda cartridge (which, amazingly, still has a working battery after more than a quarter of a decade spent largely in storage) and decided to revisit Koholint Island one more time before playing the Switch remake, which is out this week.
Originally launched in 1993, Link's Awakening followed in the footsteps of the SNES title Link to the Past, which was (and perhaps still is) considered to be the finest entry in the entire series. Link's handheld quest apes the visual style of its 16-bit sibling superbly, considering the vast gulf in processing power between the Game Boy and the SNES, and this went a long way to building up hype for its original launch; you've played Zelda on your TV, now embark on a stylistically-similar adventure on the move. It was an easy sell, especially to the 14-year-old me; it's not hyperbole to say that Link to the Past had been a life-changing experience, and I was hungry for an adventure of the same scope. The fact that it would come in portable form was a neat bonus, as it meant I didn't have to neglect my quest when my family left the house to visit the 'real world', an environment which seemed dull in comparison to the lush beaches and dense woodland of Koholint. Oh, and like so many UK teens, I did whatever Rik Mayall told me.
Hopping back into Link's Awakening now after playing titles like Twilight Princess, Skyward Sword and of course Breath of the Wild is a surprisingly jarring experience. I'd forgotten how goofy and irreverent the game is; back in 1993, after the relatively light-hearted and cartoon-like Link to the Past, it was less of a tonal shift, but even then I can remember thinking how silly Link's Awakening was in comparison to the SNES game. This is a title that features cameos from the likes of Kirby, Yoshi and even Dr. Wright from the SNES version of SimCity, and showcases side-scrolling platforming sections where you leap on the heads of Goombas from the Super Mario Bros. series.
Elsewhere, dialogue with non-player characters is often amusing, but does much to shatter the illusion of immersion; who can forget the many kids in Mabe Village who happily explain gameplay tips – such as how to save your game and the ability to re-spawn at the last doorway you entered – but then confess to not actually knowing what this information pertains to? And what about Ulrira, a sage-like individual who doles out patchy advice to the player via an anachronistic network of telephones?
All of this was apparently intentional on Nintendo's part. "We moved along at quite a good speed in a relatively freewheeling manner," explains director Takashi Tezuka in an Iwata Asks interview. "Maybe that’s why we had so much fun making it. It was like we were making a parody of Zelda," he adds, before saying that because it was on the Game Boy – a console which, even in those early days of the industry, skewed towards a younger audience – the team felt it could get away with this child-like silliness.
Link's Awakening certainly feels like a pastiche at times, despite its obvious quality. Looking back in 2019, I think that could explain why, although I liked the game immensely at the time, it didn't stir quite the same emotions as Link to the Past did. Humour has been employed to excellent effect in the franchise since then – Wind Waker and Spirit Tracks being two notable examples – but to me personally, Zelda is at its best when it's offering up truly epic moments of drama; Link's Awakening is curiously lacking in those, which is perhaps to be expected, given the humble nature of the hardware.
Despite the re-releases, there will be plenty of people who have never played Link's Awakening before but have nonetheless tirelessly battled their way through Breath of the Wild, conquered the Divine Beasts and subdued Calamity Ganon to restore peace to Hyrule. What kind of experience will these franchise newcomers be anticipating when they load up Link's Awakening? How will they respond to the game's relatively slim play time, its quirky humour, leftfield cameos and fourth-wall-breaking cast of characters? The game's visual style has already divided fans, and I can't help but feel that the schism is down to the fact that many don't want to see a return to the cute, toy-like aesthetic of the past, and instead would like to see Link remain firmly anchored to the semi-realistic world popularised by Breath of the Wild, which – lest we forget – is the best selling Zelda game ever. Ironically, we had almost the same situation when Nintendo showed 'realistic Link' running on the GameCube and then released the cel-shaded Wind Waker.
Without that vital nostalgic connection to the original 1993 release, Link's Awakening could prove to be a hard sell for those weaned on the 2017 open-world epic. Playing the Game Boy version has reconfirmed to me that Link's Awakening is most definitely a good time; it's well-designed, addictive, bursting with detail and doesn't take itself too seriously – all qualities that, in 1993, were perfect for a monochrome portable adventure on Nintendo's child-friendly handheld. I personally cannot wait to hit Koholint's beach one more time on Switch.
Comments 90
Links Awakening is probably my favorite Zelda game.
