Link's Awakening Review: A charming remake with dungeon creation!

In the realm of video games, few titles resonate as deeply as those bearing the Legend of Zelda. From its humble beginnings on the NES to its latest ventures across myriad platforms, each installment brings forth a unique blend of adventure, mystery, and enduring charm. Among these, The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening stands tall as a beloved classic, originally enchanting players on the Game Boy in 1993. Now, in a splendid reimagining for the modern era, this timeless tale returns, adorned with fresh visuals and refined gameplay mechanics. Delving into the dreamy shores of Koholint Island once more, this review explores how Link's Awakening on the Nintendo Switch fares amidst the evolving landscape of the Zelda franchise.

Story - 4.5

As usual, I find Zelda games to be rather lacking in story compared to series like Final Fantasy, Tales, Trails, Dragon Quest and other series. However, I do think that Link's Awakening has one of the better 2D Zelda narratives.

Combat - 8

I'm shocked to admit it, but this game has some of the absolute best combat of the series. A major contributing factor to this is how dang satisying it is to leap around with the Roc's Feather and spam the Bow, Boomerang, or Magic Rod. And when you have the Mirror Shield, Pegasus' Boots, Red Armor, and Koholint Sword? You feel like an absolute legend. Ultimately, while the comabt is very simple, it is also incredibly satisfying.

Items - 7

This game doesn't boast any super unique items in the grand scheme of the series, but I absolutely loved the Boomerang and Roc's Feather in this game! Absolutely fire when used together, too! However, in a series with crazy masks that metamorph you, a rod that changes seasons, a Divine Beast motorcycle, and the power to build absurd structures with a magical hand, Link's Awakening can't quite come out on top.

Dungeons - 7.5

This game has a couple immaculate dungeons! I loved the Eagle's Tower, Turtle Rock, and the underrated Catfish's Maw (and have a love-hate relationship with the Face Shrine). However, all the one's in between aren't quite as good, and the best ones are very backloaded. My biggest gripe with this game is the incredibly mediocre final dungeon. While I understand why the final dungeon was mediocre due to its role in the narrative, it would've been nice to have Mt. Tamarach be an awesome dungeon. This game has a great dungeon lineup, but it could've been quite a bit better.

Art & Graphics - 8.5

The Zelda series has utilized so many unique and distinct art styles over the years and, frnakly, this is one of the series' best looking games. The completely interconnected world certainly goes a long way toward making the game stunning, stylish, and charming. This is a significant graphical upgrade over botht he DS and 3DS games, and while I adore the beautiful pixel art of Link's Awakening DX and slightly prefer its look over this game, this game is still gorgeous. Great graphics as a whole!

Theming - 6.5

While Link being on a dream island full of Mario enemies is certainly awesome, with wonderful themes like season-changing, time travel, saving the world in three days time, alternate dimensions, and more, I simply can't justify giving this game's decent premise a higher score.

Sidequests - 9.5

While finding seashells, fishing, collecting Heart Pieces, and grinding the Trendy Game are all fun, there's one thing in this version of the game that makes it one fo the most fun games in the series in terms of side content: buidling your own dungeons and playing them is simply pure bliss. My favorite thing to do was put every mini boss imaginable into a dungeon and slay them all with the Boomerang and Roc's Feather without losing a single heart. I've pretty much mastered the combat in this game at this point due to this epic addition! Ultimately, with solid sidequests and brilliant dungeon buidling, this game has top tier Zelda side content.

Quality of Life - 9

Outside of the somewhat questionable movemnt speed of Link, this game has great modernization, fast travelling, and more, this game is well-done in every way. A perfectly modern Zelda game in all but name.

Music - 5

I love a good Zelda soundtrack but, unfortunately, Link's Awakening is pretty lacking in the grand scheme of the series. Outside of the great remix of the main theme and the beautifully melancholic Ballad of the Wind Fish, I can't recall a single other song... and I had the sound on the entire game. I love Zelda music but, unfortunately, this game is pretty lacking musically.

The Verdict

Fun Factor: 7
Overall Score: 73%
Letter Rating: S

This is a beautiful remake of one of the most classic 2D Zelda games and, frnakly, it's one of the best games in the series. With beautiful art, fun vibes, terrific combat, and awesome dungeon design, I recommend this game to anyone who has the capacity to play a video game. This is a fantastic game through and through!

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Primary Version: The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (Nintendo Switch)