The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening | Review Thread (UPDATE: accolades trailer, see threadmark)

[CaVaYeRo]

Here's ours:

https://www.gamereactor.es/the-legend-of-zelda-links-awakening-analisis/

Gamereactor ES - 9/10

There's the weird framerate drop when transitioning to other areas, but other than that (and the occasional obscure puzzle due to old-school design), it's super faithful and lots of classic fun.

 

[NotLiquid]

So I've reviewed the game for the Dutch website InsideGamer, you can read the full review here. The review will also be on Metacritic. I've translated the conclusion for you:

'Gameplaywise, Link's Awakening is pretty much the same game as the original. That says as much as the high quality of the 26 year old game as this remake. The big improvement is in the graphics and audio. The framerate is anything but stable though, and it would've been great if Nintendo would've added another extra action button for items. It also feels kind of by-the-numbers to go back to the basic Zelda-structure after original games like Breath of the Wild and Cadence of Hyrule. Still, this is a very nice remake that you'll be able to enjoy for a good fifteen hours or so.'

Grade: 8/10

Positives:
+ A magical world to explore
+ Great graphics and audio
+ Gameplay is top notch

Negatives:
- The old Zelda-structure is getting tired
- The framerate stutters every now and then
- Another extra button for item placement would've been perfect

Any questions? Feel free to ask!

Click to shrink...

It's interesting to read the perspective of a more "traditional" Zelda game in a post-Breath of the Wild world

 

[Deleted member 3017]

78 u guys

 

[thepenguin55]

Link to the Past and Minish Cap really don't need remakes, those games are still two of the best looking Zeldas and they both still play great. Plus LttP is already on Switch. I'd 100% take a Minish Cap port though.

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I don't disagree but there's definitely an audience for modernized versions of those games. Which isn't to say that they haven't aged well because they have but I guarantee you that those games would experience a new surge in popularity if they got remakes.

 

[Noppie]

I was told this game had intense performance issues and reviews would tank because of it, barely breaking 80.

Era, you dare lie to me?

 

[Deleted member 2791]

Another hit for Grezzo. I wonder what's next for them. Skyward sword?

 

[cw_sasuke]

So much for "unplayable"

lol

 

[SparkleMotion]

I was told this game had intense performance issues and reviews would tank because of it, barely breaking 80.

Era, you dare lie to me?

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It's a Zelda game. Performance issues will be hand waved away.

 

[Why would you do that?]

Huh, as much as I love LA, I would have guessed the remake was going to get around 80, 85 max. Glad to see some great scores, though.

 

[Phabh]

8 from Gamekult.

https://www.gamekult.com/jeux/the-legend-of-zelda-link-s-awakening-3050880185/test.html

Still a classic.

 

[Kamaros]

Honestly they should follow this game with an A Link to the Past remake running on this game's engine (obviously with an art style more befitting of that game) and then they could just build an A Link Between Worlds remaster off of that. And just keep the train rolling with a Zelda 1 remake, then Oracle of Ages/Seasons, then Minish Cap, then Phantom Hour glass and then Spirit Tracks (those last three games being in the Wind Waker art style). LOL

Then a full on Zelda 2 remake, then port the OOT+MM+WW+TP remasters to Switch and remake Skyward Sword using the BTOW engine. I've got years of content planned for you Nintendo! lol

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i would love this to happen too, honestly 3 years in Switch's life i was expecting a little more than 2 Zeldas on the console lol. as i see this happening, i believe Grezzo will go on to continue ALBW and the remasters/remakes will slow down. they will invest in some new games too.

 

[Lua]

You guys lack common sense every time, i'm always surprised.

 

[Annoying Old Party Man]

86, per my predictions :D

 

[Imitatio]

It's a Zelda game. Performance issues will be hand waved away.

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Now, if it were called The Legend of Belda ... Hooo boooy! 65 MC max.

 

[Monster Zero]

Another hit for Grezzo. I wonder what's next for them. Skyward sword?

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Oracle of Ages and Seasons deserve remakes.

