“Only the memory of this dream land will exist in the waking world…” bellows the Wind Fish. The Sleeping God–awoken–relays the hurtful truth of Koholint, that saving the world means destroying it. But, by holding his memories of this world dear, by keeping the images of this island in his mind, it could never truly be gone. What’s better than images in your mind, however, is photographs in your hands. Fortunately for those who have played Link’s Awakening DX, you get exactly that when you visit the Camera Shop.
The Camera Shop is just north of Tabahl Wasteland, beneath the shadows of Tal Tal Heights. In case you mistake it for any old house, the shop owner has placed a large sign on top that says CAMERA joined by a giant model of an analog camera. This shop is home to a photographer mouse. Don’t be fooled, this rodent is a real shutterbug. He lives modestly, his home only filled with camera equipment, and a nice backdrop for professional photos. Upon entering, the Photographer will request to snap a picture of the photogenic hero, Link. The Photographer will take a photo of Link standing against the backdrop and call it “Here Stands a Brave Man,” a perfect title for the Hero of Legend. The Photographer isn’t finished yet; he understands just as well as the Wind Fish how important it is to record memories. He puts the photo in an album called “The Travels of Link.” After that, the Photographer will show up at various points in the game and take a picture of Link, who can return to the Camera Shop to view the wonderful memories he’s created, a total of twelve to be made.
Now if you’ve played Link’s Awakening and you’re confused about what tale I am spinning about this supposed Camera Shop, that might be because this location was only available in Link’s Awakening DX. Unfortunately, the Camera Shop did not exist in the original Link’s Awakening. As for the port to the Nintendo Switch, it would appear the Camera Shop was closed for business and replaced with Dampé’s Shack and his Chamber Dungeon game.
The Camera Shop may well be a relic of the past, but its charm and the memories is captured is forever etched in the hearts of those who experienced Link’s Awakening DX. Whether through photographs or memories, the adventures on Koholint Island live on, proving that even in a world destined to vanish, the experiences we hold dear are never truly lost.
