Actually it's more like a Link to the Past! That's exactly what this game it's a blast from the past. No its not the same story but it feature the general Zelda trope evil person tries to take over blah blah blah. etc..etc..etc.. You get the gist you have to save Hyrule again! The feel of this game really takes me back to that first Legend of Zelda game released in 1986. If you're a long time fan and have been craving to relive your childhood. This title is definitely for you!
Enough fanboying! on to the Review!
Graphics: The 3DS is not known for its exceptional graphics and unfortunately this is probably where LOZ: LBW falls the shortest. Some of the models look bulky and too cartoony. Thankfully Link and Zelda both look iconic and distinctive enough that despite the poor graphics they're still distinguishable. However, some of the mainstays like the Zora Princess/Queen have been changed far too drastically and their models in my opinion have been poorly done in comparison to Zelda/Link's models of other mainline games. Not everyone will hold the same opinion on this with me, I just felt they could have done a better job. The over world and dungeons are all well done and fit the graphical environments they were set in, The change from domains to domains is very well handled and is reminiscent enough of the past that all long time fans will recognize the transitioning as an iconic sign of the original game. Well placed and ideally used physics have made the game feel and run very smooth. Graphics get a 8/10
Gameplay: Gameplay follows in the original predecessors shoes. Instead of similar to those of Oracle of Ages/Seasons. What newer generation Zelda's have done is guide the player along a free but moderately open path. Whereas the original title allowed you to freely roam as long as you had the items to progress forward. Well that has returned and as always combat feels smooth and well polished. It's still the same hack and slash, but that's also what is good about it. It's not complicated and an easy pick me up title that's ideal for all ages of gamers. I will say this however, the puzzles don't feel nearly as complex or as fun to solve as they used to be. Getting all mainstay "gear" of the series, at the very beginning of the series cheapens puzzle solving. In a lot of cases it tends to destroy any sense of accomplishment and excitement from getting new gear. I've been doing the maiamai recovery quests and Mother Maiamai says she can upgrade your equipment but I've never been able to do it since I don't have any. I don't even know when I'll be getting any of my own stuff... Nevertheless the game is incredibly fun to play and gameplay still gets a solid 8/10.
Sound: Games like this don't tend to have a lot of sounds. LOZ: LBW is no exception. However, it handles its limited sound library very well. I personally think it's also fairly well done considering all that can be contained on that tiny game card. If you hit a rock with a sword you get the correct metallic ping and the like. But, it's a handheld title so it's not like it's super high fidelity sword ringing pings. Sound gets a 10/10 it's good for the platform it's on.
Story: As with any good adventure game the story is the reason you bother even playing. I've enjoyed the robust story thus far. Even though it's a commonly used cookie cutter storyline. It's well thought out and the drama and writing has been superb thus far. Wish there was more voice acting to back it up. But, I'll settle for the occasional HRAHHHH from Link when he swings his sword. There's a deeper meaning behind the story and so far the writing has been prolific despite its use of a common trope. The story can be comprehended at all ages. There are even some easter eggs to be found along the course of the game that help bring the richness of the series together. Story gets a 10/10.
If you haven't picked this game up yet. Definitely find it for the holiday seasons! It's a title worth having a 3DS for!
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