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. Sepferod
    Jun 20, 2020
    8
    Отличный ремейк старой и доброй зельды с оригинального gameboy,все сохранено до мелочей,графика выглядит по новому,но очень красивая в сравнении с оригиналом,иногда бывают просадки при переходе между локациями.
  2. Da3_who_knows
    Jun 19, 2020
    8
    i have always enjoyed playing link between two worlds and link to the past, so buying this game was a no brainer for me. This game is one of the "easiest" zelda games in series, at the same time it has more brain twisters and puzzles that many other games in the series. I loved the art style and gameplay. the game is not really long which is a shame, i wish it had more side quests, likei have always enjoyed playing link between two worlds and link to the past, so buying this game was a no brainer for me. This game is one of the "easiest" zelda games in series, at the same time it has more brain twisters and puzzles that many other games in the series. I loved the art style and gameplay. the game is not really long which is a shame, i wish it had more side quests, like link between two worlds. This kind of zelda games have always been my most favourite ones, even though they might not be the best games all in all.… Expand
  3. rosnk30
    Jun 14, 2020
    8
    Awesome remake with stunning visuals! This game had a good challenge and several hours to enjoy and beat.

    This game had performance issues can be solved installing the game in switch hard disk.
  4. FreedomFighters
    Jun 14, 2020
    9
    I’ve been pretty steadfast in my critique that 2019 was a bland year for video games. While there were some diamonds in the rough, 2019 certainly lacked the excitement of years past. That is, unless you were a Nintendo fan, though, because in 2019, there was always something around the corner. Even with a few small missteps in “Yoshi’s Crafted World,” “Daemon X Machina,” and the polarizingI’ve been pretty steadfast in my critique that 2019 was a bland year for video games. While there were some diamonds in the rough, 2019 certainly lacked the excitement of years past. That is, unless you were a Nintendo fan, though, because in 2019, there was always something around the corner. Even with a few small missteps in “Yoshi’s Crafted World,” “Daemon X Machina,” and the polarizing “Pokémon Sword & Shield,” there were equally as many well-received games, including “Super Mario Maker 2,” “Fire Emblem: Three Houses,” “Astral Chain” and “Luigi’s Mansion 3.” One of the other noteworthy titles was “The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening,” a full remake of the original 1993 game for the Game Boy. While that game has received heaps of praise then and continues to today, I personally never really played the game. I owned the “DX” version for the Game Boy Color as a kid, but having known nothing about the “Zelda” series back then, it was lost on me. Still, I was pretty excited when they announced this Switch remake simply because of how great it looked, and beyond it being pretty gratifying to finally get to beat the game after so long, I was very pleased by my entire experience with the game.
    “The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening” just bursts with love: you can tell just how much effort and attention was put into making this the best remake possible, and the effort shows. I love the visual design of the game; it’s a loving recreation of the original game with a great, toy-like design that fits the game perfectly and is just brimming with color. I love how the game almost has this look of being an interactive play set, it’s perfectly captured and captivating. Gameplay-wise, the game still feels like it belongs in 2019: sure, like many “Zelda” games, I highly recommend you have a guide nearby, since a number of the dungeons and puzzles can be overwhelming (as can the size of the map), but it’s the type of game that makes you feel gratified when you complete them. The game has its challenge, but it’s not “fake difficulty,” it’s a genuine challenge that works in the games favor. The boss battles also grew on me a lot, I initially thought a few were a bit simplistic, but they were still plenty of fun to fight, and the final boss was definitely a highlight. The music is also fantastic, the relaxed vibe of the game is strong (I got a kick of just running around and cutting grass, for example), and I also thought the game did a nice job with its writing, too! Koholint Island, beyond its stunning visual design, is home to a variety of memorable characters, and there’s plenty of emotional moments that are conveyed well, even as a title that follows the “Zelda” tradition of being rather minimal. I might not be able to fully compare this to the original game, but what I can say is that I can tell that so much love when into this remake, and the effort shows in a fantastic game.
There are a few minor critiques that I have that hold it back a bit: I’ve heard a number of people complain about some frame-rate drops, and yeah, I did notice a few of them. Having played the game both docked and undocked, some of the dips were noticeable. Not quite enough to break my immersion, but enough to wish they would be polished a little bit more. I’d say my big concern, though, is the length: I wouldn’t exactly say it’s the shortest game you’ll play, but keep in mind that, with this game, you’re essentially getting a remake of a handheld game on a system that, at least partially, is a console. It might feel a little longer if you’re like me and you have some trouble figuring things out, but I can imagine this being one of those “breather” games you play between big ones, since it’s short enough. And I think it’s something for me to hang around because, unfortunately, the game still costs $60 to purchase. I absolutely think the game is worth playing, but I’ll totally understand that some people might be on the fence about paying so much for a handheld remake on a console, and I do think that’s valid.

