The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

 Switch
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1698 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,413 out of 1698
  2. Mixed: 178 out of 1698
  3. Negative: 107 out of 1698
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  1. Euphonia
    Apr 28, 2020
    0
    DO NOT BUY THIS. The game is barely 5 hours long, it has HORRIBLE framerate issues, it goes from 60fps to 30fps constantly, I'm utterly shocked that Nintendo would ship a broken game that costs $60 USD. Again, if you want to experience the original, play it on an emulator for free. Between this and the awful Pokemon game (thankfully I didn't buy it) I'm starting to lose respect for Nintendo.
  2. sanderdegrote
    Oct 8, 2019
    3
    The original was an amazing Zelda game at the time, so I was happy to see it being remade. Unfortunately the developers stayed too true to the original witch made it feel like it was an old game.

    What doesn't help is the terrible frame rate issues that happen at random. I don't really like the art style. It doesn't fit the game. It's lifeless and bland looking. The last point is the    The original was an amazing Zelda game at the time, so I was happy to see it being remade. Unfortunately the developers stayed too true to the original witch made it feel like it was an old game.

    What doesn't help is the terrible frame rate issues that happen at random.
    I don't really like the art style. It doesn't fit the game. It's lifeless and bland looking.
    The last point is the price. €60 is too much to ask for a relatively short game that's a remake from a game that's 30 years old.

    For me this game is a hugely missed opportunity to breathe new life in a fantastic classic. A shame.    … Expand
  3. BlunderBuck
    Oct 7, 2019
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Not horrible but not the game I remember. With wildly out of place Mario references and tons of missed potential, I wouldn't spend that kind of money on it.… Expand
  4. Dudefella
    Sep 21, 2019
    4
    The frame-rate issues really keep this from being an enjoyable experience. It's astounding, and an indictment of modern games journalism, that this is getting such positive reviews. I could see giving the technical issues a pass if this were a $20 game, but at $60, it's impossible to recommend this remake to anyone, even the most die-hard Zelda fan.
  5. Cyrose
    Sep 21, 2019
    0
    60€ for 8hours, framerates dropping, the edges of the game are blurry...it’s a shame from Nintendo, and I’m a big fan of them. Was a big mistake to buy this game day one
  6. Seekersilver
    Oct 2, 2019
    4
    Literally 3 seconds into the game and I have already experienced FPS stutter (or whatever it technically is called)... Every half a minute, the game stutters. It is quite dizzying, and is terrible for me trying to unwind after a long day. How on earth this game get past quality assurance, I have no idea. Such a mess, and yet the ask price is $60. Absurd. Compared to this, I had such aLiterally 3 seconds into the game and I have already experienced FPS stutter (or whatever it technically is called)... Every half a minute, the game stutters. It is quite dizzying, and is terrible for me trying to unwind after a long day. How on earth this game get past quality assurance, I have no idea. Such a mess, and yet the ask price is $60. Absurd. Compared to this, I had such a refreshing experience playing $3 (steam sale) Cat Quest.

    Such a shame, because the game is so beautiful. Yes, $60 is still expensive even if the stutter is fixed, but at least then it would be an overpriced game, and not both irritating and expensive..    … Expand
  7. Phuz
    Jun 5, 2021
    1
    I normally read reviews moaning about frame rates and think stop being pathetic and just play the game but in this though it is ridiculous, it is like the screen has HD rumble sometimes. It is the worst I have seen on Switch and much worse than Stardew Valley 2 player, which I thought wasn't possible. Why does the Switch struggle so much with birds eye view games but then I can play muchI normally read reviews moaning about frame rates and think stop being pathetic and just play the game but in this though it is ridiculous, it is like the screen has HD rumble sometimes. It is the worst I have seen on Switch and much worse than Stardew Valley 2 player, which I thought wasn't possible. Why does the Switch struggle so much with birds eye view games but then I can play much more detailed 3D games that don't have the issue.

