Rating
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening is a remake of the 1993 game of the same name. Besides the complete graphical and sound overhaul, its gameplay controls have been changed to incorporate the additional buttons the Switch holds as opposed to the 2-button choice of the Game Boy. The overworld map is far more detailed and specific locations can no...
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The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening Reviews
Professional reviews from gaming critics
My most succinct recommendation for the 2019 remake of The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening would be this: a couple of weeks ago, having finished the original, I was actively hoping that this wouldn’t be a shot-for-shot remake. Entire decades after the fact, the dungeons felt a little underthought, the controls a bit archaic. Even slowly making your way through the overworld by way of set clues, rather than the kind of self-directed navigation we were allowed in A Link Between Worlds, felt old-fashioned. And yet, as I potter once again across Koholint, digging up its last remaining secrets to...
Link's Awakening takes everything excellent about the original release and adds a fantastic shine to it. This already might have been one of the best Zelda titles to date, and it's only improved here.
The Legend of Zelda series is known for its quality across both consoles and handhelds, with the latter often standing out for their uniqueness within the franchise as a whole. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening was a shining example of that on the Game Boy and once again proves why it deserves to be talked about among the best in the series with its remake on the Nintendo Switch.
“Link's Awakening is the best top-down Zelda to date.”
Pick up The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening if you have any affinity for the series and don't mind replaying a 26-year-old game. However, if you've played the Game Boy original to death, you won't find much new here.
Link’s Awakening is happy to be history, and it defies you not to be, as well.
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.
The definitive version of the beloved Game Boy classic arrives on Switch.
Link's Awakening was a massive hit when it was first released, and today it's still just as amazing as it was 26 years ago. With all the changes it's easily the best version to experience the adventure through. While the frame dips on the overworld are annoying, it's not enough to take away from the beautiful world this title brings back to life. Every little thing is recreated in such a beautiful setting that it's no surprise people would want to experience Koholint again, or perhaps for the first time. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening is an unforgettable adventure, and this remake does ...
Let’s take a trip back to the 90s when I was cuddled up with my Game Boy and exploring the strange and quirky island of Koholint, collecting bananas from alligators and fighting classic Zelda enemies, but with a pet Chain Chomp. Yeah, Link’s Awakening feels like a fever dream but that’s what makes this game so special, the childlike wonder and hallucinogenic qualities.
With a gorgeous presentation and smart and minimalist tweaks, it's as charming and enjoyable now as it was in the nineties. Let down only by the lackluster dungeon creator and some uneven performance, the design of Link's Awakening nevertheless holds up brilliantly, which in turn makes the slavishly accurate recreation worthwhile. It's undeniable proof that the classic Zelda formula still works - and hopefully after Breath of the Wild 2 we can get yet another classic-style Zelda.
There’s no denying Link’s Awakening is a very enjoyable adventure, however. It hits you right in the nostalgia spot if you’ve played before, and even if you haven’t it stands up well against more modern titles. After all, games are still continually being made in the vein of classic Zelda adventures. It’s just a shame it’s let down by such troublesome graphical and performance issues. With an optimisation patch and a price cut, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening would be a must-buy. Until then, it isn’t.