Just played through Link's Awakening DX for the first time = Amazing!!!
I've always been a console gamer, not much for handhelds (until DS / 3DS), so I missed this title as a kid. I'm not much for black & white games, but adding color to the DX version made me want to try it at some point. And I finally did!
I must say, it is an amazing game. Just as good as Link to the Past on SNES or Link Between Worlds on 3DS. Though it does have a "Super Mario 2" vibe to it... in the sense that it is a Zelda game that wasn't developed as a Zelda game initally. So there's no triforce, no Zelda, no Ganon, no Hyrule, etc.
I also was surprised to learn that concepts like the Ocarina or the hookshot from OOT originated here. If you only played the console versions, then you didn't realize that some key OOT items actually came from Link's Awakening.
Also interesting are all of the Mario character cameos (Goombas, Thomps, Chain Chomps, Yoshi, etc.). You even switch from the traditional top down perspective in dungeons to a side scrolling (albeit limited) Mario-esque platformer while going down the stairs between dungeon levels. Definitely lots of neat features that you don't expect to see in traditional Zelda games.
Overall, I'd give it a solid 9/10, very enjoyable and a must play for any Zelda fan who skipped over the handhelds. I'd also say the same about Link Between Worlds on 3DS for those of you diehard pure retro guys who don't play much of the modern stuff. Great Zelda games that console guys may have overlooked!
I must say, it is an amazing game. Just as good as Link to the Past on SNES or Link Between Worlds on 3DS. Though it does have a "Super Mario 2" vibe to it... in the sense that it is a Zelda game that wasn't developed as a Zelda game initally. So there's no triforce, no Zelda, no Ganon, no Hyrule, etc.
I also was surprised to learn that concepts like the Ocarina or the hookshot from OOT originated here. If you only played the console versions, then you didn't realize that some key OOT items actually came from Link's Awakening.
Also interesting are all of the Mario character cameos (Goombas, Thomps, Chain Chomps, Yoshi, etc.). You even switch from the traditional top down perspective in dungeons to a side scrolling (albeit limited) Mario-esque platformer while going down the stairs between dungeon levels. Definitely lots of neat features that you don't expect to see in traditional Zelda games.
Overall, I'd give it a solid 9/10, very enjoyable and a must play for any Zelda fan who skipped over the handhelds. I'd also say the same about Link Between Worlds on 3DS for those of you diehard pure retro guys who don't play much of the modern stuff. Great Zelda games that console guys may have overlooked!
Comments
Definitely many reasons it's my favorite Zelda title of all time.
Did you do any of the "side quest" stuff?
It's about time!
Definitely many reasons it's my favorite Zelda title of all time.
Did you do any of the "side quest" stuff?
Did enough Secret Seashells to get the L2 Sword, and learned 3 songs on the Ocarina? Also got about 6/12 photographs.
I was playing on a GBC emulator and consulting a guide if I got stuck in a dungeon. I was able to do most of them by myself but ones towards the end were much trickier than I expected.
It's about time!
Definitely many reasons it's my favorite Zelda title of all time.
Did you do any of the "side quest" stuff?
Did enough Secret Seashells to get the L2 Sword, and learned 3 songs on the Ocarina? Also got about 6/12 photographs.
I was playing on a GBC emulator and consulting a guide if I got stuck in a dungeon. I was able to do most of them by myself but ones towards the end were much trickier than I expected.
Nice, the L2 Sword is a must.
The last two dungeons are definitely the toughest/longest. The whole pillar puzzle is the worst for me. Turtle Rock isn't very friendly either..
Definitely one of the best, if not THE best, games from the GB/GBC era.
It's about time!
Definitely many reasons it's my favorite Zelda title of all time.
Did you do any of the "side quest" stuff?
Did enough Secret Seashells to get the L2 Sword, and learned 3 songs on the Ocarina? Also got about 6/12 photographs.