    The graphics were an outright bad choice because between the cheesyfied music and matching graphics, it completely loses all that Zelda vibe and emotion. It's like a kiddy fest. Young kids at that.

    To be honest, I am considering selling this and just playing the old one that I sideliaded on my SNES mini. I never played it before but I'm guessing it will be better.

    Looks like we might have to wait for Skyward Sword to actually get a decent Zelda on Switch.

    I gave one point because there were a couple of fun bits in the dungeon. If I finish the game I will adjust my score accordingly but at the moment I am wanting to trade in.    … Expand
  8. Radamanthys777
    Sep 23, 2019
    0
    Game lasting 6 hours
    Fps dropping
    60 dollars
    The edges look blurry
    easy game
  9. Nincel
    Sep 20, 2019
    1
    It’s trash, total cash grab by Nintendo, runs horribly with terrible frame drops and they have the nerve to sell a 6 hour half assed game boy port for $60. I gave it a 1 because they triggered my nostalgia enough to trick me into buying it but I would return it if I could.
  10. Rubes
    Sep 21, 2019
    0
    Outrageously overpriced at $60 for an 8 hour adventure and the game runs TERRIBLE! The frame rate drops are totally unacceptable and are an absolute detraction to anyone playing the game: It truly ruins the enjoyment of the game. An 8 hour adventure for the same price as Breath of the Wild which has provided me with 2000+ hours of pure jaw-dropping enjoyment? No thanks Nintendo! This gameOutrageously overpriced at $60 for an 8 hour adventure and the game runs TERRIBLE! The frame rate drops are totally unacceptable and are an absolute detraction to anyone playing the game: It truly ruins the enjoyment of the game. An 8 hour adventure for the same price as Breath of the Wild which has provided me with 2000+ hours of pure jaw-dropping enjoyment? No thanks Nintendo! This game is NOT up to Nintendo's quality and value standards and the fact that they would release a bite-sized game that is not capable of running properly on the Switch is truly shocking, disappointing and says a lot of about the philosophies happening in Kyoto right now.… Expand
  11. beakmantopace
    Sep 24, 2019
    4
    Un Clasico que no aporta nada mas que mejoras graficas, mas de lo mismo, nintendo no inovo nada en este juego, repetitivo igualito al clasico
  12. Soothslayer
    Sep 27, 2019
    4
    Disappointingly truncated experience with very noticeable technical deficiencies. It was a cute diversion but greedily overpriced. They hype is real with this one.
  13. Fulvius
    Sep 22, 2019
    0
    As a huge fan of the original, I really wanted to enjoy this game and had really high expectations.
    However, they decided to outsource the development to Grezzo, so forget the perfection you are used to get from Nintendo internal products:
    - Get ready to experience frequent, unjustified frame drops. It is so bad that at times it ruins the immersion. if Donkey Kong Country: Tropical    As a huge fan of the original, I really wanted to enjoy this game and had really high expectations.
    However, they decided to outsource the development to Grezzo, so forget the perfection you are used to get from Nintendo internal products:

    - Get ready to experience frequent, unjustified frame drops. It is so bad that at times it ruins the immersion. if Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze runs at a steady 1080p/60fps there is no reason whatsoever for this game to drop from 60fps to below 30fps at every scenery load.
    - The Depth of Field effect is just horrible. There is simply not enough perspective in the game to justify any DOF, and the emulated blurred bars look hideous.
    - 720p? Seriously?

    Note: my score is a 0 not because the game sucks, but because I don't feel to give any merit to the dev team.
    They had a complete masterpiece in their hands: storyline, dungeons, maps, everything was made for them 25 years ago.
    All they had to do is make it look great (which they did, to a level) and smooth (where they failed miserably).    … Expand
  14. META_1
    Sep 21, 2019
    1
    good for kids only. bad framerates. 60€ for 8hours, framerates dropping, the edges of the game are blurry. old gameplay.
  15. GenkiYokota
    Jan 27, 2022
    0
    A completely horrible chibi style and a design completely the same and anachronistic to the Game Boy game
    One of the laziest remakes in the entire market.
  16. greengrounds
    Sep 21, 2019
    0
    I like the new graphics but it is just a game boy game with boring fetch quests and lots of back tracking and no online features.
  17. LeBarde
    Nov 28, 2019
    0
    Litterally the same game i bought as a kid with a ridiculous content of 7hours and no replayability for 80 bucks what a shame for nintendo...

