Original adventure
There are certain classics that will never leave the shelves loaded with your favourite games – it could be the first open-world game you’ve played or that fighting game in which you’ve attained the supreme champion’s title. Either way, the fact that there are titles that will stay with us for a long while remains ever strong. And it’s likely they have been here for a while already. So, most would probably agree that, in this day and age, there’s no greater joy than to see your beloved game revived. The new Zelda game is exactly in such a position.
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening was first released in 1993, serving as the fourth title in the long-lasting series. It didn’t present many innovations or industry-breaking elements, but it was the very first game where Link could jump! Link’s Awakening ended up being re-released in a coloured format in 1998. And now, a decade later, the beloved instalment is still as relevant as it was decades ago. There’s plenty of excitement surrounding the new Zelda game and for a good reason.
Similarities
The adventure focuses entirely on a closed-off island outside of Hylure, that in itself is unusual for Zelda’s series. Not only that, but the only familiar character is Link, everyone else stepped into the forefront for the first time ever. And this entire strange adventure is wrapped in a great variety of cameos and inside jokes. Many of the enemies in this game will sure be known to the fans of Super Mario series. Stomping Goombas, or taking Chain Chomp for a walk have become an important part of Link’s Awakening. And the new Zelda game promises much of the same.
The old enemies return in the newer format with significantly polished graphics, but the top-down view will remain, reminiscent of the old Game Boy title. Of course, in this day and age, pixelated people are not very attractive, and thus the game’s art style is very similar to the Wind Waker, with its quirky design and charming look. The remake gives players the kind of vibrancy they desired ever since the release of the coloured version of the old Game Boy.
And you should expect the inside jokes to remain the same as they were in the good ol’ days! Nintendo has confirmed the new Zelda game will feature the return of Super Mario enemies (so you can take the scarily faithful BowWow out into the field again!). Keeping close to its roots, the Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening will surely satisfy newcomers to the series, as well as those who want to visit Koholint Island once again, just in a new format.
Differences
Many would argue that releasing the game with just a graphics overhaul would be somewhat boring, and so, Nintendo intends to spice things up a bit. Following the success of Mario Maker – the game that gave users both freedom and creative outlet, the new Zelda game will feature an element of dungeon building.
This is probably the greatest addition to the title, as none of the previous entries in the series have this component. Basically, the player will earn separate dungeon rooms as rewards from quests or battles, and then will be able to connect them to form one singular dungeon. This should keep repetition out of the game, as no two created dungeons will be the same unless the player wants that!
Another important detail is the implementation of the amiibo figurines (the ones related to the new Zelda game). As is customary for Nintendo, the figurines are used as outer tools to enhance the gameplay even further. They can unlock items or actions, offer certain weapons, armour or anything else that might help the player. Such bonus implementation is completely optional, however, the fact that the amiibo collection can help in building a dream dungeon is certainly worth to consider.
Link’s worth it
No matter how much time has passed, the excitement that the Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening has caused amongst the gamers elevated the title to the entirely unexplored heights. New Zelda game and its reception serve as a proof that while Breath of the Wild (and it’s announced sequel) are very appreciated by the fans, the industry will continue on improving the older versions of the legendary titles too. Link’s Awakening retains its quirky style that endeared the older release, and at the same time brings it up to the standard of the modern days.
Should the game succeed (and by the reaction at E3 conference, it will), it could open the doors for more remakes of the beloved classics – there is a clear market for it. Additionally, the new Zelda game is welcoming all types of players, with additions and elements that promises exciting gameplay to any Link’s fan. It is not the free-roaming adventure of the latest released Zelda title, but there is a certain charm when one is able to simply relax and admire the adorable enemies with giant spears trying to skewer you with a huge egg in the background. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening is a bright and brilliant carefree adventure for everyone, and you should definitely try it.
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