The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds

 3DS
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 1706 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,552 out of 1706
  2. Mixed: 77 out of 1706
  3. Negative: 77 out of 1706
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  1. DrewtheDude85
    Apr 2, 2014
    9
    The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is a fantastic game and is one of my favorite 3DS games right now. If you are looking for a fun traditional bird-eye view Zelda game from more recent times, you really need to check out this game. It has great 2.5D graphics and fun and classic Zelda gameplay that will make old school video game veterans smile. It takes the world of the classicThe Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is a fantastic game and is one of my favorite 3DS games right now. If you are looking for a fun traditional bird-eye view Zelda game from more recent times, you really need to check out this game. It has great 2.5D graphics and fun and classic Zelda gameplay that will make old school video game veterans smile. It takes the world of the classic Zelda game from the Super Nintendo (A Link to the Past) and expands it to a great Zelda world. The story is good, it's simple when compared to other Zelda stories, but it's good. The gameplay is also very fun, it's not that challenging, but it's still a ton of fun. I also think the whole concept of using the Item shop is pretty interesting, I think I prefer the traditional way of getting items better, but this was alright, I just kind of hope they won't bring this back in later Zeldas. Another minor problem I had is if you play for "a while" (which is probably just an hour), the save post will advise you to take a break and you cannot even skip over this text! While it seems minor, it took away the experience and it may even be the reason why I am giving this game a 9/10 instead of a perfect 10/10; I strongly urge Nintendo to remove crap like this in their later games and just let us do what we want. But if you try to ignore it, you will find a Zelda game that is quite a masterpiece with it's fun gameplay and charm that will surely please Zelda fans old and new.… Expand
  2. BDarius213
    Apr 1, 2014
    9
    Went into this game not expecting much, but after constant hours, I can clearly say that I loved playing this game. Never was a fan of A Link To The Past but this game is amazing. The story is great, the variety of weapons & items to collect, to just being overall addicting. The Zelda series has another gem to the collection.
  3. SwitSwat
    Mar 29, 2014
    10
    I would like to go out on a limb here and say that alongside OoT 3D, this is the best 3DS title released to date. I was glad they finally made a LttP sequel, and it's awesome. The 3D effects in this game are really great and only add to the beautiful environments, characters, etc. The dungeons are challenging enough to give you a good head scratching, and the game is decently long, like aI would like to go out on a limb here and say that alongside OoT 3D, this is the best 3DS title released to date. I was glad they finally made a LttP sequel, and it's awesome. The 3D effects in this game are really great and only add to the beautiful environments, characters, etc. The dungeons are challenging enough to give you a good head scratching, and the game is decently long, like a Zelda game should be. 10/10… Expand
  4. noeltoh98
    Mar 27, 2014
    10
    This game is one of the best I've played in a long time. Although some people complain that the graphics stink, and the top-down kind of game sucks, they are totally wrong.

    I've realised that there a number of games currently, that boasts about their good graphics and realistic designs, but at the same time, the gameplay of the game is horrible (I will not name games). Those games sell    This game is one of the best I've played in a long time. Although some people complain that the graphics stink, and the top-down kind of game sucks, they are totally wrong.

    I've realised that there a number of games currently, that boasts about their good graphics and realistic designs, but at the same time, the gameplay of the game is horrible (I will not name games). Those games sell amazingly well, but in the end, they are not that fun. People only buy them because they were advertised well, and look 'nice'.

    After gaming for a while, I have come to the realisation that graphics are not everything. Although they do play a part in immersing us into the game, they do not play a big role in judging if the game is good or not. They simply enhance the game, but not as much as gameplay does. I find that gameplay, and storyline of a game is of utmost importance.

    I don't care if a game looks kiddish or not, or doesn't look like Crysis 3 and is therefore 'last generation' graphics. What I do care about is that the game should be challenging, and should have a good storyline.

    Therefore, this game, A Link Between Worlds, is one of the best games I've ever played. Although it's still a 'top-down' game. Which seems 'last generation', I put in quotes because it's total **** in terms of gameplay and storyline, this game perfects it. Hence, if you are not a narrow-minded person, and can get over the fact that the graphics are not the best, and the top-down style of gameplay is 'last generation' it is a game you have to get.    … Expand
  5. bearbishop
    Mar 17, 2014
    7
    I was excited to play this game, because I'm a big fan of 2D Zelda games and the idea of one on 3DS sounded awesome. Unfortunately this game offers far more nostalgia for LTTP than actual game. 1) The dungeons were fun, but they never progressed much in difficulty or length. 2) The tools sucked. Seriously they are just the tools from LTTP and 2 tools from Spirit Tracks they changed aI was excited to play this game, because I'm a big fan of 2D Zelda games and the idea of one on 3DS sounded awesome. Unfortunately this game offers far more nostalgia for LTTP than actual game. 1) The dungeons were fun, but they never progressed much in difficulty or length. 2) The tools sucked. Seriously they are just the tools from LTTP and 2 tools from Spirit Tracks they changed a little. 3) The wall thing wasn't very cool and didn't add much to dungeon puzzle solving, because it was so limited. Overall, not a bad game, but I think its not as good as other handheld Zeldas like Minish Cap or Spirit Tracks and it doesn't hold a candle to LTTP and needs to stop being so tediously derivative of it.… Expand
  6. Doodahday66
    Mar 17, 2014
    10
    A Link Between Worlds is fast paced, straight to the point with its delivery. No boring tutorial, no excessive story telling, yet there are still memorable characters and moments. Controls are simple and easy, boss fights are fast paced and hero's mode presents a decent challenge. The game lacks in its story, however, such as how basically nothing happens between dungeons(in other recentA Link Between Worlds is fast paced, straight to the point with its delivery. No boring tutorial, no excessive story telling, yet there are still memorable characters and moments. Controls are simple and easy, boss fights are fast paced and hero's mode presents a decent challenge. The game lacks in its story, however, such as how basically nothing happens between dungeons(in other recent Zelda titles, there would be a bit of story development between every dungeon). Top down perspective also make the game less appealing visually, which is disappointing since its a game for a 3DS. Not the perfect game, but a must own never the less.… Expand
  7. AugustusCB
    Mar 17, 2014
    9
    A great game in every sense. In my opinion, a superior game to A Link to the Past in almost every way. With that said, now the flaws of the game. The best way to describe ALBW is that its a roller coaster ride: from beginning to end, it's a terrific and comfortable experience with thrills at every corner. You'll have a smile on your face for every minute of this thrill-ride. But that'sA great game in every sense. In my opinion, a superior game to A Link to the Past in almost every way. With that said, now the flaws of the game. The best way to describe ALBW is that its a roller coaster ride: from beginning to end, it's a terrific and comfortable experience with thrills at every corner. You'll have a smile on your face for every minute of this thrill-ride. But that's where the problem comes in: it's a thrill and nothing more, and a quick thrill at that. There's no denying I had fun with the ingenious dungeon design, fun-to-solve puzzles, intense boss fights and intriguing plot, but while playing the game I never felt challenged. This was mainly due to the weak exploration: the secrets are rather easy to discover and vast amounts of Rupees are practically handed to you. It's almost as if Nintendo wanted me to have the least frustrating experience possible, but it hurt the immersion. Unlike other Zeldas, I didn't feel like I was embarking on an adventure; I felt like I was playing a game and that's it.

    I also felt the art direction, while unique, wasn't all that interesting and even at times unpleasant to look at. But its soundtrack, while similar to ALttP, is great, my favorite being Lorule's Death Mountain theme.

    The game's story also shines as you're essentially meeting characters that live in a hopeless world: a world without a Triforce. It's a fascinating concept, and while it gave a very satisfactory ending, I do wish that the game went more than just knee-deep into the plot.

    Overall, I suppose the biggest complaint I have with ALBW is that it is non-stop action: you are always doing something. The problem is that the game never gives itself a chance to breathe and to let you take in your surroundings in order to immerse you into the game's world.

    While I wasn't blown away by the game, rest assured I had a great time with it. The Zelda series continues to shine.    … Expand
  8. Polarthief
    Mar 16, 2014
    9
    Definitely a great game. Not perfect like everyone makes it out to be, but still an outstanding handheld title. Despite using most of the Link to the Past elements, it truly does feel like an enhanced version of the game without rehashing too much. The difficulty is fairly light (actually harder early on then gets easier), but that doesn't make it a bad game by any means. If you enjoy theDefinitely a great game. Not perfect like everyone makes it out to be, but still an outstanding handheld title. Despite using most of the Link to the Past elements, it truly does feel like an enhanced version of the game without rehashing too much. The difficulty is fairly light (actually harder early on then gets easier), but that doesn't make it a bad game by any means. If you enjoy the action-adventure known as LoZ, I highly recommend picking this one up. One of the very few good games that exist on the 3DS.… Expand
  9. Objection123
    Mar 15, 2014
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Cons:
    -the ability to explore every dungeon often results in fragmented difficulty ( starting in a difficult dungeon then going in an easier one).

    -One of the most fundamental and memorable aspects of the legend of zelda series is exploration. A link between worlds completely destroys this by reusing essentially the same map from a link to the past. Although newcomers will receive a new world to explore; A link the the past's map hasn't aged well, it feels like a generic amalgamation of sparse desert and ice areas.

    -Very easy game for zelda veterans

    -completionists situated in areas without streetpass will be disappointed to hear an entire mode relies upon this function.

    -innovation seems to have only influenced mechanics as oppose to actual game content ( still ice and fire dungeons etc
    Pros

    -outstanding music

    -fun mini games and side quests

    -stunning final boss battle

    -some of the best 2d zelda dungeon design

    - well paced

    - the 'drawing link mechanic', is superb

    -graphics are excellent    … Expand
  10. TheYosh
    Mar 14, 2014
    6
    This game is good. But after 1 or 2 playthroughs, the game begins to show its weaknesses. First, Hyrule and Lorule seem lifeless, lacking any charm. The amount of content is dissatisfactory at most. And the difficulty isn't there. You just cut through a couple enemies and fight an easy boss. The final boss is also a joke. And the huge new thing, the merging is used for a couple optionalThis game is good. But after 1 or 2 playthroughs, the game begins to show its weaknesses. First, Hyrule and Lorule seem lifeless, lacking any charm. The amount of content is dissatisfactory at most. And the difficulty isn't there. You just cut through a couple enemies and fight an easy boss. The final boss is also a joke. And the huge new thing, the merging is used for a couple optional puzzles and travelling between worlds. Good game, but really only for the Zelda fans.… Expand
  11. hypercat90
    Mar 8, 2014
    9
    A Link Between Worlds should not be considered a remake of link to the past by any means. Link between worlds was a nice change of pace after the slow-starting Skyward Sword and Twilight Princess. Link retrieves the sword after a short five minutes and the main mechanic is introduced smoothly and simply. The story is amazing, becoming one of my favorite endings in The Legend Of ZeldaA Link Between Worlds should not be considered a remake of link to the past by any means. Link between worlds was a nice change of pace after the slow-starting Skyward Sword and Twilight Princess. Link retrieves the sword after a short five minutes and the main mechanic is introduced smoothly and simply. The story is amazing, becoming one of my favorite endings in The Legend Of Zelda series, and the controls are simpler than they have been in the series in a long time. The mini-games and Ravio's rental system provide plenty of use for rupees, and for ensuring that you will pay the price for dying. I have minor complaints about certain camera angles, as well as the lack of good characters, but overall, A Link Between Worlds is a promising game for the younger and older generation Zelda fans.… Expand
  12. felixable
    Mar 7, 2014
    8
    I was not a Zelda fans before owning this game. Graphic wise, I could tell that there is an obvious upgrade from previous generations. Gameplay and story are pretty cool though personally I enjoy Mario more. Look forward to a new Zelda game with co-op option.
  13. ConnKon
    Mar 2, 2014
    9
    A long time Zelda fan's review on ALBW:

    - Presentation: 9/10 Technically speaking ALBW is a milestone. 60 fps and a beautiful 3D world with very nice cutscenes make it the prettiest 3DS game. What did annoy me is that it uses an art style similar to Skyward Sword and the Wind Waker. Cartooney metro-sexual characters don't belong in the world of ALttP yet Aonuma did it again. The    A long time Zelda fan's review on ALBW:

    - Presentation: 9/10
    Technically speaking ALBW is a milestone. 60 fps and a beautiful 3D world with very nice cutscenes make it the prettiest 3DS game.
    What did annoy me is that it uses an art style similar to Skyward Sword and the Wind Waker. Cartooney metro-sexual characters don't belong in the world of ALttP yet Aonuma did it again.
    The music in ALBW is excellent. It offers a few new good Zelda tracks but it mostly relies on classic Zelda tunes, mainly from ALttP.

    - Gameplay: 9/10
    ALBW comes with some twists in the gameplay department. A new item system and merging into walls gives the player much more freedom. This is the most open world Zelda since the first installment, which is a good thing after Skyward Sword's obstructive linearity. Although it's pretty much the same overworld as ALttP, due to these new gameplay elements it still feels fresh.
    The puzzle difficulty and combat isn't too hard in ALBW, but for newcomers to the franchise it will provide a good challenge. The dungeons are excellent albeit a bit short.
    The story is surprisingly elaborate for a handheld Zelda game. In fact the whole production value is on a console level.

    - Verdict:
    It's like what Twilight Princess was to Ocarina of Time: an excellent nostalgic Zelda. But ALBW just does a bit more to make it a standalone classic and not a rip-off.
    + high quality graphics, music and story
    + fun traditional open world Zelda
    + new gameplay mechanics make it fresh
    - childish and slightly out of place art design.

    Perhaps the best handheld Zelda. 9/10    … Expand
  14. Voltex
    Feb 25, 2014
    10
    When it was first announced as a sequel to A Link to the Past, I dismissed this game, determined not to fall for its nostalgia factor. However, as it would turn out, A Link Between Worlds became the selling point of the 3DS for me - the freedom to tackle dungeons in any order, the item rental system, and the addictive game play style convinced me to give it a spin, and I never looked back.When it was first announced as a sequel to A Link to the Past, I dismissed this game, determined not to fall for its nostalgia factor. However, as it would turn out, A Link Between Worlds became the selling point of the 3DS for me - the freedom to tackle dungeons in any order, the item rental system, and the addictive game play style convinced me to give it a spin, and I never looked back. This is THE game to own for the 3DS and I hope it's just the beginning of where the series will take us in the future.… Expand
  15. Dhulfiqar
    Feb 21, 2014
    8
    The gameplay, the music, the controllers, the graphics are amazing. The dungeons are amazing too, because now you feel there is more excitement with using 3D feature. There is joy in this game, but after some hours you will start to feel that the game is actually very similar to Link to the past. The elements of this game are also very similar. It makes you think this game is just anThe gameplay, the music, the controllers, the graphics are amazing. The dungeons are amazing too, because now you feel there is more excitement with using 3D feature. There is joy in this game, but after some hours you will start to feel that the game is actually very similar to Link to the past. The elements of this game are also very similar. It makes you think this game is just an remake with few new content. The reason why i gave this 8, is because the game does not bring you revolution to Zelda series that needs very badly in these days.… Expand
  16. NecoViros
    Feb 18, 2014
    10
    This is one of my favorite games of all time. The puzzles take some time to complete but when completed they offer great satisfaction. The controls are very responsive and the combat is satisfying. The remixes of old zelda tunes are entertaining and the new tracks are really great as well. The new shop system gives an open-world-like feel which zelda games have never achieved before. AllThis is one of my favorite games of all time. The puzzles take some time to complete but when completed they offer great satisfaction. The controls are very responsive and the combat is satisfying. The remixes of old zelda tunes are entertaining and the new tracks are really great as well. The new shop system gives an open-world-like feel which zelda games have never achieved before. All in all this is a great game that any 3ds owner should buy.… Expand
  17. gamebumper
    Feb 17, 2014
    9
    Sendo o The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds uma sequela do A Link to the Past, ambos os jogos partilham um mundo igual. Mal comecei o jogo, o primeiro sentimento que tive instantaneamente foi o de nostalgia. Ao estar num mundo praticamente idêntico ao do seu antecessor, a minha primeira hora de jogo esfumou-se a explorar o máximo possível do mapa não só para ver o que se manteve e oSendo o The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds uma sequela do A Link to the Past, ambos os jogos partilham um mundo igual. Mal comecei o jogo, o primeiro sentimento que tive instantaneamente foi o de nostalgia. Ao estar num mundo praticamente idêntico ao do seu antecessor, a minha primeira hora de jogo esfumou-se a explorar o máximo possível do mapa não só para ver o que se manteve e o que mudou, mas também para o poder ver como o primeiro mundo que alguma vez explorei nesta série estava com o gráficos atualizados aos dias de hoje. Mas atenção, enquanto este jogo pode utilizar a nostalgia como motivo de interesse, o jogo só em si tem uma identidade própria com potência suficiente para o tornar num clássico instantâneo, não necessitam de jogar o jogo anterior para poderem conseguirem uma melhor experiência deste. O próprio jogo a início conta, de forma resumida, a história do que se passou no A Link to the Past.

    Neste jogo, a história, de forma muito resumida, passa-se 6 gerações depois do A Link to the Past, Yuga um mago com poderes especiais, começa a capturar os sete descendentes dos sábios, prendendo-os em quadros e cabe a Link salvá-los das suas prisões e impedir que Yuga ressuscite Ganon.

    Mas é nos termos da jogabilidade que o A Link Between Worlds brilha, indo desde a apresentação dos puzzles de que são feitas as 12 masmorras do jogos, até à nova habilidade que Link adquire neste jogo, movimentar-se pelas paredes, passando pelo novo método de obter os itens que nos vão ser uteis pelo jogo fora.

