First Impression: The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds

Me holding my copy of the game

Today I got to pick up my copy of The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds for the Nintendo 3DS. I've only got to play it enough to complete the first dungeon (Eastern Palace), so this is only a first impression of the game.

The general feel is like its predecessor, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past for the Super Nintendo from back in 1992. The overworld in ALBW is very similar to ALttP. The music is reminiscent of the SNES game, as well as certain chimes. The nostalgia in ALBW is very, very real. Those who have had the privilege of playing ALttP back then owe it to themselves to get this game.

There's a new mechanic that will take a bit of getting used to. See, sometime in the beginning of the game, you get a roommate named Ravio. Now, Zelda tradition has you acquire dungeon items used to solve various puzzles. Not this one; Ravio here rents items for you to use. He sets up shop at your house. He rents for a fee, and, if you die, he takes the item back. Don't worry - when you die, you can start again at your/his house and rent the item again. If you have enough rupees, you can buy the items from him. When I went through the Eastern Palace a few hours ago, it was very unnatural for me to walk into the dungeon with the "dungeon item" pre-acquired. And I never got an item in the dungeon itself. Eiji Aonuma, longtime and current Zelda developer, wanted to break with tradition with this game. His premise was for the player to choose their own path, dungeon order, etc. Some fans didn't like that. Personally, I commend him for his effort to change up the "unwritten rules" of the franchise. I've been playing Zelda for 23 years now, and I think this is a step in the right direction. So, kudos Mr. Aonuma for taking a brave risk by breaking from tradition. If this is a sign of things to come, I can't wait to see what he does with Zelda U in the next couple years.

Overall, so far, I am head-over-heels in love with The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds. I'm hoping my 3DS is done charging now so I can get back to it again. Do yourself a favour: If you have a 3DS, get the game. If you don't, get the Zelda 3DS Bundle Pack. Nintendo went all out with this game; reward them by buying this game. You won't regret it.