Link's Awakening's Hidden Predecessor - The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls

Link and his Froggy older cousin
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#Gameboy #Zelda #Retro

[@DJSoSadRN]

I'd really love to play a version of this game in the new Link's Awakening engine.

[@n1nj4l1nk]

Same... ... once they clean up the engine and get it running well.

[@ShinyMew151]

I would like Nintendo to also remake the Oracles games with the LA Switch engine too!

[@zedgathegreat9122]

@@ShinyMew151 This has been my dream since LA on Switch came out. Those were some of the greatest Zelda games that so few seemed to have played. If you like 2D Zelda games, these were some of the most fun and tightly woven games. And honestly, back when I played them, ranked up there with LttP. They took what made LA great, and applied a previous game in the series filter to it (i.e., Oracle of Seasons is LA, but with an original Zelda filter. Oracle of Ages is LA, but done by the way of OoT). Apparently there is a lot more tied to all of this, as there was supposed to be a 3rd game, each representing a different Goddess and their respective triforce piece (Din [Power] {Seasons}, Nayruu [Wisdom] {Ages}, Farore [Courage] {Supposed to be Color}). However, game limitations got in the way and the third game got scrapped. And it all started as a remake of the first Zelda game, which kind of really ended up being Seasons.

[@AdrianHatch]

@@n1nj4l1nk yeah, let’s get the new links awakening running without frame drops first please

[@bland9876]

It would make more money for them if they made Oracle of ages and Oracle of seasons but having this game remade or even just brought over would be cool.

[@GetMadz]

I always wondered what that assist trophy was about... knowing why it turns into smoke clouds makes so much sense and is such fun touch :)

[@admiralAlfonso9001]

He turn coo coo mode and he’s like woooooah and they like IN YOUR FACE

[@admiralAlfonso9001]

prince guy: :O (shoop da whoop) >:O link: what the hell prince!!!!!!

[@smedlings]

I’ve always wondered about Richard’s cameo in Link’s Awakening as well…hopefully Nintendo localizes game right after after they wrap up localizing Mother 3 in 2071

[@Dante1282]

Right after thenl new fzero

[@smartstuf1026]

I would love to see a follow up to this with better hardware so they can explore and do more than the original.

[@LoomDoom]

I thought the release date was 2069?

[@joesterling4299]

@@AdamHolmesJ Thanks! And for the excellent Mother 3 fan translation, I'm just going to leave this here. starmen.net/mother3/

[@AdamHolmesJ]

@@joesterling4299 Yes, that one is very professional. At one point, not sure if it's still available, they also sold an incredible strategy guide to go with it!

[@michaeldemers2716]

This just needs some DX attention now and it will be complete. Color would be great.

[@AdamHolmesJ]

There's a rom modder working on that very thing :) www.romhacking.net/forum/index.php?topic=21642.0 ..obviously you'll need a legitimate copy of the game first ;)

[@Rationalityislost101]

@@AdamHolmesJ Someone please upvote/pin this comment&thread and generate some interest towards modernizing a really interesting game.

[@coltdeedede]

So happy to see Jon cover this game, it's a highly underrated gem that we completely missed out on. The story, design, and entire adventure is so full of charm. Entirely worth playing if you haven't had a chance yet. To this day I would love to see a revival or inclusion in Smash to ignite interest in a revival.

[@MayorMori]

This was a great video, thank you for making it. I had no idea, and the original Links Awakening is one of my favourite games. Keep up the great work.

[@ClockedIt]

Love these deep dives into titles like this people. A Links Awakening is such an important part of my gaming past and seeing influences like this is amazing. Richard was always such a cool character in the game and I did find it weird that his house was full of frogs, considering he was meant to have been a prince of the near by castle. Love that moment and area in the game. Good stuff.

[@kadosho02]

Fascinating how these series were connected. Leading to a different adventure, and even more throughout time. But the origin is neat, never heard of it before either. The Nintendo universe is vast.

[@MasterEm243]

It's content like this that reaffirms the belief that Nintendo Life stands a head and shoulders above the rest.