    A habilidade de se movimentar pelas paredes, tornando-nos numa pintura em 2D num mundo em 3D é a habilidade chave deste jogo, permitindo-nos viajar entre os 2 mundos existentes através de fissuras nas paredes e muitos dos puzzles existentes terão de ser completados usando este novo poder, onde plataformas com cofres ou interruptores impossíveis de serem alcançadas tornam-se possíveis graças a este poder.

    Para continuar a ler o resto da review vai a
    http://gamebumper.blogspot.pt/2014/02/review-legend-of-zelda-link-between.html    … Expand
  18. dilemma
    Feb 17, 2014
    10
    LBW is an example of a gamers dream. Nintendo has the strongest franchises for nostalgia. LBW hits those notes perfectly in every way. All gamers wish their childhood game would be brought back to life in stunning graphics and game play. LBW does EXACTLY that. Zelda are blessed to be one of the few to experience this emotion.

    This is what I notice in JUST the first 5 minutes of    LBW is an example of a gamers dream. Nintendo has the strongest franchises for nostalgia. LBW hits those notes perfectly in every way. All gamers wish their childhood game would be brought back to life in stunning graphics and game play. LBW does EXACTLY that. Zelda are blessed to be one of the few to experience this emotion.

    This is what I notice in JUST the first 5 minutes of playing.

    + Great sound track
    + 60 Frames per second - looks smooth
    + Great animations
    + Polish smooth game play
    + and 3D that doesn't hurt to look at it.

    Here's what I experience as playing.

    Nintendo takes an old classic and shows that this game has aged very well. It has the same lay out from the SNES version so fans will easily recognize where to go. The quickly throws you straight into the action. This time updating old ideas. Instead of slowly progressing and unlocking items, you are able to rent / buy items to use in the game. Of coarse their are plenty of new ones for old fans to fall in love with.
    ----

    The plat forming, level design, and dungeons are ALL well thought out. The game difficulty is easy enough to pick up and play but the concepts of navigating through puzzles show why this is ONE of the best franchise to date.

    Once you start to realize how creative the levels are, you quickly understand why this game is praised so highly. Even the dungeons early on require you to use 3-4 of the different items , and mechanics to really explore every corner of the game. From hovering around with the use of the tornado stick, to bouncing on plat forms from your giant hammer, to sneaky in out of cracks with the new ability to glue yourself to the wall, this game has it all and it's a must for 3DS owners.    … Expand
  19. spi280
    Feb 17, 2014
    10
    the best zelda game. it may be very easy but i can let this slide since everything else about this game is great. no story that drags on or constant handholding like the last couple zelda games. the open ended structure of the game is also something i really like and searching the world for all the collectibles is very addicting and rewarding. the music and graphics are also quite good.
  20. scraggasaur
    Feb 13, 2014
    10
    If you have a 3DS, BUY THIS GAME!!!! It is pure genius. The dungeons are fun, the new item system works great, and link's new ability adds a ton of fun to the game. It is a must buy.
  21. Doghealer
    Feb 10, 2014
    5
    As a long-time Zelda fan, I must say that I found this game rather...underwhelming. I breezed through this game, even nabbing 25/28 pieces of heart and 90/100 of the other collectibles without any help whatsoever. No dungeon took me longer than an hour. I don't know if it's that I'm getting better or the game is easier than usual, but as a guy that reveres the Zelda series as the best ofAs a long-time Zelda fan, I must say that I found this game rather...underwhelming. I breezed through this game, even nabbing 25/28 pieces of heart and 90/100 of the other collectibles without any help whatsoever. No dungeon took me longer than an hour. I don't know if it's that I'm getting better or the game is easier than usual, but as a guy that reveres the Zelda series as the best of the best, this doesn't feel much like Zelda.

    My main gripe is that you are given most of the items in the game right at the start. All other Zelda games have had the same dungeon formula that has worked for over 100 dungeons in the series, and I'm not sure why they would deviate from it now.

    The formula is simple: Several times throughout the dungeon, you'll need to solve some sort of similar puzzle repeatedly, for example, hitting a distant switch. Once you've done that a few times, you'll get an item from the dungeon that can singlehandedly solve that particular puzzle with ease, for example, the boomerang for hitting a distant switch. Finally, the dungeon boss can only be defeated through use of that item.

    The formula in this game isn't too different; most dungeons have a particular item that will solve most of its puzzles, but the difference is that you already have that item when you go in, rather than getting it inside. This took a lot of the fun out of it.

    It's worth adding that, in lieu of the standard dungeon item, each dungeon instead contains a bonus item that you don't require, although it never has anything to do with the dungeon itself.

