Nostalgia Game Review: Legend Of Zelda: Link's Awakening

With Link's Awakening for the Nintendo Switch being released not too long ago, it would be fitting to do a Nostalgia Game Review on the original version. Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakwning is revered as one of the best Game Boy titles ever, with the feel of Link to the Past ingrained through much of the game. It was released in 1993, getting a re-release for the Game Boy Color called Link's Awakening DX and the aforementioned Switch remake in 2019.

Our hero Link finds himself on Koholint Island after a storm sweeps him ashore. A girl named Marin rescues him and Link embarks on a quest to escape the island. He does this by obtaining the eight instruments of the Sirens to awaken the Wind Fish.

Link's Awakening plays like any other Zelda game. You traverse through dungeons, collecting the dungeon item and using it to defeat the dungeon boss. There are also sub-weapons, but the sword counts as one as opposed to Link to the Past. But the gameplay isn't what I found most riveting.

It was the story. It combined a youthful vibe with a tune that was adventurous at times. Sometimes, that tune would shift to a depressing overture. This would be used when you took the wandering ghost back to his old home, then return him to his grave. This can also be felt when you walk through the village, which is supposed to have a cheerful tune. It feels like a lost childhood. In fact, the game will make you think about life. Also, there a ton of Mario characters that make cameo appearances in this game.

Overall, Link's Awakening is one of the best, if not arguably the best, Legend of Zelda games ever made. It's filled with adventure, the action is compelling, and the game makes you think. If you've played the Switch version, give the original version a shot!