I was playing on a GBC emulator and consulting a guide if I got stuck in a dungeon. I was able to do most of them by myself but ones towards the end were much trickier than I expected.
Nice, the L2 Sword is a must.
The last two dungeons are definitely the toughest/longest. The whole pillar puzzle is the worst for me. Turtle Rock isn't very friendly either..
The boomerang is pretty game-breaking too. It makes the Metal Blades from Mega Man 2 look like a pellet gun. Even one hits the final boss!
And yes, I wasn't doing those pillars in dungeon 7 without a guide. As for Turtle Rock, I think I would have got through that one had I realized you could change the direction of the pushable blocks after you set them moving. I thought they'd just crash into a wall straight ahead. Once I realized that trick the dungeon was a lot more straightforward.
The DX version spoils all of the best secrets with those darn owl statues and doesn't let you skip text you've read before (tedious for dungeon items like the compass or every stone you touch without the bracelet equipped). I also don't like that you have to sully your name and risk dying to get 100% with one of the added challenges (a certain picture). It LOOKS better, but I think first-timers should start with the original. I'd love to see a ROM hack that colorizes it the same way.
The game also features Wart from SMB2 and Kirby. I can't recall what the mouse from the DX version looks like, but if he's wearing shades then he might be Mouser from SMB2. Another Easter egg: The Like Likes will turn inside out when dusted with magic. They can still hurt you but if you get close enough to talk and do so over and over it sounds like he's dropping hints about the Super FX chip (which might've still been under wraps during the Japanese development).
The only thing that bothered me about it was the occasional need to switch back and forth between items but I chalk that up to the 2-button limitation of the Game Boy.
Also, I personally think the final boss fight may be my favorite boss fight from the entire franchise.
Originally posted by: jonebone
Originally posted by: Silent Hill
Originally posted by: jonebone
Originally posted by: Silent Hill
It's about time!
Definitely many reasons it's my favorite Zelda title of all time.
Did you do any of the "side quest" stuff?
Did enough Secret Seashells to get the L2 Sword, and learned 3 songs on the Ocarina? Also got about 6/12 photographs.
I was playing on a GBC emulator and consulting a guide if I got stuck in a dungeon. I was able to do most of them by myself but ones towards the end were much trickier than I expected.
Nice, the L2 Sword is a must.
The last two dungeons are definitely the toughest/longest. The whole pillar puzzle is the worst for me. Turtle Rock isn't very friendly either..
The boomerang is pretty game-breaking too. It makes the Metal Blades from Mega Man 2 look like a pellet gun. Even one hits the final boss!
And yes, I wasn't doing those pillars in dungeon 7 without a guide. As for Turtle Rock, I think I would have got through that one had I realized you could change the direction of the pushable blocks after you set them moving. I thought they'd just crash into a wall straight ahead. Once I realized that trick the dungeon was a lot more straightforward.
Ha! The boomerang is definitely broken! I like how the trading sequence ends at the cave in the beginning, seems to reward those with a great memory.
Without moving that auto-block, that dungeon is impossible. But it isn't clear until you check one of the owl statues (I think)
Congrats! You've just experienced an incredible game! I've not played the DX version myself but the original Link's Awakening is really great and in my personal Top 3 Zelda games.
The only thing that bothered me about it was the occasional need to switch items frequently but I chalk that up to the 2-button limitation of the Game Boy.
Also, I personally think the final boss fight may be my favorite boss fight from the entire franchise.
Yes! Thank you for mentioning that, that is a valid gripe. I was thinking the same thing, especially later on in the game. Need the feather to jump something, then the bracelet to move something, hookshot to cross a pit, etc. Doesn't ruin the game or anything, but I found myself switching a bit too frequently.
Originally posted by: jonebone
Originally posted by: Webhead123
Congrats! You've just experienced an incredible game! I've not played the DX version myself but the original Link's Awakening is really great and in my personal Top 3 Zelda games.
The only thing that bothered me about it was the occasional need to switch items frequently but I chalk that up to the 2-button limitation of the Game Boy.
