Random Old and New Video Game Review - Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (Game Boy and Switch)

It's strange that we now live in a time when old video games are getting remakes and said remakes are all made from scratch nowadays instead of borrowing off the old game and making some improvements here and there. Nintendo have done remakes a few times and while Super Mario 3D All-Stars was a compilation that should have got remakes instead of ports, they have done many that are pretty good. The game Super Mario All-Stars managed to bring the three Super Mario Bros. games together in one package with graphics and sounds that resemble the SNES. Many Nintendo 64 titles got remakes on the Nintendo DS and 3DS with Super Mario 64 DS using the concept that was for a cancelled sequel to Super Mario 64. But it's not all Mario as a few Legend of Zelda games got remakes as did the Donkey Kong Country games. So it's been a while since Breath of the Wild and as we wait for the next main series game, Nintendo remade Link's Awakening. A game that while definitely a Zelda game, could also be seen as a little crossover between Nintendo's two biggest franchises due to there being a few Mario enemies within the game such as Chain Chomps and Goombas. It's a game that many of us really like so let's review the old and new and see which one is the better one:

1993 (Game Boy)

Both games have the same story as is the case with most video game remakes. Set after A Link to the Past, Link travels by ship to other parts of the world to train in the event of further threats to the world. But a storm hits his ship and he winds up on Koholint Island. After being tended to his wounds, he is greeted by a mysterious owl who explains to him that he must wake the Wind Fish (which is the island's guardian) to be able to return home. To do this, Link sets out to find the eight instruments of the Sirens to awaken the egg that resides on top of a mountain where the Wind Fish lurks within. Like the other Zelda games, this one has a focus on combat and exploration as Link can explore the island and take on various dungeons and enemies. Like most Game Boy games, it is played from an overhead perspective. It continues the usual tropes from the series such as every dungeon getting more challenging over time and there is a boss in each one that Link must defeat to gain an item that will help upgrade him along the way such as a heart container. Its the first overhead game in the series to give Link the ability to jump which helps in the side scrolling parts of the game. Plus in addition to the main story, there are lots of minigames and side missions to take on. One thing that is clear about this game is that it's bringing a bunch of elements from several games in the series together to create a new experience for Zelda players and fans like myself. The graphics are not up to scratch which was a major flaw for the Game Boy as it was only black and white until the Game Boy Color came along. The controls could be better too. But other than that, it is a fine addition to the franchise and definitely one that was worthy of a remake. 8/10

 

2019 (Switch)

Nearly 26 years later and we get the remake. Same story as before, but as a remake I would expect there to be improvements and some new elements too. The game itself uses the franchise logo that was used in Breath of the Wild and is certainly a lot more colourful which was one of the major drawbacks from the original game. It also uses elements featured in the original's first re-release. Graphics make it look more like a modernized but retro game with the settings looking like dioramas and characters and enemies having toy like designs (which is kinda ironic as this Link got an Amiibo figure). Plus as it's a 3D game, this allows the overhead perspective to be tilted which does seem to work in the game's favour. Also in the place of a Zelda like Super Mario Maker game, there is a mode where you can create your own dungeons which is great for those of us longing to make our own dungeon experiences and Amiibo figures play a big role in that area. Unlike the original, all weapons and shields are permanent fixtures to Link and some of the minigames have been given a more realistic feel. I know I tend to be very critical of a lot of remakes that are made (especially those film ones), but with this one I think it's a major massive improvement over the original and certainly faithful too. Its art style makes the game stand out for sure and because it took over two decades to be made, it can be used as an introduction to the series for a new generation of fans. 9/10

Both games are great without question, but with the remake, it adds some much-needed colour and improvements over the original. Though some of us would still prefer the original, but for me I like the remake more.