Safe to say that there has been quite the selection of games released in this month, so there may be one or two honourable mentions.
As for the game I want to highlight, it is one that revisits a much beloved game from a much beloved Nintendo franchise.First up, the honourable mentions.
- Astral Chain – Arguably Platinum Games’ finest work, definitely a must own for Switch owners who love their action games.
- Gun Gun Pixies – Yes, I am one of the people who will subject myself to this game – and you know what, I enjoyed it too. There is some fun to be had here if you can put up with its rather lewd nature.
- Daemon X Machina – I haven’t really played that many mech games, so this one is pretty much my introduction to the genre, and I am having a blast with it.
With the honourable mentions out of the way, I shall now shift my attention to the game I want to highlight this month.
Originally released for the Game Boy in 1993, Link’s Awakening has been remade for the second time (the first time being the Game Boy Color’s Link’s Awakening DX). Link finds himself shipwrecked on an island called Koholint, and is tasked with gathering the eight instruments that will awaken the Wind Fish.
Of course, this will all be old hat for those who played the original game or its DX counterpart. Veterans will be able to find their way around Koholint Island, as it is still the same – just a lot more prettier now.
There are some quality of life changes – certain items are equipped automatically, so you don’t have to worry about constantly pausing to switch them out. The Switch does have more buttons than a Game Boy, after all.
Fans who have already played any other version of Link’s Awakening will already know what to expect from the game. For anyone new to The Legend of Zelda, though, this game gives the opportunity to experience The Legend of Zelda in its classic formula.
Some tricks from the original Link’s Awakening can be used in this remake, too – try using bombs and arrows at the same time, for example. There are some familiar musical Easter eggs to be found, as well as new, too.
You’ll no doubt recognise some of the enemies you’ll come across; yes, there are foes from previous Zelda games, but there are also monsters that may have found their way to Koholint Island from the Mushroom Kingdom.
A new addition is the ability to create your own dungeons – using premade rooms from the dungeons Link conquers. It’s a novel thing, but one that perhaps could have done a little more in the way of customisation.
Whether it is the Game Boy original or this remake, Link’s Awakening will always be a great experience.
I’ve really enjoyed what I’ve played so far, but it is making me really want Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons remade in the exact same style – and maybe they could throw in Din and Nayru amiibo as well (Farore, too, if they are feeling really generous).
When it comes to adventure games, you can’t go wrong with The Legend of Zelda. Link’s Awakening is pretty good evidence of that, and I’m sure that plenty of Switch owners will be reliving the experience, with others discovering it for the first time.
Rory Muses 