Polish your sword and grab your green tunic ... its time to save Hyrule!
Story 9.5/10:
+Although Nintendo has never released an official Zelda timeline, this game does tie into some of the other Zelda games. It sets up some of the stories about the war over the triforce the sacred realm.
+Even if it didn't tie into the other Zelda games it would be a fun enjoyable story by itself.
-Introduces these people/creatures called the minish. I must admit, it was a little weird. And since this is one of the first games in the Zelda canon, I thought it odd that I hadn't heard about the minish in other games.
Gameplay 9.5/10
+An excellent addition to the Zelda collection
+Lots of puzzles, some are pretty challenging
+Dungeons are not linear
+Shrinking, then back to Normal made for some cool puzzles.
+lots of collectables to keep you playing
+Sticking true to the Zeldas before it with its weapons, hearts, and gameplay. Why mess with a working formula?
+Its pretty long, something like 5 dungeons and loads of little secrets.
Controls 8.5/10
I'm not playing this on the GBA, I'm using a USB controller with programmable buttons. So I really can't judge this too critical. I did try to program the buttons to match that of a GBA.
-The 'R' trigger button is used a lot. Like for talking and stuff. Its a little weird, but I guess you get used to it.
+Otherwise the controls were fine. Sticking the the format used by other zelda games, you can select an item to be mapped to a button.
Sound 9/10
+Sound effects work pretty well. A lot of the classic sounds, the "hi-ya" sword slash, the theme music is always cool, etc.
-GBA sounds were a little 'tinging' sounding. MIDI format I guess. Not really a fault of the Zelda game though.
Graphics 9/10
+I think they're pretty good for a GBA title.
+A lot of little details added, like moving hair and cool artwork.
Fun 10/10
To me, pretty much all the Zelda games are enjoyable. I love the stories, the quests, the gameplay, the music, and pretty much everything. Likewise I think the majority of gamers agree with me. Its a game than pretty much anybody can have fun playing.
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Overall 9/10
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