    I suppose, all in all, this game was made (like many of Nintendo's games these days) with a more casual audience in mind. I can't really fault them for that, and if you're a casual gamer, this is probably a title worth picking up. However, if you're a "pro" gamer, this title won't give you a good ratio of hours-to-dollars.    … Expand
  22. NekoJonez
    Feb 8, 2014
    8
    This game's soundtrack is amazing. The story is pretty solid for a Zelda game. Zelda games never really have an extremely deep story but the basic idea behind the plot is good.

    While I extremely like the changes, this is the first time they did it. Maybe they could program the enemies in a way that they evolve with your gaming level? Like, if you go without dying for a while, more    This game's soundtrack is amazing. The story is pretty solid for a Zelda game. Zelda games never really have an extremely deep story but the basic idea behind the plot is good.

    While I extremely like the changes, this is the first time they did it. Maybe they could program the enemies in a way that they evolve with your gaming level? Like, if you go without dying for a while, more enemies? Anyways, that might just be me thinking as a sort of reviewer out loud.

    One dungeon has a fatal flaw that keeps this from giving me a 10 / 10 on this game. And that's a certain forest temple. It has a wall master following you everywhere. It's pretty annoying and breaks the game quite a bit. If they didn't do that, I would have gladly gave this a higher score.    … Expand
  23. ce111
    Feb 7, 2014
    8
    The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is, at its core, a sequel to the much older A Link to the Past. The map has all the familiarity of the old game but with much updated graphics. To say its a simple copy and paste job is inaccurate as there are still quite a bit of changes to the game.

    The story starts out as the typical LoZ game does, with a young man named Link who is a bit    The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is, at its core, a sequel to the much older A Link to the Past. The map has all the familiarity of the old game but with much updated graphics. To say its a simple copy and paste job is inaccurate as there are still quite a bit of changes to the game.

    The story starts out as the typical LoZ game does, with a young man named Link who is a bit lazy and yet has a great destiny ahead of him. The bad guy does bad stuff and Link must stop him and save Hyrule. The difference is that you are also able to transport to another world called Lorule. Traveling between the two worlds is essentially for completing certain puzzles and plays a large role in the story.

    The gameplay is pretty standard. Boss fights are pretty simplistic and even on its hardest difficulty (unlocked after beating the game) its still pretty easy. There is quite a bit more emphasis on exploration than in past games since you don't really need to complete any of the dungeons in any particular order. The game doesn't seem to feel the need to rush you through the story so you can set your own pace. For example, I spent many mores hours on the game than required because I wanted to do as many of the side quests as I could stand. At the end of the game, I had all the best gear and as many heartpieces as you could get.

    To summarize, this is a great game for LoZ fans. Its relatively tame manner and simplistic gameplay make it playable by even the most inexperienced video game player. It falls a bit short in that there isn't a whole lot of variety to it as there was in past games. Also its incredible easy so those who are looking for a challenge may wish to hurry through the game.    … Expand
  24. SenshiV
    Feb 3, 2014
    10
    Although is true that going for so much trouble solving puzzles just to get some rupees you will end up not using near the end, everything else is great. It was like going back to play the old SNES title, but better, because it's everything fresh. Elements were so classic and yet some many things new and entertaining. I am not a Zelda fan, but I like it, and I can tell you I didn't getAlthough is true that going for so much trouble solving puzzles just to get some rupees you will end up not using near the end, everything else is great. It was like going back to play the old SNES title, but better, because it's everything fresh. Elements were so classic and yet some many things new and entertaining. I am not a Zelda fan, but I like it, and I can tell you I didn't get so engages with the previous 2 or 3 titles as I was with this one :).… Expand
  25. Effer
    Feb 3, 2014
    10
    The best Zelda game since the Super Nintendo era. Control is tight and responsive, and 60 frames per second is a delight in 3D. The game is perhaps a bit easy and short, but still worth every penny.
  26. GERCharon
    Feb 2, 2014
    8
    In short, this game is exactly what I expected it to be. I totally liked the game's setting and I immediately felt kind of home, since I remember many locations from Zelda - A Link to the Past.
    The game features some new elements such as the ability to become a 2-D painting and to move on walls, which allows some pretty cool riddles. Also you are free to choose, in which order to complete    In short, this game is exactly what I expected it to be. I totally liked the game's setting and I immediately felt kind of home, since I remember many locations from Zelda - A Link to the Past.
    The game features some new elements such as the ability to become a 2-D painting and to move on walls, which allows some pretty cool riddles. Also you are free to choose, in which order to complete the dungeons. You can borrow or buy the necessary Items to solve the corresponding dungeons. As a nice hint a sign at each dungeon's entrance tells you what items you need in order to complete it.
    As a neat extra, you can play against other player's AI-controlled protagonists, that you have met via StreetPass.
    The game contains a magnificent Soundtrack. Its graphics are awesome und use the 3-D effect very well. The story was also quite good. The only things I didn't like that much is the fact that the game is way too easy. Even on the highest difficulty, the game was a piece of cake. Also, I wished the game to be a little longer.
    Still, I bought the 3DS just to buy this game, and it totally fulfilled my expectations.

    So,

    Graphics 10/10 (awesome use of 3D-Effect)
    Sound 10/10 (beautiful and epic)
    Story 5/10 (nothing special, nothing bad)
    Fun 9/10 (nice riddles, nice gameplay)

    other: -too easy
    -could have been longer
    +features Spot Pass

    Final grade: 8/10    … Expand
  27. nkanhai
    Jan 28, 2014
    9
    Just beat Zelda: a Link Between Worlds last night. Put in about 23h into the game, and honestly over the past week and a half I've had trouble putting it down.

    It's one of the best of the LoZ games that I've played, if only for its sheer presentation and fluidity of gameplay. The music is outstanding, the world and graphics are beautiful with crazy attention to detail, and the puzzles    Just beat Zelda: a Link Between Worlds last night. Put in about 23h into the game, and honestly over the past week and a half I've had trouble putting it down.

    It's one of the best of the LoZ games that I've played, if only for its sheer presentation and fluidity of gameplay. The music is outstanding, the world and graphics are beautiful with crazy attention to detail, and the puzzles are tricky and entertaining.

    The best part of the game for me was how much of an undirected open world approach they took. It was pure exploration and discovery, where every nook and cranny could be investigated by using one item or another. Also, it's a completionists wet dream, with tons of extras to keep you exploring all across the map.

    One of my few complaints is how the final dungeon felt a bit 'cheap' in that it didn't require much effort at all. I didn't even realize I was at the final boss because I expected the game to require more effort for me to reach him. And while the final boss was spectacular to look at, I found him to be rather easy to defeat in comparison to previous Zelda games. This applies over to all aspects of the game in general, the relative ease of getting through the game took away from the experience, in my opinion, because while you were getting stronger, getting better items, and generally becoming a badass, the level of difficulty never really rose to meet your challenge.

    For example, it wasn't until much later in the game did I realize I could upgrade all of my items. I literally had 2 dungeons left to finish before getting any of the upgraded items, which means that I could have finished the entire game without upgrading any of the items. It gives that whole sidequest of upgrading your gear seem trivial.

    Those are some of the only real knocks I can make on the overall excellent game. It's hard to believe what they can do on mobile nowadays. I remember owning a gameboy as a kid, and my favorite game for it was by far The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening. That game had managed to capture so much of what made the Zelda games more than just fun, more than the sum of their parts. It's nice to see the spirit that that old game encompassed alive and well on modern portable systems, and the 3DS proves itself a worthy home for the Zelda series.

    I really can't recommend this game enough.    … Expand
  28. icemanoe3
    Jan 27, 2014
    3
    I am 32 years old and have always enjoyed all the Zelda titles. However, I was a little disappointed by this game and its lack of content. I was a little frustrated several times after going out of my way to solve a puzzle that took quite a while to complete only to be rewarded with a chest that contains 100 rupees. The entire game is pretty much the same thing over and over with nothingI am 32 years old and have always enjoyed all the Zelda titles. However, I was a little disappointed by this game and its lack of content. I was a little frustrated several times after going out of my way to solve a puzzle that took quite a while to complete only to be rewarded with a chest that contains 100 rupees. The entire game is pretty much the same thing over and over with nothing added. I was amazed by the fact that Link was not able to obtain rings or really anything special. The fact that you rent items was also a complete sham. Halfway through the game I ended up having 9999 rupees and pretty much nothing to spend them on. (aside from throwing 2500 of them into a fairy fountain to get an extra jar) Rupees were so useless (unless you die a lot and have to rent everything over and over) This made going out of your way to open a secrete chest not worth it. The only secrete chest i found that was worth anything was at the very end when i got 2 upgrades to my tunic. In my opinion there should have been about 25 different tunics that all had different abilities. but the makers of this game decided to include really no added content. Aside from have one or two hearts more or less, I ended the game with the exact same link that everyone else ended with. I was very disappointed :( Link wears rings, that is the Link I know. I guess I should have read more about this one, Link should have hundreds of items that he can wear instead he gets a tunic and a shield. that is pretty much it. This game would be great for a 5 year old that can read at a 5th grade level.… Expand
  29. white_eye
    Jan 20, 2014
    10
    It's as if Nintendo handed A Link to the Past over to Mother Maiamai and got this in return. ALBW manages to juggle feelings of nostalgia new concepts and characters, an interesting story, and fantastic game play. Currently it stands next to Fire Emblem: Awakening as my two favorite games currently released for the 3DS. It was easy to lose myself in this game as I worked through itsIt's as if Nintendo handed A Link to the Past over to Mother Maiamai and got this in return. ALBW manages to juggle feelings of nostalgia new concepts and characters, an interesting story, and fantastic game play. Currently it stands next to Fire Emblem: Awakening as my two favorite games currently released for the 3DS. It was easy to lose myself in this game as I worked through its dungeons, and I'd recommend it to any one with a 3DS. It's biggest flaw is its brevity-- I could certainly have played it a lot longer (yes, yes, I did go back and re-beat it in hero mode). Still, I suppose it's not necessarily a bad thing when the only flaw you can think of with a game is that it left you wanting more. It isn't that the story didn't feel sufficient, it was. You just won't see me complaining if they released DLC or some other sort of story expansion that adds even more to what is already there.… Expand
  30. JackValentine
    Jan 17, 2014
    4
    As a huge Zelda fan, it is with a heavy heart that I must admit that I did not find the joy it seems that everyone else is finding in A Link Between Worlds.