Also, I personally think the final boss fight may be my favorite boss fight from the entire franchise.
Yes! Thank you for mentioning that, that is a valid gripe. I was thinking the same thing, especially later on in the game. Need the feather to jump something, then the bracelet to move something, hookshot to cross a pit, etc. Doesn't ruin the game or anything, but I found myself switching a bit too frequently.
As annoying as that can be, the worst for me is all of the text when you hit an obstacle without the right item equipped. So after all of the repeated text, then you can finally switch out an item for the 17,564th time.
Originally posted by: laddersandcakes
Agreed. This game is amazing. I played through most (all?) of it a couple years ago, also on emulator. Super enjoyable experience. Love the music, and it's just an overall charming game. Don't blame you on the guide usage; I consulted one a few times, for sure. Then again, I'm kind of a baby with that stuff; don't have the most patience in the world.
Best way to describe the game. Everything about it is charming: music, locations, characters and even the enemies.
Congrats! You've just experienced an incredible game! I've not played the DX version myself but the original Link's Awakening is really great and in my personal Top 3 Zelda games.
The only thing that bothered me about it was the occasional need to switch items frequently but I chalk that up to the 2-button limitation of the Game Boy.
Also, I personally think the final boss fight may be my favorite boss fight from the entire franchise.
Yes! Thank you for mentioning that, that is a valid gripe. I was thinking the same thing, especially later on in the game. Need the feather to jump something, then the bracelet to move something, hookshot to cross a pit, etc. Doesn't ruin the game or anything, but I found myself switching a bit too frequently.
As annoying as that can be, the worst for me is all of the text when you hit an obstacle without the right item equipped. So after all of the repeated text, then you can finally switch out an item for the 17,564th time.
Wasn't nearly as disruptive in the B&W version. If you had read the text before, the B button would cancel and dismiss it. I'm pretty sure that the Japanese text was shorter so it was a localization tweak that they didn't redo for the DX version. As a result, I avoid Piece of Power and Acorn power-ups like a plague and I'm tempted to skip the compass in each dungeon. Even then I still have to suppress the urge to throw my Game Boy when I get too close to a rock without the Power Bracelet equipped.
The original seems to be more polished. A DX ROM hack that auto-equips your bracelet when you touch a rock, allows you to skip dialog, and reverts the owl statues to stone slabs would be awesome.
Congrats! You've just experienced an incredible game! I've not played the DX version myself but the original Link's Awakening is really great and in my personal Top 3 Zelda games.
The only thing that bothered me about it was the occasional need to switch items frequently but I chalk that up to the 2-button limitation of the Game Boy.
Also, I personally think the final boss fight may be my favorite boss fight from the entire franchise.
Yes! Thank you for mentioning that, that is a valid gripe. I was thinking the same thing, especially later on in the game. Need the feather to jump something, then the bracelet to move something, hookshot to cross a pit, etc. Doesn't ruin the game or anything, but I found myself switching a bit too frequently.
It's like playing on Golden Axe Warrior on Master System.
The item switch can be a little annoying, but it is an old GB game. I'd honestly rather that then never using the items like a lot of 3D Zelda games where you use an item once or twice. I still think ALBW is a little better.
I do agree that overall the B+W Zelda IV is an overall more polished experience, so I'm glad you still liked it despite playing the DX version and its added foibles.
The music, graphics, and setting are all great in my opinion. A truly amazing game.
EDIT: Just remembered something else. This is the only game I ever used with my GameBoy printer! I think still have my printed snapshots somewhere!
Very good game. I played through it once about a year ago and got stuck a couple times between dungeons, but when I beat it I played through it again immediately just to have a 'clean' run. Not sure about the DX version but there are a couple dungeons that can be 'glitched' so that they are impossible to beat (fish/water dungeon for sure) which can be really annoying. Basically you make a couple jumps with the leaf you are not suppose to and end up screwing yourself over by using keys you aren't suppose to.
