The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds

The 3DS at last has its own Zelda to brag about with “A Link Between Worlds” being a perfect mix of new and old to excite fans.

First thing is first, were the developers kidding with these graphics?

Story (1/5)
Moving on, there’s nothing new about the entirely inconsequential story. There’s a bad guy called Yuga who’s here from an alternate dimension and he wants to unleash Ganon yet again. That is pretty much all of it, apart from the part where Link gets zapped by the bad guy but survives, only to find out that he can now morph into a 2D version of himself whenever he wants thanks to the magic attack.


Gameplay (3/5)
This is what the game’s main gimmick is about as during gameplay you can merge into flat surfaces and proceed moving horizontally as long as the stamina gauge allows you to (which is initially 10 seconds) or until you encounter a 3D obstacle. Due to the strict top-down camera angle, a large number of secrets hidden in the game are discovered upon the move into 2D.

The 2D ability is more essentially used for a number of puzzles, which are solved once you learn how to merge onto moving platforms and slip past grates. But that’s not it. The game has a number of other impressive features in its armory, including the best collection of dungeons that you would hardly find in any other installment in the series.

The point where this game starts diverting from the same formula that follows every other Zelda game is when you realize you can choose to tackle the dungeons in any order you like. Upon reaching the main quest of the game when you land in the alternate world of Lorule, you are provided with a map that includes seven dungeons. And that’s where the fun begins, as you’re pretty much left on your own to work everything out all by yourself.

If there is something bad about the game other than its hideous graphics, then I’d say the fairly easy boss battles. As compared to the standard set by previous Zelda games, the boss battles are a letdown with little to know space to move in and absolutely no advanced tactics to utilize.

Comparatively, if you set out to explore the overworld then you’ll be in for quite an experience. The entire exploration is seemingly unending and it gets even more interesting with the addition of hidden caves and heart segments. Further features that deserve top recognition include the series of smaller dungeons that you can discover and visit and the mini-games that can be played to win special prizes.

Final Thoughts
To sum it all up, A Link Between Worlds offers some of the most impressive dungeons that you wouldn’t find in the rest of the series. Although, the little too easy gameplay and the rubbish graphics might be the biggest drawbacks but the game still passes with flying colors as long as you ask me.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds