"Zelda, a perfect game...?"

Although quite different from the incessantly popular N64 versions, this Zelda game truely has something special. Its superb gameplay coupled with its intense puzzles and action, or at least as much action as you can get on this type of format of a game, makes this Zelda game a true classic.

There was a lot of hype when this game was coming out. You know the ''ultimate zelda trilogy'' and such. Well as it turns out its not a trilogy, its two games, whatever you call that. Both are similar to the greatest extent and both are definetly worth a try. But be forewarned, this game does require thinking. Its not just some mindless ''punch the buttons as much as I can game'' like games such as Gauntlet Dark Legacy (which does have some strategy too it, but is just to much button-mashing for me), sorry about the segue there.

Although not argueably as good as its predecessor, Link's Awakening, this game, or games, has key ideas that make it stand out from the rest. But of course, as with Oracle of Seasons, it has its faults.

Both storylines are fairly bland. The basic ''person gets caught by evil woman/man, let's go fight her'' style. But kudos to this game for a much better developed plot than the Seasons game.

Here's the basics on the gameplay style for you newbies (otherwise skip this paragraph):

Basically, you are Link. A small elvish-like character with a green robe and sword. The basics of this game are pretty simple. You have a map of the land you are in which is a 16 by 16 sqaure grid. Each sqaure on the grid represents one screen in the actual game. So if you go to the edge of one screen its shifts one over, or up, etc. When you start out, you worm your way around the grid, meeting characters and learning about the plot. But you can only go so far before you have exhausted all available paths. What now?? There are many unexplored squares (colored gray as opposed to the terrian coloring of the the explored squares) to search, but there's something blocking me at each area. Well, you need to find the first dungeon. The dungeon is basically a small building with a tiny grid map. It can vary from 1-6 in number of floors. Basically, you defeat enemies and solve puzzles to get keys to get to new areas in the dungeon. Each area has a mini-boss, and a boss. Aquired through the dungeons are special items which are sometimes weapons. These new items will help you get across to the new areas. For example, sometimes where you want to go there are rocks in the way. In a dungeon you will find the item to pick it up with, thereby removing the obstruction. So that's the game. You walk around solving puzzles, sometimes by asking others to gain enterance to the dungeons. Complete all 8 dungeons and face the final boss. Of course this game is extremely creative in one aspect: the gift of time. You gain the ability to time travel, from past to present. So technically there are two different 16 by 16 maps to explore. If you cannot get to someplace, you may have to think, god forbid, and go to the place you want to be in the past, and then travel to the present. There are numerous such puzzles.

Gameplay (100/100)-Done perfectly

Controls (100/100)-Simple to understand (well theres only 4 buttons!).

Enemies (90/100)-Although plenty of them, some of them are highly annoying.

Creativity (100/100)-There are many creative aspects in this game, from the boss design, to the clever dungeon layouts. One thing especially is the linking-system. See below paragraph)

Fun Factor (80/100)-This is where it made its downfall. This is illustrated in some of the paragraphs below.

Replay Value (5 times MAX)-You won't want to play it more than that. Maybe if you leave it for about 5 months and go back. But its a long game anyway.

Overall (90/100)-A great and innovative game with its minor faults, but an overall well-rounded game to add to the bank.

LINKing System (hahaha....)-Great idea, but somewhat pointless. This didn't really bother me but it really is. Basically, when you complete the game, you get to buy the next one and continue the quest in the next game (works the other way too). In the next game it really isn't too different. One thing that doesn't make sense is starting out with nothing again. You health bar is back to its orignal minimum. Things like that. So when you complete this one, people give you passwords in this game. Then you can go back to the orignal game you played and give people there passwords. They give you new item upgrades and things like that. I've never tried it, but I believe you can ''return-link'', which is return to the other game again to get more upgrades. But whats the point really, you already completed the games, its not too much fun beating it while being invincible.

So...why didn't this ''perfect game'' get 10/10? Here's why: Sometimes, as I say for Seasons, this game occaisonally crosses the line from challenging and fun to insanity and annoyingness (or whatever you would say). You fight some really stupid bosses. One of which, Smog, really makes me angry. Its a puzzle to beat him, and its so annoying because there is too much to contend with.

What makes this game special? Its unique gameplay and style. Its unlike any other. And come'on, its Miyamoto for crying out loud!!!

Other: Cost ($20-$35)
Try also: Any other Zelda game, especially N64 ones,
and also of course, Seasons. Although
Seasons is much more battle-oriented.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 10/12/02, Updated 12/03/02