Review

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
The only Zelda title on the SNES doesn't disappoint.
by Shawn Wilson (Gleeok)
December 19, 2005

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past is the third installment of Nintendo’s renowned franchise and was released in April 1992. Nearly four years had passed since the last Zelda game and the powerful Super Nintendo was ripe for an epic title. I, along with a legion of other Zelda fans, simply couldn't wait to play a Zelda game on this powerful new console. Needless to say, our high expectations were not only met, but greatly exceeded. A Link to the Past is another magnificent game, and I’m not the only one who thinks so considering that the title went on to sell over 4.5 million copies.

I can still remember the rush of adrenaline that soared through my body as I began playing this game. I found myself being awakened by Zelda's voice in the middle of a deep sleep. Help me... Please help me... she telepathically pleaded. Startled, I quickly jumped out of bed not knowing if this had been a dream or reality. It didn't take me long to realize, it was in fact real. I found my Uncle heavily armored and leaving for battle. "I'll be back by morning," he said. "Don't leave the house!"

Well, being the strapping, young adventurer I am, the curiosity got the best of me. I had to find out first hand what was going on. The next thing I know, I'm heading out on a dark and stormy night, exploring the vast lands of Hyrule, which are now being ruled by an evil magician named Agahnim.

The Zelda franchise returned to its roots with the design of A Link to the Past. Using the superior 16-bit power of the SNES, designers took the overhead view and gameplay of the original Legend of Zelda and introduced it in an entirely new fashion. The combination again worked surprisingly well and resulted in superior graphics and gameplay. Breathtaking scenery, atmospheric music, and real life weather conditions such as rain, thunder, and slippery ice, really made you feel as though you were actually there. This game is overflowing with characters, enemies, and bosses, due in large part to the fact that the game itself was much larger than any of it predecessors. It features two separate worlds, a Light World and a Dark World, between which you have to warp back and forth in order to complete the game. You start in the Light World of Hyrule, which has three different levels. After acquiring a pendent in each of the three levels, you warp to the Dark World, where things get really intense. Pure evil and darkness surround your every move, as you battle an army of ruthless enemies in search of seven crystals. There are eight levels in the Dark World, the last of which is Ganon's Tower. That's right…once again, Ganon is back as Link’s arch-nemesis.

Luckily for you, Link is equipped with an arsenal like never before. Three magic medallions can be discovered, swords and shields can be powered up multiple times and a huge amount of items can be obtained. But the designers didn't stop there; you also have two new spin and dash attacks, the ability to ride conveyer belts, pull switches and even flood passageways!

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past truly continued the brilliant tradition of Nintendo’s greatest franchise. With the familiarity of the original title, but a better presentation and more visual appeal, A Link to the Past is among the best Super Nintendo games available. It was also the only Zelda title on the SNES, so make sure you don’t miss out!

Strong Points: One of the best story lines in the series.Great graphics, music, and gameplay. A very lengthy adventure filled with a huge variety of characters, enemies, and bosses.

Weak Points: Control of Link's spin and dash attacks are not as sharp as they could be.

Gameplay: 9.5 A huge inventory of weapons and items, and nonstop action. However, control precision is not always perfect.

Presentation: 10.0 One of the best storylines in the series.

Graphics: 10.0 The graphics are as great as you could ask for from a game with a top-down view. The first Zelda game to incorporate natural weather conditions.

Audio: 10.0 Soothing and atmospheric melodies appropriate for every situation. A huge step up from the sounds of the NES.

Replay Value: 10.0 A very lengthy, complete game experience based on a design you just can't grow tired of.

Overall: 9.9 An integral part of the Zelda timeline thanks to its great story, A Link to the Past is a game that no Zelda fan should miss.

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