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. BadPenguin
    Sep 22, 2019
    10
    Nostalgia is fantastic, and this game delivers. Nothing more I could have asked for. If you loved Link to the Past you’ll fall in love with this game. Takes everything that made Link to the Past great and built on it. Sweet graphics and game mechanics.
  2. ignore78
    Sep 30, 2019
    10
    This must be one of THE best Zelda games i ever played. Dont look at the 60 dollar price, just buy it. it is worth every penny.
  3. SebboBastian
    Jun 20, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. the original game is one of my favourite zelda games. So refreshing to be in a world far away from ganondorf and the classic quite boring story thats reused game after game. So this could not be anything then a top ten game!… Expand
  4. PatriciusG
    Aug 19, 2020
    10
    An absolute must have on the system - a game which was already near perfect when it comes to the story and gameplay was beautifully remastered, fixing all the errors and adding lot of new content.
  5. ZoidXsa
    Sep 20, 2019
    10
    Just your average fantastic, traditional Zelda game. If you played the original, you know exactly what you're getting into. The framerate drops are nowhere near as egregious as some make them out to be. You only notice them if you're looking for them. There's a reason the critics only mention them briefly: that's what they are. Sure, I'd expect better performance out of a Zelda game, butJust your average fantastic, traditional Zelda game. If you played the original, you know exactly what you're getting into. The framerate drops are nowhere near as egregious as some make them out to be. You only notice them if you're looking for them. There's a reason the critics only mention them briefly: that's what they are. Sure, I'd expect better performance out of a Zelda game, but it's not game-breaking, nor does it warrant a 0/10.… Expand
  6. Chezidek
    Sep 21, 2019
    10
    A good example of a perfect game!
    Very addictive gameplay! Nice, cute graphics! Great music! Terrific sense of humor! Fabulous, magical game that returns to childhood and periodically notice that I smile while playing! =)
  7. thryce3
    Dec 19, 2019
    10
    The original was a terrific. The remake updates the controls and graphics and is still terrific. The dedicated dash button once you get the boots is a god send, but makes me wish for a dedicated jump button once you get the feather. Did not love the art style at first, but it is beautiful in action.
    People often argue about linearity vs exploration in Zelda. I think this strikes the    The original was a terrific. The remake updates the controls and graphics and is still terrific. The dedicated dash button once you get the boots is a god send, but makes me wish for a dedicated jump button once you get the feather. Did not love the art style at first, but it is beautiful in action.
    People often argue about linearity vs exploration in Zelda. I think this strikes the best balance. This is the first game in a long time that I never checked a FAQ when I got stuck. I just roamed a bit and found the answer, but didn't feel like I was being led around by the nose.
    The Dungeon Designer was sorta fun, but sorely lacking. It has a lot of potential for a full release a la Mario Maker.    … Expand
  8. krulemuk
    Sep 28, 2019
    10
    My first walkthrough and I love it. One of the best 2D-Zeldas I've ever played. A Gameboy game of 1993 is the GotY 2019
  9. seburo
    Sep 26, 2019
    10
    I'm just writing to neutralise a "0". ¿How stupid people can be? This game is not below an 8. Awesome looks, swift playability, great plot, great dungeons and bosses. If you like adventure games, this is for you. If you are a Zelda fan and, even more, if you played the 1993 or 1998 originals you are in for a great adventure. I'd recommend this game for anyone who likes videogames andI'm just writing to neutralise a "0". ¿How stupid people can be? This game is not below an 8. Awesome looks, swift playability, great plot, great dungeons and bosses. If you like adventure games, this is for you. If you are a Zelda fan and, even more, if you played the 1993 or 1998 originals you are in for a great adventure. I'd recommend this game for anyone who likes videogames and classic adventures. :)… Expand
  10. mitolxx
    Sep 27, 2019
    10
    Despite I played this game 21 years ago more or less, It is one of the most enjoyable zelda games I've played so far. Graphically this game is so good and charming, it is a must play if you have the switch. You will not regret it!
  11. Sabrewulf1
    Sep 20, 2019
    10
    What are you doing reading these reviews by people who think they can review ? Why do you need that ego trip to legitimise your purchase ? Or why are you here to troll people who dare to like a game in these modern times? Or indeed reply to people who have a different view to you ? Go purchase what is and will be a modern classic, regardless of petty numerical scores. For what its worth iWhat are you doing reading these reviews by people who think they can review ? Why do you need that ego trip to legitimise your purchase ? Or why are you here to troll people who dare to like a game in these modern times? Or indeed reply to people who have a different view to you ? Go purchase what is and will be a modern classic, regardless of petty numerical scores. For what its worth i been been gaming 45 years and this little gem is going to be remastered in another 20 or thirty years .... its a great game.… Expand
  12. JuanpSage
    Sep 20, 2019
    10
    The perfect remake, for a perfect game like Zelda: Link's awakening.

