By many, this game is considered the greatest video game of all time. Over and over again, it’s named #1 on lists, year after year. After 3 years writing this blog and writing about video games, it’s long past time for me to talk about A Link to the Past.
Playability/Controls – 9.5
Link to the Past changed everything about this franchise. They went back to the top down view that was popularized in the first game but gave you so much more freedom on how to move and where. It also allowed you to attack from an angle, shoot your beam further, and utilized multiple items in new and unique ways. With the rush attack and the fast travel system, so many new possibilities opened up. The attack detection isn’t always perfect, or else this score would be but it’s darn close.
Graphics- 10
The graphical style of Link to the Past is easily, without even really thinking, in my top 5 games graphics of all time. It’s so cartoony yet, everything has such life and character. Even the trees, all the people, the buildings, the pathways even. Link to the Past completely changed the way Zelda games looked and took it in a direction that could seem more childish but it does it in such a old style animation way that’s so beautiful and absolutely sells this game.
Music/Sound- 9.5
Astounding music and sound. Sound effect cues play a big role here from your flute to things unlocking, to the fairy music. Zelda games from this point on have relied on music and sound effects to guide you through a game. Not to mention the re-scored Zelda theme, the Dark World theme, there are so many iconic pieces that you will hum long long after you’ve stopped playing.
Replay Value- 10
Link to the Past is easily a game you replay at least 3-4 times in your life, probably more if you’re a die hard. It’s a long game, it’s a difficult game and it takes real planning and patience, as well as a heart of discovery but it’s so, so rewarding to go through this game time and time again.
Originality- 10
It really did break the mold on fantasy action games and it certainly broke the mold on Zelda games. The transference to the Dark World mid-game, the fast travel system, the upgrading weapons, shield and items throughout, it just revolutionized the system for these games for years and years to come. There are still things I discovered on this playthrough, years and years after the first time playing it that I didn’t know about. That’s how innovative and ground breaking this title was.
Total Score: 98%
bobombblast 