The Story of Zelda: Link's Awakening

[@GamingHistorian]

When Nintendo recently announced they were remaking Link's Awakening for the Switch, I was SO EXCITED. It's one of my favorite Game Boy games AND one of my favorite Zelda games. It's seriously impressive what they were able to create. By going off the beaten path and trying new things, Nintendo was able to set a new standard for the Zelda franchise. By the way, if you haven't already, give me a follow on Twitch at twitch.tv/gaminghistorian ! I record all of my gameplay footage while streaming. I talk about the creative process and it's great to have the chat around to help me get through games and show me secrets. Hope you enjoy the new video!

[@RaineRyanRudnick]

Gaming Historian Please note if you do follow the twitch that Norm only accepts hints WHEN HE ASKS. No backseat gaming otherwise. Be sure to read the rules and FAQ on the side bar for more information. - Twitch Mod

[@chuuwieee]

Love your videos. Have you ever though about doing a history of metal gear solid or hideo kojima?

[@chilitower]

You opened a can of worms. Now you need to complete episodes of other Zelda games. More specially, the games released on the Nintendo 64 ;)

[@andknuckles101]

I can't wait for it too....

[@dennistaylor5065]

Game Boy Color Version superior.

[@SteadyEddie1983]

My story: When I was a kid, I got stuck in Catfish's Maw... Couldn't figure out WHAT to do... So, I sent Nintendo a letter with three dollars enclosed. They sent me back SO MUCH STUFF that I felt like it was Christmas morning! They gave me stickers, a complete walk through, AND gave me a year's subscription of Nintendo Power. I never got the chance to thank Nintendo for that...YOU GUYS ARE LEGENDS AND MADE MY CHILDHOOD WHOLE!

[@CollectorsLuck]

that's amazing man, what a great memory to have!

[@brosephthomas3764]

Wow! Their PR team was putting in work back then.

[@one_degenerated_ontarian]

The best part of this story - Nintendo kept the 3 dollars...

[@jlh8830]

Really cool story

[@stardoll9250]

Catfish's Maw was definitely a road block for me. It made me stop, assess my map and remember rooms I had previously visited. To me, it was a step up in difficulty.

[@YN-ih4ge]

The Link's awakening story is a metaphor for "playing games". Whenever a player clears a "game", he returns from the world of fiction to the real world. However, it is a story as a metaphor with the creator's wish that the existence in the game does not disappear as "nothing" but remains in the player's mind as "something beyond fiction".

[@PinkyJustice]

I mean, by the same logic it could be a metaphor for an intense young romance, or personal loss of loved ones. (Even more for the latter, as you can TAKE THE METAPHOR WITH YOU EVERYWHERE like you do with your grief and memories) Or, you know the obvious implied one: dreams/plans. Much like Lynch's stuff, it's best to try not to hard pin exactly what it means with objective language. Link's Awakening IS a metaphor for growing up and losing innocence and youth? Nah. It IS a slick piece of media with universal themes that, like much quality media with universal themes, can act as a mirror to the consumer. The metaphor for games is a good take I've seen expressed a few other places, and the first time someone brought it up I was surprised I didn't see it sooner myself. I was too busy seeing it as a metaphor for the intense hyper focus and results based decision making that comes with project based careers (like the game industry of Japan at the time, from what I understand from interviews with creators of the time. -look into Hironobu sakaguchi's looking back at that time period in particular-) and the hindsight of what sacrifices you made in your life along the way to achieving the goals nebulous superiors decide are your goals... Or a metaphor for post nut clarity... I mean, it's not any one thing. It's all of those things and more... Except probably not the post-coital tristesse one, that was a joke. It does work though

[@zaccds]

I remember asking for Mortal Kombat on the gameboy for Christmas, but my mom got me this game instead. Thanks Mom.

[@doodoostickstain]

lol you lucked out then

[@LordHorst]

Got lucky there. MK for GameBoy sucks! :D

[@rbfsk8]

No way! Really?! In the Christmas my dad gave to me Mortal Kombat for Game Boy, but I don't liked and then he traded it for Zelda. It was a very good trade haha.

