The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past Review

9.0

Format Game Boy Advance

Developer Nintendo

Publisher Nintendo

Genre Role Playing

Classic adventure returns in a blaze of glory

Let there be no confusion: this handheld port of the 11-year-old SNES classic is still one of the finest adventure games ever. This pixel-perfect port will win your heart all over again with its massive quest of frequent genius.

But it's newcomers who are in for the real treat, as Link To The Past offers a good 20-30 hours of gaming glory. The dim-witted Princess Zelda has once again been captured by the sinister Ganon. As Link, you must embark on a daring rescue mission to get the girl and, yup, save the world. Yadda, yadda.

Obsession for men
But despite the clichéd premise, you will grow to care about Link's progress in an obsessive way. Even when you're not playing, you'll be dreaming about how to solve the next mind-bending puzzle - exactly the effect a great game should have.

It's a shame Nintendo hasn't updated the visuals to match the standard of the Four Swords multiplayer game, but once you become embroiled in the quest, you won't care. It's the exquisitely-designed puzzles and dungeons, the beautifully balanced gameplay, the taxing bosses and ultimate sense of satisfaction that make a mockery of most modern-day adventures.

A timeless classic and a brilliant bonus mode make for one of the finest handheld packages ever. Buy it!

Johnny Minkley