The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening Reviews
As a full-priced Switch game, it just feels like it’s too much of a fun-sized package, which doesn’t really reflect the fact that it’s still a damn good game.
We check in on the monthly “Is Zelda an RPG?” debate with a review of last year’s big release: Link’s Awakening.
If you need a nostalgia trip or haven't played Link's Awakening before, then you won't be disappointed with this release. Just note that it is a bit more bite-sized when compared to more recent entries in the series.
Though an excellent example of a classic Zelda scroller with beautiful graphics, Link's Awakening struggles with it's lack of content, making justification of it's 60-dollar price tag difficult.
Link's Awakening is a joyous adventure and a treat for the eyes, marred by some minor performance hiccups. It's truly a shame that this title is following up the most ambitious entry in the series' history and feels dissapointingly small in comparison.
Link’s Awakening may have been intriguing and weird a decade and a half ago, but every other game in the series has done what this one does - but better. The game feels overly tedious and drawn out because it doesn’t clearly communicate anything to the player. All the magic seems to have left Link’s Awakening as it’s aged, but luckily for you, there are other great Zelda games on the Switch.
Whether you’re someone who played Link’s Awakening before or someone who never has, this is one of the best entries in the series and should be played by all. Don’t sleep on this one.
Overall, I’ve very much enjoyed my time with the Nintendo Switch remake of The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening. I’m glad for the addition of the Chamber Dungeons mode, and that the hidden Color Dungeon returned. I also think it’s nice to go back to a more standard Zelda experience after Breath of the Wild. There are plenty of proper dungeons (plus custom chamber dungeons) here. The main game’s dungeons give you the satisfaction of finding new items and abilities, and using them to access new areas. Some will be happy this time that Link doesn’t have to deal with annoyances like not being able to climb because of incessant rain, or annoying breakable weapons (some of which make the weaponsmiths of Hyrule look bad). The smaller world in Link’s Awakening also means the core Zelda gameplay is more condensed compared to Breath of the Wild (where it is comparatively more diluted). I have spent 30+ hours adventuring on Koholint Island so far. In that time I’ve completed everything in the game except for a few of the gold tier challenges in Chamber Dungeons mode at this point. The game is available both at retailers and in the Nintendo Switch eShop for $59.99. Can you acquire all eight Instruments of the Sirens and make it to the Wind Fish?
"No nightmares allowed."
Review in Finnish | Read full review
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening, as I have said now, will please both the new generations and the gaming floats as a server since, let's face it, nostalgia sells. Relive your childhood.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
An extremely faithful adaption of a true Nintendo classic from the company's early years, with some well-needed changes to justify the full price tag in today's gaming landscape sprinkled on top for good measure.
While it has a few flaws, mostly in the performance department, don’t be fooled. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening is still a dream come true.
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening is still a wonderful title that has been fabulously updated by the update. Only an imperfect technical section takes away the status of pristine work.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening for the Nintendo Switch is an excellent classic comeback. The developers masterfully revived the world of adventure in 1993, improving the gameplay, preserving the atmosphere and high density of the island in a new bright wrapper.
Review in Russian | Read full review
Even so, Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening perfectly evokes the original game's presentation on the Game Boy, while bringing the visuals up to date using ingenious toy-like character and diorama world designs. With a top-notch presentation and charming gameplay, Link's Awakening is the living proof that any good game, no matter how old it is, can be revived and brought to new audiences.
We are talking about a special title of the series, a side story, a Legend of Zelda without Zelda and Triforce, a game so classic and at the same time quirky, that probably wins our attention with its Master Sword.
Review in Greek | Read full review
Link's Awakening is happy to be history, and it defies you not to be, as well.
Two decades later, Link's Awakening feels fresh but with the same flavor and charm that made the fans fell in love with it the first time.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening is an almost perfect remake of a classic title.
Link’s Awakening is a beautiful recreation of a legendary game, but it doesn’t have much to offer to players who already know the ins and outs of Koholint Island.