[@zaccds]

@@LordHorst For real, at the time I only played a quick match and for some reason thought it was cool, only to play it years later and see how truly terrible it was.

[@pandoradoggle]

I asked for this game *and* a Game Boy, and they told me they were all sold out. But then on Christmas morning... I was a happy kid. This game got a lot of mileage.

[@AlbertScoot]

Link's Awakening is a masterpiece. Imagine if you took out all of the story and character driven elements of Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask. The story driven focus and personable characters of the Zelda series started with Link's Awakening.

[@SonofMrPeanut]

And now, years later, the item-fusing idea is being realized so thoroughly in Tears of the Kingdom.

[@skelleytor]

I'm interested in the history of Capcom Oracle of seasons/Ages

[@adventureoflinkmk2]

Don't forget a link to the past/4 swords, minish cap, prolly wind waker too?

[@ohnoitschris]

Yeah, and how there was a remake of Zelda 1 for GBC planned in that era that got canned. Really, everything Zelda has an interesting history to it. But the Oracle games never get enough love

[@ETK696]

Oracle games are criminally underrated

[@ETK696]

They're some of my favorites to be honest

[@medes5597]

@@ETK696 same here. Ive always wondered what the deal was for Capcom to end up with such an incredibly well guarded Nintendo franchise.

[@joshua238]

"It was for the Game Boy system, so we thought 'oh it'll be fine.' " What a savage.

[@KNJfan]

I bet everyone looking down on their project felt dumb-founded after the game got completed :3

[@deltatango-six7941]

He wasn’t wrong though lol

[@Norvo82]

I understood that line as meaning: "Oh, those characters are all owned by Nintendo and this is a Nintendo game, so using them will be fine".

[@MrGrace]

@@Norvo82 yes, that's the correct interpretation. But regardless, developers have to license other properties, even if they are in-house lol

[@mrdgenerate]

@@KNJfan when u reading the comment quote soon as they say it

[@nintendolife]

Number 6?! I must have words with my colleagues.

[@DylanDude]

_"Nintendo Life writer found stuffed in closet with Game Boy for mouth gag."_

[@pumpkinhead79000]

@@DylanDude lol

[@T-Dawg75]

You MUST. Btw love your content

[@MountainSnowInc]

Number one game on GameBoy. Facts.

[@michaelperez7868]

I Genuinely teared up through out the course of this video. Born in 87. this game truly was part of my adolescence and resonates with me in a such a special way i cant even begin to describe. Whether its the combination of the beautiful music, Colorful Characters or the incredibly heart felt story line, Zelda Links Awakening will always be the BEST Zelda game and hold a special place in my heart, to the day i die.

[@ridetheapex]

Same. And your stupid comment made it worse. 😭 For real though, this game is so damn epic.

[@jamesartaxetiv5477]

Michael Perez I feel the same exact way I was born in 89 my mom brought me to kB toys to buy me a gameboy game for my big ol black gameboy and I randomly picked the game box Zelda links awakening not knowing it would be my favorite game of all time it’s part of me I find myself whistling the music every so often it makes me smile haha glad you liked it also

[@endersblade]

I was born in 81, and while I played the original NES games, I didn't really get into Zelda until Link's Awakening. It's definitely my number one Zelda game, with ALTTP a very close second.

[@shinigamimiroku3723]

85, and this is me for the Oracle games, but a lot of that is because I could never find a copy of LA. I did play the DX version later, though, and it's definitely one of my favorites.

[@machineunit]

Same, born in early 88 and I 100% concur. I saved up all my Christmas and birthday money and had just enough for a gameboy and one game. This was the game I bought. Absolutely no regrets.

