The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX

"The best 2-D Zelda game, and maybe even the best Game Boy Color game"

This review is over the Game Boy and Game Boy Color version of the game, but the main focus is the Color version. (I'll just mention the Black and White one here and there.)

GRAPHICS 10/10

The Game Boy Color simply has great graphics. The worlds are really colorful. Theres a big change from the black and white to the color game. You no longer have to squint your eyes to see details in the dungeons. Animation is actually quite good in this game. Link moves in a realistic way. When he tries to push or pull some thing heavy, little stress marks appear above his head. When you enter the Mysterious Forest, all the colors get darker. That may not seem like a big deal to alot of you, but it made me say ''Neat.''

The older version also has great graphics, even if it is in black and white. The old game uses a feature which I call ''Blinking Fade-Outs.'' What that means is, when a dramatic fade out is needed, the image blinks on a off really fast, and then it gets lighter. Considering there is only four colors, this looks REALLY good. Of course, the Clor version fades out normaly, and looks even better.

GAMEPLAY 9/10

The Game Boy has a smaller screen than a TV (Duh), so sprites have to be bigger. Because there bigger, it's easier to move around the screen. Doing things like moving sideways is not awkward like the Link to the Past for the SNES. Most of the items in LA are the same as the SNES game, with a new item that lets you jump. Items and weapons can be placed on the A or B button. For the first time, you don't have to have your sword or shield equipped. Thats good, because I never used the shield much because you must USE it to be of ant use. I rather just avoid the fireballs, thank you. Still, it adds to the realism.

I was disappointed with the new Color Dungeon in the game. Not only was it really easy, but could have been done in black and white, if they changed the way some things look. (Example: The Green balls could have been light gray, red dark gray, and blue mixed) When you beat it, you get either a Red or Bule Tunic that either adds to your attack ot defence. Thats help's alittle, but if you choose attack, bosses become more easy. Add the hidden Level Two Sword, and your talking about a walk through the park. But still, it uses the power of the Game Boy Color to makes the dungeun look nice. Another addition is the little rat guy that takes pictures of you, so you can print it out on a Game Boy Printer. You can now view how many heart pieces you have by looking at the item screen and pressing Select. I always wondered why that was missing from the old version.

SOUND 9/10

All right, Game Boy isn't known for its great sound, but Link's Awaking somehow does a really good job with it. The overworld theme is a remix of sorts and suits the mood of the game. (Really, all they did was add a little at the end, but it sounds cool) Effects sound good, considering this is Game Boy were talking about.

STORY 9/10

Link is on the mast of his ship when a storm hits. He is knocked out and awakes on a strange island. He is told that the only way he can get off the island is by awakining the Wind Fish, that sleeps in a egg on top of the island. Theres a plot twist in the middle of the story that took me totally by surprise. But, I promised not to spoil anything...

I read reviews were people say the plot and ending is stupid...but I love it. The plot is simple, yet deep. And the ending is the best Game Boy ending I even seen. It's even better than A Link to the Past if you ask me.

REPLAY VALUE 9/10

It took me awhile to beat this game, over my 2 - 2 1/2 week average for other games (Zelda 64 included!) And that was the old version. It's fun to play over again, and even better in the color version.

GRIPES

Gripes? Hmmm.....I can't think of any. And I'm including Game Boy limitations. This game is just that good. In one scene in the game, you rescue Marin from a cliff....for no other reason than to add a love story...yes, a love story. (You heard me, theres a love story in this game, even if it is a little one.) I never saw that in A Link to the Past.

OVERALL 9/10

I would give this game a 10, but I gave alot of things a 9, so giving it a 10 would be a little unfair. This is definitely one of the best, if not the best, Game Boy or Game Boy Color out there. Every time I see the ending, I feel like crying. (Not that I would, ahem...) And the best part is, you can take it with you when you go places. I remember playing it when me and my family took the 6 hour drive to Orlando...made the trip go by fast.

Best 30$ I ever spent.

-review by Mortis-

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 02/26/00, Updated 11/09/02