"Overall, a great game."

The latest installment (s) in the Zelda Series, manage to lie up to their 8, 16, and 64-bit bretheren. Overall the game is great, the story's good, the graphics are also good, and there is plenty of replay value. Here's how the game breaks down.

Story: 8/10
The story is pretty good, it starts off with Link being transported to the land of Labrynna by the powers of the Tri-Force. Then something bad happens, and its up to Link to restore time to its normal flow, by collecting the 8 Essences of Time, and rescuing Nayru the oracle of Ages. The real meat of the story won't come into play until you start a password/linked game. Then you'll see all the true plans. I'm not going to spoil the rest of the plot for you though. :)

Gameplay: 9.5/10
The gameplay has remained relatively unchanged since the last GB/C game Link's Awkening (DX). You assign what items you want the 'A' or 'B' buttons, and then press them respectively. If you play a linked game, you'll be able to get the Biggoron's Sword, (a not-so subtle reference to the 64 games) which will take up both buttons, and if you press either button it'll swing a half circle in front of you. The ring system adds a fresh spin on the gameplay, because you can now give yourself certain powers such as: sensing soft dirt, 2X the sword power, 1/2 damage, recover hearts etc.

The main Gripe I have with the gameplay, is with the new swimming system that you learn after level 5. It takes time to learn, and instead of just holding a direction, you have to tap the direction. It wouldn't be bad if the game or the manual gave you a clue on how to use it. A small problem, but one nonetheless.

Graphics and Sound: 9/10
The Graphics are clean and fresh for a GBC game, and its nice to see that dungeon rooms are just not one screen wide, and are slightly bigger than it. The classic Zelda music is back, which always is good.

Replay Value: 10/10
There is plenty of replay value, as you may want to get all the rings, heart pieces, and upgrades. The biggest thing that will add replay is new password system, in which you can transfer special codes to its brother Oracle of Seasons, to get stuff. Also the best sword and shield in the game are only available this way. (Evil's Bane-Master Sword, and the popular Mirror Shield).

In all, it is a rewarding game experience, and I recommend that you go buy it.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 06/14/01, Updated 06/14/01