Nintendo News: Links Awakening is a charming nostalgic puzzler in a gorgeous new world (Pic: Nintendo)
Id always heard that Links Awakening was one of the most interesting Zelda games – inspired by Twin Peaks and other surreal media of its time when the game dropped in 1993.
I didnt quite latch on to its initial remake on the 3DS (truly, I didnt know of its inspirations back then) but as soon as the Switch trailer dropped my curiosity was stoked. At E3, I had the chance to play the game for around 10-15 minutes, from the apex of the game to the first dungeon.
Out of the many gameplay demos I played at E3, this was the one I wish I could take home the most – the variety in approach available was so refreshing, and like Wind Waker, it has a distinct aesthetic that really draws you into its world. Lets get into it.
You wake up ashore Koholint Island and nab your shield before stepping out into a grand adventure. Instantly, youre struck by the immaculately clean art style evocative of dioramas. Link has oval eyes and a teensy green cap that flaps in the wind as he toddles around the stunning blocky environment.
Water, sand, woodland – it all looks gorgeous and very unique- its a style that both harkens back to early Zelda games in a modern setting without ruining the charm. Octoroks have shiny bright orange heads and butterflies cast shadows as they wander in the wind.
My runaround involved grabbing Links famous sword from the beach before adventuring in the mysterious forest – a mist-laden land full of (adorable) terrors. The difficulty has been retained – this is a Zelda game after all! – and I died a few times during my playthrough, but that never dissuaded me from exploring or diving further into the available dungeon.
It's a very classic-style Zelda game compared to Breath of the Wild, and in that sense acts as a gust of fresh air if youre keen to get back to the more contained style seen in Links Awakening.
From pushing blocks to finding keys – its all very true to form, and the variety of charming enemies provide a real challenge. I loved entering the houses spread out around the prairie, finding cutesy characters in the woods and solving little puzzles that gave each area colour and character.
Best of all was the forests pesky raccoon with his sensitive nose – you have to find a bag of dust to get him to sneeze off his costume. To do thiRead More – Source
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