Game:

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (1993)

Duration: 29:31

650 views

11

Welcome to my playthrough of The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX for the GameBoy Color! This video does not contain commentary. To view the commentary version, click here: https://youtu.be/i3DBQlufi30

Link's Awakening was originally released for the GameBoy in 1993. In 1998, Nintendo re-released it for the GameBoy Color. Not only did they add color; they also added a brand new (at the time) color dungeon. My interpretation is that this is a sequel to A Link to the Past for the Super NES. It is a pretty enjoyable little game. The navigation is pretty similar to the original Legend of Zelda, where each scene takes up a whole screen, but the sword combat is upgraded to the level of A Link to the Past. The graphics and chiptune sound are by no means impressive by today's standards, but it is amazing how much they managed to stuff onto this little cartridge back in '93. And despite being chiptune, the music is excellent.

According to the back story, Link is traveling around training after defeating Ganon in A Link to the Past. Unfortunately, he is shipwrecked in a storm and finds himself on Koholint Island.

After viewing the title screens, we set up a new game (time 1:43). Naturally, I will be naming the hero Link.

When we start the game, Link is tossing and turning in bed (time 1:56). He meets his hosts, Marin and her dad, Tarin. Marin explains that he is on Koholint Island. She found him on the beach to the south, but there are also some monsters about.

When Link talks to Tarin, he will give Link back his Shield L-1 (time 2:56). The Shield is useful for repelling enemies and enemy attacks, particularly ranged attacks. Tarin will also say that some other items have washed ashore. Time to get looking!

Link starts out in Mabe Village in the southwest of Koholint Island. He spends a little time wandering around the village. Some have useful gameplay advice, while some others just want things. Unfortunately, Link is dead broke right now. One of the more eccentric residents, Madam MeowMeow, actually keeps Chain Chomps! This is the first of many Super Mario references in this game. BowWow, the big one out front, will figure in later. A library in the southwest will have some helpful info, though a couple books cannot be read yet. One book even has a full atlas of the island. However, Link's personal map will fill out as he explores.

The first dungeon, the Tail Cave, can be found in the hills south of the village. However, Link cannot get in yet. A key is required to gain entry.

At Toronbo Shores in the south, Link will locate his sword (time 16:03). As he approaches the sword, a mysterious owl appears. Is Kaepora Gaebora in Ocarina of Time a reference to this wise bird? Link has to wake up the Wind Fish before he can leave the island. The first destination is the Mysterious Forest north of Mabe Village.

Afterwards, Link recovers his Sword L-1 (time 16:45). And a version of the classic Zelda overworld music starts up! Nice. Link can now fight enemies, cut down grass, and get Rupees.

At the well north of the library, Link can cut the grass up top and drop in (time 19:24). Down here, he finds Piece of Heart #01! As in A Link to the Past and many other Zelda games, four Pieces of Heart are needed for each new heart container.

By the weathervane in Mabe Village, Link can talk to Marin again (time 20:07). She says that Tarin has gone to the forest to seek mushrooms. She will also sing the Ballad of the Wind Fish. It will be important to learn this later.

The grassy field east of Marin and Tarin's house is a great place to stump up a few Rupees. Also, this is where Link will find Secret Seashell #01 under a random bush (time 21:15). The Seashells are sort of this game's Mini Medals. The prize for getting 20 is a sword upgrade.

Southeast of Marin and Tarin's house, Link finds the Trendy Game (time 22:23). Link can play this for 10 Rupees. This is just like a normal real-life prize machine, except this one seems to be more accurate. The B button moves the crane right, while the A button moves it down. The goal is the Yoshi Doll in the middle of the rectangular conveyor belts. Another Mario reference! Getting this doll is the start of a long trading sequence.

Link takes the Yoshi Doll to the mother in the Quadruplet's House in the north of town (time 23:54). In return for the doll, she will give Link a Ribbon.

The Ribbon goes to the little Chain Chomp in the doghouse attached to Madam MeowMeow's house (time 24:42). This bling-obsessed pooch will reward Link with a can of Dog Food. And look at that, the little Chain Chomp is now wearing the ribbon like Ms. Pac-Man! Adorable.

Description continued in the comments.

Other Statistics