    Overall, though, whether you wait for a price drop or not, “The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening” on the Switch is a game I absolutely recommend. It’s a loving remake of a classic handheld “Zelda” game, and it’s a memorable experience from start to finish. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer who has played the original versions of the game, or someone who’s never gotten a chance to, I think this remake has a little something for everyone. Do yourself a favor and play “The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening,” because it’s another excellent addition to the incredible lineup of games that the Switch has continued to amass.
    Final rating: 9 out of 10 “Awesome”    … Expand
  5. sarisa
    Jun 13, 2020
    5
    Its difficult to give a good note for this one. Technically everything is fine. But does it mean it's 10/10 game in 2020? If it was 1993, this could be true. But we are 27 years later... and this is nearly one-to-one remake, so gameplaywise, storywise, dungeonwise... you can't expect anything exciting. Old 2D Zelda - that's what this game is. In this regard, this game is average at bestIts difficult to give a good note for this one. Technically everything is fine. But does it mean it's 10/10 game in 2020? If it was 1993, this could be true. But we are 27 years later... and this is nearly one-to-one remake, so gameplaywise, storywise, dungeonwise... you can't expect anything exciting. Old 2D Zelda - that's what this game is. In this regard, this game is average at best comparing to what we got used since OoT. It's clear Nintendo was trying to make exact clone, but with refurbished graphics. Nothing more, nothing less. So obviously their intention was not to make game like FF7 remake, but rather another "Wind Waker HD" and convert good old game you know to modern standard. And they succeeded! Problem is that in 2020 Link's Awakening is not that good game anymore considering modern competition or even other, newer Zeldas. Strongly recommended if you never played Link's Awakening (it's classic!) or wanted to bring back good old memories of your childhood. Otherwise, you can just pass by. Giving better note than 5/10 would be an insult to later Zeldas.… Expand
  6. plato1123
    Jun 8, 2020
    5
    Cute graphics and fun nastalgia but wayyyy too much backtracking. Kind of a meh RPG in this day and age. Too bad because I find the graphics to be fun and quirky.
  7. Kacak321
    May 31, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. ........ Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmnnmmmm................ ............… Expand
  8. CrispCicada
    May 25, 2020
    9
    I absolutely love the classic LInk's Awakening. My parents never really got me a DS, but we did have a Gameboy. We had quite a few games on the system, but none were as good as this stellar The Legend of Zelda title. This remake is awesome, but I do have a few minor complaints about it. Let's get to the good stuff first. The presentation is gorgeous, and the art style looks awesome. II absolutely love the classic LInk's Awakening. My parents never really got me a DS, but we did have a Gameboy. We had quite a few games on the system, but none were as good as this stellar The Legend of Zelda title. This remake is awesome, but I do have a few minor complaints about it. Let's get to the good stuff first. The presentation is gorgeous, and the art style looks awesome. I love the plasticky, childlike art style gives me really good vibes. One complaint I have is how the parts mesh together. A graveyard right next to a forest next to a volcano next to a cactus next to a fat walrus does not look the greatest. This game's gameplay is great, and there are hardly any bugs to be found in this. My largest complaint about this game is the price tag. This game is only like 15 hours total, and the game is 60 bucks. I could get Super Mario Maker 2, a game with infinite content, for the same price. In conclusion, this is an amazing game, but I'd wait for a bit of a sale. Have a great day/night, folks!… Expand
  9. Nier_Re
    May 20, 2020
    8
    Good game, the art style really unique and likeable. It's simple game but fun, with loveable characters and good story.
  10. bancandrei
    May 13, 2020
    9
    A simple, yet special story. A very good balance of everything that makes the Zelda series great. Lots of things to do in the overworld, good dungeons and great progression/ gradual opening up of the world. The only thing missing in this game is the replay value.
    My review is actually for the original black and white gameboy version, but since Nintendo remade it 2 times, they probably    A simple, yet special story. A very good balance of everything that makes the Zelda series great. Lots of things to do in the overworld, good dungeons and great progression/ gradual opening up of the world. The only thing missing in this game is the replay value.
    My review is actually for the original black and white gameboy version, but since Nintendo remade it 2 times, they probably noticed it was special too.    … Expand
  11. littlestfinch
    May 7, 2020
    8
    I never played the original Link's Awakening, but have enjoyed several of the newer LoZ titles (BotW, Twilight Princess, A Link to the Past, Skyword Sword, Wind Waker & Phantom Hourglass) and I felt like this game fit right in with these beautiful titles. I'm sort of glad I didn't play the original because people seem to be bitter and letting nostalgia get in the way of enjoying this asI never played the original Link's Awakening, but have enjoyed several of the newer LoZ titles (BotW, Twilight Princess, A Link to the Past, Skyword Sword, Wind Waker & Phantom Hourglass) and I felt like this game fit right in with these beautiful titles. I'm sort of glad I didn't play the original because people seem to be bitter and letting nostalgia get in the way of enjoying this as it's own entity. I will note like others have mentioned that this game is quite short, which does suck with the price tag for this title, but that might be my largest complaint.