    Rester loin de ce jeu quelle arnaque pour le prix attendez qu'il soit à 30$ max et encore quelle honte...
    Les nostalgiques l'ont tout simplement surnoté je déteste faire ça mais je suis obligé de sous noté pour compenser...
  18. ahmedfxooxf
    Sep 29, 2019
    1
    This is really shame on Nintendo's history of gaming! this game doesn't have anything that I consider appealing! bad story, stupid puzzles "lightning up a torch with some magical powder!", stupid bosses, no challenge at all in this game nor it provides any sort of entertaining, it is a real shame!
  19. sumbodyshero
    Oct 15, 2019
    0
    Rename it to Link's BLURing. "Depth of Field" is a misnomer since it blurs anything just a few feet from Link's face! The blur seriously ruins the game!!

    I would take the original pixel art and chiptune any day over this mobile game looking garbage. Also, making the sword always equipped is just as bad as taking tank controls out of Resident Evil: you are fundamentally changing the    Rename it to Link's BLURing. "Depth of Field" is a misnomer since it blurs anything just a few feet from Link's face! The blur seriously ruins the game!!

    I would take the original pixel art and chiptune any day over this mobile game looking garbage.

    Also, making the sword always equipped is just as bad as taking tank controls out of Resident Evil: you are fundamentally changing the experience of what Link's Awakening was, and why it was different than any other Zelda.