[@FoxFandango]

13:39 "he only talks to people with the same tastes as him" "If you pick anything else he'll call you a tasteless looser" Sounds like Twitter.

[@nebiyumeseret]

This was so fun to see, I honestly started playing Link's Awakening Dx for the first time this week and as soon as I saw Richard I was like "This has to be a reference to something." Then boom question has been answered. Great content

[@Viva_Reverie]

I remember playing this game before any fan translation came out, but even while I barely understood the text (I was making attempts to learn Japanese at the time), I still really enjoyed exploring places and making progress! Now that we can play a fan translation though, the quirky writing suddenly stands out and gives me an even greater appreciation for the game. I do much recommend it!

[@bland9876]

This is why I hate having multiple languages on Earth instead of just one unified language for everyone.

[@bland9876]

@JCS ya i heard about the guy who invented the perfect language but only enthusiasts speak it :(

[@damienjohn]

I love these deep dives into Nintendo history, so interesting & informative!

[@GotCamel]

This is actually so cool to learn. I really do hope that Nintendo remakes The Frog For Whom The Bell Tolls like they did with Link’s Awakening. I would buy it in a heartbeat!

[@paperluigi6132]

Just like with the Famicom Detective Club games, Nintendo should remake this game and localize it, but in the same engine as the Link’s Awakening remake.

[@MrJvchef]

Links awakening is my favorite game and got me into gaming. Wow, just wow…I also wondered about that little house and all those frogs…and no I know. And knowing is half the battle. Thanks for this, it put a smile on my face and I do wish I could play this game.

[@frog_stomp]

Links Awakening was the first LoZ have I ever played. I played it when it was first released. As soon as I completed it, I knew it would be one of my favorite series

[@danieldiehl6063]

this has easily become my favourite Nintendo channel on youtube... such unique content

[@IrieIslandGaming]

I would love if Nintendo and others brought more passion products to life!

[@Harukurochan]

Thank you for putting the spotlight on this game. I’ve always been curious about it ever since I read an article going over the history of the title. Hopefully Nintendo will give the title more love, make in the form of a remake. After all, they’ve localized the “Famicom Detective Club” remakes, so why not ask for this too?

[@coneg2714]

I thought for some reason Nintendo released this on the 3DS eShop globally at one point, shame my memory was wrong. A 5 hour charming adventure sounds very appealing to play right now.

[@Krisipoke]

You may be thinking of Nazo no Murasamejou (or the Mysterious Murasame Castle).

[@coneg2714]

@@Krisipoke actually yes, confused which of the two got localized somehow!

[@DigiPen92]

@@coneg2714 Well technically that Nintendo ports games that were not heavily using Japanese Texts like The Mysterious Murasame Castle as an example. Prince Sable's game was heavily using Japanese Texts that doesn't get ported back then. Since Nintendo now officially localized a classic Japanese exclusive Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light for so long, it's now possible that Nintendo could localized older titles like Lucas's game, Prince Sable's game, etc.

[@wildstarfish3786]

@@DigiPen92 if by "lucas's game" you mean mother 3 then that doesn't seem to be happening anytime soon

[@DigiPen92]

@@wildstarfish3786 Yeah, that was I meant by that. But, you have to remember that Nintendo actually surprised us with giving us an official localized version of Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light at 2020, Nintendo used to not localized Japan-only retro games back then before it became happening in 2020. That technically opens up any possibilities of previous Japan only Nintendo games could get Nintendo translate them to the West.

[@gochadc]

Man this game looks so good that I'm gonna stop the video just to check it out by myself. I'm sorry I'm not watching it to the end cos I know that's important for the youtube stats, so I'm gonna compensate leaving a comment and a like. Thanks for sharing it!

[@d0rkstuff]

This mechanic is also used in Tingle's Rosy Rupeeland where you go in dust clouds when entering combat and you basically earn tons of rupees to buy your way into things. Good callback!

[@BadCloudx_x]

So glad you did a video on this one Jon

[@jasong9492]

"man I love this climbing animation" It literally looks like the prince is "leap frogging" up to the ledge, which given the game's title, is a super cool small detail. I hope it was intentional.

