The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

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Link's Awakening
Full Title The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
Developer Nintendo EAD
Nintendo R&D1 (DX Version)
Publisher Nintendo
System Gameboy
Gameboy Color
Release Date Gameboy
JP June 6, 1993
US August 1993
EU November 18, 1993
Gameboy Color
JP December 12, 1998
US December 31, 1998
EU February 11, 1999
Genre Adventure
Gallery GH Gallery
Rating ESRB: E

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening is the fourth game in the Zelda series and the first one to be released for a handheld system (not counting the Game & Watch game).

Story

Link has gone on his own journey after defeating Ganon. However, a storm at sea leaves Link shipwrecked on the mysterious Koholint Island. Link discovers that he needs to gather seven instruments and use the to awaken the sleeping Wind Fish before he can leave the island. But there are deeper and darker secrets hidden within the island.

Gameplay

The gameplay style is similar to the previous game, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. Many items and enemies from the game appear throughout Link's Awakening. However, some areas of the game also incorporated sidescrolling elements. The sidescrolling areas were more similar to the brief sidescrolling areas of The Legend of Zelda rather than Zelda II: The Adventure of Link.

Curiously, this game is known for the various references to other Nintendo games, especially Mario references. The character of Talon is physically based on Mario and has some strange experiences involving mushrooms and transforming into a raccoon. A doll of Yoshi and a photo of Princess Peach appear, and the long-missing Wart from Doki Doki Panik and Super Mario Bros. 2 makes a surprise cameo appearance. Additionally, various Mario enemies are found in the games, and several Chain Chomps appear as tamed pets.

There are also references to other games aside from the Mario series. The game contains an enemy based on Kirby, a character named Mr. Write (based on Dr. Wright of SimCity fame) and a random guest appearance by Richard, star of the Japan-only game Kaeru no Tameni Kaneha Naru.

Legacy

Link's Awakening seems to be the most well-known and popular of the handheld Zelda games. The later handheld games - particularly Oracle of Seasons and The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages - were also inspired by Link's Awakening.

Sequels

Link's Awakening had no direct sequels, although it was spirtually suceeded by the Oracle games. Ocarina of Time was the next Zelda game to be released.

Ports/Rereleases

  • In 1998, a colorized version known as Link's Awakening DX was released for the Gameboy Color. Aside from taking advantage of the Gameboy Color's advance palette, Link's Awakening DX also added a new dungeon.
  • In Japan, Link's Awakening DX was later released as part of the Nintendo Power system.
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