Looking Back on Links Awakening DX: A Retrospective

Link’s Awakening DX, a remake of the original Game Boy game, is a classic Zelda game that has been beloved by fans for years. This game was first released in 1998 for the Game Boy Color, and it has since been re-released on the Nintendo Switch. The game follows Link as he wakes up on Koholint Island, where he must collect eight instruments of the sirens to awaken the Wind Fish and escape the island.

The intro of the game sets the stage for a unique adventure, as Link is not in Hyrule but on an island that is a figment of the Wind Fish’s dream. The story is filled with charming characters, such as Marin, Tarin, and Richard, as well as classic enemies like Chain Chomps and Piranha Plants. The dungeons are well-designed, and the trading sequence is a fun sidequest that rewards players with a powerful item. The game also features a color dungeon, which was exclusive to the DX version and added a new layer of depth to the game. The music is memorable, and the graphics are charming, making it a joy to play even today.

Gameplay

The gameplay in Link’s Awakening DX is classic Zelda-style action-adventure gameplay. You’ll explore dungeons, fight enemies, collect items, and solve puzzles to progress through the game. The game takes place on Koholint Island, a location that is not part of Hyrule, but still feels like a Zelda game.

The dungeons are well-designed and challenging, with unique themes and puzzles to solve. The bosses are also memorable and require strategy to defeat. The trading sequence is a fun sidequest that rewards you with useful items.

One of the unique features of Link’s Awakening DX is the Color Dungeon, which was added in the Game Boy Color version of the game. This dungeon requires you to use the power of color to solve puzzles and defeat enemies. It’s a fun addition to the game and adds some variety to the gameplay.

The game also has a photo sidequest where you can take pictures with a camera and have them developed at the Camera Shop. The photographs can be used to unlock secrets and progress through the game.

Overall, the gameplay in Link’s Awakening DX is solid and enjoyable. It’s a great example of Zelda gameplay on a handheld device, and the game still holds up today.

Graphics & Sound

Link’s Awakening DX boasts some of the best graphics and sound design on the Game Boy Color. The game’s visuals are colorful and charming, with detailed sprites and environments that bring the world of Koholint Island to life. The game’s use of color is particularly impressive, with the addition of the Game Boy Color allowing for a wider range of hues and shades than the original Game Boy version.

The game’s music is also top-notch, with catchy tunes that perfectly capture the game’s whimsical tone. The soundtrack includes remixes of classic Zelda tunes, as well as original compositions that are just as memorable. The sound effects are also well-done, with each action having its own distinct sound that adds to the overall immersion of the game.

One of the most unique features of Link’s Awakening DX is the inclusion of the Photographer and his camera shop. Throughout the game, the Photographer will appear in various locations and offer to take pictures of Link. These photographs can be collected in a photo album and even printed out using the Game Boy Printer. It’s a fun little addition that adds to the game’s charm and replayability.

Overall, Link’s Awakening DX is a testament to the Game Boy’s capabilities and a must-play for any fan of the Zelda series. The game’s graphics and sound design still hold up today, and the addition of color only enhances the experience. It’s a classic handheld adventure that shouldn’t be missed.