Why I love Link’s Awakening (And why you would love it too)

When Zelda fans talk about their all-time favorite Zelda games, the usual suspects are mentioned, such as Ocarina of Time, Breath of the Wild, and A Link to the Past. One game I think needs to be added to that list is Link’s Awakening. Link’s Awakening was the first portable Zelda game, so it holds a special place in my heart for that reason alone. I had never played a portable game that big in scope. How did it fit onto a Game Boy? Voodoo magic, I tell ya! Gamers had never seen a portable game like it before.

It seemed like a miracle at the time to have a portable game with that much complexity and size. When I heard Link’s Awakening was coming to the Switch as a remake, I got extremely excited to revisit a childhood-favorite Game Boy game! My favorite Zelda game is updated for modern gaming, what’s not to love? Why do I love this game so much?

I have many reasons, and I hope you enjoy reading on to find out. And if you haven’t played Link’s Awakening, they might give you a reason to try it and love it too.

It Pays Homage to Other Nintendo Games

Chain Chomps in a Zelda game? As crazy as that sounds, it works. Link’s Awakening took a chance by adding familiar characters in a different world. It works without seeming gimmicky. It seems organic to the world and story.

Goombas appear as enemies that Link has to stomp on to defeat. Chain Chomps can aid you in getting through the swamp, and King Wart makes a short cameo. Mario fans will have a lot to smile about while playing Link’s Awakening. Let’s also not forget Anti-Kirby, who is a formidable opponent. Giving a nod to other franchises is a unique way to tell the player they are playing something special.

It has a unique story

Zelda games have a rich mythology and history to pull from. It would’ve been easy to do another story about Gannondorf and the Triforce. Instead, Link takes a vacation and runs into a storm, which leads him to Koholint Island. Instead of a grand-scale story, it is a personal story about discovery and friendship.

The history of the island plays an important part in the story. Link’s fate is tied to the island that is the motivation to keep the player moving forward. We want Link to find out what is going on, so he can leave the Island. The deep lore and original plot make the story one of the best in the entire Zelda mythology.

It has some of the best weapons and items

Link can jump! OK, so it isn’t the same as Breath of the Wild, where a simple button press is all you need. You do need the Roc’s Feather item to get the ability, but this was the first top-down Zelda game to give Link the ability to jump. It feels weird at first, but once you get used to it, it becomes second nature.

The feather isn’t the only item I love. There is also Magic Powder and a Shovel. Some classic standbys make their return, such as the Boomerang, Hook Shot, Bombs, and Bow and Arrow. The balance of new and old items is perfect, giving the player enough new items to keep the game fresh while bringing back traditional Zelda weapons gives long-time fans something to smile about.

It Hits You In The Feels

There are video games that make me feel something, and Link’s Awakening is one of them. I won’t give away any spoilers, but I will say the ending made me cry. It wasn’t the only scene that hit me in the feels. Giving the game a personal story instead of an epic narrative helps the character’s problems become more relatable making the audience feel what the characters feel.  

The jokes in Link’s Awakening made me burst out laughing, while the emotional scenes tore my heart right in two. The memorable scenes in Link’s Awakening will stay with you no matter how long it’s been since you played it. This is what happens when a game combines great writing and storytelling. When the happy moments and sad moments happen, you will feel it.

Link’s Awakening‘s characters also do a great job of pulling at your heartstrings. Zelda games are known for having quirky and memorable characters. Groose, in Skyward Sword, and Tetra in The Wind Waker comes to mind. Link’s Awakening has my favorite cast of characters in a Zelda game. There are quirky, weird, and relatable characters in the game, each with a unique personality.

It’s A Passion Project

Link’s Awakening is brimming to the hilt with personality. From the quirky characters, the zany moments, and the thoughtful story, Link’s Awakening stands out because the love was there. Some of Nintendo’s best talents stayed after hours to work on the game because they loved this project. It comes through, from the opening scene to the final credits. Link’s Awakening was made with passion and it shows.

Link’s Awakening will stand the test of time. The remake which came out in 2019 will make sure of this. The quality of life improvements and cute graphical art style will keep gamers coming back years from now. Add in the wonderful cast of characters, memorable story moments, and great powerups and you have an instant classic.

If you haven’t played Link’s Awakening, you are missing out. Don’t be turned off by how different it looks from other Zelda games. It has the same great puzzles and gameplay you’ve come to expect from the Zelda series, but it also has an unmistakable charm that makes it stand out from a lot of games. That is why you should take the dive and play Link’s Awakening. You won’t forget it.