In their extensive interview with Zelda series producer Eiji Aonuma, Kotaku touched on a number of topics relative to the franchise’s recent announcements. On the subject of the Link’s Awakening remake for the Nintendo Switch, the question was raised as to why the game didn’t instead get a sequel.
” …I’ve wanted to remake this game for a while,” Aonuma replied, explaining that the original Game Boy cartridge can be hard to find nowadays.
“Everything’s case by case; each title’s a little bit different,” he elaborated. “There could be times where we start with the idea of ‘let’s make a remake,’ and then add new elements. Or if we’re creating a sequel, sometimes it could be that there’s something that would be fitting for a sequel versus a remake or something else.”
This doesn’t mean the Switch version is an exact replica of the original. Improvements both visually and mechanically are most evident, and the added Chamber Dungeon mode will provide an additional challenge. Aonuma also hopes veterans of Link’s Awakening will recall memories of first playing the game.
“… We wanted to keep that memory of originally playing the game—the essence of what made that game what it is, and by recalling your memory for the past… I think that makes it even more impressionable if you play it again.”
I feel Aonuma and his team were right to give Link’s Awakening a remake instead of a sequel. The game’s story has more of an impact thanks to its greater detachment from the rest of the franchise’s timeline. It’s one of the few Zelda games a new player can jump into and enjoy the lore to its fullest without having ever played another Zelda game. Hopefully the Switch remake will introduce more new fans to The Legend of Zelda.