    I absolutely adored the graphics for this game. They fully delighted me. They have almost a "plastic" quality to them, but in a way that makes it feel like a physical toy that's moving around within a tiny toy world on your screen. The characters and creatures were absolutely charming in design. I had no issues with framerates when playing, but I did play most of this game handheld.

    The gameplay was fun! Yes, things are a little slow until you start unlocking abilities, but that makes sense to me in the scheme of the game. It makes unlocking new abilities satisfying. Some of the puzzles are a bit difficult and I did have to visit some guides but I personally kind of enjoy that! The boss battles were almost all super fun!

    Most of all I enjoyed the story. It was charming and delightful. The end left me smiling and that's awesome.

    My other main issue aside from the price tag is that I don't really have a draw to go back and sink more time into it now that it's over and that's kind of a shame.

    Overall I would definitely recommend this game. Especially if you can catch it on sale.    … Expand
  12. Liam247
    May 5, 2020
    9
    The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening is a faithful remake of the GameBoy classic, and has all the fun and charm of the original and more.
  13. 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
  14. NoxInTheMatrix
    Apr 28, 2020
    10
    Compared to the ultra HD crazy graphic, intricate story blablabla of games today maybe this title aint much. But the games i love have a certain feel to them. They capture a moment in time. And i will always remember my time with this game.
  15. 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.
  16. Faxi
    Apr 28, 2020
    10
    The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening, is a legendary remake of the gameboy classic from 1993.

    While the game has an interesting plot, fun gameplay, interesting dungeons, fun bosses and lovely characters, remastered soundtrack and graphics, this game shows how a remake is done right.
  17. alanwaketan
    Apr 27, 2020
    9
    本作完全可以加入到复刻游戏的经典案例当中。虽说内容上是一字不差的复写，但跟随时代脉搏的画质和音乐（在NS平台上），让这款复刻游戏即使放到2019新游戏堆中也是相当能打。画面的艺术风格和精致程度在NS上可谓数一数二，让人爱不释手。这重新编排的交响乐BGM真的是百听不腻。毕竟作为一款几乎没有对话和演出的游戏，玩家的情绪全部就是靠着这BGM来牵动了。不得不说GBC版本真的是超神，这一模一样的游戏内容放到了2019年我仍然乐在其中且丝毫不觉得过时。没有一丝多余的设计，整个游戏可谓是浑然天成。音乐一响起，林克一出现，你立马就进入了老任式的富有童趣的游戏世界当中了。本作完全可以加入到复刻游戏的经典案例当中。虽说内容上是一字不差的复写，但跟随时代脉搏的画质和音乐（在NS平台上），让这款复刻游戏即使放到2019新游戏堆中也是相当能打。画面的艺术风格和精致程度在NS上可谓数一数二，让人爱不释手。这重新编排的交响乐BGM真的是百听不腻。毕竟作为一款几乎没有对话和演出的游戏，玩家的情绪全部就是靠着这BGM来牵动了。不得不说GBC版本真的是超神，这一模一样的游戏内容放到了2019年我仍然乐在其中且丝毫不觉得过时。没有一丝多余的设计，整个游戏可谓是浑然天成。音乐一响起，林克一出现，你立马就进入了老任式的富有童趣的游戏世界当中了。
  18. 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
  19. Link13
    Apr 12, 2020
    10
    Beautiful game, it brings you back unforgettable times when you played it on Game Boy.
  20. Serquince
    Apr 12, 2020
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Never played the original game, but this new version blows your mind. Full color and cute… Expand
  21. Mithrandirkun
    Apr 8, 2020
    9
    Un gran remake, muy fiel al juego original.

    - Los graficos son correctos y bien adaptados, sin embargo en mi opinión, no me gusta el estilo artisiico elegido. Hubiera preferido un estilo artístico más al estilo de los años 90. - La música y sonido estan muy bien conseguidos. Muy buena adaptación de las piezas de música originales de Gameboy. - La jugabilidad es fiel al juego original,    Un gran remake, muy fiel al juego original.

