The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures Review

In the ever-expanding realm of The Legend of Zelda series, Four Swords Adventures emerges as a unique, albeit polarizing, entry. Released for the GameCube in 2004, this title attempted to reinvent the Zelda experience with a multiplayer twist, allowing up to four players to team up in an adventure that spans across various levels. While its cooperative gameplay offers a novel approach to the Zelda formula, the game’s execution leaves much to be desired. In this review, we'll dissect Four Swords Adventures across several key aspects—combat, music, art and graphics, dungeons, theming, sidequests, story, items, and quality of life—to uncover why this game falls short of the high standards set by its predecessors. Join me as we explore what went wrong and what, if anything, might still make this title worth a glance for the most dedicated Zelda enthusiasts.

Combat - 3

The combat in this game is pretty alright, but in the grand scheme of things, it is a mediocre game in terms of combat. I don't mind the combat in this game, outside of the single-use Bombos Medallion, is absolutely unmemorable.

Music - 6

This game has a solid soundtrack, but it is definitely weaker than many games in the series! I don't remember a ton of songs, but the ones I do remember still excellently exhibit the tonal feel and vibe of the Zelda series. Good stuff, good stuff.

Art & Graphics - 6

While I love the pixel art of the multitude of Zelda games, the style here doesn't stand out too much. It is one of the more generic and forgettable art styles of the Zelda series, but there are certainly worse art styles displayed in the series than this.

Dungeons - 5

This game has my favorite level design of the multiplayer Zelda experiences. While it isn't anything too special, there are occasional levels that are actually traditional dungeons. Having the different players on different screens allows for some unique puzzles. However, the promising premise this game presents is not delivered upon, and with very few traditional levels, I have to give this game's dungeons a mediocre score.

Theming - 2

This game is the least original experience in the mainline Zelda series, as it's an extended expansion of Four Swords. Unfortunately, I can't say anything outside of the odd way to play this game, which is interesting, hence the low score.

Sidequests - 1

This game's lack of side content isn't outright hindering the game; therefore, the score isn't a zero. And, I mean, there are always chests to open! However, naturally, with a drought of sidequests here, any higher score would diminish the impact of games with meaningful side content.

Story - 4

This game's story is an expanded take on the story of Four Swords, with the four heroes having to take on the evil wizard Vaatia as he starts to wreak havoc upon the peaceful Kingdom of Hyrule. However, Link begins to learn that Vaati is not the only thing holding Hyrule back from peace: no, the evil Ganon was behind the entire ordeal. Link then has to go save the world once more but from Gnaon. While it isn't a phenomenal story, it is executed well and is much more original than several other games in the series.

Items - 5

This game has many fantastic items, but none of them are truly original, and they aren't utilized nearly as well as in most Zelda games. I can't say I hate the items here or anything, as they are still pretty good. Nevertheless, the only real highlight here is the Bombos Medallion, which is saddening for a game series full of incredibly unique items.

Quality of Life - 0

It's practically impossible to get people to play this game with you and to play the game the way it is intended; you quite literally have to drop hundreds upon hundreds of dollars. For all that, and for the game to not even be that spectacular in the first place, I have to give this category a score of zero.

The Verdict

Fun Factor: 7
Overall Score: 42%
Letter Rating: D

Four Swords Adventures is a disappointing game that struggles to set itself apart in any other way outside of its unique (albeit frustrating) multiplayer mechanics. The items, combat, and locations are mediocre, and for that, I only recommend this game to the most avid of Zelda fans. If you want a taste of multiplayer Zelda, play the more accessible Tri Force Heroes. You'll thank me later.

Primary Version: The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures (GameCube)