[@FantasticOtto]

Me 26 years after first playing the game: “Bomb.. arrows...?” O.o

[@rainehappy7097]

Equip both and press both A and B at the same time. Link will fire exploding arrows. Also when you get the rooster to help you fly towards the end of the game, make sure you have the boomerang equipped and the power bracelet. Throw the boomerang and immediately pick up the rooster and you will hover in the air with the boomerang spinning beneath you. You can move over enemies and kill them without getting hurt. It's not too useful since you get both pretty late in the game.

[@raymccue1824]

Same

[@mixmastermikepwt]

Glad I wasn't the only one 🤣

[@shitbreak2k]

same omg ive been playing this game allllll wrong

[@Mehwhatevr]

I know right. me after playing the original, and the remake over the last 25 years (give or take), what??? You can do that? I've never seen that mentioned before or hinted at in the game.

[@Avery_Beausoleil]

One of my favorites. That tal-tal heights music.. so good. :D

[@SerpentineDeity]

Egoraptor admitted it is the best in the series.

I'm just shamelessly going to plug my cove version of that music here... It's on my channel, maybe you like it!

[@kingdomrains]

It's been almost 30 years, this was the first Gameboy game that I ever owned, I still remember every part of it, especially the music.

[@DanielMartinez-ih3hq]

Wow it was my very first video game ever too. I was 7 and my grandfather gifted it to me.

[@applejuicejunkie316]

Did you get the Switch remake? What did you think of it if you did?

[@kingdomrains]

@@applejuicejunkie316 Yes, played the remake, they did a great job, all of the charm is intact with the benefit of updated controls. There are some changes to the bosses and puzzles but nothing drastic.

[@Kptn_kabaakal]

imagine your game being so good that Shigeru Miyamoto wants to be a game tester for it.

[@tddt1615]

IKR! the man himself!

[@RPGreg2600]

True! Or he wanted to make sure they weren't ruining his franchise 😜

[@MrFoxInc]

I sometimes come back to this video because this story of how the game started out as an after-work passion project really warms my heart. It feels like a bunch of enthusiastic friends doing a game jam that starts out with some fun tinkering, goes through a bunch of great ideas and ends in wonderful execution that brought joy to literally millions of children and adults. Really wish I could have experienced that back then.

[@JJCanDes]

I remember turning off my Game Boy right before the end at first, because I realized what it would mean for the game world, if I wake up the Wind Fish. This game was so emotionally engaging.

[@endersblade]

Yep it really hit me during the end vid when link looks up and sees the wind fish flying overhead. Link smiles, I cried, because I knew all of it was gone.

[@Mahoneyyay]

Same

[@RumblePirate]

The game got us involved so much

[@gojesus1234]

That was my same reaction i felt so sad the game was going to come to and end :’( awesome game!

[@hagamapama]

@@endersblade But did you notice the seagull flying right next to the Wind Fish? Marin gets her wish!

[@Gr33nshell]

its always a good day when you drop a video. Thanks for all that you do Norm, this was great!

[@AnonymousFrogNG]

What is not good is that there's a sponsor! I thought this channel was wholly Patreon supported. You had this end message and everything! "Funding for Gaming Historian is provided by supporters on Patreon. Thank you!"

[@justinkinter8651]

@@AnonymousFrogNG huh? Why is that not a good thing? Seems fine to me and why do you keep leaving this same comment, did this guy do something to you or is he like trying to scam people or something, I dont understand why it's a bad thing that he put a video up and then he says that its supported by patreon at the end, it makes no sense whatsoever that you're upset by this and that you keep addressing comments to people who are genuinely happy that he uploaded a video

[@UltraHylia]

Gr33nshell Ah- AURORA BOREALIS? AT THIS TIME OF YEAR AT THIS TIME OF DAY IN THIS PART OF THE COUNTRY LOCALISED ENTIRELY WITHIN YOUR KITCHEN?!

[@hattymchappy]

@@UltraHylia May I see it?

[@UltraHylia]

hattymchappy No

[@matthybel955]

This is one of my all time favorite Zelda games, as matter of fact this game came with my Gameboy when I got it from my Dad as my 8th birthday gift in 1994. He bought it at Walmart, and back then Walmart had the best video games on display in the Electronics Department in early to mid 1990s.