    To be blunt - the term copy and past is one that is thrown around frequently with the Zelda games, and it is a term that I would defend the games against. However, I have never felt so cheated as I have with this instalment in the    As a huge Zelda fan, it is with a heavy heart that I must admit that I did not find the joy it seems that everyone else is finding in A Link Between Worlds.

    To be blunt - the term copy and past is one that is thrown around frequently with the Zelda games, and it is a term that I would defend the games against. However, I have never felt so cheated as I have with this instalment in the long running franchise.
    At least with Ocarina of Time 3D a few years ago, Nintendo had the decency of calling it what it was - a facelift. A far prettier version of the original. But the fact that one of the most beloved faces in the gaming industry would have the audacity to try and spin A Link Between Worlds as a new game, well, those people are what I like to call criminals.
    The game (labeled as a sequel to the much praised SNES classic A Link to The Past), is a direct rip off of the aforementioned. Even saying it has better graphics would be an insult to how astonishing ALTTP was for it's time. This is an UGLY game. The gameplay is so hard to come to terms with, considering the ground breaking lengths that the series has gone to to ensure that each instalment stays fresh and interesting, the gameplay just feels stale. Like it was dragged out of an age old cupboard, slightly dusted off and then tacked into the game.
    The map is IDENTICAL to the one featured in ALTTP, and this is one of things that really bothers me. A direct sequel? Sure. But how do you expect anyone to take such a statement seriously when there are NO NEW IDEAS on display? Well, I suppose that's not entirely true, you can in fact, now rent any item, such as the Bow or the Hookshot right from the beginning of the game. But this just takes any joy or sense of discovery and reward out of bland and simplistic dungeons.

    This is, above all else, a crowd pleaser. Something to quell the populous while they complain about how there hasn't been a Majora's Mask 3D yet, or that there is not a new Zelda game on the Wii U. It appeals to those who need their fix of daily nostalgia, and it appeals to those who are either too young or too ignorant to know how ALTTP changed the gaming world when it was released.
    A Link Between Worlds is one of the weakest Zelda titles ever released, and it actually pains me to see it put side by side with some of the amazing titles this year, and to hear it called the best Zelda game ever made.

    A 4 out of 10.

    Jack Valentine    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Best 3DS Game of 2013
2
#2 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2013
3
#3 Most Shared 3DS Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 81 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 79 out of 81
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 81
  3. Negative: 0 out of 81
  1. Pelit (Finland)
    Mar 11, 2014
    93
    A very good action RPG in a sandbox-like Hyrule. The game features a redefined equipment progression along with the nice flattening trick. It's a bit on the easy side, though. [Dec 2013]
  2. GameCritics
    Feb 6, 2014
    85
    A Link Between Worlds is a Zelda for people who have become disillusioned with Zelda over the years. It recalls the series' roots while also taking unique advantage of the 3DS hardware to create something that feels new. They may not make them exactly like they used to anymore, but Link Between Worlds shows that they still recognize what made them great in the first place.
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  3. Level7.nu
    Jan 2, 2014
    90
    Much is the same in A Link Between Worlds. Just like in A Link to the Past you follow Link from a birds-eye perspective in both light and dark worlds. But A Link Between Worlds is not merely a simple game of nostalgia but one that perfectly blends the new and old Zelda games. The result is one of the best games in the series.
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