Zelda: A Link to The Past 2

[Moniker]

- Just for us shmuppers, there's even a minigame in which you get to shake the rust off of your bullet...er, chicken-dodging skills. On that note, I am copyrighting the "danmakucco" pun right now.

I was quite surprised and taken with this minigame as well. So far loving the game. No real bones of contention. Head and shoulders above the NDS games, and that's at least saying something, because I loved Spirit Tracks. As far as the 3D goes, I get migraines from 3D, but, nevertheless, I'm still pushing that slider up. The visuals are gorgeous.

[Skykid]

The visuals are gorgeous.

I'm jelly of you all. I need someone to send a Euro version overseas.

Regarding this visuals, this is what I don't get. I thought they were quite lovely too, but there are mainstream articles actually condemning the game for how bad it looks.

This gem came from USgamer, and is quite amazing:

http://www.usgamer.net/articles/a-link- ... ke-a-dream

[Moniker]

The visuals are gorgeous.

I'm jelly of you all. I need someone to send a Euro version overseas.

Regarding this visuals, this is what I don't get. I thought they were quite lovely too, but there are mainstream articles actually condemning the game for how bad it looks.

This gem came from USgamer, and is quite amazing:

http://www.usgamer.net/articles/a-link- ... ke-a-dream

ISTR you played the game even before release?

As far as the quoted detractor goes, I suppose I can only say that he has his head so far and permanently up his ass, he can't see clearly. The art style reminds me most of the Galaxy games. I don't think anyone with an independent mind can impeach that kind of VG beauty.

[professor ganson]

I love the 3DS's 3D effects, but I use them in moderation. Here they look too good. So far I've played with the bar pushed up the whole time.

[Skykid]

ISTR you played the game even before release?

Played yes, I had a sit down with it for a brief period, but didn't get to take it home.

As far as the quoted detractor goes, I suppose I can only say that he has his head so far and permanently up his ass, he can't see clearly. The art style reminds me most of the Galaxy games. I don't think anyone with an independent mind can impeach that kind of VG beauty.

I don't understand graphical criticisms levied at Nintendo's general art style. To me it's reached a high-quality plateau of seamlessly formed and extremely robust. I suppose the whole 'kiddy' thing is a hard anthill to climb over for the average FPS player.

[replayme]

The visuals are gorgeous.

I'm jelly of you all. I need someone to send a Euro version overseas.

Regarding this visuals, this is what I don't get. I thought they were quite lovely too, but there are mainstream articles actually condemning the game for how bad it looks.

This gem came from USgamer, and is quite amazing:

http://www.usgamer.net/articles/a-link- ... ke-a-dream

I didn't like the art-style, regardless of the impressive 60fps.

To me, the characters seem bloated.

Also regarding the Euro version: I thought you had left Hong Kong? Can you not buy the game from Ebay?

[Skykid]

Also regarding the Euro version: I thought you had left Hong Kong? Can you not buy the game from Ebay?

People tend to prefer shipping out of China as opposed to shipping to it, for some weird reason.

[replayme]

Do you want me to buy you a copy? I can buy it for you on Wednesday, and have it shipped out to you on Thursday. Let me know.

[Skykid]

Do you want me to buy you a copy? I can buy it for you on Wednesday, and have it shipped out to you on Thursday. Let me know.

Thanks for the offer man. Actually I've PM'd Spadgy about a possible DL hookup, but otherwise I'll get my little bro to do some part EX's at CEX for it at some point. Still enjoying Dragon's Crown on Vita, so no rush really.

[replayme]

Cool. Keep me updated.

[Skykid]

Finished this last night. My unbiased opinion:

It's a very good game, in the most technical of senses. It's impossible to downplay that it's a lovely Zelda title. Following LTTP's template almost to a fault, you're back in a very familiar Hyrule and its alternative dark world, now with tweaks and rearrangements based around new toys, 3D visuals and characters.

For me, it's both a positive and negative combined. Yes, it's a Zelda you can love, but on the other hand, it feels like a Zelda you've already played. It's so close to LTTP that it's a borderline reskin EX version hinged around a new function (being able to merge with flat surfaces.)

It's probably, from an objective standpoint, the best Zelda since the 64 versions and Capcom's handheld efforts, but it's not as good as a LTTP or the 64 games (the latter by a long chalk.) I'd argue it's superior to the Capcom hybrids, certainly more fluid than Minish Cap, perhaps on par with Seasons and Ages - but lacking their depth.

My biggest problem is the same I had with Mario Kart 7: everything is present and correct, but with little new invention. A big complaint is also that it's unbelievably easy. I rocketed through the game with no resistance at all. I don't think this is because I'm so familiar with Zelda dungeons either: some of them fell in only twenty brief minutes.

There's also a lack of pre-dungeon structure. The things you did in LTTP before arriving at a new dungeon all had meaning and fell neatly and rewardingly into place - here it just feels like a simple process of felling one dungeon and zipping (by teleport) directly to the next. The rental system of items seemed like a nice idea, but ended up being mostly pointless. Side quests are largely non-existent and there's nothing in particular to encourage you to explore Kakariko Village for any reason.

