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The Legend of Zelda - A Link to the Past (GBA)
by WayneKWilkins
===INTRODUCTION: MY LIFE AND LINK===
When it comes to the iconic "Legend of Zelda" series of video games, there are several titles that instantly spring to my mind. One of those is, obviously, the Nintendo 64's "Ocarina of Time" which is scheduled to be re-released for the new Nintendo 3Ds later in June of ... 2011 and the second is "A Link to the Past", the third title in the series which was released for the Super Nintendo in the 1990's. Now, I have a storied history with "A Link to the Past". I own the very rare and elusive SNES version which could earn me a killing if I sold it (I never will) and more recently, I purchased the Gameboy Advance version to enjoy nostalgia in the palm of my hand. It was by far one of the best video game investments I have made in a long time.
===STORYLINE AND GAMEPLAY===
The storyline is by far one of the best in the Zelda series in my personal opinion. Simplicity is the best medicine would be the best way to describe it because it is, as the aforementioned description gives away, incredibly simple. Basically, Link wakes up in the early hours of one morning to peculiar cries from a maiden that only he and his uncle can hear. It is later revealed that this was because Link is of a hero's bloodline and is destined to save the world from the forces of Ganon.
After his uncle instructs him to stay in bed, Link refuses and instead wakes up and ventures outside in the rain with castle guards all over the place. Venturing into the walls of the legendary Hyrule Palace, he follows the mystic cries of Princess Zelda who is speaking into his mind. He finds his uncle barely conscious in the sewers and inherits a sword and shield. Fighting his way through the castle and into the dungeons, Link must save Princess Zelda who is the last of the seven maidens needed in order to revive Ganon from his evil slumber.
After Zelda is rescued, the priest in the chapel tells Link that he must find the three pendants needed to wield the Master Sword that is found in the Lost Woods. However, soon after claiming the three pendants, guards storm the chapel and kidnap Zelda and take her to Agahnim in Hyrule Palace. Sending her over to the Dark World, Link must now venture between the Light World and the Dark World completing dungeons and temples in both worlds in order to save Zelda, stop Ganon and save the Kingdom of Hyrule and the entire world.
The gameplay fits in perfectly with the games illustrious storyline. There is over 13 dungeons and temples for you to explore and conquer in a vintage Zelda fashion. You control Link, you have to solve puzzles and defeat enemies and there is a range of secrets for you to discover along the way including the ability to upgrade and temper items such as The Master Sword, the Boomerang and even the bombs that you get at one point in the game. There are three different sets of armor, each more powerful than the last in the colors of green, blue and red in that order and with a wallet capable of holding up to 999 rupees, you will find plenty of things to spend your money on from healing items to fortune telling and even crucial items such as Zora's Flippers.
The gameplay is by far the most advanced out of the three early Nintendo Zelda titles and it is by far the very best in the 2D Zelda franchise. From a brilliant storyline all the way to flawless, addictive gameplay with lots of puzzles that will rack your brains to their limits, "A Link to the Past" stands as one of the very best in the series and my personal favorite of the 2D Zelda world.
PLAYERS CAN:
*Explore over thirteen dungeons all with their own puzzles, bosses and unique treasures
*Explore the Kingdom of Hyrule and uncover its many secrets
*Complete optional side quests and missions for treasures and monetary rewards
*Follow a beautifully written storyline from start to finish
*Discover a cast of characters of both allies and enemies alike
SOME OF THE ITEMS INCLUDE:
*A number of different swords and shields including the famous "Master Sword*
*A boomerang which can be upgraded
*Bombs which can be upgraded
*Bow and arrows
*Fire and ice rods
*Magic lantern
*Magic powder
*Zora's Flippers
*The Power Glove
*Pegasus Boots for speedy running
*And many more!
OVERALL STORYLINE AND GAMEPLAY RATING: 10/10
===GRAPHICS AND MUSIC===
The graphics are incredibly advanced when compared to its two predecessors, Zelda 1 and 2 for the Nintendo Entertainment System. Due to the SNES being far more advanced, the console subsequently pushes the game to its limits. The graphics are beautifully drawn and the large, open world is filled with plenty of beautiful things. The light world is full of color and beauty whereas the dark world is full of darkness and evil. Both worlds are incredibly detailed, feature their own different enemies and color schemes and the detail put into every aspect of the graphics - all the way down to the wrinkles in the water after stepping in it - is truly awe inspiring for its time.
The music in "A Link to the Past" speaks for itself. It is one of the most famous soundtracks from the early Nintendo era of gaming. This game is also the first to feature the famous "Zelda's Lullaby" theme; a song which has since appeared in "Ocarina of Time", "Wind Waker" and more recently, "Skyward Sword" which is due for release in 2011. The song has become somewhat of a recognizable theme music to The Legend of Zelda series, just like its iconic theme song as played in the introductions to the game. Speaking of which, the Legend of Zelda theme is certainly at its best in this title. Again, the SNES console pushes the sound to its limit and as a result, beautiful music accompanies you from start to finish throughout the entirety of the game.
OVERALL GRAPHICS AND SOUND RATING: 10/10
===PRICE AND AVAILABILITY===
"A Link to the Past" is one of the most popular in the series but it has long-since been out of print. One major reason for its rise in popularity was the global success and acclaim of "Ocarina of Time". However, because of its rarity and its demand; the price for this game is incredibly high, especially for the Nintendo version. Fans could be looking to pay above and beyond 50 or even 100 pounds and more for the SNES version in mint condition complete with the box and manual.
The Gameboy Advance version however is much cheaper. I bought my copy for 13 pounds from eBay after being the winning bidder. You will likely pay between 15 and 20 and above for a complete version of the GBA game in good condition with the box and manual.
Alternatively, if you want to play "A Link to the Past" but do not want to pay a high price, it is also available on the Nintendo Wii's virtual console for around 600 points but it is often subject to offers and deals because of its popularity. This means that if you own a Wii and an internet connection, you could technically get "A link to the Past" in all it's glory for under ten pounds. Now that is the ultimate Zelda fan's bargain dream come true!
===ADDITIONS ONLY IN THE GBA VERSION===
The Gameboy Advance version of "A Link to the Past" also has some of its own unique benefits and additions including:
*A brand new, additional adventure called "The Four Swords"
*Changes to some in-game sounds
*Link now has a voice reminiscent of Ocarina of Time
===FINAL WORDS===
A Link to the Past certainly is one of the best titles in the iconic Zelda franchise and for a very good reason; because it is the closest thing to perfect that you will see in the 2D series. The storyline is simple but beautiful with a lot of development, twists and turns and the gameplay is just too addictive beyond words. There are times where you will be pulling your hair out at a puzzle until you realize that there was actually a simple solution to solving it after all. There are very few games as powerful as "A Link to the Past" and I would personally recommend this - as one of my most favorite Zelda titles of all time - to any Zelda fan old and new.
I have owned this game since the early 1990's and I still re-play it every now and then when I want a Nostalgia fix. I am actually playing it right now which is the reason for this review. I am presently on dungeon number 6 after being stuck on dungeon number 3 in the Lost Woods for almost a week. Tedious, but brilliant! Seriously; this is the ultimate 2D Zelda masterpiece. Get it before it becomes too high in price!
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