It just works
that style is awesome.
no more 'realistic' the thing just can't handle it. give me this all day long over BOTW's slowdown and pop-in (even though i do like botw).
Yeah, Link's Awakening is such a fun game. Nintendo is so talented at creating fun gameplay!
Awakening is for me "just" an OK Zelda. It is a nice game and very cute, but too easy, kinda short and nowhere complex as LttP
I still consider Link's Awakening to be one of the best handheld Zelda entries. The only ones better (IMO) are Minish Cap and A Link Between Worlds.
@8bitforever Oracle of Ages was an amazing game 😯
I hope Links Awakening keeps it's short completion time! Like many gamers I have very little time to actually commit to all the big open world epics due to work and family commitments. I can't be doing with massive 200+ hour games anymore. PLG! and Smash were great Christmas presents because I can finish the campaign in Pokemon and be done with it but occasionally dip back in and Smash can be played in 10 minute chunks.
Assuming LA is a Christmas title Ice already asked Santa for it 😂
Say what you will NL but this game is easily in my top 3 Zelda games of all time and I absolutely adore it.
I don't know how nostalgia affects the way people remember the game (I wasn't even born when it first released), but I've always viewed it as a silly, cartoonish entry in the series - with darker moments, of course. Perhaps nostalgia makes people remember it as some sort of dark and serious masterwork, but I think that the art of this remake perfectly captures its inherent lightheartedness.
@Blitzenexx Now that we know we're getting a remake of Awakening on Switch I would really like a remaster of Minish Cap as well. Really enjoyed that game.
The first Zelda game I ever played. Still enjoyable. I'm really looking forward to the remake.
I mean, since there's a similarity in the story shared with SMB2... Can we discuss why Awakening is a bit more lighthearted, considering there's folks that haven't played it?
I'm looking forward to this. I always enjoyed getting lost when I couldn't figure it out.
Sentimentally it's the first zelda game I ever completed when I was a kid and it means a lot to me for that reason. It's not the best Zelda by any means but will (likely) always be my favourite and I can not wait to get my hands on this. Realising it was this as the trailer started in the direct really hit me in a good way, I didn't expect this game and now I can't wait.
I've only played the first hour or so of Links Awakening through an emulator on the Wii, so it'll mostly be all new to me. I wanted a top down Zelda for Switch so I was very happy to see we're getting one. Love the art style!
I'm sure there will be some additions to increase the length of the game. I'd say an extra dungeon or 2, a Hero mode and an online multiplayer mode are likely.
I've just realized that this art style looks like a spruced-up, modern version of Harvest Moon 64 and now I want that in my life.
I just can't really get into 2D Zeldas. I didn't mind LttP but it didn't hold my interest as much as either the 3D ones or other similar games like Secret of Mana. If this is cheaper than the usual Nintendo £50 then I'll maybe check it out.
I much perfer retro games getting remakes than modern games getting remakes. I also do slightly miss the sprite-based nintendo. Some series to slightly lose some of their charm after the switch. Thats one of the reasons I'm loving the art style of the remake, because its something new that still looks like the original.
Probably worth mentioning that you can grab this for the 3DS for half price if you have a few reward coins in your account. I’ve never ever played this , so can’t resist dropping a couple of quid and seeing what all the fuss is / was about 😁
@lnrts99
that'd be awesome as i never finished it.
I picked up the Game Boy Zelda Awakening bundle when it was released. I had been holding off on a Game Boy and thought I would not pick one up until I heard a Zelda game was releasing. It was such a let down after playing Zelda on SNES. I am willing to give it another try now that it is being remastered. I’m sure I will enjoy it more now because of my expectations.
This was the first Zelda game i really got into but I never beat it as a kid. Can't wait to get this version.
I have also decided to go back and play through Link's Awakening again. This games is a lot more difficult and convoluted than I remembered. At one point you need to unlock and door by throwing a pot at it. While playing, I did not notice any clues or indication that such a thing was possible.
Modern Legend of Zelda games have overly simplified puzzles. The original Legend of Zelda game for the NES has puzzles so difficult I have yet to meet or hear from anyone who was able to finish the game with out some kind of help or advise. Link's Awakening seems a bit closer to the NES Zelda than Modern Zelda in-terms of puzzle design and difficulty.
@RadioHedgeFund That makes no sense, 50 hours played in a weekend vs 50 hours played in a month, are still 50 hours of game play. I prefer buying a long game (that its entertaining all along) than paying the same for less time of use.
