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. 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...
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  4. Techbane
    Sep 21, 2019
    7
    Faithful to a fault -- except where performance is concerned. For a game that looks like it could be running on the 3DS, the fact that there are bloated loading times and frequent pronounced framedrops is utterly inexcusable, not to mention that this version of the game costs TWICE its original sticker price on the Game Boy back in 1993. You're restricted to single-speed, 8-directionalFaithful to a fault -- except where performance is concerned. For a game that looks like it could be running on the 3DS, the fact that there are bloated loading times and frequent pronounced framedrops is utterly inexcusable, not to mention that this version of the game costs TWICE its original sticker price on the Game Boy back in 1993. You're restricted to single-speed, 8-directional movement and yet aren't allowed to use the D-pad to move despite that it isn't mapped to anything else.

    That said, Link's Awakening is Link's Awakening. Aside from the issues above, it's still a fantastic game and there have been significant improvements made to the minigames and button mappings. Good experience, but the constant performance issues and "Nintendo gonna Nintendo" price point really do bring it down a few points for me.    … Expand
  5. 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 .
  6. TheSeahorse
    Sep 21, 2019
    7
    Nintendo, nintendo, nintendo, why are you so good and so bad at the same time? This game is amazing, but when I pay full price for a game made by NINTENDO I expect quality. I don't want to get hit by a lag spike every time I enter a new area or by just walking around. It never dips below 15fps but it happens ALL THE TIME and it really breaks the immersion. Very disappointed with how muchNintendo, nintendo, nintendo, why are you so good and so bad at the same time? This game is amazing, but when I pay full price for a game made by NINTENDO I expect quality. I don't want to get hit by a lag spike every time I enter a new area or by just walking around. It never dips below 15fps but it happens ALL THE TIME and it really breaks the immersion. Very disappointed with how much lag is in this game. If you don't want to buy it because of that I don't blame you.

    Otherwise the game is really good, a solid 9/10 game but come on Nintendo, there can't be this much lag in a game that has toon graphics. Hoping for a patch in the coming days.    … Expand
  7. Syl20
    Oct 17, 2019
    7
    If I would've reviewed this game after its first 2-3 hours of gameplay, it would've been pretty close to a perfect 10! Let's say 9.

    Problem is that now that I've been all the way through and only have the weak and dull dungeon creator remaining, I feel like it's been a very short experience that in the end was expensive at 79,99$ canadian dollars! I totally digged it for the first    If I would've reviewed this game after its first 2-3 hours of gameplay, it would've been pretty close to a perfect 10! Let's say 9.

    Problem is that now that I've been all the way through and only have the weak and dull dungeon creator remaining, I feel like it's been a very short experience that in the end was expensive at 79,99$ canadian dollars!

    I totally digged it for the first 2-3 dungeons and side missions but the "wow" factor of the remake graphics quickly faded and the very simplist errands began to feel more like a chore.

    The game is great, but it's hard to say it's worth it when you can have some very deep games like Breath of the Wild for the same price tag.    … Expand
  8. JCgamer18
    Sep 28, 2019
    7
    This will be pretty long but i'm totally a huge LoZ fan but as someone who never played the original Link's Awakening. I was really disappointed. My overall feelings are at the bottom so if you don't want to read thru everything just go to the bottom for a quick overview.

    Graphics: 7/10 I could never get into the graphical style but to me that was not a big deal, what was really    This will be pretty long but i'm totally a huge LoZ fan but as someone who never played the original Link's Awakening. I was really disappointed. My overall feelings are at the bottom so if you don't want to read thru everything just go to the bottom for a quick overview.

    Graphics: 7/10
    I could never get into the graphical style but to me that was not a big deal, what was really annoying was the frame drops and the motion blur that blurred out the bottom 1/8 of my television and i checked several games its just this game that's doing it meaning they put it there purposely and it felt disorienting when i was looking to go down and it felt like they purposely did that to help the frame rate which still has issues.

    Controls 8/10: The quality of life improvements are fantastic. After i beat it i looked at what they added and changed and the control changes were a welcome addition to the game always having the sword, shield and pegasus boots equipped makes for much smoother game play and the controls were very fluent except when it came to movement. movement was way too tight and it felt way too rigid and stiff and the fact its only 8 directions hammered that in. I feel like going with 3d movement like link between worlds would have fixed this issues and because of that it makes his movements look really awkward when walking and its noticeable especially when you turn it reminds me of Pokemon X/Y or ORAS where they would awkwardly move diagonally because they were still adapting to 3d movement when LoZ has had it for years at this point. It also makes dodging enemies much harder than it needs to be and there were countless times where it felt like i could have dodge d that if i had proper joystick movement.

    Game play: 9/10
    The game play was great and fluent and i really did like how all the items were useful, even the later ones like the mirror shield which meant that guarding reflect projectiles of enemies meaning you did not need to waste time with throwing enemies it made great use of everything and it did it brilliantly

    story 10/10
    I really loved this story and how simple it was. It truly was great and the story beats really came off strong and loved how the story played out.

