Zanoushe wrote:
Okay, so I finished A Link Between Worlds. I actually liked the shorter, more puzzle-based dungeon layouts. It made a nice change from the "murder everything to get a key" mentality a lot of the other games took. It didn't hurt that the Swamp Palace was a water dungeon that was actually fun. I do agree that it was too short, though. Plus they really missed an opportunity by not calling the antagonist Yuganon once he got possessed. Still, I can't say I expected Hilda to be a bad guy or Ravio to be Lorule's version of Link, so it's not like I thought the plot was horrible. All in all, it was better than okay, but not really great.
My sentiments, as well. The item upgrade system was cool but effectively not worth it for some items (upgraded Tornado Rod.... makes you fly into the air. Glad I wasted several minutes finding Maiamais to get that). The "item shop" mechanic sort of took away the Zelda feel, for me. I quite liked the sense of "Yessss" from opening a treasure chest to find that it holds a key item used to continue the game. I get that they were trying to make this game less linear, but the item shop just doesn't sit right with me. I also agree that the game itself is a bit short; I found myself at Lorule Castle before I truly felt like I wanted to be there. I'm a bit of a completionist, so I tried to get myself to collect the other Maiamais and the last tunic, but I didn't really feel like it was worth it. The item upgrades didn't really empower me all that significantly, and I didn't feel like trekking through all the dungeons I'd already been through to find the Red Mail. The lure of impending plotline drove me further than my desire to finish on a 100% note. That said, I'll more than likely go back to finish out my file if not for any other reason than the satisfaction of 100%ing a Zelda game.
I loved playing it, and some of the tricks to getting some of the items honestly stumped me.
I'd have never known to merge into the wall and jump out behind the thief in Kakariko to get the Pegasus Boots if I hadn't caved in and looked up that part in a guide. Despite pulling out a Gamefaqs for three items that stumped me in their acquisition (one of which I was about to get by going through the dungeon I had decided to tackle next, one that was in plain sight, and the aforementioned Pegasus Boots), I'm pop flyin' to say I was able to beat this game without babysitting myself with a strategy guide, something I had to do with A Link to the Past - and I haven't even beaten that one, yet.