"A Legend for the Ages."

Ah, the Legend of Zelda series. Probably the second-most famous in Nintendo's history (next to Mario, of course). It all started with The Legend of Zelda on the NES. For the few following years, it remained as the most innovative RPG there was. Then later on the Super Nintendo, we had this little treasure called The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening. Now this beauty has been perfectly restored into the light on the Game Boy Color, with a neat new addition which I'll discuss later. All in all, this is a legend to be remembered.

Young little Link was sailing off in a boat one night when a huge thunderstorm struck, destroying his boat! Link was shipwrecked and found himself stranded on Koholint Island, where he befriends Marin and Talon, who rescued him from his horrible fate. Link finds out to escape this world and return to Hyrule, he needs to get the 7 instruments and wake the Wind Fish. For as long as the Wind Fish remains asleep, there is no escape from the island. Why can't he leave simply because some stupid fish is asleep? No clue. It's a good thing that good gameplay doesn't revolve around a storyline.

You control Link in this game, who can move in 4 different directions. You'll start out in this small town and Marin will tell you to look for your sword and shield. First, Link must explore the beaches and find his sword. Once he does this, a friendly owl flies down (likely the same one from Ocarina of Time) and tells him the Wind Fish sleeps in eternal slumber, and only a blessed orchestra and a magical tune has the power to wake the Wind Fish. The owl tells Link that when the Wind Fish wakes, he will be able to leave. But Link needs the orchestra of instruments and the magical tune to wake the deity. Of course, the instruments are hidden in the dungeons across the island. Well, how else are they supposed to orient the storyline with the game?

You'll get several power-ups along your journey. Heart pieces will restore your health by one heart. Rupees are the prime means of currency. They can be found under bushes, so slash away for cash! You'll also find several new weapons along your journey in addition to your sword. They must either be purchased or are hidden inside chests in dungeons.

Speaking of dungeons, Link must travel around the island and enter the dungeons, searching for the instruments. You'll face plenty of dangers during your adventure. The dungeons have quite a few items inside of them, such as the keys which open locked doors, the compass that helps you find treasure, and the dungeon map so you can find your way around. You'll also find a few power-ups and items in dungeons. These items are essential to Link's quest, and without them he stands no chance against the dungeon bosses and terrors ahead.

Before you find one of the magical instruments in the dungeons, you fight a boss. These bosses are tough, and the powerful item you found inside the boss's dungeon will be of help to you somehow during the battle. For example, the first boss you'll face is a giant centipede. He'll squirm about the room, and you have to hit him six times with your sword. However, the room is outlined by holes, and if you fall in one of those holes, you'll plummet down to the dungeon below and have to start the whole boss fight over again. Once you destroy the boss and collect the instrument, you are taken back to the entrance of the dungeon where the owl is waiting. The owl usually tells you where to head next, and flies off, leaving you to your heroic duties. Don't you hate when you're only given partial tips which usually confuse you more than they help you?

Probably the prime disappointment in this game is how little was added besides colorized graphics. The only thing they've really added is a new dungeon that requires use of color, but it's more of a pain than a puzzle. Likewise, fans of the original Link's Awakening probably won't find much new here to retain their interest. Of course, they may want to relive the experience just for the heck of it.

As the Game Boy Color's launch game, this game had to sport some impressive graphics, right? The textures look splendid, and the characters will bring a smile to your face. The landscapes are all detailed and are enjoyable to watch and look at. Some of the best graphics seen on the Game Boy Color. There really aren't any signs of fuzziness, either.

Sound. Another category in which this game shines. The tunes sound very epic, if you know what I mean. Characters don't make many noises, so most of the time you'll spend listening to the various tunes. The dungeons sound creepy, the outdoors sound much more lively, and the forests are rather ominous and melancholy. Once again, great sound.

Link's Awakening is a fairly lengthy game for the most part. It's also fairly addictive, and you won't be beating it in just one night. With 7 dungeons total in an extremely vast world, there's tons to explore and accomplish. You should be playing for at least a month or two.

Overall, Link's Awakening is one truly excellent game. It's one of the most epic handheld adventures you'll ever play. Yes, it's a remake, but it's a pretty dang good one. Try to find this if you can. Game Boy Color games are becoming more and more scarce, so don't miss out on the opportunity to get your hands on this treasure.

Rent or buy?
If you haven't played the original Link's Awakening game for the original Game Boy, buy this game by all means. One of the most epic adventures you'll ever play on a handheld system.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 07/13/06