A creepy odyssey through dreamlike worlds in the vein of a PS1 game. It's a short game, but what it lacks in length it surely makes up in atmosphere and player interpretation. A unique experience that I have yet to find in other games.

This review contains spoilers

Sure, this game is easier than most Zelda's, some of the dungeons may be less memorable than others and the bosses pose no threat most of the time. However, what this game did give me was an emotional connection to the land of Koholint Island and it's inhabitants (which made me sad when in the end, it all disappears), a beautiful art style that actually adds depth to the story, and that general sense of adventure one craves when playing a Zelda game.

On a technical level, Link's Awakening does not have as much to offer than most other Zelda titles. However, on an emotional level, I cannot deny just how much this game has made me joyous when I'm down and sad when I had to say goodbye to the beautiful Koholint Island. It hits all the beats for me and for that, it will always have a special place in my heart.

No other game has been able to absorb me into the world the developers created. The massive amount of thought that went into the world, characters and state of the galaxy is genius and I can't think of another game that has spurred such a rich lore. That being said, the gameplay threatens to rip the player out of that dreamlike escapism. The combat and Mako (that damned Mako) are the game's worst qualities and can become a slight bore from time to time. Yet, the rich plot pulls you back right before the game's flaws affect your experience. Give the game a chance and you'll no doubt see the wonders of one of the greatest worlds created not just in games, but in media as a whole!

Not as much customization as I would've liked, but it nonetheless fulfills its goal of giving players a charming experience and a new perspective on the small things in life.

SUPER MARIO 64 walked so that BANJO-KAZOOIE could run.