[@DanielMartinez-ih3hq]

My grandpa gave it to me for my 8th bday too! I was in mexico and he bought it here in the US and gifted it to me.

[@Zorak9595]

I can definitely say that none of the Zelda game's stories ever felt quite as impactful as in this game. I still tear up just thinking about the Ballad of the Wind Fish. And it wasn't just the music and the story that made this game so special and unique. The game world itself was so interesting. It always felt like there was so much to do and so many mysteries to solve. There was a feeling of excitement in just navigating the overworld map.

[@paulsneddon1234]

@1:18 Watching this and knowing TOTR has the ability to fuse weapons is cool. Go Tezuka!

[@mmn19900]

What a good day =D finally a gaming historian episode =)

[@AnonymousFrogNG]

Good day? I thought this channel was wholly Patreon supported. He had this end message and everything! "Funding for Gaming Historian is provided solely by supporters on Patreon. Thank you!"

[@borndorian92]

Thought the same 💯

[@NateyCat]

Cody Smith “In part by.” There’s also the ad reads and whatever else he gets from KZbin.

[@PixelGameSquad]

While the rest of the internet uploads reactions and quick vids....Norm is out here documenting gaming history ♥️✊

[@fabioalvesshow]

True

[@andygeibe]

I would fight war(s) for this guy

[@knowthycell]

2nd best Norm on the internet! (After norm Macdonald)

[@Moshugaani]

8:00 _"It's just for the Game Boy. Oh, it'll be fine"_ I love it that it was a bit more relaxed back in the day! :D

[@DylanDude]

@Linksthebest No, that was because of Tetris and Super Mario Land, not to mention the low cost and longer battery life. The Game Boy was already a massive hit by the time Link's Awakening came out.

[@fixman88]

@@DylanDude And that was *before* Pokemon.

[@TheSoliloquist]

I still can’t believe that I cried over the story in a spinach green portable game... this game is fantastic...no Majora without this.

[@jayf17z]

The comments on your videos are always so positive and kind. Even to other commentators. Its refreshing. Congrats on another quality video!

[@coryjohnson2486]

Hurrr durrrrr 🥴

[@kdude2704]

One of my favorites. Hope the remake turns out well. Great vid!

[@Oxxyjoe]

I didn't know there's a remake! This is my favorite zelda game, the first one I truly enjoyed.

[@kdude2704]

@@Oxxyjoe yeah they're making it this year. You should check out the trailer, it looks pretty neat!

[@WuschelofDespair]

I hate it that I just don’t like the art style at all 😔

[@leinhartzank7111]

I don't like the art style, it just feels so soulless, like they were just trying a game engine on the switch

[@Oxxyjoe]

I don't own a switch, there's a good chance I simply won't get around to playing it. Same with the last kingdom hearts game

[@songoku9348]

I am struggling with mental health right now, thank you Norman for making awesome videos and taking my mind off stress, much love and respect 👍

[@snoopii11]

Son Goku good luck my friend. Take it one day at a time and keep your head up.

[@themeanestofgenes2409]

Get a punching bag and some weights. Good endorphins bro.

[@douglasmarkwith]

Hang in there, man!

[@julesmcgrules3860]

Health and happiness to you ✌️🤘

[@NathanChisholm041]

@Aziryse All that will do is give ppl anxiety! Getting out and about being active and ingaging in activities will help with symptoms of depression!

[@lucassiccardi8764]

IMO, the best videogame ever. I never felt so engaged again, and I think that I cried when I finished it :-)

[@nuclearbeeberman]

i think i finished it 10+ times and i cried often at the end...

[@jamesmurray4312]

Who didn't cry at the end? I've never felt so bad beating a game as I did Link's Awakening, and the remake looks amazing. I know I'll buy it, but I have zero intentions of beating it. Almost 10 year ago, I wrote a blog about that game on FB, mainly about the ending.

