Link's Dream Adventure (Zelda (GB))

Member Name: fadingstaruk

Product:	Zelda (GB)
Date:	02/04/03 (118 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy to grasp controls

Disadvantages: Unoriginal plot

Link, the heroic adventurer, is on his way back home to Hyrule after saving Princess Zelda yet again. However, before the journey is complete, the ship is caught in a fierce storm where it breaks apart and sinks. Link, clinging to a piece of driftwood, is washed ashore on the island of Koholint. He is found by Marin, a young villager who longs to leave Koholint and travel the world to sing. Link is something of a celebrity on the island ? nobody inhabiting it has ever been able to leave. The only creature who seems to understand is an owl who guides Link on his way with cryptic hints and clues. In order to escape the island and return home, Link must find and wake a mysterious creature known as the Windfish.

The aim of the game is quite clear from the outset; there are 8 dungeons, each with a Nightmare (boss) guarding a musical instrument. Link must collect all 8 instruments in order to wake the Windfish. However, as with most Zelda games, there are several mini side quests to complete as well, most of which are essential in order for the main plot to proceed.

Throughout the adventure, there are items to be collected which will help you on your way. Most of the major ones are found in dungeons, though some can be bought with rupees (which can be dug up or dropped by enemies). The colour Gameboy version of the game also contains a secret dungeon not available on the original version of the game.

Your life is measured by heart containers. You start out with three of these, and each time you defeat a Nightmare, you gain an additional one. There are also hear pieces scattered across the island, and collecting four of these will make an extra heart container. There is no complex ?levelling-up? system to try and master, and no magic or spellcasting.

The controls are very easy to get to grips with, and you are able to save your game. Up to three different game files can be stored. You have an overhead view of the game, and the graphic

s are good. The sound is fairly good, too. In my opinion, this is one of the best games available on the Gameboy Colour and it?s suitable for both experienced RPG players and beginners. Some of the mental puzzles are quite challenging, but there is a good balance between them and the ?hack-and-slay? aspect. This game will provide many hours of play, and will appeal to most RPG fans. The game has some very nice sequences in it, and the end sequence is definitely worth waiting for.

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