A Dream Come True - The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening Review

In many ways, The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening is a game of firsts. It was the first Zelda game made for a handheld console, the first to be set outside of Hyrule, and the first to introduce several later staples to the series, such as unique dungeon themes and Trading Sequences. But more than a mere game of firsts, Link's Awakening is also perhaps one of the most especially beloved entries in the entire Zelda series. Does it deserve such an illustrious reputation? In today's Review, I shall analyze this game in excruciating detail to answer that very question. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: a Dream Made True 04:39 Aside: Zelda Stories, and a Change in Format 05:50 Opening: The Sword Search 08:21 The Overworld: a Blend of Linear Design and Open Exploration 20:43 Story, Part 1: The Strange Island of Koholint 24:34 Pre-Dungeon 1: The Forest of Mystery 25:46 Dungeon 1: Tail Cave 34:39 Dungeon 1 and 2 In-Betweener: a High Stakes Rescue 36:38 Dungeon 2: Bottle Grotto 39:40 Aside: Trade Sequences 42:06 Dungeon 2 and 3 In-Betweener: Monkey Business 44:45 Dungeon 3: Key Cavern 50:55 Change in the Formula: Branching Out Like a Fan 55:03 Story, Part 2: The Illusion Begins to Crack 1:00:17 Dungeon 4: Angler’s Tunnel 1:04:16 Dungeon 4 and 5 In-Betweener: Spooky Scary Side Quests 1:05:52 Dungeon 5: Catfish’s Maw 1:12:38 Dungeon 6: Face Shrine 1:18:15 Dungeon 6 and 7 In-Betweener: When Roosters Fly 1:20:27 Dungeon 7: Eagle’s Tower 1:24:34 Dungeon 7 and 8 In-Betweener: Marin’s Rescue 1:27:23 Dungeon 8: Turtle Rock 1:34:37 Final Boss Fight, and the Ending: Link’s Nightmare 1:43:34 Aside: The Story’s Impact 1:44:26 Story, Part 4: Link’s Awakening 1:50:30 Conclusion: The Zenith of 2D-Zelda