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. M1sfiT
    Sep 3, 2023
    7
    Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaameeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees!!!!!!!!!
  2. Sensou
    Jun 20, 2023
    6
    Wonky Game.

    Just start to get into the series of the legend of Zelda and I decide to continue this journey with Link's Awakening which is a port from GBA and to be honest I didn't enjoy my time with it. Well I can't expect much because it's just a remaster not a remake. The game is kind of good but many things that make this game feels off to me. Your adventure is all about exploring    Wonky Game.

    Just start to get into the series of the legend of Zelda and I decide to continue this journey with Link's Awakening which is a port from GBA and to be honest I didn't enjoy my time with it.

    Well I can't expect much because it's just a remaster not a remake. The game is kind of good but many things that make this game feels off to me. Your adventure is all about exploring the dungeon at the core of it. Yes, you can explore koholint but you need the ability from the dungeon to be able freely moving around the world.

    The dungeon is not bad but the design is pretty unforgiving. Probably because I start it with hero mode right away, it feels so punishing. I always have to start at the entrance of the room and repeat every process that needed to take me back to the room where I died previously. The feeling of repetitiveness is building up right there.

    Another thing which is the biggest and the main reason for me not liking this game, there's a bad gene from Luigi Mansion 3 in this game, the game has pretty random enemy design. A lot of trial and error to know how to damage certain enemy which is not a fun time when you are in the dungeon. How do I know that I need to do charge attack on certain enemy? How do I know that I need to use magic powder to defeat that bouncing fire? Or bomb to defeat that fake kirby? The game doesn't tell you any of that and you need to figure it our by yourself.

    Last, for just a remaster, the performance of the game is disappointing. So many FPS drop here and there, especially in Mabe Village. Yes, the very first place that you explore, like what are you doing Nintendo?

    Well, if you enjoy the game then that's good for you but for 60$? This game at most only worth 40$ in my opinion. I even got the game second hand at around 30$ but I still feel it's not worth my money.    … Expand
  3. gietergeit
    May 15, 2023
    7
    i love the great graphics and the game play is fun but i really and then i mean really hate the dungeons.
  4. ericiidx
    May 7, 2023
    7
    This was a fun romp, but not one of the better 2D Zelda games (granted, that's a high bar to clear!) My few complaints are ultimately made up for by the wonderful-looking new graphics engine, and I'd love to play another 2D Zelda game like this in the future. The story, dialogue, and presentation are easily the most quirky and lighthearted of all Zelda games, and it's the sense of humorThis was a fun romp, but not one of the better 2D Zelda games (granted, that's a high bar to clear!) My few complaints are ultimately made up for by the wonderful-looking new graphics engine, and I'd love to play another 2D Zelda game like this in the future. The story, dialogue, and presentation are easily the most quirky and lighthearted of all Zelda games, and it's the sense of humor about it all that kept me playing. You'll laugh and cry, and have fun along the way. If I were judging this based on its charm alone, I'd be tempted to call it a must-play.

    The game is dragged down by performance issues (a few seconds of lower frame rate every time you change screens or exit the inventory, which is to say, constantly,) a rather forgettable soundtrack (mostly just renditions of the iconic Zelda theme,) an overall lack of difficulty, a whole lot of time spent backtracking, and some frustrating dungeon design in the later levels.

    Overall, I enjoyed my time with it, but would only recommend it on sale.    … Expand
  5. Crimson9
    Dec 26, 2022
    7
    Wow! I didn't think a Zelda game could surprise me with its story but Links Awakening does! Its story is charming, sad, mysterious, and has a fantastic ending. The gameplay is similar to most 2D Zeldas, and I'd argue it doesnt innovate nearly as much as most other 2D Zeldas. The map and level design are solid, although the puzzles dont seem to be quite as engaging as I'm used to fromWow! I didn't think a Zelda game could surprise me with its story but Links Awakening does! Its story is charming, sad, mysterious, and has a fantastic ending. The gameplay is similar to most 2D Zeldas, and I'd argue it doesnt innovate nearly as much as most other 2D Zeldas. The map and level design are solid, although the puzzles dont seem to be quite as engaging as I'm used to from Zelda.