    - Los graficos son correctos y bien adaptados, sin embargo en mi opinión, no me gusta el estilo artisiico elegido. Hubiera preferido un estilo artístico más al estilo de los años 90.
    - La música y sonido estan muy bien conseguidos. Muy buena adaptación de las piezas de música originales de Gameboy.
    - La jugabilidad es fiel al juego original, muy bien trabajada y muy bien pulida. Un pequeño aspecto negativo es que el juego a veces tiene unas pequeñas caidas de frames en las transiciones entre escenarios.
    - La história es fiel al juego original. No es de las mejores histórias de la saga, pero hay que tener en cuenta que este juego salió originalmente para una consola portatil monocolor, y sigue estando muy bien adaptada.
    - El juego incluye además como extra el editor de mazmorras, que es muy entretenido y da mucha rejugabilidad al juego.

    Una pequeña joya, indispensable para los amantes de la saga. Muy recomendable para introducir el género de aventuras tanto a niños como a adultos.    … Expand
  22. Volans
    Mar 28, 2020
    5
    This game is a poor attempt at a remake. The controls and mechanics of this game function only most of time when they should work 100% of the time, dungeons are a carbon copy of the originals, and the game struggles to hit 60fps. Jumping is delayed, puzzles are next to impossible to solve due to random enemy placement and enemy spam, this game is actually unfun to play. If you're going toThis game is a poor attempt at a remake. The controls and mechanics of this game function only most of time when they should work 100% of the time, dungeons are a carbon copy of the originals, and the game struggles to hit 60fps. Jumping is delayed, puzzles are next to impossible to solve due to random enemy placement and enemy spam, this game is actually unfun to play. If you're going to pick up Link's Awakening, get the DX version for the Gameboy Color.… Expand
  23. ShoujoWitch
    Mar 25, 2020
    6
    Decent remake of the original. The original Link's Awakening is a solid 10/10 game that has some technical issues that make it kinda obnoxious to play and I went into the switch remake expecting the same experience with those issues removed. Instead I find a censored game with content removed, and with some technical issues. The remake itself is pretty solid. They even went so far as toDecent remake of the original. The original Link's Awakening is a solid 10/10 game that has some technical issues that make it kinda obnoxious to play and I went into the switch remake expecting the same experience with those issues removed. Instead I find a censored game with content removed, and with some technical issues. The remake itself is pretty solid. They even went so far as to have exact copies of the tile placement. In that regard the remake gets a 10/10. However, the continued censoring, and cutting the photograph sequences really makes it hard to recommend this as the definitive version. The remake adds dampe and his dungeons, which are okay but not super great as you can't share online or download what other people have created, and the creative options are quite limited. Though I like the idea. The game actively lags at parts as well, and some of the ways the remake updates content is.... a bit lazy (using a literal peach render from elsewhere, instead of a handdrawn photograph, for instance). Fans of the old game won't find the definitive copy here, but it's certainly serviceable and the graphics and music are both excellent. Newcomers to the game will be missing certain content that's found in older copies, but should otherwise have a good time. As far as remakes go, it's not ideal but it works. I always hope for remakes to be definitive copies, but that really can't be the case here due to the cut content. Definitely a good time and worth picking up if you're struggling to find games for the switch.… Expand
  24. JamesDaBest
    Mar 24, 2020
    9
    I really love this game, the cartoony art style is great for a rather wacky game like this and the map itself is not that big so it's easy to traverse it, and yet there are a lot of stuff condensed into it, with 32 heart pieces and 50 secret seashells. Even then there are 9 warp points you can find on places of the map and about halfway in the game you can learn Manbo's Song on yourI really love this game, the cartoony art style is great for a rather wacky game like this and the map itself is not that big so it's easy to traverse it, and yet there are a lot of stuff condensed into it, with 32 heart pieces and 50 secret seashells. Even then there are 9 warp points you can find on places of the map and about halfway in the game you can learn Manbo's Song on your ocarina which can warp you to a warp point. Another thing is that you really feel connected to the characters throughout the game, which makes the ending that more impactful when you have to leave them behind. My only problems with this game is that the loading screens are a tad long and sometimes when you enter a new area the frame rate drops for a few seconds. In the future if Nintendo's next console has backwards compatibitly with the switch then this would be a 10/10 game.… Expand
  25. thaesino
    Mar 24, 2020
    9
    Whoever had the (possibly nutty sounding) idea of super deforming Link’s Awakening for the Switch remake, had a moment of genius. Yes, while it’s true the original was already basically “chino,” that was only because it was following in suit with the current style - both the old NES original and the one being worked on for the SNES (A Link to the Past). But think about it. NintendoWhoever had the (possibly nutty sounding) idea of super deforming Link’s Awakening for the Switch remake, had a moment of genius. Yes, while it’s true the original was already basically “chino,” that was only because it was following in suit with the current style - both the old NES original and the one being worked on for the SNES (A Link to the Past). But think about it. Nintendo could’ve gone full “Link Between Worlds” style with this, and they chose not to. By doing so, it makes this Zelda game stand aside from all other top-down “Legends,” as it should be. In the end, this Zelda game is completely detached, for reasons I won’t state so as not to spoil the game, from all the other Zelda games. You understand this if you’ve played it before.

