10 out of 10 - A Masterpiece Reborn with Heart, Charm, and Surreal Wonder
A Dream Reimagined - And What a Beautiful Dream It Is
Nintendo's 2019 remake of Link's Awakening is a triumph of style, nostalgia, and storytelling. It takes the beloved 1993 Game Boy classic and breathes new life into it with a stunning visual overhaul, a redone soundtrack, and a faithful recreation of one of the most emotionally resonant tales in the Zelda series.
If the original was a dream, the Switch version is the lucid, fully-formed vision - and it's glorious.
Art Direction That Stands Alone
Let's talk about the visuals, because they're the first thing you'll notice and the last thing you'll forget.
The toy-like, diorama art style is unlike anything else in the Zelda series. Link, the monsters, the villagers - everything looks hand-crafted, almost as if you're peering into a living storybook.
The world has a subtle blur effect around the edges of the screen, reinforcing that sense that this isn't quite reality - because it's not. And the art direction captures that surrealism without being heavy-handed.
It's adorable and haunting, all at once.
A Faithful Remake with Modern Enhancements
Nintendo didn't fix what wasn't broken - they preserved the soul of the original game:
The overworld remains a tight, interwoven map full of secrets, surprises, and clever progression design.
The dungeon structure sticks close to the Game Boy version, but with just enough quality-of-life upgrades to smooth out the experience.
The addition of autosaves, more item slots, and refined controls makes it the definitive way to experience this story.
This is how remakes should be done: honor the old, elevate the new.
Koholint Island - A Place You Won't Want to Leave
From Mabe Village to Tal Tal Heights, every area of Koholint Island oozes personality.
The townspeople are odd, charming, and sometimes a little too real.
There are cameos from the wider Nintendo universe (yes, even Kirby makes an appearance).
The music - oh, the orchestrated renditions of those 8-bit tunes - is an emotional gut punch in the best way.
And the puzzles? Still as clever as ever. Some of the dungeon challenges are downright elegant in their simplicity and genius.
A Story That Quietly Hits Like a Truck
Without spoiling anything: this is one of the deepest, most introspective narratives in any Zelda game.
It doesn't shout. It doesn't need to.
It slowly lures you in with whimsy, charm, and humor - and then gently asks "What is the cost of being the hero?"
By the time you reach the end, you'll realize this wasn't just another Zelda quest. It was a dream you didn't want to wake up from.
Why It's a 10 out of 10
Visually and musically stunning, with one of the most distinct looks in the franchise.
A remake that preserves the essence of the original while enhancing its systems for modern players.
Deeply emotional, yet understated storytelling.
Puzzle design that rewards exploration and clever thinking.
A cast of NPCs and side quests that feel alive, weird, and unforgettable.
Link's Awakening on Switch isn't just a remake - it's a love letter to one of the boldest, most creative entries in Zelda history. Whether it's your first time or your tenth, the magic of Koholint Island still lingers long after the final screen fades to black.