The item switch can be a little annoying, but it is an old GB game. I'd honestly rather that then never using the items like a lot of 3D Zelda games where you use an item once or twice. I still think ALBW is a little better.
One of the dungeons has an extra key to solve a problem like this and I think it was one of the water dungeons. I've done a lot of glitching and sequence-breaking in this game and never broke a dungeon like that.
How many hours would you say you sunk into it Jone? That as you know full well is always the tricky part about starting a new long game.
I'm in the exact same boat. I've never played this one as I'm not much for handhelds. I picked up the DX version and a guide and have been planning on giving it a play via the gameboy player.
How many hours would you say you sunk into it Jone? That as you know full well is always the tricky part about starting a new long game.
Not that long, maybe 20-25 hours or so? Probably closer to 20 if you are willing to consult the guide to avoid the wandering aimlessly around looking for something to do moments.
I need to play this one. I hear there a minor differences (besides color obviously) between the original and DX, what would people recommend starting with?
DX version all the way IMO, I had the same decision. DX has an extra dungeon that grants you the ability to earn the red or blue tunic (increased offense or defense power), as well as the photograph minigame (and FULL COLOR!) Apparently the original version has the ability to skip some in-game text but that doesn't warrant skipping out on the beauty of color.
Very good game. I played through it once about a year ago and got stuck a couple times between dungeons, but when I beat it I played through it again immediately just to have a 'clean' run. Not sure about the DX version but there are a couple dungeons that can be 'glitched' so that they are impossible to beat (fish/water dungeon for sure) which can be really annoying. Basically you make a couple jumps with the leaf you are not suppose to and end up screwing yourself over by using keys you aren't suppose to.
The item switch can be a little annoying, but it is an old GB game. I'd honestly rather that then never using the items like a lot of 3D Zelda games where you use an item once or twice. I still think ALBW is a little better.
One of the dungeons has an extra key to solve a problem like this and I think it was one of the water dungeons. I've done a lot of glitching and sequence-breaking in this game and never broke a dungeon like that.
I think they fixed it in later games but I am almost 100% positive that in the original release that you can make a jump you're not really suppose to make (diagonal four tile jump) and use the key on a key block that you should be using to unlock the flippers; therefore, you can't get the next key because it lands in the deep water which you need the flippers for. The game is designed so that you shouldn't be able to make the jump and get to the key block without the flippers, but you can and it's not really all that hard (although hard enough I guess most playeers would take the hint to go a different way).
Congrats! You've just experienced an incredible game! I've not played the DX version myself but the original Link's Awakening is really great and in my personal Top 3 Zelda games.
The only thing that bothered me about it was the occasional need to switch items frequently but I chalk that up to the 2-button limitation of the Game Boy.
Also, I personally think the final boss fight may be my favorite boss fight from the entire franchise.
Yes! Thank you for mentioning that, that is a valid gripe. I was thinking the same thing, especially later on in the game. Need the feather to jump something, then the bracelet to move something, hookshot to cross a pit, etc. Doesn't ruin the game or anything, but I found myself switching a bit too frequently.
As annoying as that can be, the worst for me is all of the text when you hit an obstacle without the right item equipped. So after all of the repeated text, then you can finally switch out an item for the 17,564th time.
I think the unstoppable text was a localization oversight. You could skip it in the black and white version. Not in the DX version. I bet the Japanese version fits all the text in one box.
I need to play this one. I hear there a minor differences (besides color obviously) between the original and DX, what would people recommend starting with?
DX version all the way IMO, I had the same decision. DX has an extra dungeon that grants you the ability to earn the red or blue tunic (increased offense or defense power), as well as the photograph minigame (and FULL COLOR!) Apparently the original version has the ability to skip some in-game text but that doesn't warrant skipping out on the beauty of color.