[@LoomDoom]

Thanks for covering this game Jon, I barely knew anything about it! It would be nice if we got a sequel or remake of this game some day (along with Murasame Castle).

[@yuseifudo2609]

This game is sooo good for a game boy! Platforming, rpg elements, puzzles, story driven with quirky scenes, pixelated artwork and a good ost... Very underrated.

[@theshadowdirector]

Interesting they'd also use the transformation idea again in Majora's Mask. Forced into one form with the ability to change back and forth later on.

[@nintendolife]

Didn't even consider that connection but could absolutely be where it's from

[@shawmann8414]

Awesome job Jon. Keep up the great work my good man. Thank you sir.

[@Ferroreo]

This is a GREAT video, Jon; very insightful and revealing (to me at least). Really appreciate it!

[@the1trueblue361]

I really want to play this now. Thanks for this, guys!

[@hectoremilio1]

This is amazing! I would love to see a switch remake

[@sirbattlecat]

Link's Awakening was my first Zelda game. I loved it so much. The adventure and exploration was unlike anything I'd played before. So good.

[@sarahmonster4936]

I enjoyed this video immensely! I love a little slice of history! Thank you so much!

[@blazingsticks]

These are my favorite type of videos from Nintendo Life.

[@vikstick1686]

Jon has alot of passion for the game and im glad to say i watched to entire vid

[@virajvjoshi]

Jon's videos are the best.

[@kobuseksteen411]

Link's Awakening is actually the first Zelda game I'm playing ever, and I'm really enjoying it, and yesterday I entered Richard's house and was wondering about the damn frogs. Then I saw this video as if it was sent to me. Thank you so much. I am such a geek for random video game history. Now I really want a remaster of The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls.

[@mootbooxle]

It’s like finding out your favorite band made another album they recorded in their heyday but never officially released.

[@Rubberman202]

This game is magical, I don't think any Nintendo game has truly captured how uniquely fun and light-hearted it is. It really is in well-need of a remake, just so Nintendo has the excuse to finally release it outside of Japan. Edit: Jon, I think you should know that "Sablé" pronounced "sab-lay", and also, this wasn't specified in the video so I don't know if you're aware of this, but "Prince Sablé" isn't his name, he's the prince of the Sablé Kingdom. He technically doesn't have a name, since you name him in the game. Just FYI.

[@flikkie72]

Wow this actually looks super enjoyable! The core gameplay loop is actually original

[@johncave3334]

Great video! Thanks, Jon.

[@ndyaarthurmartha8748]

Amazing, I like to think I know so much about video games but I didn't know that. "The frog for who the bell tolls" look ground breaking especially for the time of development.

[@Link1309]

I had this video in my watchlist till now and I just want to say... Amazing work! It made so much fun to watch and I will surely play this as I love links awakening and it was my first Zelda game (even tho I could not read back then).

[@datsunmedia91]

Super cool. I had no idea!

[@Transientimage]

Jon, you keep smashing it out of the park with all this love for nintendos history. I wish we could get a collection some how of forgotten nintendo games like this, murasames castle, molemania etc.

[@okamic1750]

The greatest video I never knew I needed. Great work

[@GLASYS]

Link's Awakening was my favorite game growing up, and I never knew about this! Really fascinating, thanks!

[@christopherdemichiei]

I played this very shortly after the translation came out. Maybe 10 or so years now. Thanks for the trip down memory lane! I'd forgotten a lot about it. :)

[@lw1391]

The coolest thing about this video is we got to see this because Jon got curious and explored IRL. Life imitates art, imitating life.

[@phantomofnyx]

Thank you for digging this piece of history up!, a remake in the links awakening engine would be amazing. But I would be more than willing to play it just as it is.

[@Spram2]

The original Zelda did have side-scrolling segments too. Passages with stairs that lead to other rooms and the rooms where you got items in the dungeons.