What is the figure in the photo? I didn't know they made a toy based on that style!
The lighthearted tone was setup for the most dreary ending in Zelda history...
@frogopus That makes two of us. Natsume would find a way to mess it up. My personal favorite of the series. At least I still have my cartridge. I really should download it on Wii U virtual console since I doubt this will ever see another official release.
It is lighthearted, but also supremely tragic at times. It’s the 2D equivalent of Majora’s Mask in that sense.
I’ve been properly craving some Zelda. I’d have been happy with a Wind Waker or Twilight Princess HD re-release (I still would). This is even better
I have such fond memories of this game. Got stuck on the original release as a young 'un. Got the DX version along with a Game Boy Color Christmas 1998 and played the heck out of it. This will be a day 1 purchase and I hope there's a special edition. I'm a sucker for anything Zelda.
Best handheld Zelda ever made!
I for one have never had to replace the battery of any cartridge. I expect them to work and they have always done until now at least.
@DenDen
You misspelled Minish Cap 😁
that japanese boxart is dope
"he adds, before saying that because it was on the Game Boy – a console which, even in those early days of the industry, skewed towards a younger audience – the team felt it could get away with this child-like silliness."
I don't see this anywhere in the interview, but maybe I'm just blind? Or did you get that from this:
"Tezuka: It was for the Game Boy, so we thought, “Oh, it’ll be fine.” (laughs)"
Still seems like quite a bit of assuming to me.
@MysticGengar that's my own feeling to be honest. I was fully expecting Yet-Another-Ocarina-of-Time rerelease/remake so to see Nintendo fetch so far back such a charming game felt like a massive breath of fresh air(ironically considering the age of the game).
Zelda was always a tale of major generational release accompanied by series of oft lovable smaller titles, so seeing them continue that trend by refreshing in such massive ways an old title like this is most welcome.
Also recalling how semi-officially Awakening and the Oracles games were almost direct sequels to the story of A Link to the Past make me hope Breath of the Wild might see similar sequels someday; either exploring the rebuilt Hyrule or, potentially even more interesting, the lands that lay beyond that ocean and giant cliffs the way the Oracles series dared to.
@lnrts99: I wouldn't say no to a Minish Cap remaster eventually either, though I feel that it has aged better in comparison to LA/LA DX.
Like many others I truly love Link's Awakening, having played it three times in my life so far. I'm also really happy that another "traditional" Zelda is being made, even if its a remake (no disrespect to BotW). Really hope the Oracle games get the same treatment in the future.
All these links awakening articles are just a big tease. Making the release date seem so far away!
LA is the best 2D Zelda
@Monkeido What other inference could you possibly take from that statement?
Still one of the best Zelda's but really wish this remake was Zelda II.
This was the first Zelda I really dove into. I didn't play ALTTP until years later. Link's Awakening keeps things fresh and fun and is different in a good way.
I'm for sure in the minority that liked Link's Awakening way more than Link to the Past. LttP is a great one and I've beat it several times but it never really had that special spark for me. LA on the other hand was very, very special to me and I cannot wait to play it like this, although I much rather would have preferred an art style that matches that opening cutscene (or the incredible realistic concept art of the original. Seriously Google it!)
I like BOTW but I'm more excited to play a more traditional Zelda game than anything along the lines of that again. I do hope that this isn't a straight up like for like remake as that would be a huge missed opportunity given the lack of constraints form the hardware at least. Not that the original isn't great but this could be truly something special if they expand upon it
Link's Awakening Switch version is more like Final Fantasy III NDS / PSP / IOs or Android version.
A Huge leap from 2D to 3D style.
Good old game is deserved for Drastic makeover.
@Damo Maybe that expectations for a Game Boy title were lower than that of ones for SNES or that what they could do on the Game Boy was limited anyway, I don't know, which is kind of my point. It's not totally clear what is meant, at least that's how I see it, but maybe that's my fault. ^^'
Links awakening is right under under A Link To The Past and A Link Between Worlds as my favorite Zelda games.
The whimsical style contrasted really nicely against a couple of quite poignant moments and fitted the overall theme.
I think the style really suited the gameboy too. Kind of like mario land 2 compared to super mario world. Will be interesting to see how that translates to the 'big' screen with this remake.