    As a remake, I really love the new graphics and fluidity, but I think they could have made more changes.    … Expand
  6. Alvelian
    Dec 15, 2022
    5
    Забавная графика и ультра унылый геймплей. Нинтендобои совсем одичали раз ставят 10/10 этому проекту. Рекомендуется только оголтелым фанатам нины или зельды.
  7. Elwoodwrap
    Dec 15, 2022
    5
    Amazing game! I did not play the original, so this was all new to me. All the puzzles were fun and the game play was great. Will be playing again.
  8. Andante
    Dec 2, 2022
    7
    A decent Zelda game. Beautiful graphics inspired by old era Zelda games but realised in a modern way. Very nice dungeons that become more challenging as you progress the story. Unfortunately, a lot of unnecessary backtracking and many moments where you have no clue of what to do next, and a world that feels unpolished and sometimes kind of generic.
  9. ironfoam
    Nov 17, 2022
    7
    Great game with fun puzzles. Some frustration along the way because a few times, I found it difficult to know how to procede. But a fun experience all in all.
  10. Velocity89
    Nov 14, 2022
    7
    Never played the originals but from what I’ve heard I don’t have to as this is a proper remake that respects the original games. Link’s awakening is everything you want and need in an handheld Zelda game. It’s a fun little game that might not reach the level as some of the great Zelda games, but it’s most definitely worth a play.
  11. vasilias21
    Nov 13, 2022
    6
    This game can't be fulfilled without YouTube walkthrough.I really can't understand all that good critics.Zelda marketing I guess...
  12. Sterrewiggelary
    Nov 12, 2022
    7
    A great example of how nostalgia makes things seem better than they work. And beautifully remake of a great Zelda game that unfortunately hasn't aged all that well.
  13. DolphinReviews
    Jul 20, 2022
    6
    Charming graphics and atmosphere. The gameplay itself is nothing too special but what it does do well is good.
  14. JAG7
    Jun 18, 2022
    7
    This is a good game. It has the quality of any Zelda game: great story, cute graphics and amazing music, lots of great characters, big world and exploring. I gave this rating because of some aspects I experienced on my playthrough :
    -The game is unclear on how to kill some bosses . It’s Trial and error.
    -Some dungeons’ designs are very confusing (specially the last one). Hit invisible    This is a good game. It has the quality of any Zelda game: great story, cute graphics and amazing music, lots of great characters, big world and exploring. I gave this rating because of some aspects I experienced on my playthrough :
    -The game is unclear on how to kill some bosses . It’s Trial and error.
    -Some dungeons’ designs are very confusing (specially the last one). Hit invisible walls.
    -Some Puzzles are obtuse and confusing
    -Sometimes is very confusing what to do or where to go next. Even with the hints.
    -Control/button scheme is not the best. -Awkward controls, Jumping with Y and attacking with B button is not a standard scheme. You end up mixing actions. -Platforming is awkward, specially jumps.
    -Not a hint or tutorial on what to do with the hookshot or with the new abilities. Trial and error. -Lots of backtracking , sometimes tedious.
    -Jumps are clumsy at best.
    -Have a guide/walkthrough on hand: some of the puzzles and hidden areas (which are essential to continue) are very confusing and unclear. You can’t see some hidden cracked walls.
    -There is some Frame drops, nothing that will kill the game. No crashes at all . Quick restarts. Overall is a good game beside all of this. If you’re a Zelda fan it is a warrantied fun. But is not worth $50 definitely.    … Expand
  15. Uncle_Beth
    Apr 18, 2022
    7
    This was a good game through and through. It felt like a faithful remake which took several creative liberties to improve upon the original. I would have given it an 8, but the claymation graphics really detracted from the experience for me. I know this is completely subjective, but the toy like aesthetic of the game made me feel more like I was playing with a figurine of link instead ofThis was a good game through and through. It felt like a faithful remake which took several creative liberties to improve upon the original. I would have given it an 8, but the claymation graphics really detracted from the experience for me. I know this is completely subjective, but the toy like aesthetic of the game made me feel more like I was playing with a figurine of link instead of as link. One of my favourite aspects of TLOZ games is how alive the worlds feel and how immersive the experience can be which I feel this game is sorely lacking. I know it was intentional, but the game felt a little too cookie cutter and bereft of "personality". Although I enjoyed the experience, in the end this game just feels like one of the most forgettable in the TLOZ series.… Expand
  16. andrew9
    Nov 16, 2021
    5
    bad game .
  17. attemptatreason
    Oct 29, 2021
    5
    not a review. a rant. Although not my fav genre, the graphics are extremely charming and everything looks tight and simple. I feel frustrated at many of the puzzles and progression of the game - like the racoon for instance. If you aren't paying attention, you get tp'd to another identical area without the raccoon, and when I refer to walkthroughs some don't mention that this mechanic. Inot a review. a rant. Although not my fav genre, the graphics are extremely charming and everything looks tight and simple. I feel frustrated at many of the puzzles and progression of the game - like the racoon for instance. If you aren't paying attention, you get tp'd to another identical area without the raccoon, and when I refer to walkthroughs some don't mention that this mechanic. I walk around and think I just broke the game leaving me to reload and come back, go back to the village to talk to the girl (is it really more crazy that I didn't talk to someone in the village than it is that I was teleported to an identical area?) and went back to see no raccoon. Restarted from a new game to try to find him and yeah. If a game is expected to be played with a walkthrough, it ain't good. I feel like there were so many things I tried to do to find the raccoon (1 puzzle of many I'm sure) that I want to say the puzzles are unreasonable and unintuitive.… Expand
  18. Vonyee
    Oct 13, 2021
    5
    YEAH THIS GAME IS AWESOME. AWESOME GAME GOOD STORY I like it very good. nice graphics.
  19. redmandana
    Apr 29, 2021
    5
    The game looks great. Plays like a link to the past. The problem with this game is that you're going to need a lot of help ( looking up youtube videos) the dungeons are a pain in the ass. They don't tell you what to do at all. a lot of monsters you're going to have to look up how to beat them and what to do. this game should be bought with a strategy guild off the rip. I don't think thisThe game looks great. Plays like a link to the past. The problem with this game is that you're going to need a lot of help ( looking up youtube videos) the dungeons are a pain in the ass. They don't tell you what to do at all. a lot of monsters you're going to have to look up how to beat them and what to do. this game should be bought with a strategy guild off the rip. I don't think this game is friendly for children or casual gamers at all. YOU WILL NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO OR WHERE TO GO, GOOD LUCK!!!… Expand
  20. nibolet
    Apr 28, 2021
    7
    The game is cute and the gameplay is straightforward. I find the wandering monsters to be somewhat boring and too easy to kill. It’s also annoying that the grass and rocks keep respawning even though you’ve just got rid of them. In the end, it’s a classic Zelda - worth getting it if you’re a fan.
  21. alan2pc
    Jan 24, 2021
    6
    This game is overrated. Buy this game if you like:

    1. Making sure you talk to an owl in every dungeon room. Oh, he didn’t say anything? That’s because you have to find his beak first and retrace your steps. 2. Retracing your steps. Not just for owls, but for well, everything. Want to get to that heart you can’t get to, want to get in that boss room. You don’t have the item you    This game is overrated. Buy this game if you like:

    1. Making sure you talk to an owl in every dungeon room. Oh, he didn’t say anything? That’s because you have to find his beak first and retrace your steps.
    2. Retracing your steps. Not just for owls, but for well, everything. Want to get to that heart you can’t get to, want to get in that boss room. You don’t have the item you need yet.
    3. Treating enemies as if they don’t exist because you have 15 hearts, they do half a heart damage and often leave a full heart when you do decide to kill them.
    4 Short and simple boss battles.
    5. Figuring out where is the key you’re missing in the internet. Or maybe it’s not a key, you didn’t notice there was a spot to use the hookshot, or who knows. Did you talk to every owl?
    6. Remembering hints/directions that were told to you in the game last week.
    7. NOT HAVING A DEDICATED JUMP BUTTON!!! Every time you walk up to a pit, make sure you go back into the menu and have that feather equipped.
    8. Jumping down from a ledge to realize you want to go back up and that’s a long journey.
    9. Talking to townfolk. 10. Playing on those crane machines where you stick in the quarter and it picks up and drops a stuffed animal back where it picked it up from.

