The Legend of Zelda series is one of the biggest franchises in video games. The adventures of Link have lasted for years and have taken our hero on many different quests to save the world. As we are about to receive the HD remake of Wind Waker, gamers are also looking forward to the next iteration on the 3DS, Link Between Worlds. At the Eurogamer Expo, we were able to get hands on with the game and see what it is all about. Is it the next true Zelda adventure or just a little side quest? Let’s draw our master swords and find out.
The first thing to note is that the game goes back to its classic roots with an isometric style of gameplay. The camera is your eye on the sky as you see what lies around Link. On top of this, Link himself is back to a classic look. More in tune with Oracle of Seasons/Ages and Link to the Past rather than Toon Link. The game is very vibrant with some amazingly bright colours that bring the world around you to life. Another trick about the game is that we see some classic enemy designs return in 3D form, such as the Soldiers and Buzz Blobs from A Link to the Past.
The unique trait with Link Between Worlds is the ability to turn Link into a wall drawing. When you approach a wall you can shift into, a prompt will come up on screen. You will then be able to slip through thin gaps, traverse terrain and even dodge enemy attacks using this ability. Keep an eye on your magic bar however as this will slowly drain it over time. Speaking of the magic bar, there seems to be a new emphasis on this common mechanic. Everything in the game now seems to use this bar as a resource. We are talking bow ammunition, swings with the hammer and possibly the usage of bombs and other devices. It is unsure from the demo as to whether everything will use the magic bar, but it would be an interesting design change to keep in mind.
Because the game is on the 3DS, it was great to see it utilise what the console is capable of. The bottom screen allows players to take a look at their inventory and the map of the area they are in. The top screen is your main game screen, where all the action will unfold. When it comes to playing in dungeons, you will be encountering some old school puzzles such as the red & blue switch as well as some new puzzles that involve the use of different tools. One of the new puzzles are platforms you can smash down with your hammer to simply move along in an area. That or you can just stand on top of them as they pop back up to give yourself a jump boost. This is when you see the game utilise multiple levels on a single screen. You will see areas that require you to jump and drop, as well as secrets that can only be obtained by dropping down from high locations. This is a great addition for those who love exploring and completing the game to 100%, as you will have plenty of challenges to overcome.
The game overall feels incredibly solid on the 3DS and is a great burst of nostalgic fun. If you are a fan of Link’s adventures then be sure to put this game on your wish list. If you have never played a Legend of Zelda game before, this is a great title to get your feet wet. It is a true successor to the legendary Link to the Past.
So what do you think of Legend of Zelda: Link Between Worlds? Will you be running in to save the day? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