[@connermccabe1678]

This is an absolutely wonderful video from Jon and the team. The factoid about FFWTBT (From for Whom the Bell Tolls) has been following Link's Awakening on retrospectives and podcasts for a bit now, but this video gives a thorough look on what the game actually was AND played like. It's fantastic to see this get an even bigger focus. There may be other thorough videos on FFWTBT out there but I've missed them. This is very well done. I don't know if I agree that Link's Awakening has side-scrolling levels solely because of FFWTBT's DNA. This level perspective has been present since the beginning of the series. The OG Zelda has more simple versions but they're there. And of course Zelda II did as well but that was the primary perspective for the gameplay. I do agree that they were an easy inclusion in LA because of the levels being a part of FFWTBT's design. I'd love to find out for sure.

[@speedy6323]

Wow, I'm baffled, didn't know any of that. That's certainly the most interesting game related video on KZbin that I've seen in a long time

[@glaceRaven]

I love this game! I played the fan translation years ago and totally fell in love with it. I remember being really excited when the Prince of Sablé was revealed as an assist trophy.

[@jonathanbicknell8435]

I'm currently playing the British translation of "The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls" I'm a massive fan of the original Gameboy Link's Awakening, but never knew about the connection to this earlier game. I'm so glad I discovered this hidden gem, totally awesome game with a LOT of stuff that was later used for Link's Awakening.

[@everygamersdream72]

One of the best gaming videos I've ever seen.

[@ScooterinAB]

What strikes me as the most charming part of this game is the new mechanics. It's not just another platformer or RPG. The fight mechanic is really unique. The shape changing and the puzzle solving are unusual features that play a role in the game. The developers took chances, and though the game may not have been a success, they took what they learned and applied it elsewhere. And they worked within the limits of the Gameboy as a challenge, not as a necessity. This isn't a game just like every other one out there.

[@TheCobyRandal]

Now that is a hidden gem! You know they really put good thought into it when the action just keeps going and there's "no fluff". Looks like a great adventure story with some clever puzzles, and I really appreciate how they cut out the laborious traditional RPG battle grinding. I would totally play a game like this. Thanks for sharing.

[@Haseo515]

God, an official localization in the new links awakening style for this game would be amazing. This game looks great! Link's Awakening was the second game I ever beat, and one of my favorites of all time and this video gave me an even deeper appreciation for it. Thank you so much!

[@ExploringEsperanto]

I never knew this game existed and now I can't wait to play the English translation version. Link's Awakening was one of my favorite games as a kid. This almost feels like getting to play a hidden prequel. Thanks for the video!

[@Hi-tg3xf]

I actually started playing this after seeing your tweet Jon, it's been a great game so far! I usually find older games to be too cumbersome to play but this is actually a pretty great time!

[@SanithDemil]

Love this. Link's awakening was first Zelda game I ever owned.

[@8-Biter]

Tingles rosy rupeeland had similar combat to this as well. Though you could influence it if ya tap the screen while in a dust cloud.

[@polytanksan5761]

I really wish they would make a third tingle game

[@TonyStarkCLC]

I played this translated ROM. And I tell you guys, it's one of the best game boy games ever. It's something completely new and original, and you fall in love with the mechanics pretty fast. It's THAT good.

[@medusathedecepticon]

It's really cool to learn about this game and how it served as the basis for Links Awakening. It would be awesome to see a remake of it. Considering we finally got Live A Live, I have high hopes that one day we will.

[@pikaboom6539]

Woah this video was great. I never even knew this game existed. And the way you went over it really had me hooked, like you were telling a story.

[@DammYou]

So glad you played this. I know I mentioned this when you made a video about import games. I remember seeing that assist trophy and thought he was super cool. I saw there was a fan translation on cartridge and I had a blast playing the game. It's so good, but it's a shame that it never got brought over.

[@jonasking9587]

I ordered a translated reproduction cart. Absolutely adore Link's Awakening. That game is near perfect. I can't wait to sink some time into this. Looks sooooo charming.

[@PhilFromSchool]

wow, your voice is really deep and nice :) thanks for giving us the rundown!

[@Morlock5K]

Never heard of this game but seeing this I now want to play it. Come on Nintendo, get this on Switch online Gameboy support. Please

[@Pridetoons]

The Frog for whom the bell tolls is a great historical playthough. I played the game from beginning to end and loved it.