    Sounds fun, right?    … Expand
  22. BurtKocain
    Jan 21, 2021
    7
    Despite a gorgeous and adorable remolding for one of Nintendo's more overlooked classics, it's hard to compare this remake to 1998's Link's Awakening DX without the feeling that Nintendo really phoned it in. Whether it's the tacked-on Chamber Dungeon gimmick or the startlingly poor optimization for a first-party release, there's a prevalent vibe that the Link's Awakening remake was aboveDespite a gorgeous and adorable remolding for one of Nintendo's more overlooked classics, it's hard to compare this remake to 1998's Link's Awakening DX without the feeling that Nintendo really phoned it in. Whether it's the tacked-on Chamber Dungeon gimmick or the startlingly poor optimization for a first-party release, there's a prevalent vibe that the Link's Awakening remake was above all else a means of filling a gap in Nintendo's fiscal year between major releases. Although there are welcome quality-of-life improvements (for example, you'll spend much less time swapped tools in the menu), this is also the kind of game Nintendo and Grezzo could hammer out in their sleep. For those who have never experienced the original, the Switch remake is absolutely worth a look. But for the die-hard fans of the old-school Link's Awakening, your mileage may vary.… Expand
  23. piff2000
    Dec 29, 2020
    7
    As someone who played the original, this is a lovely remake that captures the spirit of the original! It is a little expensive for what you’re getting and there are occasional frame rate issues, but it’s still a great addition to any switch library.
  24. JRice
    Dec 7, 2020
    7
    This is basically a simple graphic overhaul of the GameBoy Color game "Zelda IV dx", and as such, by far the simplest and shortest Zelda game in the whole franchise, and hilariously overpriced!

    It also is, though, an opportunity to play a GameBoy classic, and more beautiful, smooth and intuitive than ever before...
  25. lord_blackghost
    Nov 30, 2020
    7
    Best way to experience how old school zelda games feels. A little game that Modern mechanics keep this game enjoyable . Not bad . But botw raise the bar for zelda franchise so much that any thing lower than that feels not enough .
  26. Bcshiguemichi
    Aug 8, 2020
    7
    Nice remake with nice graphics, but the game is complex and it does not its always de same dynamics the entire game.
  27. lazy_vortex
    Jul 6, 2020
    5
    Drop FPS in many locations and boring gameplay. Cannot use D-pad and only sticks. For remake of GB-game it's very uncomfortable.
    This game should be on 3DS and I would tell it's very good. But on Switch it's looking like ****
  28. Hack
    Jun 27, 2020
    5
    Convoluted, confusing and frustrating. Link's Awakening has not aged well for the modern audience. Nothing is explained well to the player, as someone who has never played a Zelda game before I found myself having no idea what to do, or where to go, if it weren't for guides I would never have finished it, and I'm generally not the type of person to need a guide, but Link's Awakening isConvoluted, confusing and frustrating. Link's Awakening has not aged well for the modern audience. Nothing is explained well to the player, as someone who has never played a Zelda game before I found myself having no idea what to do, or where to go, if it weren't for guides I would never have finished it, and I'm generally not the type of person to need a guide, but Link's Awakening is absurdly obscure at times.

    Another major issue the game has is performance. The game uses double buffered VSync, which basically means if it drops any frames it'll plummet from 60fps to 30fps (and then back up), and this happens all the time, which makes for a very choppy experience. I honestly expect better from Nintendo.

    Where the game shines is visuals, it's a gorgeous looking game with a great art style. It's also top-notch in the audio department. The gameplay is also solid, but tarnished by the performance problems. I found all the boss fights very easy apart from the last one, which was a good difficulty without being cheap.

    The game is very short, which was OK for me as I wasn't enjoying it, but it's worth mentioning it's only about 5 hours. I personally rented it and I feel that's the smart thing to do.    … Expand
  29. SailorSonic
    Jun 25, 2020
    7
    Great game, but doesn't feel very modern. Some slowdown throughout the game
  30. Dixio
    Jun 22, 2020
    5
    Personalmente y basándome en mi opinión personal no me ha gustado, para mí está sobrevalorado este juego, me lo pasé y lo vendí pues no volvería a re- jugarlo, una pena pero es mi humilde opinión.
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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 »