 

[Jonneh]

If it were called The Legend of Belda Pink's Waking Up then it would have got a sideways thumbs and we all know it

 

[Green Stig]

Eurogamer

 

[Zedark]

86 MC so far, 28 reviews

 

[Kamaros]

THE GOTY RIGHT HERE, FOLKS

 

[Wackamole]

InsideGamer (Netherlands): 8

• + Controls like a dream…
• + Gorgeous graphics and sound / audio…
• + magical world to discover / explore…
• - …and extra button for another item would have been nice
• - …framerate problems
• - …okay, we kinda know that Zelda structure now (?)

 

[Noppie]

If it were called The Legend of Belda Pink's Waking Up then it would have got a sideways thumbs and we all know it

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Not even a side ways thumb, more of a flat hand shaking, you know?

Also praise be for the 'Now do Zelda II' comment. Gimme it.

 

[WestEgg]

78 u guys

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WhY iSn'T iT fOrTy DoLlArS tHo?!?

 

[Hucast]

I'm curious

Gonna go with 86 MC

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Right on the money so far

 

[Dukie85]

Amiibo and Dreamer Edition shipped this morning. I couldn't be more ready for this game.

 

[Sander VF]

You guys lack common sense every time, i'm always surprised.

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I still believe this will end up below a 90, but yeah, ERA has been having a thing for lowballing metascores prior to reviews dropping lately.

EDIT: Yep, around what I expected.

 

[Deleted member 3017]

8 from Gamekult.

https://www.gamekult.com/jeux/the-legend-of-zelda-link-s-awakening-3050880185/test.html

Still a classic.

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These guys are harsher than anyone when it comes to technical performance and they never give 10s, so an 8 from them is great.

 

[Deleted member 2834]

So much for "unplayable"

lol

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Framerate issues seem to barely ever affect scores meaningfully. This was always going to vary from person to person.

 

[Larrikin]

It's a Zelda game. Performance issues will be hand waved away.

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Performance 'issues' are only issues if they actually effect the experience imo. Just because a game factually has imperfect framerates/lower resolution doesn't mean it has any impact on gameplay whatsoever. I feel like most people are way too sensitive on this but I don't discredit their experience. I just don't get it, since even on really low framerates I find it super easy to adjust.

 

[Deleted member 59]

4/5 from Vooks.net

https://www.vooks.net/the-legend-of-zelda-links-awakening-review/

As with most, some slight performance issues and the dungeon editor not being great are the reasons for docked points.

 

[Bazry]

If it were called The Legend of Belda Pink's Waking Up then it would have got a sideways thumbs and we all know it

Click to shrink...

and it would cost £2.99

 

[Vitet]

InsideGamer (Netherlands): 8

• + Controls like a dream…
• + Gorgeous graphics and sound…
• + magical world to discover…
• - …and extra button for another item would have been nice
• - …framerate problems
• - …okay, we kinda know that Zelda structure now (?)

Click to shrink...

You can ask the reviewer, he posted it right before:

So I've reviewed the game for the Dutch website InsideGamer, you can read the full review here. The review will also be on Metacritic. I've translated the conclusion for you:

'Gameplaywise, Link's Awakening is pretty much the same game as the original. That says as much as the high quality of the 26 year old game as this remake. The big improvement is in the graphics and audio. The framerate is anything but stable though, and it would've been great if Nintendo would've added another extra action button for items. It also feels kind of by-the-numbers to go back to the basic Zelda-structure after original games like Breath of the Wild and Cadence of Hyrule. Still, this is a very nice remake that you'll be able to enjoy for a good fifteen hours or so.'

Grade: 8/10

Positives:
+ A magical world to explore
+ Great graphics and audio
+ Gameplay is top notch

Negatives:
- The old Zelda-structure is getting tired
- The framerate stutters every now and then
- Another extra button for item placement would've been perfect

Any questions? Feel free to ask!

Some pics I made:

Click to shrink...

 

[Detective Pidgey]

Any mention of total duration? I never played the original. Don't know if there is side stuff?