    They should have gone the route of Triforce of the God's 2 and just made it a sequel (minus the blur).    … Expand
  20. weliveforever
    Jul 6, 2020
    0
    No me gustó ni su mecánica, ni su mojigata historia para niñ@s. Esta vez tampoco queda claro si Link es célibe, eunuco o gay en el closet. Podría ser una o las tres cosas a la vez. No hay guión, ni historia que tenga un minimo sentido. NO hay por donde cogerlo.
  21. Kleptomacer
    Oct 15, 2019
    0
    Not sure why Nintendo went with such an ugly art style. It looks terrible and the frame rate consistently and significantly drops in certain sections.
  22. Lucio123
    Jun 20, 2020
    0
    La misma mierda de siempre!!!!!
    Porque no dejan morir a la saga de una vez?
  23. tdub154420
    Sep 23, 2019
    4
    I have to give a 4 on price alone. Great game, fun visuals, who gives an F about frame rate. This game is just as fun as the original and worth playing, but not at $60. This is an HD Remaster of a game boy video game. One of the best game boy games of all time, and one of the best Zeldas, but this is still just an HD Remaster of a game boy game that feels more deserved of 3DS pricesI have to give a 4 on price alone. Great game, fun visuals, who gives an F about frame rate. This game is just as fun as the original and worth playing, but not at $60. This is an HD Remaster of a game boy video game. One of the best game boy games of all time, and one of the best Zeldas, but this is still just an HD Remaster of a game boy game that feels more deserved of 3DS prices than Switch prices. In the same vein as Samus Returns or Link Between Worlds, I think this game is properly priced at $40 around launch. But to put this at the same value as Breath of the Wild or Super Mario Odyssey just makes it feel like there's a disparity in content. And that shouldn't be the focus because the game is great in its own right, but price by comparison makes it feel lacking. The moment this game is permanently reduced in price I will properly amend this score, but as it is now, it needs to be known that this is a great game boy remaster that is unfortunately disproportionately priced.… Expand
  24. RDonnell
    Jun 5, 2023
    1
    Nintendo seem to be unable to fix the slowdowns and for the price its a big joke to see stutter
  25. Bufo1966
    Oct 23, 2021
    4
    Beautiful redux of the old GB/GBC game, but the performance problems are serious and constant. A literal shame that Nintendo couldn't fix the frame rate issues and released the game in this condition.
  26. Kaprawiec
    Oct 28, 2019
    2
    What a garbage.. I really like BOTW but this is just straight bad. Graphics are ugly. I dont care, that its remastered and you have nostalgia for it - I don't and it still look plastic, stiff and overall awfull. So 1/10 for graphics. Story? What story? Bad. 1/10. Gameplay - maybe it was ok in 80' but it is really outdated. 3/10. It just feels like really cheap mobile game - comparing toWhat a garbage.. I really like BOTW but this is just straight bad. Graphics are ugly. I dont care, that its remastered and you have nostalgia for it - I don't and it still look plastic, stiff and overall awfull. So 1/10 for graphics. Story? What story? Bad. 1/10. Gameplay - maybe it was ok in 80' but it is really outdated. 3/10. It just feels like really cheap mobile game - comparing to BOTW it doesnt deserve anything more than Im givin it.… Expand
  27. Rodrigolpo
    Apr 2, 2023
    3
    It could be a good gaming, but the last boss basically ruin the whole experience.
  28. Educhivas
    Oct 28, 2019
    1
    siento que le hizo falta mas diversión, se basaron en game boy y dejaron fuera que es nintendo siwtch, animo lo pueden hacer mejor para la proxima
  29. RpgGuru
    Oct 29, 2019
    1
    Por 60€ que pague por este titulo se me hizo demaciado, tiene apariencia de un videojuego INDIE, y apesar de sus pobres graficos los frames por segundo se van por los suelos. Este titulo debe manejarse entre los 15 y 20€,
  30. NamgoongMInsoo
    Mar 10, 2020
    4
    큰 수정없이 원작을 구대로 구현해놓은 점은 호평하고 싶지만 60불짜리 고가의 게임이라고 하기엔 볼륨도 작고 최적화도 실망스럽다. 스위치 독점이라는 것도 최악인 점.
  31. Tris304
    Mar 18, 2020
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Costs way to much money for what you get, got too points that seemed broken (needed the hookshot to get over a river, but the dash jump seemed to be long enough to make it but they just make link drop like a rock when trying it, making me think it was broken)

    You aslo feel so sluggish untill you get the dash, but thats to be expected because the game is so short. Would honestly be more kind to this game if it wasn't for the price tag.



    Art style and dungeon are great! hence why not a 0 but still game was so short it was over before it begun.    … Expand
  32. Hitschy80
    Mar 19, 2022
    1
    I don't understand what all the mostly very positive reviews are about. The game is nicely reworked and looks cute.
    However, the game mechanics are no longer up to date and somehow the game doesn't captivate me. The blur effect (blurring at the edges) is annoying most of the time, there is no option to turn this off.
    I also don't understand why many of the Switch's features aren't used.    I don't understand what all the mostly very positive reviews are about. The game is nicely reworked and looks cute.
    However, the game mechanics are no longer up to date and somehow the game doesn't captivate me. The blur effect (blurring at the edges) is annoying most of the time, there is no option to turn this off.
    I also don't understand why many of the Switch's features aren't used. You can only place the additional items like bombs or grappling hooks on X and Y. Why aren't the shoulder buttons, which are double-used with protection and race, used for this? Likewise, the directional pad on the left remains completely unused.
    I found the graphics very cute, but got on my nerves somehow after an hour. I don't necessarily want to criticize that now, it's a matter of taste.    … Expand
  33. Nanassang
    Nov 2, 2021
    4
    In 2021, i think this game only deserve 4/10. Just to be clear this is first time i play zelda link awakening, so no nostalgic here. Buying this game after BIG LOVE to zelda breath of the wild.