[@chillplayer1234]

Lucas Siccardi Nah.

[@elephant35e]

@@rockdesu Plus, you're stranded out it the middle of the sea, and it doesn't help rescue you!!

[@grimey3480]

@@jamesmurray4312 can you post the link?

[@kated47]

The first game I ever beat in my own! I was so proud of myself.

[@rogeranimates3357]

Good job!

[@90kuky]

since i live in Europe my friend gave me game for short time so i can play it. SInce he bought it in germany i could not understand most of it. So back then no internet or walktrough. I had to find my way around world on my own. But i was stuck at the very end. Could not find my way inside egg until years later i discovered what and how.

[@Drew_2152]

I've only played the remaster of it and i needed a guide 4 times lol

[@christianblanco2568]

Fr fr

[@DaPlasticPaddy]

Playing it now (September 2022) I'm stuck on the clown in the pot.... 😡

[@brycestrife5605]

This is my favorite Zelda. The music, mini games, and general FEEL of this zelda just hit that sweet spot as for a kid in the 90s. I was fascinated as a boy when it released. ( Twilight princess is a close 2nd)

[@serkansen0190]

My favorite as well

[@stillstyle]

Link's Awakening was inspired by Twin Peaks?? Well that's some damn fine Koholint.

[@lostempire6862]

stillstyle damn good coffee too! Haha I had no idea..probably the best source of inspiration imaginable

[@Mictian1980]

The only reason I watched Twin Peaks a few years ago was because someone told me this game was inspired by it. I was not disappointed.

[@firebeardnc6012]

That triforce you like is going to come back in style

[@butcherax]

Agent Cooper's Awakening

[@aaronstark5060]

SweetDick Willie I’ll see you again in 25 years.

[@monagee9340]

The Ballad of the Windfish is so haunting, so beautiful that I can't listen to it without my eyes growing wet.

[@qwert9876]

Yes! And what's really cool is they incorporated part of the melody into the Hyrule Castle theme in Breath of the Wild

[@irritationnation6122]

Thank you for keeping the black borders for the 4:3 aspect ratio parts

[@MisterCasket]

Yes!! I hate it when people fill up those borders with zoomed in mirror footage! So distracting.

[@JUSXTREME96]

@@MisterCasket Or they stretch it which I also cant stand.

[@MisterCasket]

@@JUSXTREME96 true.

[@rBennich]

"I remember it was fun working on it, and when it was over, i remember us talking to each other about how fun it was:" #deep

[@sonicrobbin4070]

no

[@Drforrester31]

For my money this has to be the most emotionally complex Zelda game in the franchise. As you discover the secret of Koholint you're faced with holding the fate of all your new friends in your hands. I'm sure everyone who's played Link's Awakening has thought about staying on the island with Marin at least once

[@FreddPhucks]

When game developers had FUN into doing projects, not even ones they HAD to do. That's where the magic comes out. Those days will never be replicated.

[@junybuckles7927]

Oh my god it's fred fuchs... Fred fuchs

[@shernweilee5576]

No, we don't need to replicate it. What we put into something is sincerely is what we wish it to be. After all, I would quote from one man: "To make it special, you have to simply believe its special".

[@bigduke5902]

Splatoon has the exact same development story.

[@904SupremeDream]

This is my favorite Zelda game of all time!!

[@chaoskiller6084]

I've got a couple challenges for your favourite game!: - Beat the game while beating the dungeons in reverse. - Beat the game without the sword. Pegasus Boots with sword is allowed to be able to beat the final boss. Both are possible. However to beat them, massive abuse of a glitch is allowed. It's called Screen Warping. Performing it is super easy. Go to the edge of the screen and press Select. The result is that Link ends up keeping his position on the next screen. Google it a bit to know what kind of crazy stuff you can do with it!

[@wulver810]

My fav GB game, man the music, story and gameplay were top notch!

