Reviews

Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

By Corey

A Link to the Past took the Zelda series to a new height, and explained the whole story behind the series. Many still consider it the best game in the series, and some even go as far and say its the best on the Super Nintendo.

Graphics: 10

Much like all the other Zelda games, this one set the standard for graphics on the SNES. The main thing you'll notice is how both the Light and Dark worlds look similar, but completely different. Whenever you gain a new weapon or shield, Link's appearance changes. Like all other Zelda games, Link uses his sword in his left hand, except when his left side is facing Death Mountain, when he has his shield in that arm. I thought that was a cool feature in the game.

Gameplay: 10

I'm sure you know the basics of Zelda. You move around the world in a top view setting going in dungeons and collecting new items in order to keep progressing through the game. From the first two games in the series, your inventory increases dramatically, enabling you to have over 30 different items. Just about all of those are needed on your quest, though you could leave behind 1 or 2.

The puzzle aspect takes over in this game. All the dungeons in the game have some sort of puzzle you need to figure out to continue your progress, unlike the first two games. There will also be a lot of thinking needed just to get inside some of the dungeons. A good majority of the puzzles in the game have pretty obvious solutions, but could possibly be overlooked by rookies and veterans alike.

Overall, there are 14 dungeons in the game with all of them having a boss you must beat. After most boss fights, you will be given a full heart container, which increases your life. You start with 3 containers, and can finish with up to 20 if you find all 24 pieces of heart (4 make a full container).

Also located in the majority of dungeons is an item you will most likely need to finish that particular dungeon and later ones as well. So getting that item should be your first priority. Even if the dungeon is too tough, if you get the item you can always try to finish it later.

Sound: 10

The Zelda theme is obviously here which makes the soundtrack A+ quality. That classic noise you hear when you solve a puzzle is here too.

Lasting Value: 10

Playing through the first time will take you quite awhile, especially if you want to find all the heart containers and other secrets. After you beat it, you'll most likely find yourself playing it again, as the game is just that good.

Bottom Line

Another instant classic, a must own for any SNES owner, unless you hate the Zelda series in general. If for some reason you have a SNES and not ALttP, you should try and find a copy as soon as possible!

Final Score: 10 out of 10