It's like Zelda with kiddie wheels. In previous versions, interlocking events with extracurricular entertainment was part of the process. You might meet someone who needs something and then later discover a shooting range or fishing pond where something could be obtained that you could use to solve their puzzle and gain something lucrative. Here you play baseball and race for Rupees but it's all pointless, and probably only necessary once. Only the Dark Mountain gauntlet is fun, and the most challenging part of the game - but again there's no higher purpose in its completion. Finishing the game without even peeking at any of these things is straightforward.

The dungeons, easy as they are, are great fun, and the bosses - also incredibly (ridiculously) easy - were equally enjoyable. But I do feel there's an emptiness here. Graphically it's pretty, functional, but never completely absorbing. The music is superb, hats off, with Yuga's theme, the pre-final dungeon Conan-esque overworld remix, and the credits score being fantastic, but the game itself plays too safely. Much like Mario Kart 7.

The wall merging is a great feature, but it becomes too much the reliable way of solving many puzzles, and some of the extracurricular activities are simply useless. Seeking out a shit ton of Maimai's (little squid things) across two maps is inane, and some of the direction is seriously vague and arbitrary. Like so many people, I finished the game without ever discovering the Pegasus boots, because I expected they would arrive in a dungeon or on a mini-quest, as per the working Zelda rules. I didn't find the Master Ore because there's little to no direction about where it might be - not that you need it, as I can only imagine forging the sword again would make things even easier.

There are lots of highlights here, and it's definitely worth playing for its merit. But it hasn't shaken the feeling that Zelda is being flogged a little too hard. It has creativity, but lacks ideas. It's a retro revisit, but doesn't do enough to reach any climatic and highly memorable points.

It's half beautiful game design, half cash cow, and I weep at the reality of the latter.

[Moniker]

A big complaint is also that it's unbelievably easy. I rocketed through the game with no resistance at all. I don't think this is because I'm so familiar with Zelda dungeons either: some of them fell in only twenty brief minutes.

I suggest trying your hand at Hero Mode. Really puts some teeth onto the difficulty. But since over-familiarity is your chief grief, yeah, you might not be in the mood.

[Skykid]

A big complaint is also that it's unbelievably easy. I rocketed through the game with no resistance at all. I don't think this is because I'm so familiar with Zelda dungeons either: some of them fell in only twenty brief minutes.

I suggest trying your hand at Hero Mode. Really puts some teeth onto the difficulty. But since over-familiarity is your chief grief, yeah, you might not be in the mood.

Definitely. Increased difficulty won't be enough to warrant a second play through.

[Sparky]

I feel this game was not a cash cow but a way to introduce the Zelda franchise to a new generation of gamers. My niece and nephews in the 9 - 13 age range really enjoyed the series (from watching me play) but were too intimated by the difficulty curve of the past titles to complete them on their own. When they played A Link Between Worlds most of them were able to finish the game. Aonuma and company seem to be looking for a balance that works best for all level of gamers. My hope is that they can continue to add a bit more difficulty.

I agree that this game was not as fresh as previous entries. In fact, I have not gone back to playing it again since I finished it back in November 2013. Admittedly this has been a usual trend for me with the more recent Zelda games. I find myself playing A Link to the Past, Link's Awakening, Majora's Mask, and Ocarina of Time the most.

[CMoon]

I find myself playing A Link to the Past, Link's Awakening, Majora's Mask, and Ocarina of Time the most.

Was just thinking how Majora's mask is somehow the one zelda game I never played. Maybe they'll put out a 3DS port. On the fence about LttP2 if only because of the sameish thing everyone is describing.

[BrianC]

I feel this game was not a cash cow but a way to introduce the Zelda franchise to a new generation of gamers. My niece and nephews in the 9 - 13 age range really enjoyed the series (from watching me play) but were too intimated by the difficulty curve of the past titles to complete them on their own. When they played A Link Between Worlds most of them were able to finish the game. Aonuma and company seem to be looking for a balance that works best for all level of gamers. My hope is that they can continue to add a bit more difficulty.

I didn't think previous Zelda games were all that hard and I actually found A Link Between Worlds was more difficult in some ways (it's not hard, but it's more unforgiving in some ways and doesn't hold your hand like previous games). I'm surprised and disappointed to hear these comments about it being "kiddie wheels" when that was not my impression at all. The dungeons went by faster, but they felt more action oriented than usual and didn't feel like a cakewalk to me. I don't feel like I suck and I actually died a few times.

I agree that this game was not as fresh as previous entries. In fact, I have not gone back to playing it again since I finished it back in November 2013. Admittedly this has been a usual trend for me with the more recent Zelda games. I find myself playing A Link to the Past, Link's Awakening, Majora's Mask, and Ocarina of Time the most.

I disagree here as well. Yes, it does revisit LTTP, but it's the first Zelda in a long time to not have constant hints and a set order for dungeons. I found the game to have a lot of charm here and there with some nice twists.

[Skykid]

It's sooo easy srsly.

The dungeon order being free didn't work positively. It denied any build up or visual narrative, pre-dungeon strategies or sense of discovery. In most cases you kill a boss, ring a bell, and arrive at the next one's doorstep.

