LogFAQs > #951352488

#9. The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds (3DS, 2013)
A Link Between Worlds is the spiritual successor to A Link to the Past, and in a lot of ways, its really similar. Its a similar overworld, laid out in a similar way, with the same gameplay style, a lot of the same standard Zelda weapons (though it does have 2 neat new ones that make for good puzzle solving- the Tornado Rod which briefly lifts you in the air, and the Sand Rod which rises temporary pillars out of sand), and a lot of the same game feel- and of course this is all a good thing, as these things are all very good in LttP. I would probably have this game ranked just around the same as Link to the Past, which I have at 47, if it werent for two additional mechanics in this game that really elevate it for me.

The main mechanic in this game then being the ability for Link to turn into a drawing and move around on the wall, as the camera swings down to show this perspective. Its a fantastic gameplay element, that allows for a new dimension of getting around a game like LttP, and is used extensively, creatively, and a variety of different ways in both the overworld and within dungeons. In addition, this is the main way you travel between Hyrule and the Dark Wo-. Lorule.., okay and this is such an incredibly stupid pun, that I cant help but love it. But anyway, there are cracks in the walls which allow for this transition between worlds. I think this is the best mechanic in any Zelda game, its a little hard to explain why. It just feels very good, the transitions of how it works looks good, and its just fun!



The other great thing here is the item rental system. This is another fantastic mechanic that keeps all the general mechanics of Zelda games- that is, using different tools to solve puzzles, complete dungeons, and deal with enemies/bosses, and supplants an open-world idea to it. Shortly after leaving Links house, a man in a rabbit costume named Ravio, takes over and turns it into an item shop of sorts. All of the usual items (plus two) that you would get in LttP you get here. You can items for a smallish amount, and it is yours until you die, at which point you lose it. You can also buy the item for a very large price, and then it is yours permanently and you can obviously carry multiple items (all items you own plus the one you are renting). This system allows you to not only explore the world and do its puzzles in any order you want, but also the dungeons (each dungeon lets you know on its exterior the item you will need in order to solve it). But, besides just needing that particular item to merely beat a dungeon, each one usually offers some use for the other items to find secrets, like heart pieces, rupees, or maiamais (little shell creatures that you can trade in 10 of to upgrade a weapon) in them. So, you can rent as many as you can afford, or would like to risk, since dying means you lose all of them, and take on a dungeon with a full arsenal- as the additional items prove helpful but are not necessary, or you can come back later, once youve bought additional items. Its really a great system that promotes the open world nature of the game, giving Link to the Past that feel of what if you could play this game in any order youd like to explore it in.



Also, no longer do you run into that issue in Zelda games where you do a neat puzzle that you enjoyed solving and the reward is a 100 Rupee and youre like ah fuck, Im already maxed out. Rupees are more meaningful than ever before in this game, and youll never be maxed out- rupees are actually a meaningful reward because of this system. Usually, Zelda puzzles are fun enough on their own to solve, without the reward being lame being a big deal, but obviously a good reward is nice too.

Oh, and also I really enjoy the enemy gauntlet bonus room at the end of this game too. Its pretty tough, but not too hard, and its fun to use your large combination of weapons youll have in it.

Simply adding 2 great mechanics to an already great game, adds a whole new dimension (ha ha) to it and a ton of depth and makes it to me, the most fun Zelda game. Simple as that.

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