Missing Link: Finishing My First Zelda Game

My primary motivation for getting a 3DS was hearing just how damn good The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds was. That and I knew that a new version of Yoshi’s Island was coming out for it. But this is a story about immediate gratification so…check back with me when that happens in March.

Back to the point. Several weeks after my quest originated, it was nearly impossible to get my hands on the game itself. I’d gotten a special edition bundle but not the Zelda one and every Target within an hour was sold out except the one by work. (I had a gift card, and this was a condition of me getting the game.)

So one snowy evening I ventured across the parking lot to the Target and blessedly there were multiple copies in stock. After a brief, informative conversation with the clerk, I was on my way home.

And then the game sat there for a day or two while I waited for my next day off to happen.

Once I started it, however, it was an endlessly addictive quest to save the two connected but utterly different worlds.

The aesthetic of parts of the game kind of reminded me of Kirby’s Epic Yarn, which was an excellent, interesting game that mixed crafty elements with game play. Two-D Link was an interesting game mechanic and once I gained the ability that let me do it, it was great.

I’m not great with dungeons or puzzles so I was wedded to a few walkthroughs to get through the game.

It was literally my first title in the series and I have to say, I liked it a lot. It helped me understand the indie game Evoland and the entire experience led me to believe I could play that game and be good at it. This, however, was a little (read: a lot) off the mark.

The game allowed you to kind of feel bad for one of the villains in the game, as they’re really just trying to save their kingdom, although managing that by kidnapping a princess is not the best strategy ever.

I enjoyed it so much, in fact, that I may attempt to play Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess again. Link is such a cult figure in gaming that playing through his history would be worth my time.

Though this isn’t much intended to be a review of the game, per say, I think if you have any interest in the series or have a 3DS and are looking for something new to play, definitely give it a shot if you haven’t already.

~Myrrick