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. SSCheetah
    Sep 22, 2019
    9
    Really solid title, extremely well-presented and fun to play. The dungeon maker minigame is actually a lot of fun; it's basically a puzzle-solving game that you beat by using rooms from dungeons you've already cleared plus a few specially-made ones. I was suprised by how much I liked this aspect of it. Overall cute characters, fun minigames, a well-presented world with fun combat andReally solid title, extremely well-presented and fun to play. The dungeon maker minigame is actually a lot of fun; it's basically a puzzle-solving game that you beat by using rooms from dungeons you've already cleared plus a few specially-made ones. I was suprised by how much I liked this aspect of it. Overall cute characters, fun minigames, a well-presented world with fun combat and exciting exploration; it's got everything I like in an adventure game.

    You can tell it's a third-party remake though; sometimes it's a bit rough around the edges (slow frame rate when first entering an area, no antialiasing, sometimes weird animations, motion isn't truly analogue with only 8 directions you can move). I got over that pretty quickly though and just settled in for the ride.

    Just don't compare it to Breath of the Wild (which is the best game I've ever played), since it's totally different. If you take it for what it is—a remake of a game from nearly 30 years ago—it's great. If you're not sure about the classic Zelda games as compared to BotW, check out A Link to the Past on SNES, which is now available for free on Switch if you are a Nintendo Switch Online subscriber. A Link to the Past is REALLY similar to this one. (Both games are of the same generation.)

    Overall a great experience of a classic game with all the bells and whistles of modern games (including markers the player can place on the map to help you remember to go back for things—a really really good addition!!!). Not quite perfect, but cute, fun and well worth the purchase.    … Expand
  2. withard
    Sep 29, 2019
    9
    seria de 10 si no fuese que tiene bajadas de fps notables, pero aun asi es muy adictivo
  3. lkkvtm
    Sep 21, 2019
    10
    Amazing remake of one of my favorite Zelda game, still plays great! Totally worth the price!
  4. AlexSuprem06
    Sep 21, 2019
    10
    This game is such a fantastic remake. It captures the charm that the original had but makes it in HD with a very cute art style. I highly recommend this game if you played the original links awakening or just want to experience it in HD.
  5. SquareLukester
    Oct 10, 2019
    10
    If you're familiar with the original Game Boy game The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening, the Nintendo Switch version is a remake done perfectly. The graphics are beautiful and colorful, the mechanics are a improvement, and the music and gameplay brings back memories with a remake twist. There are also newer features in the remake that wasn't in the original.

    If you're a diehard &    If you're familiar with the original Game Boy game The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening, the Nintendo Switch version is a remake done perfectly. The graphics are beautiful and colorful, the mechanics are a improvement, and the music and gameplay brings back memories with a remake twist. There are also newer features in the remake that wasn't in the original.

    If you're a diehard & nostalgic Legend of Zelda fan, this remake is just for you. But I recommend you wait for the price to drop until it's affordable. It's currently $59.99. But if you can't wait, I won't stop you.    … Expand
  6. Sijun
    Sep 23, 2019
    10
    I played this game back when it came out for the first Gameboy but I never finished it. I guess I was to young to get it done. That being said I only played it half through back in the days.
    Now, in 2019, I replayed this Masterpiece and can't praise it enough. Sadly it has some downsides. Lets break it down:
    Pros: - awesome and adorable graphics - stays true to the original (memories    I played this game back when it came out for the first Gameboy but I never finished it. I guess I was to young to get it done. That being said I only played it half through back in the days.
    Now, in 2019, I replayed this Masterpiece and can't praise it enough. Sadly it has some downsides. Lets break it down:

    Pros:
    - awesome and adorable graphics
    - stays true to the original (memories from my childhood)
    - awesome music / sound / atmosphere
    - beautiful, yet simple story
    - improved game mechanics
    - awesome world to explore
    - many secrets to catch
    - lovley characters
    - fun and well designed dungeons (but not that challenging)

    Cons:
    - framedrops are recognizable (you get used to it but in the beginning its kinda annoying)
    - if you dont know the game and are hoping for a long playtime (like BotW), this game might dissapoint you (playtime is around 10-15h, which is completely fine to me, but maybe not for others)
    - low difficulty (if it is your first time picking up this game and are an gaming enthusiast, it might be to easy for you - I highly recommend playing in hard mode, even for the first playthrough)
    - dungeon maker could be more than it has become (online sharing, more freedom to create dungeons)

