Upon beating the game, I am filled with a supreme sense of nostalgia. And yet, although I've made my way through this game many times, it is just as fresh and fun as ever. After the negative reaction to the stylized changes in The Adventure of Link, the creators went back into the overhead adventure mode, and it works as well or better here than in any game I've played. And so, although there are many new innovations in sight, this game takes us back to what we loved about the original. There are so many parts of this game that I want to point out, but I don't want to turn this into a novella... So let me begin!
First, I want to break down the stylistic ingredients of what makes a Zelda game, well, a Zelda game. Being the first (and only) SNES game of the franchise, the graphics and details have excelled significantly. However, we still have most of the familiar enemies and weapons from part one. We're running around, sword slashing, bombing, and puzzling our way through multiple dungeons all over the land of Hyrule. Link, our little elfish hero, makes his way through many diverse dangers, collecting heart pieces and weapons that will help him to reach his final goal: saving the Princess Zelda and defeating the Dark Lord Ganon!
Many of the things aforementioned would be expected to be present by any fan of the series. However, what I did notice this time around is that many of these iconic characteristics that we hold dear didn't start with the original, but right here! For example: many of the coined musical numbers that Zelda fans would recognize anywhere were first composed in this game. Zelda's lullaby, the Fairy theme, the music in Kakariko Town (or Village), not to mention many different sound effects and the like. The soundtrack for this game paved the way for its predecessors.
Beyond that, we saw the invention of many items that will appear in each game to come: the hookshot, the Pegasus boots, the Magic Jars, the Flute (which looks strangely like an ocarina...), the Mirror Shield... and the MASTER SWORD! Now, you may say we saw some iterations of this in the first game, which is true. We did find the "Magic Sword" in the graveyard, but here we have our first view of Link, pulling the Master Sword from it's stone sheath, proving that he is indeed the legendary hero of Hyrule! (Let the Awesomeness consume you for a moment... Okay, now back to business.)
However, if there is one great leap that is the Most notable in this game, it is the grounding and introduction of the Legend of Zelda storyline. If you ever owned an NES (like me) and read through the game instruction guides (as I did), then you would have seen some great original art describing characters and monsters, along with a detailed introduction to the plot of the games, then you may have had a decent understanding of the basic Zelda mythology prior to these games. However, it is probable that many people did not. And so, Link to the Past gives us our first true in-game rendition of the mythos. You have your little elven hero, who shortly gains his sword and shield, and ensues on a journey to rescue the princess Zelda. But wait, there's more! Link is ACTUALLY the reincarnated/prophesied Hero of Hyrule (or Time???), of the bloodline of the Knights of Hyrule, who is destined to restore peace to the land by defeating the Dark Wizard Aganhim (Who is actually, you guessed it, Ganon in disguise!). It's also worth noting that Ganandorf is first mentioned in this game as well, as the thief who brought Ganon back to power!
Not only does LttP create a mold for many games to come, but it also went way outside the box from previous games. For one, we get to save the game on command from the menu. And not only that, but we can actually choose where we start off after a save! Awesome huh? But even more notable is the incorporation of two dimensions of gameplay: the Light world and the Dark world. About 1/4 through the game, Link gains the ability to traverse between these two dimensions, which opens up a new realm of possibilities for not only new locations, but new enemies and adventures.
All in all, Link's third adventure A Link to the Past is a fantastic ride. This is truly a picture of what makes this franchise so beloved. A compelling adventure, one could find them selves swept into this world for the first time, or brought back again for a nostalgic reminder of what makes this game one of the best ever created.
And now, for my usual reward ceremony! Feel free to agree or disagree, or even comment with your own choices, but these were the items/peoples/monsters that stand out above the rest!
*It's necessary to note that this was a tough decision... so I split the item reward into two categories. So I cheated, so what, it's my review...
Most Useful Weapon - The Hook Shot
To be honest, there were so many weapons that I used so often in the game, this was a tough choice. However, the one I longed for during most of my adventure, and the one that stayed as my active weapon the majority of the time thereafter, was the hook shot. This thing allows me to reach new places, as well as defeat many small enemies, or paralyze them momentarily. I know it doesn't sound amazing, but trust me, the invention of the hook shot has changed Zelda games for the better.
Most Useful Accessory - Pegasus Boots
Ah, there are few things in life more satisfying than that tick, tick, tick, GO of Link dashing forward from one screen to the next. For one thing, it really speeds up travel. For another, few enemies can resist that dashing stab of his sword! And I won't lie, I do get a sense of enjoyment out of running Link into unmovable objects and watching him bounce backward. Oh come on, it's funny!
Most Annoying Enemy - Wallmaster
This is another tough category, but since the Wallmaster has been frightening Zelda players for years, it was only fair that they get there moment in the spotlight. These baddies showed up first in the original, but I ran into more trouble with them in this game than ever before. Just in case you don't know, these fools show their shadow over you, then drop down on your head. If you don't manage to avoid their grasp, they take you back to the entrance of the dungeon... Which can be a real pain in the keester.
Most Difficult Boss - Mothula
First off, this award is not entirely true. However, I can't give Ganon the win in every game, or this will be boring. Trust me, Ganon will get his spotlight! For this battle however, the trouble is less with the moth itself, and more with the moving floor. As you can see in the picture above, the walls are lined with spikes, and the floor is covered in moving tiles. And so, while being scooted all around the floor, and into the spikes (which begin to move AWAY from the wall as the battle progresses), Link has to blast this fool bug with your Fire Rod, or use your Sword. Two out of three faeries used, and I finally got this fool down. Scoff if you'd like, but this fight was rigged.
Most Iconic Moment - The Master Sword
I have to admit, there are MANY iconic moments in A Link to the Past, many of which have been mimicked or repeated over many titles. However, easily the most iconic and precious to the franchise is the drawing of the Master Sword. Sure, we've seen the Magic Sword in the original, and sword upgrades in Link, but seeing the hero of Hyrule walk his way up to the stone and prove his destiny by pulling that sword out still makes me tingle all over. Yes, that may sound a bit creepy, but I'm just being honest! When Link holds that sword aloft and claims it for his own, and the music plays, the stars align in heaven, and we know that THIS is what we've been waiting for! And the Legend is brought to life.
Well, there you have it! My kind of long (and yet still too short to cover it) review of The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. This game set in motion many of the most beloved characters and plot modes of all Zelda games to come. Without this one, where would we be?
* Check back soon for my take on The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening, which I've just completed. And by the way, if you're taking this adventure with me, or have any Other way of celebrating the Year of Zelda, comment on here, let me know!
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