[Review] The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds

[spawn622]

 

Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: Action-Adventure
Platform: Nintendo 3DS
Release Date: November 22, 2013


When The Legend of Zelda released in 1987 I was 8 years old and it quickly became one of my favorite game franchises of all time. Through the years I have played and still own every single Legend of Zelda game that has been released. From the 1987 classic, to the downright travesties of the CD-i games, all the way through the latest A Link Between Worlds, I’ve played them all through to completion. While the original is still my favorite, I have loved them all (Yes even the terrible ones). I’m proud to say A Link Between Worlds is not terrible and is one of the most enjoyable games I’ve played in recent memory. I’m sorry if this ruined the ending of this review for you, but please read on to find out why this game is so good.

The latest game takes us back to the Hyrule from the SNES days. It not only takes us back there, but literally uses the exact same map from A Link To The Past and this is my only extremely minor complaint with the game. The map felt all too familiar and a tad bit lazy on Nintendo’s part. While this was a very slight downside to the game, it is in no way a detriment to the game and can also be viewed as strong suite. Much like a well worn pair of underpants, slipping back in to this world feels great. Yes, I’m aware of the contradiction in terms here, but if you’re under 20 years old and not in to classic gaming it will feel new to you. Besides, the rehashed map is literally an homage for what becomes an entirely new game when you begin to dig in to it and find the all new dungeons, progression system, and gameplay devices.



The story is pretty much the standard Zelda story. Sticking close to the original SNES story, the sages (Including Princess Zelda) are kidnapped by the dark wizard Yuga in the hopes to release Ganon’s spirit from his prison and give him the ultimate power, the Triforce of Power. Of course it’s up to our green tunic’d hero to save the day. The difference here is while Zelda rules over Hyrule, Princess Hilda rules over Lorule, which is being torn apart. As I said, standard Zelda story, but very intriguing with twists and turns that will keep you guessing.

The old way of progressing through a Zelda game required you to tackle the dungeons in a specific order to obtain the upgrades necessary to move on to the next. Those linear days are gone my friends. Now if you have the rupees, you can own the upgrades necessary to progress through any dungeon you want. You “rent” things like the boomerang, hookshot, and all the other standard Zelda items from Ravio. Once you have the items, it’s up to you to determine which one is used for which dungeon. The real catch to this rental structure is, if you die whatever items you were renting are returned to Ravio and you must rent them again. This can become troublesome in the boss battles, as they can be quite tough. However, it is a great way to remove the linearity from the game and make the formula we are used to feel fresh and new. There are a few exceptions to this “rental” structure, but they are easily worked in to the story. The other new gameplay mechanic is Link’s ability to become a painting on flat surfaces. Link literally becomes controllable art on the walls. This allows link to slip between cracks, escape through prison bars, and go through portals to reach Lorule. The new power also becomes a life saver when facing boss battles, as you are semi-invincible when in the walls. Both the wall phasing and items have a meter that limits the use of them, but it replenishes when not in use.



Of course, what new game would be complete without collectibles? There are collectibles in the game that allow you to not only upgrade your items as you progress, but also upgrade the Master Sword. Hidden within certain dungeons are materials that allow the Master Sword upgrades. Also, the fetch quest of finding 100 Maiamais for Mother Maiamai allows you to upgrade all the items from Ravio’s shop. While not completely necessary, this does give the game a tad bit more gameplay time. With how beautiful this game looks on the 3DS, who can blame you for wanting to spend more time in the 2 kingdoms?

Speaking of graphics, the game really is stunning to look at. The subtle things are what really make the game pop. Everything from the original SNES is there but they have been upgraded immensely. While everything is still small and doesn’t have the super-sharp HD look of bigger screen consoles, the 3DS really does a great job with this one. The 3D is put to decent use, but definitely not necessary to having the full experience. The music has also been reworked and fully orchestrated. The tunes will seem familiar to fans and have you humming along as you play right from the very beginning.



In summation, this is a Zelda fan’s dream. The beautiful graphics for a portable game are great and music that sticks with you. Gameplay is tight and exactly what you’d expect from a Zelda game. The new rental system works quite well and allows you to tackle the game like you’ve never been able to before. While a rehashed map may be a detriment to some, it doesn’t hurt an overall great experience. As I said in the beginning, A Link Between Worlds is one of the most enjoyable games I’ve had the pleasure of playing in years. I had brand new games sitting unopened that I had been anticipating for months and months, while I completed this one. While there has been no real shortage of great Zelda games in recent memory, this one really is this long time fan’s dream come true.



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[PeeKnuckle]

Woo! A Spawnie review! Very nice, man. Thank you.

[ThermoNukePanda]

Good review Spawn.

 

 

Isn't it true the developers had to use some sort of camera tricks to make it so you can kind of see more of Link's body because it's a top down perspective so you're not just staring directly at his hat the whole game?  Like they basically programmed him kind of sideways? 

 

*edit*  Yup. 

 

http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2013/11/20/the-trick-behind-the-legend-of-zelda-a-link-between-worlds-top-down-view.aspx

 

I'll have to look into this one.  My 3DS is lonely after Fire Emblem.

[vectordream]

Good review Spawn.

 

 

Isn't it true the developers had to use some sort of camera tricks to make it so you can kind of see more of Link's body because it's a top down perspective so you're not just staring directly at his hat the whole game?  Like they basically programmed him kind of sideways? 

 

*edit*  Yup. 

 

http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2013/11/20/the-trick-behind-the-legend-of-zelda-a-link-between-worlds-top-down-view.aspx

 

I'll have to look into this one.  My 3DS is lonely after Fire Emblem.

 

I have it and love it. Spawn's review is spot on!

 

If your 3DS is collecting dust try out Pokemon X/Y. I was skeptical since it seems like they don't really change the formula but this one surprised me. I put in over 100hrs into the game before beating it and still have stuff to do in the game.

[Dateranoth]

Nice review Spawn.  This game really makes me want to buy a 3DS.  I was a HUGE fan of the original. Never stuck with the Zelda series, but I absolutely loved that one.  This looks like it would be a great play for me.

[spawn622]

I underplayed my Zelda love a bi,t i think. I take my original NES, SNES, and other cartridges apart once a year and replace the batteries in them. As long as you do it quickly enough, you won't lose your game saves (1989 original second quest save still there!). I also a replica Hylian shield and various versions of the Master Swords that are available. I now own 2 Wii U consoles, because Nintendo released the special edition Wind Waker version. Of course I have the 3DS. My collection literally has moved in to obsession over the years. It's sort of sad honestly.

[green grenades]

thumps up

[vectordream]

I underplayed my Zelda love a bi,t i think. I take my original NES, SNES, and other cartridges apart once a year and replace the batteries in them. As long as you do it quickly enough, you won't lose your game saves (1989 original second quest save still there!). I also a replica Hylian shield and various versions of the Master Swords that are available. I now own 2 Wii U consoles, because Nintendo released the special edition Wind Waker version. Of course I have the 3DS. My collection literally has moved in to obsession over the years. It's sort of sad honestly.

Its not sad its freaking awesome!! I have a collection going as well. I still have my Atari 2600 from when I was a kid and my NES. I need to take my NES apart again and clean it and adjust it. Its been awhile. Wish I still had my SNES. Loved that console as well.

[spawn622]

Man, don't get me started on the amount of consoles and games I have...Ranging from old school to new, I have almost every system you can think of and some you probably never knew existed.

[vectordream]

Man, don't get me started on the amount of consoles and games I have...Ranging from old school to new, I have almost every system you can think of and some you probably never knew existed.

Haha I am right there with you!