I've been playing the Virtual Console one on the 3DS to get into the mood again
Not sure why this game keeps getting referred to as a 'slim outing'. It's decent enough around 15 hours. About the same as Alttp and Oot for me. With only the last two being a few hours more. It's only 15 hours due to how quickly you can get from location to location. At least there are no fillers in this game
Link's Awakening is the only Zelda game I have yet to play (outside of the CD-I games, of course) so I'm thrilled to get the game later this year.
I think people are downplaying the difficulty of the Links Awakening. I remember playing this around 2000 and being from a family of late adopters to the internet I didnt have access to guides and stuff like that. I legitimately got stuck in that game and never beat it. I was only 9 or 10 so I'd love to give this another shot now that I'm almost 30
@Gravitron
Playing it now and been stuck a few times, not as easy as other Zelda games in my opinion.
@BenGrimm I ordered a working copy off ebay. Looking forward to plugging it into the Super Gameboy and trying to beat it finally...without guides. Gotta earn this one.
@Gravitron
I got the Virtual Console version on my 2DS, pretty sure I’ve been playing longer than this 10/15 hour time that’s bandied around as well.
@KingdomHeartsFan The artsyle from the manual would have amazing! Missed opportunity.
Very excited to play Link's Awakening for the first time! I appreciated Breath of the Wild, but didn't really like playing it (which I know puts me in the minority).
This is one of my favorite Zelda games, mainly because it's one of the most structured Zelda games, especially compared to the first two games and "Breath of the Wild."
It's also interesting in that it's basically Zelda as a full-blown Metroidvania, but again one of the more structured ones like "Metroid II" (or its remake), "Fusion," or "Other M" where you don't have to worry much about getting lost.
The silly stuff (which I love) is coupled with some of the more affecting, wistful moments of the series IMHO.
The scene with Link and Marin looking out over the ocean, and the ultimately fleeting nature of their relationship in the ending are some of the more emotionally effective things in the series (the ending of The Wind Waker has a similar quality).
I think the silly/cute stuff toward the beginning is what enables those moments to kind of sneak up on you, as opposed to if the whole game is pitched as high drama all the way through, in which case everything just kind of turns into mush.
TLoZLA is still a classic that stands the test of time.
I think the reason Nintendo titles are so quirky is because they often take inspiration from unlikely places. Most developers would look to sword and sorcery and Tolkien if they wanted to make a fantasy game, Link’s Awakening... Twin Peaks. That supposedly why the townspeople are the “suspicious” types.
I'm very excited for this game.
@DanElectrode
I agree, I'm not sure I understood the article when it said the silly stuff meant it wasn't as moving. It's nice to have a game that doesn't take it's self serious all the time. Marin's song and the mysterious wind fish always used to grip me.
I'd love to replay it as when I was younger I never got the references to a fat moustached man collecting mushrooms in the forest or turning into a raccoon!
Wait a minute - Isn't this the 3rd Zelda game coming out on the Switch?
Didn't we also get Triforce Heroes? I mean I know it's not technically a Zelda game, but it is a Zelda themed game, and this game is a remake so...
Anyways I love the classic, can't wait to play this remake soon!
What will modern gamers think of the "silly" older title?
Who cares?
Seriously.
A diehard Zelda fan, even a modern one, is likely familiar with the back catalog and may even be no stranger to emulation for the titles they can't easily find at good prices.
Zelda's roots are this top down perspective, and it's helpful that whether through remastering or entirely new entries like A Link Between Worlds, its original look comes back from time to time and still differentiates this evolving franchise from a lot of what is already being mass produced today
Praying for the Oracle games to get the same treatment!
Can't wait to find out about all the little differences and what remained the same. Hopefully the Yoshi doll in the crane game will be a yarn one.
Wow, it seems some pathetic soul actually went and downvoted the first 66 comments in this thread, whether said comments were in favor of the game or not. Seems that someone is opposed to the very idea of this game, or at least any discussion thereof. I am definitely looking forward to this one. But hey, if your aim is to make sure no one else enjoys this timeless classic, let's have a talk, my good chap.
What this remake makes me more excited is the fact that this means there could be potential remakes for the oracles games. Make them happen, Nintendo!!
Another thing that this makes me wonder, will there be new dungeons? Will this remake have the photographies collectable from the DX remake? Will it have the DX dungeon? Will we still get called Thief throught out the game ? (no one bought the bow, let's be honest)
I played this game (DX edition) on my Game Boy Advance all the time while traveling with my father across the United States. I must have passed it 3 or 4 times during that timeframe. I can't wait to do the same with the Switch version. So many great memories, now in a prettier package.