    As for the game:

    • Story: 8/10 (mostly due to the tropey ending, which I still love anyway, but understand “it’s nothing new”)
    • Music: 10/10 (there’s a whole YouTube video dedicated to what is specifically incredible about this Zelda soundtrack, and the remade version is so much nicer)
    • Sound: 10/10 (everything sounds great this time around)
    • Controls: 10/10 (nothing new, just smoother now)
    • Gameplay: 10/10 (Hero Mode is Hero Mode; great job)
    • Visuals: 8/10 (little FPS drops when exiting/entering locations which CAN be a slight issue if you don’t adjust quickly enough when enemies abound)


    All in all, a wonderful remake that should actually cost $40-$50 instead of full game price.

    That being said... Take note, SquEnix: This is how you remake a game (looking at you, “Mana” series).    … Expand
  26. BlooperTanooki
    Mar 20, 2020
    8
    An excellent remake, pulsing with charm and innovation in sound engineering and art style, leaving almost everything else intact. The only but, is the new dungeon maker mode, which is surprisingly unpolished. Nothing game breaker of course. A must buy for any Zelda fan or anyone who played and liked the original.
  27. 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
  28. Saik1305
    Mar 11, 2020
    8
    Link's Awakening is a great game to add to your collection, however I had some problems regarding gameplay and what to do next. Since this is my first Zelda title ever and only a few instructions were made in the game itself, I had a hard time orienting myself. That and some minor frame rate issues are the reason for my slightly reduced score. All in all I still think this is a must-haveLink's Awakening is a great game to add to your collection, however I had some problems regarding gameplay and what to do next. Since this is my first Zelda title ever and only a few instructions were made in the game itself, I had a hard time orienting myself. That and some minor frame rate issues are the reason for my slightly reduced score. All in all I still think this is a must-have for every Switch owner.… Expand
  29. 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.
  30. TheRussianator
    Mar 9, 2020
    5
    I've only previously played Breath of the Wild, found a lot to like about that game, but ultimately it was a huge world with almost nothing to do. So I thought that Link's Awakening would turn me into a Zelda fan, since the original is considered to be one of the finest entries in the franchise. The trailers looked too cute to overlook, so I bought the game.

    This is, without a doubt,    I've only previously played Breath of the Wild, found a lot to like about that game, but ultimately it was a huge world with almost nothing to do. So I thought that Link's Awakening would turn me into a Zelda fan, since the original is considered to be one of the finest entries in the franchise. The trailers looked too cute to overlook, so I bought the game.

    This is, without a doubt, one of the most boring games on the Switch. The gameplay consists of repetitively mashing two buttons and walking around. I understand that this is a remake of an old game, but when your progression depends on trading items with certain NPCs in the correct sequence, I cannot possibly enjoy the game. My experience was composed of playing for 15 minutes, then going on YouTube for walkthrough guidelines. Since this is a remake, tweaking the final product to fit into the habitat of modern games would not be a bad idea. Of course, appealing to the fans of the original is important, but you're trying to attract new players. This is, by no means, a game that should've come out in this state in 2019. The Switch can run the damn Witcher 3 at 30 frames, but it can't handle a smooth 60 fps experience of this game? Every transition between locations is met with a massive frame drop which pisses you off each time it happens.

    There are some positives, however. The atmosphere is cute, the music is awesome and adds to the experience by fitting the sound with the visuals on display. Some enemy designs were decent, and their abundance was gratifying. Nonetheless, with all these attributes present, I was consistently bored and found myself pushing to the end in order to justify the 60 dollar purchase. I failed, though, and didn't finish it. This is by far the worst 60 dollar purchase of my entire life. Take that as you may and be cautious to what you read about this game online, because it's mostly fans of the original praising the remake on what it did faithfully, which I found to be some of the worst aspects of the games(i.e. the gameplay and the story)    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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.
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  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]
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