    Verdict:
    All in all I am absolutely happy with this remake. It gave me a lot of memories and a really good time. I love the art and the overall atmosphere of the game. The story is simple but oh so beautiful. Framedrops are annoying but maybe they will patch that.
    If you are new to the Zelda franchise or never had the chance to play this game (or didnt enjoy the retro graphics on GB) now is your time to enjoy one of the best games ever made.    … Expand
  7. Darksun
    Sep 21, 2019
    10
    Como todos los juegos de Zelda una obra maestra no decepcionará a nadie,pura nostalgia y unos gráficos bellisimos
  8. Darkside24
    Sep 29, 2019
    10
    Bello juego me hizo recordar mi infanci no puedo estar mas feliz con esta maraviila, gracia nos ntendo por traer este juego
  9. Elpucco
    Sep 29, 2019
    9
    Un gran juego me gustó todo es muy recomendable tiene unos gráficos muy bonitos y lleno de nostalgia
  10. SenseiMiguel
    Sep 26, 2019
    9
    Me encanto el juego. Me remonte a mi infancia cuando lo jugue en gameboy. Me lo sabia casi todo de memoria. Me hubiera gustado que los bosses fueran mas retantes, y hasta quizas ponerle mas side quests via dlc o algo asi. Pero overall le doy y 9.4 por lo antes mencionado. El arte es bello. Deberian hacer ahora el oracle of seasons y ages con este mismo arte en un dual pack.
  11. LanceLabrin
    Sep 20, 2019
    10
    Una hermosura de video juego. Nada de bajones de frame en la memoria de consola fluido. Me recuerda mucho al original, pero tiene un enorme encanto que lo hace unico..
  12. Flipdigital
    Sep 20, 2019
    10
    Recomendado para todos, no se arrepentirán, tiene gráficos increíbles y sonido perfecto.
  13. Potasticpunda
    Sep 20, 2019
    8
    It felt like being a little child with a gameboy all again, I really loved the cinematics and the art direction, Great remaster.
  14. Leopow440
    Sep 21, 2019
    10
    Incredible game I never played the original but this game is another treat for Nintendo switch owners playing this game has put a smile on my face I love it.
  15. nuba19
    Sep 23, 2019
    10
    10/10 tremendo remake para la mejor saga de video juegos de toda la historia

