Who else was expecting a perfect ten?
First thing’s first, let’s remember the game has freaking huge clown shoes to fill. Does the game inspire the same ecstasy we all felt those years ago with ‘Ocarina of Time’? The answer is probably not. To further clarify, practically nothing will give Zelda fans that same rapturous delight in an epic adventure game. Ocarina was a once-off miracle, having said that though, is the game any good?
Psch, of course it is. It’s terrific. Let’s start with an area of contention: the game’s graphics. THEY’RE FINE! They’re really good! For a game that was under last generation’s production I’ll even go as far to say that they are quite outstanding. The game’s sound is no different story. No worries in the presentation department in case you had any.
The game’s premise, while not as inspired as the ocarina centred one sported by the spiritual older brother, does put a new spin on Zelda’s adventure. This time, it’s the concept of a dual relationship between two worlds, light and twilight. With this comes the new spin, Link’s alter, more hairy, flea-ridden ego, his wolf form. This new premise has its own flair and is enough to keep the series varied and interesting (a trend delightfully withheld during the last cel-shaded pirate-themed instalment).
Gameplay remains intact and faithful to the Zelda formula. Brilliant! It’s one we all know and love so why question or criticize? If it’s because Zelda is ‘stuck in a time warp’ then put your pitchfork down. Tradition isn’t such a dirty word. Link’s new adventure sports some familiar weapons and items as well as some cool new ones as well as more of the same expertly designed dungeons to use them in.
Questions of value and longevity are answered with this the one: do you care enough to explore Hyrule? There are plenty of things to do outside the main dungeon-crawling quest if you make an effort to look for them. Add those into the equation and you’re looking at a good 40-50 hours of gameplay.
In the end, this new instalment of Zelda stands firmly as a worthy addiction to the series. That alone is worth credit but what’s worth even more is how well the whole thing is pulled off in terms of both presentation and acclaimed gameplay. So just so there is no confusion, I’m giving it my own ‘9 or above’ seal of approval that I think it really deserves.