This Week I Have Been Mostly Playing...
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening on Nintendo Switch
While trying to write this blog over the last 18 months I have tried to play a bigger variety of games, in particular giving genres like Japenese Role Playing Games (JRPGs) an actual chance. In order to make time for this I have become more Nintendo Switch centric, allowing me to play when I am not home. Thus the minor accusations of becoming a Nintendo ‘Fanboy’. I would counter this by talking about the fourth Zelda game I have played.
I say fourth though 30 minutes on the original GameBoy game in the 1990’s doesn't really count. Nor does 3 hours on Ocarina of Time (3DS remake) before giving up not getting it. So my only real comparison to this title is Breath of the Wild (BOTW). Even that is not fair, BOTW was an original game that blew out the consensus on what open world games should do. I loved it and put over 130 hours into. Some argue it’s not even a full on Zelda game, just one that is Zelda themed.
Regardless, it was a brilliant title that you just wanted to keep exploring to find secrets. Link’s Awakening by contrast is on a much smaller, tightly crafted game that, well, makes you explore and find secrets. And an old one at that, this being a remake of the 1993 GameBoy classic. Link (the ever present hero) wakes up washed up on a beach weaponless and an island to explore.
The plot is as simple as ever, defeat 8 bosses to claim back the musical instruments to then awaken the Wind Fish. Hence Link’s awakening. The map is broken up into the usual regions, forest, desert, graveyard but most are blocked off until you earn a certain item. The power band lets you lift big rocks out of the path. It means that you will have missed a load of things in each area and must return when you have the correct item.
It’s fun to explore and the enemies are not too difficult. New ones appear after each boss fight but for the most part they are pretty easy. Only the occasional fight will cause death and even then it reloads you right away to somewhere nearby. There is a higher difficulty mode for those that want a proper challenge.
Secrets are a huge part of this title and for the most part I have found them. Interesting I had to look up one thing in a dungeon (couldnt find that last fucking key) and the walkthrough informed me I should use the boomerang at that point. To which my initial thought was ‘what boomerang?!’. I have obviously missed a thing or two along the way but as long as you have your trusty sword you don’t actually need every weapon which says a lot about how well designed this game is.
As for the looks I need to contrast with the old graphics; it’s simply stunning, bright colourful and charming. I think that all the models look like they are made of plastic will put a bunch of people off but it grew on me a lot. It certainly looks distinct. The winner for me is the music, in particular the main area tune. You will hear it a lot but it’s utterly brilliant. I have been whistling it all weekend. Feels like some kind of sea shanty but totally fits the tone. Still an absolute classic!
This game is absolutely joyful, its charms have me completely smitten. It is an ideal game to play curled up on the sofa while the wind and rain lash against the window. Sure it’s not BOTW but then what is? For first timers like myself it’s a blast and for those returning will give them a huge nostalgia hit. Win Win.
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