This is another well designed 2D Zelda held back by what I find most infuriating in these entries - poor sense of direction and punishing checkpoints. These sort of game mechanics are of course a product of their time, but it all stings the same when I'm forced to replay several rooms in dungeons over and over after failing a boss fight (and the boss fights can be pretty difficult!).

I'm interested to continue this Zelda outing in Oracle of Ages, especially since I will be able to use the linking ability to unlock specials. However, it's safe to say the 2D Zelda entries don't quite hit for me the same as 3D Zeldas do.