    1. Frame rate dropping issue is annoying. 2. Very hard to complete without watching youtube walkthrough. (maybe just for me?) 3. If u play without walkthrough, u will waste a lot of time to    In 2021, i think this game only deserve 4/10. Just to be clear this is first time i play zelda link awakening, so no nostalgic here. Buying this game after BIG LOVE to zelda breath of the wild.

    1. Frame rate dropping issue is annoying.
    2. Very hard to complete without watching youtube walkthrough. (maybe just for me?)
    3. If u play without walkthrough, u will waste a lot of time to find the correct npc/place so the story can continue (or is it just me again? For example the pushing cemetery tomb thing)
    4. Too small a game for this price. ( 5-7 hours to complete)
    5. Hard to resale (if comparing to Zelda BOTW, Mario series,Pokemon series)

    THis game does remind me of the old classic RPG game, 20-30 years ago when u willing to spend a tons of time to searching the correct way/npc/place to continue, but in 2021, not applicable for me anymore.    … Expand
  34. Hazel2810
    Dec 27, 2021
    1
    I made this account so I could review this game to say how frustrating I find this awful game. Huge fan of the Zelda series and Nintendo until now. It was painful. I’m not an amazing player, but my god, I’ve never died so much in a game, you get damage from everything, and starting from the start in a dungeon is not fun, doesn’t improve your skills and does not want you to keep playing.I made this account so I could review this game to say how frustrating I find this awful game. Huge fan of the Zelda series and Nintendo until now. It was painful. I’m not an amazing player, but my god, I’ve never died so much in a game, you get damage from everything, and starting from the start in a dungeon is not fun, doesn’t improve your skills and does not want you to keep playing. I’ve given up. I’ve completed breath of the wild, and will just go back to play that again instead of doing the same thing over and over again in this game. In addition, I don’t like the view over head, unfortunately, I found absolutely no joy in it.… Expand
  35. matheusouza
    Oct 27, 2022
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Uma m***a de jogo, pqp um remake q dá vergonha ao jogo original ent parem de jogar isso… Expand
  36. sloomo
    Jan 13, 2023
    3
    It’s a beautiful game. But, it’s also very boring. You also often feel lost and confused in the game. I do not recommend this game.
  37. WiN7Z
    Mar 4, 2023
    2
    Très sympas avant les deux derniers donjons qui sont des purges et qui gâche toute l'expérience. Jouabilité médiocre.
    Il vaut 20eu max
  38. salsadance0
    Apr 19, 2023
    0
    Stupidest game i ever seen. there have puzzles for 5 years kid but they are long af and literally u can do 100% achivements in yakuza 3 while solving this stupid puzzles.
  39. nachtgiger
    Sep 12, 2020
    4
    Honestly, the game did not age well at all. Too much backtracking, bland combat, uninspiring puzzles (I mean, how many times did it boil down to "kill everything in this room?) - the game is essentially one big fetch quest. If you look at it this way, all Zelda games are fetch quest - but the 3rd person titles are much more complex in their systems and you get to explore cool, atmospheric places.
  40. Raluardo
    Jun 4, 2021
    4
    Not worth it, while the aesthetic was very charming the difficulty and duration was very poor

Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Best Switch Game of 2019
5
#5 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 111 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 108 out of 111
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 111
  3. Negative: 0 out of 111
  1. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Apr 29, 2020
    95
    I can only hope that its sales success will lead to a patch that fixes the framerate dips, and more importantly, the development of more Zelda games in this style. [Issue #43 – November/December 2019, p. 10SH]
  2. Gamers Heroes
    Jan 2, 2020
    85
    If you need a nostalgia trip or haven’t played Link’s Awakening before, then you won’t be disappointed with this release. Just note that it is a bit more bite-sized when compared to more recent entries in the series.
    Read full review
  3. Game World Navigator Magazine
    Dec 6, 2019
    86
    Awakening’s world is much smaller than Breath of the Wild’s Hyrule. But within the island’s depths lies something that was missing from the last game – eight difficult, multi-layered dungeons, each with its own theme, traps and puzzles. [Issue#241, p.66]
See all critic reviews »