Although my feedback was thorough, I need to re-emphasise I think it's a fine little Zelda game, but with missteps that stop it being particularly special.

[BrianC]

Was just thinking how Majora's mask is somehow the one zelda game I never played. Maybe they'll put out a 3DS port.

I need to get back to it. It's the only Zelda game I have that I haven't beaten yet. I personally found all Zelda games after Zelda II to be on the easy side. I found A Link Between Worlds to be harder than Link's Awakening, Twilight Princess, Phantom Hourglass, Spirit Tracks, and Wind Waker. I still need to pick up Skyward Sword.

I'm not sure I agree about the build up. You still needed to do something to open a few of the dungeons and a few of the Lorule areas had that mysterious text from Hilda.

[Skykid]

Majora's Mask is god tier.

[Sparky]

I didn't think previous Zelda games were all that hard and I actually found A Link Between Worlds was more difficult in some ways (it's not hard, but it's more unforgiving in some ways and doesn't hold your hand like previous games). I'm surprised and disappointed to hear these comments about it being "kiddie wheels" when that was not my impression at all. The dungeons went by faster, but they felt more action oriented than usual and didn't feel like a cakewalk to me. I don't feel like I suck and I actually died a few times.

I agree the previous games were not too hard but they did have a difficulty curve that went up on the later half. This was typically where I saw the younger players in my family give up. I do not recall this game having too many of those moments. Dungeons had their challenges and new puzzles with the wall mechanic but they were usually not too hard to solve or complete.

I disagree here as well. Yes, it does revisit LTTP, but it's the first Zelda in a long time to not have constant hints and a set order for dungeons. I found the game to have a lot of charm here and there with some nice twists.

I should clarify as well that I do not think this is a bad Zelda game. I had a lot of fun playing it. There were some memorable moments throughout. This was one of the few Nintendo 3DS games that I actually played with 3D enabled most of the way through. I just do not feel there is enough to make me revisit the game as often as the other titles.

On the fence about LttP2 if only because of the sameish thing everyone is describing.

As a local shmup member, you are welcome to borrow my copy! Let me know if you would be interested.

[CMoon]

On the fence about LttP2 if only because of the sameish thing everyone is describing.

As a local shmup member, you are welcome to borrow my copy! Let me know if you would be interested.

Thanks dude. Let me finish what's on my plate first. When's the next socal-shmup-meetup?

[Skykid]

I agree the previous games were not too hard but they did have a difficulty curve that went up on the later half.

This is very much it. Because the dungeons aren't sequential, they're almost all of entirely the same difficulty level: tame. There's no dungeon I can think of where I felt it was a major test. They were all very fun, but too short and simple, and the lack of climatic challenge affected the game's momentum. It was enjoyable but seemed to burn at half mast for the duration.

[BrianC]

I would still argue that Link's Awakening and Twilight Princess aren't that hard in the final areas either. Personally, I thought the difficulty spiked a bit when getting to the the Lorule areas like Death Mountain where some enemies took a lot of hits without an upgraded sword and deal out a lot of them without upgraded armor.

[Moniker]

I would still argue that Link's Awakening and Twilight Princess aren't that hard in the final areas either.

If any Zelda game were a pure cash-in, Link's Awakening would be it. Lousy level design, particularly the overworld. (By the time you learn it, you're tired of the game in general.) Random gratuitous Nintendo cameos, stupidly easy gameplay, and a plot that any English major learns to avoid in his/her first year. Really don't understand the following this one gets.

[BrianC]

I actually like Link's Awakening quite a bit, despite how easy it is. I beat it multiple times, including both the b/w and GBC versions. I wonder how different the plot is between the JP and US versions. The trees near the beginning are different in the JP version, along with other differences here and there, and it heard that it may be about hell instead of the land of dreams.

[BryanM]

Really don't understand the following this one gets.

It was the gameboy. At the time, there was all of Last Bible, Saga, and Kirby for the thing. Standards were easier since it wasn't like today, where we have more games than we can play all for $0, let alone for $Money.

A helpful net denizen made a net video detailing the alternatives at the time.

[Skykid]

Link's Awakening was, and is, great. It fit the GB like a glove, beautifully engineered to bring a SNES-like experience to the handheld. I have very fond memories of crashing through its dungeons as a kid.

Think of it more objectively: it's easy with hindsight to place it amongst the series thus far, but on release there was really only a LTTP to stick your dick into.

[BrianC]

Link's Awakening also has a weird charm to it other games in the series lack. A good chunk of my playthroughs ended with me being called "THIEF". Actually, I'm not sure where I heard that the JP Link's Awakening took place in hell, but I doubt it's accurate since the JP title translates to something like Dream Island. I am 100% sure about the trees being different and other differences (like the hippo having breasts), though.

[Skykid]

Link's Awakening also has a weird charm to it other games in the series lack.

It is unique, yes. A departure from the regular in a similar fashion to Majora's Mask.

[XoPachi]

I had this game destroyed the morning after it came out. Way WAY better than Skyward Sword in literally every facet in my honest opinion.