 

[Deleted member 176]

seems like reviewers missed the mark on this one

 

[Ryo]

It's a Zelda game. Performance issues will be hand waved away.

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Unless the issues are massive they are waved away regardless of the series, Fallout 4 and Bloodborne seemed to get away with performance issues at launch.

 

[jaymzi]

Lol if the 86 holds.

That would mean 86, 87, 88, 89 for the 4 big Nintendo exclusives so far this year.

 

[Wackamole]

You can ask the reviewer, he posted it right before:

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aaah haha, Thanx. Cool.

 

[Fliesen]

IGN 9.4

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Hmmm, i think i just learned stuff about the game, roughly 2 minutes in, that might be a surprise to someone who never played Link's Awakening?

Therefore: Spoiler warning.

I had no idea you'd

Spoiler

meet Kirby and chain chomps and stomp Goombas

in this.

 

[Deleted member 51789]

How can the remake look good if it has performance issues?

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Because they're not the same thing?

 

[Noppie]

Any mention of total duration? I never played the original. Don't know if there is side stuff?

Click to shrink...

The game is basically 15-20 hours, there's some collectibles and the new dungeon maker, but they don't really add much to that timer.

 

[OfficerRaichu15]

Lol if the 86 holds.

That would mean 86, 87, 88, 89 for the 4 big Nintendo exclusives so far this year.

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Wouldn't be surprised if Luigi's Mansion 3 gets a 90 at this rate lol.

 

[asd202]

Good scores shame about performance issues though.

 

[Deleted member 4034]

Honestly they should follow this game with an A Link to the Past remake running on this game's engine (obviously with an art style more befitting of that game) and then they could just build an A Link Between Worlds remaster off of that. And just keep the train rolling with a Zelda 1 remake, then Oracle of Ages/Seasons, then Minish Cap, then Phantom Hour glass and then Spirit Tracks (those last three games being in the Wind Waker art style). LOL

Then a full on Zelda 2 remake, then port the OOT+MM+WW+TP remasters to Switch and remake Skyward Sword using the BTOW engine. I've got years of content planned for you Nintendo! lol

Click to shrink...

Or ... make an original 2D Zelda.

 

[Deleted member 42105]

Any mention of total duration? I never played the original. Don't know if there is side stuff?

Click to shrink...

Around 10 hours or so it seems like. Just like the original.

 

[Moltres006]

I'll stop by my local Walmart tomorrow after work and If I can get it for $50, I'll buy it.

 

[Mafro]

all that concern trolling in the USGamer thread is looking pretty funny right now.

 

[Deleted member 10737]

great scores so far. another hit for grezzo and nintendo

lol @ 75

 

[Noppie]

Hmmm, i think i just learned stuff about the game, roughly 2 minutes in, that might be a surprise to someone who never played Link's Awakening?

Therefore: Spoiler warning.

Click to shrink...

You mean the cameos? They were shown repeatedly in Nintendo's own trailers and other marketing material. I think it's fair play to mention them.

 

[o Tesseract]

seems like reviewers missed the mark on this one

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Lmfao I'm sure this is sarcasm and it's hilarious because that's how this forum comes off in first party review threads.

 

[Deleted member 2834]

Unless the issues are massive they are waved away regardless of the series, Fallout 4 and Bloodborne seemed to get away with performance issues at launch.

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Bloodborne should have never gotten away with it. If that framerate didn't affect your experience negatively, then you are literally immune to a shit framerate. It could have been my GOAT if it weren't for it.

 

[Moz La Punk]

It's interesting to read the perspective of a more "traditional" Zelda game in a post-Breath of the Wild world

Click to shrink...

Yeah. It didn't really influence the verdict, I suppose - its a remake after all so I didnt expect them to alter the gameplayloop - but I have to admit that there were a few time I felt kinda 'bored' thanks to the old school Zelda-structure, especially coming from Breath of the Wild and Cadence.

 

[Piston]

seems like reviewers missed the mark on this one

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And it continues.