    * Music: Outstanding 10/10 - All pieces are orchestral gems, perfectly worked.
    * Graphics: Perfect Beauty 10/10 - The cenital view is like the original game. But that beautiful graphics... The water is remarkable.
    * Playability: Immersive 10/10 - Arround 20 hs of lifespan of enjoyable and immersive experience.
  13. wanderlei2
    Sep 22, 2019
    10
    Games from when gameplay was king instead of watching movies and occasionally pressing a button. A world of puzzles to explore and solve. Classic Zelda dungeons. A joy to play from beginning to end. A game I will pay over many times.
  14. CDizzness
    Sep 24, 2019
    10
    WOW WOW WOW....This game is amazing, just as enjoyable as it was 26 years ago if not even more so now. (I played it when I was 8 in all fairness, not 26 years ago...more like 16, considering the game released when I was born...hah) I spent the entire weekend playing this game, thinking about it, talking about it with fellow gamers....DREAMING about it. (heh, dreamers edition) It'sWOW WOW WOW....This game is amazing, just as enjoyable as it was 26 years ago if not even more so now. (I played it when I was 8 in all fairness, not 26 years ago...more like 16, considering the game released when I was born...hah) I spent the entire weekend playing this game, thinking about it, talking about it with fellow gamers....DREAMING about it. (heh, dreamers edition) It's everything I could have asked for. Gameplay is smooth, frame rates may seem unstable at first but when you get lost in the adventure you stop noticing it and you are absorbed in this little world(Seriously, it smooths itself out where it matters, I see what they did. I would rather have this "unlocked" frame rate than a solid 30, its perfect the way it is Nintendo). Controls are so tight, and Link is a blast to maneuver. I am not a fan of the dungeon editor, but I know a huge chunk of people will love this and it will add 100's - 1000's of hours of gameplay. I literally cannot put this game down, I played it on a 65" Samsung 4K display and it is GORGEOUS. I played in handheld mode last night...still gorgeous, this game is just so darn cute! If you love Zelda games or want to revisit this, there is no reason to not own it at this point, especially if you own a Switch, its a must have.

    A breakdown of my review.

    Graphics: 10
    Sound: 10
    Gameplay: 10
    Controls: 10
    Replayability: 10    … Expand
  15. GamingTruth
    Sep 20, 2019
    10
    Fantastic Game! The tiny frame rate drops are NOT A ISSUE WHATSOEVER!

