The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is the latest installment of the epic fantasy adventure series that all began in 1986 and it does a great job of creating an updated nostalgia rich game that blurs the lines between the original 2D concepts of the 8bit introduction, while also giving the game a little of the more modern 3D gaming look and feel that we’re used to with the Nintendo 3DS. However, it’s also a cool introduction for many to the top down, map-based, puzzle solving gameplay genius that made the first few games so well loved, making it a bit of an instant classic, especially for Legend of Zelda fans of all ages.
Storyline
The storyline for the game is an oldie but a goodie. Little Link awakes to find himself in trouble with his job at the blacksmith’s and when he arrives late for work he’s sent on an errand to give a palace guard his sword back. However, when he catches up with him, it’s too late as he’s been locked away in a picture frame by the beauty obsessed Yuga, who has also captured on of the seven sages’ daughters, Seres, and so the adventure begins.
It isn’t long before Yuga’s sinister intentions become clear, as Princess Zelda is his real target and the evil demon king, Ganon, his master, with a plot to take control of both Hyrule and it’s underworld equivalent, Lorule. While we can’t help but continue to be transfixed by the plot of Zelda: ALBW, we’re also conscious that it’s been very similar for a long time now and it would be cool to see it adapt a little more in the future, especially if the ever get around to creating the eagerly anticipated new 3D adventure Legend of Zelda game for the Wii U that Nintendo teased in the build up to the release of their latest console.
Gameplay
In terms of gameplay, The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds has got a lot going for it. Getting to place a great playing top-down adventure game again is a lot of fun, but the addition of 3D cut scenes and and the painting move brings a new twist to the old gameplay concept. There’s a great mystery build-up to progression through the game as you need to figure out how to make your way to the next part of the story, whether it’s learning how to swim to get to the island windmill or renting the bow and arrow from Rovio to get into the first dungeon level of the game.
In fact, Rovio plays and integral part in your development throughout the game as you’ll need to head back to his shop (AKA Link’s house) to rent items that you need to progress. This can be anything from the mighty hammer to the wind wand. If you find yourself stranded on the edges of the maps, a long way from home, without the item you need, don’t worry about having to walk all the way back to the shop because you can just call the helpful witch Irene who will transport you there and back again in no time.
This mystery element leads in well to the puzzle solving part of the gameplay, which is massively rewarding, especially when you finally figure out what you need to do to hunt down the big dungeon key to take on a boss. It’s here that the games gets most fun as the puzzle solving and action adventure brilliance combine as go toe-to-toe with the game’s biggest and baddest nasties. Not only have you got to use your reflexes to stop them mulching you with ease, you’ve also got to work out how exactly you can take them down, and when you do it’s one of the best sensations in gaming.
The mystery, puzzle solving and bosses get progressively harder as you play, so expect things to be a bit challenging to start with, but incredibly taxing the further you get. Especially for the inevitable genius of the final showdown with Ganon himself, so if you’re about to start playing the game, get yourself set for a test of your wits as much as a job for your thumbs.
Graphics
The graphics are far from being the most advanced we’ve seen on the Nintendo 3DS, but as a top-down adventure game they’re probable some of the best we’ve played on any console. It’s always been difficult for similar games of the past to convey depth, but in ALBW it comes across pretty well thanks to the stereoscopic 3D capabilities of the 3DS. This also helps to add to the 3D rendering of the game’s cut scenes, but these aren’t as impressive as they perhaps could have been. All in all the graphics are cute and fairly simple, although the transition from top-down view to painting wall walker is pretty cool. Check out the trailer below to see for yourself.
Music & Sound
It’s not often that a game’s music and sound deserves much of a shout out, but here they’re a lesson in perfection. The Zelda theme tume is as addictive as ever, so get yourself ready to hum it like a crazy person, and every move you make is accompanied by the kind of sound that makes the game feel alive.
Review summary
We’ve loved getting to play TLOZ: ALBW, but not just because of its nostaligic brilliance, but also because it’s a fun and challenging fantasy adventure that will keep you on your toes for a fair few weeks, if not months. While it doesn’t have quite the same shimmer as The Wind Waker HD or the solidity of the potential future Wii U release, it is another class outing for Link, Princess Zelda and the power crazed Ganon.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds review: 4/5
