A Link Between Worlds is one of the most iconic Zelda games to date. Not only did it serve as a sequel of sorts to the legendary A Link to the Past, it helped to establish a new item system where you can rent many of Link’s classic weapons, such as the Bow or the Boomerang, at any given time instead of having to complete a dungeon or find it somewhere in the world. Even more impressive is the musical score this game has. This game takes many classic songs from past Zelda games and gives them a new orchestral influenced type of spin.
For example, take the new variation of the intro song from A Link to the Past that plays as soon as you start the game. From the very second the Triforce pieces start to fall into place, it must surely be a homage to that game’s opening. There are other classic songs that get new variations in this game, such as the Dark World theme being remixed as the overworld music for Lorule. One in particular that may not be as well known to some fans but immediately sticks out to us long time Zelda fans, is the theme that plays in the battle against Shadow Link.
Shadow Link appears as a special battle that comes from the Nintendo 3DS’ streetpass function. Players can set up their own Links in a myriad of ways, with different weapons and equipment, therefore creating a “bounty” for their own respective Shadow Link. The stronger the weapons, equipment, and life force the Link has gets applied to Shadow Link and raises his bounty level in turn. The higher the bounty, the harder the fight will be and these fights can be more challenging than some of the game’s boss fights.
Once the battle starts, players are teleported to a random arena and Shadow Link’s theme starts to play. If you are a longtime fan of the Zelda series then you may recognize this music. It’s the Temple theme from the The Adventure of Link. This classic song is what plays in the temples that Link explores in that game. This is undoubtedly a homage to that game and Shadow Link’s origins as the very first time we are introduced to Shadow Link was in The Adventure of Link. Shadow Link is the final boss that Link must overcome in order to stop Ganon’s revival. A fitting fight for that game as it is also the way Link proves that he is worthy enough to posses the Triforce of Courage, which eventually becomes the Triforce piece that is mostly associated with Link for almost every Zelda game that follows.
The music in Zelda has been iconic ever since the very first game in the series. These songs help set the tone and feel for every part of the game they are in. From the title screen music getting the player excited to take on the adventure that awaits, to the music that plays in the overworld keeping the player engaged as they take on different enemies and explore. This especially applies to the music that plays in the dungeons or temples, creating the feel of danger that lurks around every corner. Zelda music has always made the world of Hyrule, Termina or Koholint much more compelling. Most players can hear a Zelda song and immediately recall a memory they have and how it made them feel. It’s even more amazing when a new Zelda game can take a song from an older one and weave it in so smoothly that it feels like it was made for that game too, despite not originating from it. Nintendo has done this masterfully in their games, creating nostalgia that you can find in pretty much every game they produce, and the soundtrack for A Link Between Worlds is just one of those games.
A Link Between Worlds turns 10 years old this November, so be sure to check out our entire collection of articles dedicated to the anniversary of the 3DS classic!