    Cant wait to sink hundreds of hours into this game
    The graphics are absolutely stunning and the gameplay is such a joy to experience
    Now with Amiibo support, the game has a ton of variety
    10/10
  16. leche_paterna
    Sep 21, 2019
    10
    Nintendo este año encadena una obra maestra tras otra. Un imprescindible para todo amante de los videojuegos.
  17. 22446688Bb
    Jul 8, 2020
    10
    ninnonononononnonnonononononononnononononononnonononononooooonnonononononononononononnonononononononononnonononono
  18. Gosmel_Halo
    Sep 20, 2019
    10
    O melhor Remake que eu já vi na minha vida. Isso é um exemplo de como se faz um jogo. Gráficos LINDOS, história contada da mesma maneira que o original, tudo está que nem o original. Uma coisa que eu gostei MUITO, foi o bracelete, agora você não tem que ficar selecionando ele para levantar um vaso ou uma pedra, agora ele fica como um item equipado pra sempre.
  19. Exsoldier454
    Sep 6, 2020
    10
    Honestly one of the best Zelda games on the switch a lot of people who didn’t grow up with the game boy color missed out on the handheld Zelda games and now we got one on the switch ! Here’s to Nintendo bringing the rest of the handheld games to the switch next year, the game is simple In the beginning and ramps up towards the middle of the game, it’s fun and vibrant and very cutsie, aHonestly one of the best Zelda games on the switch a lot of people who didn’t grow up with the game boy color missed out on the handheld Zelda games and now we got one on the switch ! Here’s to Nintendo bringing the rest of the handheld games to the switch next year, the game is simple In the beginning and ramps up towards the middle of the game, it’s fun and vibrant and very cutsie, a great remake with a great remixed soundtracks to give it a new life , I highly recommend this !… Expand
  20. shedzao
    Oct 11, 2019
    10
    Zellda is a school for the rest of the games
    Zelda Link's Awakening have a amazing gameplay, a difficulty level that caters to most players, no doubt one of the best game franchises, and one of the best in the franchise.
  21. Aaargh
    Sep 20, 2019
    10
    The only reason I gave this game a 9/10 is because I cannot give it a score equal to BotW. This game is so much fun. The controls are excellent (didn't expect anything less), the graphics aren't taking away from the overal experience. They match perfectly with the cuteness of the game, the feel of being an accepted member of the Island and its inhabitants. I haven't finished it yet but IThe only reason I gave this game a 9/10 is because I cannot give it a score equal to BotW. This game is so much fun. The controls are excellent (didn't expect anything less), the graphics aren't taking away from the overal experience. They match perfectly with the cuteness of the game, the feel of being an accepted member of the Island and its inhabitants. I haven't finished it yet but I see myself playing this game over and over. The music adds to the atmosphere. All in all a difficult to game to pull off I think because everything works so well together. Buying the game at $60 is a tad expensive for what you get. Luckily I bought it at $50 using online vouchers and that's fair.… Expand
  22. Atramentius
    Sep 23, 2019
    10
    Even though this is a remake of a remake of a 25+ year old game it still feels pretty fresh and is everything what you would expect from a modern 2D Zelda game.
  23. Kosama
    Oct 3, 2019
    10
    Como juego en si es un grandioso zelda, diría que de los mejores, como remake es un juego perfecto! ademas de hermoso.
  24. FanFreak777
    Jan 29, 2022
    10
    The game maintains the original gameplay with new and spectacular graphics. It is a must buy for any Zelda fan.
  25. Nussi
    Sep 26, 2019
    10
    I love it. Played it 25 years ago when i was a child and now my childs are watching while iam playing. To all the zero point guys: Envy is the highest form of recognition
  26. enigma1990
    May 30, 2021
    10
    This is the funnest game I've played in the longest time. I love the graphics and the art style. They're like little clay figurines. I also like the the blurred edges too although sometimes it can be a bit annoying but it keeps Link in focus. Also the gameplay is classic Zelda which I love.
  27. VincentWarte
    Sep 30, 2019
    10
    It is such a lovely game, I liked every minute of my first playthrough, and I definitely would rank that game higher than BotW in my personal top-tier games list.

    I also love the fact that you can finish the game in 10-15 hours, because I like to replay my "comfort-games" and knowing that I can easily 100% the game on a single weekend is a big plus to me, since I barely have time that I    It is such a lovely game, I liked every minute of my first playthrough, and I definitely would rank that game higher than BotW in my personal top-tier games list.

    I also love the fact that you can finish the game in 10-15 hours, because I like to replay my "comfort-games" and knowing that I can easily 100% the game on a single weekend is a big plus to me, since I barely have time that I really can dedicate to gaming.

    Also, we all know that the story-factor behind almost every Zelda game is quite weak. But now this time, I really loved the bittersweet story behind Link's Awakening and it gave me much feels after finishing the last boss, despite already knowing what is going to happen because of all the clues during the game.    … Expand
  28. andres90109010
    Sep 21, 2019
    10
    It’s not surprising. The Legend of Zelda had it all upon release: an epic story, a strong cinematic presentation, superb visuals and unrivalled game design.
  29. rhoxwen
    Sep 20, 2019
    10
    I love it! It's a fresh new coat of paint for an all time masterpiece. The colors and the art style are just perfect and the smol Links looks so funny but it shows a great transition from the GB to the Switch. 100% recommended
  30. benair3
    Sep 20, 2019
    10
    Epic. I feel like a child again. It’s beautiful, funny, long enough, it’s perfect.
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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]
See all critic reviews »