Zelda's first step in the handheld world of video games is truly a fantastic accomplishment for the franchise!
Although Nintendo changed it up with the official timeline, it still is a sequel to A Link To The Past. While Link is sailing back to Hyrule after the events of Oracle of Ages and Seasons, he is shipwrecked onto Koholint Island. He finds his sword and buys a shield, and then a mysterious owl tells him he must wake the Wind Fish that is lying in the giant egg on top of Mt. Tamaranch from his dream, but he can only be awakened from the sound of the eight instruments of the Siren. It isn't the heaviest Zelda plot, but it's original enough and very motivating to keep you going and wanting to know what happens next.
The gameplay is considered the same as ALLTP, but with a new graphical style and brand new way of equipping weapons, it plays out like it's very own unique Zelda game. The B and A buttons control either your sword, shield, or whatever you want it to be and neither of the buttons have to have your sword equipped. The dungeons get really challenging in terms of combat but mostly in the puzzle area as you'll find yourself confused a lot throughout the game. Full of clever traps and it has genius design.
What can I say? This looks like an average Gameboy game. Black and white are the only two colours in the entire game, but there's nothing wrong with that. It looks great and everything looks like it's supposed to, and I doubt it's pushing the limits of the system, it's still very nostalgic to look at and gives you a sense of happiness that you won't get with any other game.
There are some incredible tunes in this theme! All ranging from Koholint Island overworld, Tal Tal heights, the dungeon themes, sword search, etc. It is truly a great soundtrack that in my own personal opinion stands up with the best of the franchise.
This game isn't the longest, but not many games back then were that long. The main quest will take you anywhere from eight to twelve hours, while collecting everything else can take up to at least five more, based on HLTB's averaging system.
I can sit down and play this any day if I needed to. You get a sense of nostalgia from playing it that you can't find anywhere else, and it truly was an amazing entry to the series, and a great way to start going handheld.
Overall, this still happens to be my favourite handheld Zelda game and sixth favourite Zelda game of all time. I wouldn't say it's perfect, but it definitely deserves a perfect ten from how much it amazes me as a gamer.
Pros:
+Very challenging gameplay
+Genius dungeon design that is some of the handheld series best
+Awesome soundtrack that has a lot of nostalgic value
+Original, interesting storyline
Cons:
-Some really difficult parts in dungeons
Story: 8.7/10
Gameplay: 10/10
Graphics: 9.7/10
Soundtrack: 9.5/10
Lifetime: 8.6/10
Replay Value: 9.9/10
Overall: 10/10