[@kito-]

This kinds of videos are absolutely fantastic

[@CralexKokiri]

Many thanks for giving this perspective on the game! I started it a few times, but never got far enough for it to really start to get interesting. Next time I play, it’ll be the whole way through.

[@JauntyAdventures]

I really enjoy when John talks about obscure Japanese games lol.

[@maxw5660]

BTW The novel “For whom the bell tolls” is itself referencing a famous poem by John Donne

[@hichaelhighers]

and there's also a cool Metallica song with that name

[@doslover]

I should've guessed he was a reference to something given how many other references there are but I guess I never thought about it. I'm sure I would've loved this as a kid, just as I did Link's Awakening (and still do)

[@Dabreb12]

Such a cool little game! Thanks Jon!

[@MrMikander]

Brilliant! I had no clue about this. I remember that house, but didn't give it much thought as a kid. Please continue bringing us these kinds of videos.

[@leofsgarage]

Such a cool story. Thanks for sharing it!

[@fluffycritter]

I knew a little bit about the original game but not enough to be motivated to go through the rigamarole of acquiring it. I have now been inspired to do such, and look forward to finally playing this weird little game.

[@iiqulo]

Thank you. It's rare I learn new retro things, and if I do, they usually are not super interesting. This is INCREDIBLE! I wish that they had included this game with the new Link's Awakening. That would make that package worthwhile to me!

[@Th33anomaly]

I absolutely love Jon’s videos that talk about obscure Japanese Nintendo properties.

[@DoctorMario606]

Me and my brother love this game, despite the less than desirable combat, the game is full of a lot of charm and the music is great, I hope it gets remade one day.

[@Anothy264]

this game is so underrated and sick!

[@jco_83]

Such a wholesome video

[@DeadNintendog]

the frog for whom the bell tolls is one of my favorite games ever!! glad it’s getting attention :D

[@James-MexiKop]

Again, fantastic video. Thank you.

[@marcelafontes6413]

Great video! Always interesting to know about the history of videogames

[@leodroid8653]

Great video Jon! Loved to know more about this game and Nintendo's history

[@Craxin01]

I loved Link's Awakening so much I've bought it three times. First time was packaged with my Gameboy Pocket, then I got DX after getting a Gameboy Color. Finally, I got the Switch version.

[@Larry]

Wouldn't the font be the same in English entirely down to the fan translator's choice, rather than any input from Nintendo?

[@sirensongss]

The games font may include English characters

[@Krisipoke]

These were my exact thoughts. :D The translators just probably used the Zelda font as an easter egg.

[@dwats250]

Lots of Japanese games include an English font. I used to much around trying to translate games in the early 2000s and found lots of Easter eggs using tile and hex editors

[@hdofu]

Depends on if the font was included in the leftovers during a time period when a translation was considered.

[@fatherfintanstack8810]

Hey look! It's that guy that talks and says "hello you".

[@2296652]

Absolutely awesome Jon, didn't knew about this. 👍

[@harrisonwhaley7872]

This was so lovely!

[@ItsAdamFleming]

The game is just amazing! And it's not holding your hand or letting so free you get lost. I'm just a little upset how you didn't talk about the jump animation more, that animation is so 𝓢𝓶𝓸𝓸𝓽𝓱!

[@FutureRetroRoots]

Would be interesting to try this if they somehow could re-release it or make a remake with the full translation for the rest of the world to see and play.

[@theunorthodox]

I've always wondered about Richard! I love well-researched docs like this. Thanks!

[@EricGranata]

Probably my favorite Nintendo game.

[@grinbrothers]

It's rather funny how the bump-into-and-fight-in-a-dustcloud combat mechanic ended up popping up in a Zelda game kind of with Tingle's Rosy Rupee Land. Fantastic and informative coverage of this Game Boy game and I'm quite surprised by the amount of gameplay differences The Frog For Whom The Bell Tolls has compared to Link's Awakening.

[@Krusiv]

Wake up babe, new Jon video. These deep dive videos are absolutely fantastic man. Keep up the good work!

[@jakobdueck7491]

This is a super informative video. I learned so much. THX!