    Lo siento por los piperos
  16. Jose112
    Sep 20, 2019
    10
    Wow no tengo palabras para describir lo maravilloso que es este juego graficamente es in presionante es hermoso esta clase de juegos demuestra que nintendo es unico que Ellos si seven lo que sus fan quieren amigos yo les recomiendo que se conpren una Nintendo switch si no la tienen merese mucho la pena es magia puro
  17. Jventurall
    Sep 20, 2019
    10
    Hermoso por donde se le mire, banda sonora, jugabilidad, gráficos, recomendable 100%
  18. Dannielsv7
    Sep 20, 2019
    10
    Perfect reimagening of a classic. It does everything that a remake should do.
  19. Serginius
    Sep 20, 2019
    10
    El juego tiene alma propia. En su tiempo en gameboy fue una joya, hoy vuelve a serlo. Es largo, divetido y satisfactorio, gran hitoria, grandes personajes.
  20. Aaroski
    Sep 20, 2019
    10
    A picture perfect remake of the original game, like it was just updated with graphics and controls
  21. LibraryGamer
    Sep 20, 2019
    10
    A wonderful reimaginated game from the past. A beatiful masterpiece only available at the Nintendo system that you need to play.
  22. murderbeam
    Sep 21, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Waves of nostalgia rolled over me as I fired it up again, doing the 'Zelda' filename trick still worked! The quality of life changes bring it into the 2010's proper - no need to equip the bracelet or boots, they're bound to their own buttons. Small changes to the boss fights add another little layer of challenge to experienced LA players (see also: old bastards) and subtle differences like the trendy game improvements just really make it feel fresh while simultaneously just like the original. Link's Awakening on the Game Boy is tied for my favorite Zelda with A Link to the Past, and this remake just joined that three way in the best way possible. I'm on my way to the fourth dungeon, finding those secret seashells, and it's like the first time all over again - the excitement, the wonder, and the MUSIC. The orchestrated music still uses elements from their original counterparts, and it's a small but impactful detail that really drew me in. I almost feel dirty giving a Zelda a 10 after Breath of the Wild got way overrated, but I'll be damned if this game isn't perfect even with some of the small flaws here and there.… Expand
  23. Everrain69
    Sep 21, 2019
    10
    Un juego perfecto en cuanto a mecánicas, un desarrollo magistral, unos gráficos con personalidad, una música evocadora a mas no poder, un titulo clásico que toca la perfección de las aventuras de rol.
  24. CesarHylian
    Sep 21, 2019
    10
    Link's awakening y Grezzo nos enseñan como hacer un remake de un juego de más de un cuarto de siglo. Es el claro ejemplo de una muy buena actualización de gráficos (que pese a lo mejor no es del agrado al principio) siempre nos va a terminar encantando.
    Quizá su único punto negativo que le puedo encontrar ahora, es la falta de más cinemáticas épicas y al estilo de anime que nos presentan    Link's awakening y Grezzo nos enseñan como hacer un remake de un juego de más de un cuarto de siglo. Es el claro ejemplo de una muy buena actualización de gráficos (que pese a lo mejor no es del agrado al principio) siempre nos va a terminar encantando.
    Quizá su único punto negativo que le puedo encontrar ahora, es la falta de más cinemáticas épicas y al estilo de anime que nos presentan al prender la consola.    … Expand
  25. Parkkcore
    Sep 21, 2019
    10
    Of 2019 this is one of the best true Remasters to hit the Market. The updated Graphics remind me of A Link Between Worlds in how they make an older game feel more modern, but not so much that it takes itself too seriously. I will enjoy trying to speed-run this game!
  26. elbuenzurdo
    Sep 21, 2019
    10
    A beautiful remake of my first Zelda game, the one that made me fall in love with the franchise. Beautiful graphics, nice music, good story and gameplay.
  27. Dilihimer
    Sep 21, 2019
    10
    Zelda fan here. Just picked up my copy yesterday and haven’t been able to put the Switch down. The game has great game feel all the way down to the sword swinging, great flow by adding things to do between each level (dungeon) and memorable characters from Marin to Sale. I give this a 10/10 scoring not only because of the reasons listed above, but mainly because I can’t find too muchZelda fan here. Just picked up my copy yesterday and haven’t been able to put the Switch down. The game has great game feel all the way down to the sword swinging, great flow by adding things to do between each level (dungeon) and memorable characters from Marin to Sale. I give this a 10/10 scoring not only because of the reasons listed above, but mainly because I can’t find too much that’s really wrong with it. I can understand how some people find the dungeon creating mini-game at Dampé’s Shack dissapointing, but as a replacement for the once gimmicky yet neat Game Boy Printer room, I feel it does enough. Some boss fights do feel a bit too easy, but as a 1:1 remake of a 20+ year old Game Boy game, I can understand why. Other than that, I can’t find anything bad to say about the game. If you are a fan of Zelda, especially if you haven’t played LA already on the GB version, this is a must get. If you are new to Zelda and are looking for the right one to take your first step into the franchise, I would recommend this one definitely. Maybe wait it out until it goes on sale if you are iffy on the whole $60 pricing, i’ve seen that rub some people off the wrong way.… Expand
  28. Lukina
    Sep 22, 2019
    10
    Simply perfect Just lovely . A perfect remake. I love it. Zelda at his best.
  29. Venom_
    Sep 22, 2019
    10
    An instant classic with fantastic graphics, art style, and a satisfying combat system. Link's Awakening is a must have for every Zelda fan out there. While frame rate dips are an issue right now, I would fully expect to see a near future patch released to stabilize performance.
  30. Davix123
    Sep 23, 2019
    10
    Como un niño... he vuelto a la infancia con este juego cuando yo tenia la Supernintento y el Zelda... los gráficos.. su música... la historia.. gran trabajo de Nintendo. Lo que daria por ver el remaster de Legend of Zelda A link to the Past, seria la caña!!!
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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.
    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]
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