I think it comes down to whether you want to play the game as intended or whether you don't mind having the secrets spoiled for you. The DX version spoils all the best secrets even if you don't use a guide/walkthrough. If you want to explore, discover, and accomplish as the original designers intended, play the original version first. The bonus dungeon is a reason to replay the DX version after completing the original, especially since it doesn't really do anything for you through the bulk of the game (I consider it the LAST dungeon). It also removes a bit of intentional ambiguity during the special ending (won't spoil it, but complete with no deaths and there will be a small change).
I need to play this one. I hear there a minor differences (besides color obviously) between the original and DX, what would people recommend starting with?
DX version all the way IMO, I had the same decision. DX has an extra dungeon that grants you the ability to earn the red or blue tunic (increased offense or defense power), as well as the photograph minigame (and FULL COLOR!) Apparently the original version has the ability to skip some in-game text but that doesn't warrant skipping out on the beauty of color.
I think it comes down to whether you want to play the game as intended or whether you don't mind having the secrets spoiled for you. The DX version spoils all the best secrets even if you don't use a guide/walkthrough. If you want to explore, discover, and accomplish as the original designers intended, play the original version first. The bonus dungeon is a reason to replay the DX version after completing the original, especially since it doesn't really do anything for you through the bulk of the game (I consider it the LAST dungeon). It also removes a bit of intentional ambiguity during the special ending (won't spoil it, but complete with no deaths and there will be a small change).
cool. DX it is!
I need to play this one. I hear there a minor differences (besides color obviously) between the original and DX, what would people recommend starting with?
DX version all the way IMO, I had the same decision. DX has an extra dungeon that grants you the ability to earn the red or blue tunic (increased offense or defense power), as well as the photograph minigame (and FULL COLOR!) Apparently the original version has the ability to skip some in-game text but that doesn't warrant skipping out on the beauty of color.
I think it comes down to whether you want to play the game as intended or whether you don't mind having the secrets spoiled for you. The DX version spoils all the best secrets even if you don't use a guide/walkthrough. If you want to explore, discover, and accomplish as the original designers intended, play the original version first. The bonus dungeon is a reason to replay the DX version after completing the original, especially since it doesn't really do anything for you through the bulk of the game (I consider it the LAST dungeon). It also removes a bit of intentional ambiguity during the special ending (won't spoil it, but complete with no deaths and there will be a small change).
cool. DX it is!
This makes me sad.
I was 13 when I played through the game and I remember just how great it was to finally figure something out in my own. Seeing an owl statue in the same room just outright blab the secret to first-time players in the DX version makes it clear to me that no DX players will ever experience this game the same way. The feeling was awesome!
I'm in the exact same boat. I've never played this one as I'm not much for handhelds. I picked up the DX version and a guide and have been planning on giving it a play via the gameboy player.
How many hours would you say you sunk into it Jone? That as you know full well is always the tricky part about starting a new long game.
Not that long, maybe 20-25 hours or so? Probably closer to 20 if you are willing to consult the guide to avoid the wandering aimlessly around looking for something to do moments.
The game is only going to be that long if you're spending your time digging up every patch of ground looking for shells, and even then, seems like a stretch.
https://howlongtobeat.com/game.php?id=10033
I'm amazed that these guys even rate it as 15 hours, average, which seems quite long, to me.
There are 8 major dungeons, like a typical Zelda game, so I guess you could pad an average of 2 hours per dungeon, including travel time and minor sidequests...
The nice thing, is that unlike other Zelda games to this point, the game's in-game map only shows where you have been.
So that makes it MUCH easier to decide where you still need to explore, which cuts down on mindless wandering.
This makes me sad.
I was 13 when I played through the game and I remember just how great it was to finally figure something out in my own. Seeing an owl statue in the same room just outright blab the secret to first-time players in the DX version makes it clear to me that no DX players will ever experience this game the same way. The feeling was awesome!
Nothing requires you to talk to the owls if you don't want to.
They're an in-game hint system. If you don't use them, at worst they "spoil" the fact that you probably need to do something special in the room where you see them, and that clues you in to look for unusual details.