    Content: 3/10
    This is where it falls short and does fall hard. They added more seashells and hearts and they added Dampe's shack. The seashells and heart pieces were easy to find and figuring out how to get them was not hard because after 15 seashells you get the seashell tracker but it added very little to increase the time played. Dampe was an even bigger disappointment because after you do his 3rd level of challenges he offers literally nothing useful because by the time you unlock the other trials unless you are going to collect every stone tablet its worthless. Since you can only play with others if they have Amiibo its totally worthless and this should have had online and feels like they really cut stuff out to get it out on time. I completed this game 100% meaning all heart pieces, seashells and all items and side missions done in 18 hours. I expect more than that from a 60 dollar Zelda game that is new it was just disappointing and i go into all LoZ without expectations and this is better than skyward sword but there are so many better LoZ that do it better and one of those being BotW. I liked the game but for 60 dollars you better be offering a ton of content. Its a switch game that feels like a game made for Nintendo 3ds but came too late. with console games i have way higher expectations than handheld and this just does not meet those requirements to be considered acceptable especially for a 60 dollar game.

    Overall: 7.5/10

    its definitely not the worst legend of zelda but to me its the most disappointing because of the price of the game and how short the game is with its lackluster amount of content. This game IS NOT BAD JUST DISAPPOINTING; especially since it costs 60 dollars. The game play, story are great, the controls and graphics are very mixed with the movement controls being way to rigid and stiff and the frame rate drops plus that Bad motion blur at the bottom of the screen. Id say wait for a price drop and then pick it up because this feels like a 40 dollar game and not a 60 dollar one.    … Expand
  9. Moemoe1
    Sep 24, 2019
    7
    Played breath of the wild so I thought about giving this game a try. It’s an ok game at best for someone who isn’t so deep into the Zelda lore this game isn’t anything ground breaking. If you’re on a tight budget and deciding if u should get this game or not I’d say wait till it’s on sale
  10. Neatqt
    Oct 25, 2019
    7
    Cast: 6/10
    Story: 6/10
    Fun: 8/10
    Gameplay: 8/10

    Recommended
    ----------------------
  11. SailorSonic
    Jun 25, 2020
    7
    Great game, but doesn't feel very modern. Some slowdown throughout the game
  12. vodkaffee
    Sep 21, 2019
    7
    amazingly fun game, but why does it has 100 times more framedrops than astral chain? it makes no sense and sometimes is annoying for playing.
    EDIT: is very annoying for playing #fixLinksAwakening
  13. emporio2866
    Apr 18, 2020
    7
    Пробуждение Линка, по современным меркам, миленькая, простенькая во всех смыслах игра с устаревшими и неудобными механиками, растянутая, но всё равно не дотягивающая до игр в открытом мире даже категории Б с техническими проблемами, красная цена которой 20-30 баксов.
    Моя оценка - 6,5 из 10… будь я профессиональным критиком, имеющим вес в блогосфере, влияющим на итоговую оценку на    Пробуждение Линка, по современным меркам, миленькая, простенькая во всех смыслах игра с устаревшими и неудобными механиками, растянутая, но всё равно не дотягивающая до игр в открытом мире даже категории Б с техническими проблемами, красная цена которой 20-30 баксов.
    Моя оценка - 6,5 из 10… будь я профессиональным критиком, имеющим вес в блогосфере, влияющим на итоговую оценку на Метакритике, то возможно удостоился бы чести стать объектом травли армии фанатов, строчащих гневные письма с угрозами, взламывающих мои соцсети и желающих меня убить за то, что их нестареющая классика, пропахшая плесенью не попала в топ. Но пока я ноунейм, можно высказываться без риска для здоровья и это хорошо, а то с фанатами Нинтендо связываться точно бы не хотелось, ибо ещё ни разу мне не удавалось что-то им объяснить - меня обрывали на полуслове и начинали вопить, чтобы я завалил рот и валил играть на свою «подставить любую игровую платформу» или просто нах..    … Expand
  14. Milidante
    Sep 25, 2019
    7
    Game of the year??? Are you kidding me?? Absolutely its a good game and really enjoybale but not that much. Zelda doesnt deserve this much hype. Again i say its a good game but not score of 97. It has three big problems. First its **** mechanism of weapons that broke after some fights and no option to repair it. So when you find a nice and uniqe weapon you don want to use it bkz it willGame of the year??? Are you kidding me?? Absolutely its a good game and really enjoybale but not that much. Zelda doesnt deserve this much hype. Again i say its a good game but not score of 97. It has three big problems. First its **** mechanism of weapons that broke after some fights and no option to repair it. So when you find a nice and uniqe weapon you don want to use it bkz it will broke soon and its really awfull for and rpg game. You found your self in a big empty world and just doing idiot side quese , finding shrines and some time a not challenging combat. Lack of boss fight is help to its boring experience. The only good thing is the castle part that really differs from hyrule. Hyrule really need a big change after this many years with this frenchise.… Expand
  15. Kilder004
    Sep 27, 2019
    7
    Un excelente juego pero Nintendo se paso al venderlo por $60 tomando en cuenta que se puede acabar en unas 6hrs, de momento no vale la pena comprarlo por ese preecio. lo justo eran $40 como los remakes de Crash que te dan muchas mas horas de juego
  16. willnasse
    Sep 22, 2019
    7
    This game would be a ten if it weren’t for the performance issues. The frame rate drops mentioned honestly manifest into stuttering at points and make this hard to recommend until patched.
  17. nobcheese
    Oct 26, 2019
    7
    A good remake,some of the game mechanics feel dated.
    I would have preferred to see a new Zelda game.
  18. 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.
  19. DrThunder
    Apr 28, 2020
    7
    The game is beautifully well done story is great and just an amazing switch game that's enjoyable to play for hours
  20. 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.
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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.
  24. 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.
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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.
  28. 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.
  29. 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.
  30. M1sfiT
    Sep 3, 2023
    7
    Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaameeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees!!!!!!!!!
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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 »