[@mypartyisprivate8693]

The story gives me chills! All those cryptic messages from the bosses... BRRRRRRR Classic!

[@vansmoken4172]

Honestly.....as a kid I remember playing this game a getting so deep into it. There’s so much to discover. Many puzzles and challenges. A work of art, like many Zelda games

[@AmariMarvelous]

I know what you mean. This was the first Zelda game I remember beating and putting in time and effort to finish it. I got so lost in the game it was hard for me to put it down. The last handheld game that gave me that same euphoric feeling playing was Golden Sun on the Gameboy Advance.

[@NobleVagabond2552]

Most underrated Zelda game, either this or Minish Cap. Definitely very underrated tho

[@dadeleemurphy85]

thank you for putting the VPN pitch at the end. It shows you respect your viewers.

[@apod-gaming]

I wish there was a "hide stupidity" button - Lavian

[@Goobyster]

The Lavian i think he meant that he was respectful for put it in the end, not in the middle of video

[@knowthycell]

@@apod-gaming at least he didn’t say 20th century

[@EvanCastor]

Your content is so professional and so well done. Thank you.

[@TheEgg185]

Evan Castor - The exact opposite of what they told me at work before they let me go.

[@soyUsernameWasTaken]

"I remember us talking to each other about how fun it was" Bioware should take note.

[@PlotlinePlus]

The entire AAA industry should take note.

[@silvercrypto4284]

"Don't you have phones? "

[@gabrielhersey5546]

soyUsernameWasTaken and Bethesda fall out 76

[@FaLL0uTZ0mBie]

Links awakening is what got me into video games. The amount of content it had at the time honestly overwhelmed my 5 year old mind but it was so fun I just couldn’t put it down. Knowing that it was a passion project makes me feel a special kind of a way I haven’t felt since that time

[@Brokout]

Something you didn’t mention about the plot which is quite important to the emotional journey of the player. Link develops a close relationship with Marin. They share a special moment together alone on the beach where she opens up to him about her desire to leave the island. This leaves you with a difficult choice… Stay with Marin on the island of illusion or wake the Windfish and never see her again. It makes completing the game incredibly bittersweet. The ‘true’ ending you get by completing the game without dying somewhat solves Link’s dilemma, but as a new player you won’t know that until you finish it, so you’re still left with having to live with your decision to leave Marin as a memory.

[@victorg7036]

This is my favorite zelda game. Cant wait for the switch remake

[@jamesmurray4312]

One of the saddest endings I've ever watched.

[@norbertcsorba4639]

Game development being fun. What an interesting concept

[@danielbloomquist9810]

The image of Tezuka pitching Launcher Link is hilarious and instantly demonstrates familiarity with the game.

[@PlotlinePlus]

Man, every once in a while a video comes along that's so wholesome I can't help but smile the whole way through.

[@ferdinandcountfathom9298]

There's a melancholy quality to the Game Historian's voice that make these bittersweet discussions of nostalgia very poignant. It fits just perfectly with the PBS aesthetic hinted at by the "and viewers like you". Brilliantly done!

[@marioluigijam3612]

Easily one of my favorite in the series. This one and the two Oracle games are my top 3 favorites.

[@Mictian1980]

Jam I never got to try the Oracle games unfortunately.

[@marioluigijam3612]

Eduardo Rodriguez You can get all 3 games on the 3ds E shop if you want to check them out witch I highly recommend you do

[@chatteyj]

​@@marioluigijam3612 Is the twilight princess for Gamecube any good? I have it and never played it.

[@marioluigijam3612]

Devonian Dunno never played it.

[@chatteyj]

@@marioluigijam3612 Why not?

[@BoomstickGaming]

One of the best games ever made, the best 2D Zelda game, and overall a HOOT to play!

[@timothyritchie5290]

Link to the past + twin peakes = links awakening Of course! How have I never seen this!

[@pluperw]

this man deserves 1 million subs

[@1000bip]

The original release was my first Legend of Zelda game and is still my favorite video game of all time

[@videogameobsession]

0:47 Dude! I've been trying to grow Zelda carts in my garden for years. Please tell me your secret!

