"A flawless colorization of one of the best handheld games since Tetris."

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening was one of the defining titles for the original Game Boy. One of the games that got me into portable gaming, the game is one of the more creative entries to the Zelda franchise, managing to exude its own style while still legitimately playing and feeling like a Zelda game, and, more importantly, felt like it was made to the specifications of the Game Boy, as opposed to the common practice of developers to try and shrink down console games for the handheld. Thankfully, Nintendo's colorized rerelease of Link's Awakening is a perfect translation to the Game Boy Color, and, while unessential if you already own the monochromatic, original Link's Awakening, an excellent game well worth owning.

Graphically, the update to Link's Awakening has pushed the game into the visible spectrum, and everything looks a lot nicer, despite the fact that DX uses the same sprites as the original Link's Awakening.

Music is also of high quality in Link's Awakening, and the DX version retains the great soundtrack while adding a few more tracks for the bonus areas exclusive to the DX version. I personally find the Link's Awakening soundtrack more enjoyable then most other Zelda soundtracks, including the scores for Link to the Past and Ocarina of Time, so no complaints can be issued for music.

Gameplay is also unharmed by the port, and is still excellent. Link's Awakening uses the classic Zelda style of setting all of Link's equipment to the A and B buttons, and allows simultaneous use of these items to solve puzzles. For example, one can fire a bow and use a bomb at the same time to turn the arrow into an exploding projectile missile. The game makes excellent use of all of the items, most of which are very cool additions to the Zelda series.

Dungeon design is also brilliant in Link's Awakening, with nearly every dungeon being not only enjoyable and exciting but fiendishly difficult and usually making creative use of all of your items. Furthermore, most of the items in Link's Awakening are among the best in the series, including items such as Roc's Feather and the flame-spewing Magic Rod.

Exclusive to the DX version of the game include a secret, color-themed dungeon and a new, photograph-themed sidequest. While neither are reasons to purchase Link's Awakening again, they both serve as pleasant bonuses to GameBoy Color owners.

In conclusion, DX is an awesome GameBoy Color game and a great addition to any GBC owner's library. If you do not already own or have played a version of Zelda: Link's Awakening, get yourself to a GameStop or log on to Amazon immediately and experience the definitive version of one of the best handheld games ever.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 10/01/07

Game Release: The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX (US, 10/31/98)