I bought a 3DS not too long ago mostly to play one game: Link Between Worlds. After all, I thought it would be like Link to the Past. Aonuma said that Link Between Worlds was the transition game between Aonuma Zelda and Breath of the Wild.
Remember, I bought Link to the Past the DAY it came out, and I still remember playing it originally. I keep replaying the game.
Link Between Worlds is not a bad game; it simply isn’t a Zelda game. And by Zelda game, I mean by how Zelda actually is as defined by Zelda 1, 2, 3, 4 (Ocarina) and 5 (Breath of the Wild). This is Aonuma Zelda using Link to the Past graphics, sounds, music, and sprites.
Oh, and there is 3d. A TON of 3d. Did I mention 3d? You get to merge on walls, you see. The mechanic isn’t bad, it just adds a layer of puzzle to a game that has too many ‘puzzles’. The dungeons are all a snore. They are nothing more than puzzle-fests. Yes, you can do any dungeon in any order, but it doesn’t matter since the ‘rewards’ from the dungeon aren’t that game redefining.
What does it matter to upgrade my sword, bows, and all if combat is non-existent in this game? The combat is a joke.
The worst are the collectathons. Yes, the stupid pieces of hearts are back. However, you also have to find baby octopus. The octopus give cool rewards as they upgrade your equipment. But I spent more of the game finding these ‘items’ than actually playing the game!
I could replay this game in hard mode or take a different path through it. But why would I want to? The game lacks all intensity. I never felt like I was in danger in the game. I never used a single potion, not one time!
Link Between Worlds is nothing more than showcasing how Aonuma has no idea how to make a Zelda game, and it also showboats Nintendo trying to ram 3d down your throat. Link to the Past worked quite well without the 3d. Given the hardware, I suppose I have to expect that. A shame we won’t get a proper top down Zelda game for the Switch after this piece of shit.
And Lorule? STUPID STUPID STUPID.
This game is fun, but it is a cotton candy type of nutrient. When you are done, you will look at the game and go, “Why did I buy this? Why did I waste time playing this crap?” I did it so I could satisfy curiosity and write this review. Don’t feel bad for skipping this one. I think it is safe to say one can skip every Zelda game between Ocarina of Time and Breath of the Wild. But do play Hyrule Warriors. It takes the junk from the Aonuma Era and does something decent it that material.