The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds review

photo src: zeldainformer.com

Nintendo has entered another solid title in their amazing shelf of N3DS games and it is an absolute must for every Nintendo-born gamer even without seeing the trailer or any preview. It's one of Nintendo's greatest franchises that stands toe to toe with Mario and Pokemon - The Legend of Zelda.

While A Link Between Worlds isn't the first Zelda title for the 3DS (Ocarina of Time 3D came out first) it is the first Zelda title to exclusively grace the console. Akin to the previous Zelda titles for the DS, A Link Between Worlds feature an overhead view for the majority of the gameplay and it returns the classic 8-directional movement of our hero in contrast to the touch screen controls found in Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks.

The game is set in the same universe as A Link to the Past. The places, dungeons and even enemies look virtually the same but the Hyrule in A Link Between Worlds is some generations after A Link to the Past. However, the game isn't simply a repeat performance of the greatness of the A Link to the Past, aside from the constantly targeted by evil kingdom of Hyrule (of both Light and Dark) we are also given a new world to explore - the crumbling Kingdom of Lorule ruled by Princess Hilda. It is also a diversion from the Zelda norm in the sense that the majority of the game's story didn't focus on Hyrule, Link and Zelda, instead it focused on Princess Hilda's endeavors in order to restore the peace of Lorule. So in a way, despite the same addicting formula of Zelda featured through most of the series' games, we are still given a fresh Zelda title that doesn't get boring at all. Think Majora's Mask. While it looks like Ocarina of Time all over again, we are instead given Termina and a whole new game mechanic and concept of the masks and the three day cycle.

As with every Zelda title there must always be a new in-game mechanic. In A Link Between World's case, we are given the Merge ability. Aside from the world that we see overhead during most of the gameplay, through Merge Link can merge with walls and explore areas that cannot be accessed through normal means (even with several gears equipped). It adds a greater depth to exploration and puzzle-solving, however it also lessens the difficulty in several instances when fighting bosses or avoiding hazards for our young hero.

A Link Between Worlds also introduced several newcomers that show just how much everything has changed in Hyrule since A Link to the Past. My favoirte among these newcomers being Irene the Witch (greatest of her generation!). Also returning in the series are the various gears that Link needs in order to progress through some levels such as the boomerang, bow and arrow, and the grappling hook. However, instead of being sequentially discovered, Link can instead rent these items on the get go giving the players the freedom of choosing which dungeon to take on first. When Link falls in battle, though, all the rented items are returned to Ravio and will have to be rented again if needed (or desired).

Irene the Witch (photo src: zeldawiki.org)

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is indeed one of the best games on the 3DS. However, it falls short in being one of the best Zelda titles because of its low difficulty and short gameplay. The story also felt a little self-contained and less involving only focusing on the struggle of Princess Hilda. Though the purpose of Link's journey was to save both Hyrule and Lorule, the conclusion to the grand premise wasn't really satisfying. However, taking the setting into consideration almost every Zelda game in the Young Link timeline starts and ends in a lighter story compared to the Adult timeline so there's really not much argument there.

The game's technical parts were a mix of nostalgia and excitement. The music was a touch to the younger gamer inside who played A Link to the Past a very long time ago. The design of this game was also unique and pretty much original as a whole. While it kept up with the designs used in A Link to the Past, it's what the developers of the game did that makes A Link Between Worlds unique. The whole game is tilted. But since we only see overhead for the greater part of the gameplay, gamers won't really notice.

The level design of each dungeons were either really hard or really easy. But both are still pretty fun to play and explore. There are also lots of side quests for some post-game explorations.

Overall, A Link Between Worlds is a definite must play both to veterans of the series and newcomers. While there weren't anything new and completely innovative that rattled the gaming industry as with Ocarina of Time, it's a Zelda title that's fun to play and will most likely be memorable as will all canon Zelda titles.