@Oppyz666 I did buy the bow actually, only because I didn't know about the shoplifting trick until later on. I remember getting zapped though.
One of my absolute favorites as well. It's a great little adventure that introduced a lot of firsts for the series, that later became mainstays.
I don't believe Ocarina of Time would have come out as stellar as it did, without Link's Awakening having come out between that game and Link to the Past.
"The Switch is getting its second Zelda game"... officially a spinoff, but Cadence felt 100% like a new Zelda to me.
I'd love Minish Cap to be remade in this style!
The only issue this game has going for it is its overpriced. It's a far better Zelda game.
After you get over the BOTW honeymoon you realize that the open world was pretty shallow, and the shrines were basically copy/pasted around the map. Link's Awakening is a fun, dense game.
@BlackenedHalo
I agree with Oracles being really fun games. I heard yesterday if Links Awakening sells well Oracles would be in the conversation to be remade.
@Archius9
I would too. Of the handheld, Zelda's I either played Minish or Oracles the most.
@biglittlejake I'd love the Oracles and Minish to be remade in this art style. Minish would definitely look amazing!
@Archius9
Imagine Minish Cap with Links Awakening visuals. That would satisfy me until one of the WiiU remakes get ported to the Switch, I heard maybe the next direct will have something on either Wind Waker, Twilight Princess, or Skyward Sword remake. Who knows, Nintendo may surprise us with something like a Phantom Hourglass remake.
The only Zelda game I've played in twilight princess and Breath of the Wild, but I want this game so bad! It looks so cool, heartfelt and fun.
I'm glad this game existed for the fact that Link had an adventure outside the confines of Hyrule, or it's typical Zelda-Ganon-Triforce theme and really enforced the "Link is an adventurer" idea. It also paved the way for other non-traditional themed Zeldas like Majora's Mask and the Oracle games. I was kicking around the notion of revisiting LA since it's been so many years... Maybe I'll give it a go after all...
The lighter tone of Link's Awakening on the Game Boy probably felt appropriate for the handheld platform at the time. I didn't have the game — I never got around to picking it up when it was new — but a friend of mine did. I was quite impressed with what they pulled off on the system.
I haven't followed coverage of the remake too closely. I wasn't sure there was any backlash to the visual style, but I'm not surprised there was some. I'm on the fence with it. It doesn't look bad, but I wished it looked less plastic and that the characters had some design changes. I don't like the eyes on Link and other characters.
I liked Link's Awakening, but not enough to dive into the remaster. When I played the original, my imagination took over. Even though every Zelda up to that point (except Zelda II) had chibi-fied characters, I never 'saw' Link as a little kid. My imagination took over and made me imagine things being more realistic than they were. Now this new one comes out and it takes the toy aesthetic to a whole new level, and while it's definitely charming, to me it's like "you're supposed to see it like this, not however you're imagining it". If that makes any sense.
But that's not the reason I'm not getting this (at least, not any time soon). I don't particularly like short games, and I've been there and done that with this game both times it came out before, so despite the graphics and improved gameplay, it's not holding my interest.
I played it and finished it but never liked it one bit.
That's awesome that your old cartridge still works.
See that's what I don't get. So many people go on about how dark this game is. When I first played it as an adult, I was simply struck with overwhelming cheery fun. Its like you could feel how much fun the makers had creating this and that seeped into the game itself. The "mood whiplash" of it all being a dream was shoved in your face at every turn.
Oh and about those of us who dislike the graphics, that was uncool. I won't speak for everyone, unlike you. But I am dismayed at how ugly it looks compared to the original, which looks great. Not how cutesy it is.
Still have my Links Awakening DX copy. Won't be able to play the remake till tomorrow to pick up my copy (damn 12 hour shift this week).
@sword_9mm Most Zeldas aren't realistic looking anyway.
@Midayle Then you must not talk to very many people because plenty of us finished NES games without calling the nintendo hotline, talking to friends, or owning magazines/hint books. All Zelda puzzles are simple. Push this, shoot that, bomb this etc.
@ilikeike I never thought it was silly but more quirky. I do consider it be at the pinnacle of 2D Zelda.
I'm gonna assume you meant a quarter of a century in storage, not decade, which is only 2 and a half years of course
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