Link’s Awakening is undoubtedly one of the coziest Zelda games to date, and its remake on the Switch brings it to record levels of cuteness. Koholint Island is an easy place to feel connected to, and the toy-like art style is a refreshing twist on it. While the visual upgrade is fantastic, the updated soundtrack is what makes the game really stand out to me. Practically all of its songs give me a nostalgic grin, and as a big fan of woodwind ensembles, there is one song in particular that never fails to do so.
The first thing you’ll notice is that this is a rendition of Mabe Village, which is already a comforting tune. At first, it’s stripped down to just two parts. The melody is played by a bright glockenspiel, and a plucky synth provides some satisfying harmonic movement. This is as far as the original version goes, but the song’s remake breaks free from the shackles of the Game Boy’s limitations.
On the second loop, we’re serenaded by lush woodwind textures. The bass clarinet leads us in with its full, thick tone, and is soon complimented by standard clarinets doubling the melody. A warm flute provides a subtle countermelody, its vibrato like a sunrise on the ocean. The tension picks up when a bassoon and an oboe contribute some tasteful licks, and the rhythm gradually builds towards the end of the phrase. Every single instrument gets at least one moment in the spotlight throughout the rest of the piece, and the bass clarinet brings us full circle with a walk-around resolution. The arrangement is simply magnificent in every aspect. It isn’t afraid to use strange chords, but the instruments blend so well that it feels entirely natural in context.
Even considering iconic locations like the Tal Tal Mountain Range and Animal Village, this empty, abandoned house by the cove might be my favorite place to hang out in Link’s Awakening. The house itself isn’t much, but it has an entrancing nostalgic energy. I’m sure the mysterious ghost who once lived there would wholeheartedly agree – that is, if ghosts had hearts at all.