[@AshuraMage]

Place a Shigeru Miyamoto photo on your garden,then check 1 week later and some game will appear,it can be some Mario game or Zelda game

[@videogameobsession]

@@AshuraMage Thanks, but I tried that and all I keep getting are these little flower people. weird.

[@AshuraMage]

@@videogameobsession very weird,i tried and i get a Super Mario USA Famicom cartridge,keep trying

[@theMrRook]

@@AshuraMage Hm, I must be doing something wrong, because all I can grow are Duck Hunt carts...

[@AshuraMage]

@@theMrRook strange,very strange

[@RevLink]

The Twin Peaks connection blew my mind! How did I never see it before??

[@HUYI1]

I've never seen the twin peaks tv series but it's still interesting.

[@AdamChristensen]

The owls are not what they seem. 🦉

[@BenCol]

We live inside a dream... Well now, I’m not gonna talk about Zelda, in fact, we’re not gonna talk about Zelda at all, we’re gonna leave her out of this!

[@jazznomad642]

My favorite 2D Zelda! The ending was so powerful for me! I can't wait for the remake!

[@IndohNintendo]

My favorite top down Zelda as well.

[@poisonshift78]

This is my first favorite Zelda game. At it's heart it's everything a Zelda game should be, without those things that can detract from the experience. The select warp doesn't hurt either

[@tedweird]

I remember playing it as a kid, on my Gameboy Pocket, in the dark back seat of the car under street lamps. It was my primary motivation for getting a Switch, but I only managed to play it a couple of months ago. So much nostalgia, such a good experience. I still tear up when I hear the Ballad Of The Windfish

[@toastymansabe]

My first Zelda game and still the best 2D one for me, can't wait to play it on Switch

[@SamuraiDon]

Link Awakening hype. It's my second favorite Zelda game after Majora's Mask, another experimental Zelda game.

[@DarkIceKrabby]

Agreed. The thing I like about both is that they aren't shackled to the traditional Zelda ideas, and had very weird worlds. Link's Awakening with its dream world with semi-meta characters and tons of references, and Majora's Mask with its dark world filled with characters with real relationships and cool mask transformations.

[@gamer-sama7769]

The development reminds me of the original Fallout, just one guy working on an engine or a few ideas then people slowly hopped on to make something great. Creativity at it's finest.

[@generfeld]

this game has so many good memories from when I played it in 1997-1999. it's a huge part of that phase of my life. the music, graphics, and storyline are all total aces. its incredible how a portable handheld game could be so engaging. This and Pokemon Red/Blue are surely some of the top Gameboy games ever. Its amazing how much detail was put into these games. Link's Awakening really felt like an adventure. You can still look up piano versions of the Mabe Village song, etc. Just gorgeous

[@vulkanosaure]

Around dungeon 6, when you read the message explaining about how all of this is a dream and people will disappear when the wind fish wakes up, the music is soooo emotional, i was around 7 years old, with confused emotions. It's incredible to transmit so much through an 8 bit black & white console.

[@anactualmotherbear]

I just want you to know that Link's Awakening is my favorite Zelda game and I've replayed it so many times. I want to know everything about this game and its development, so I am happy to watch this video.

[@Mac_Omegaly]

Have you attempted the "all 26 seashell" run? What about getting all the photographs between the 3 save files (in the DX) version. I assume you have made the no death run, for the extra secret ending. How about taking a look at the crazy current speed run for the game?

[@anactualmotherbear]

@@Mac_Omegaly Yes, I've played the ORIGINAL game inside-out. I never got the DX version despite really wanting it for my collection. I've seen the fairy/angel Marin ending. I've beaten the game while named THIEF. I've seen secret/unused areas by bringing up the map and warping across the screen. I have even bothered the naked hippo. Thank you for your interest, you Bucket Mouse.

[@porkeyminch8044]

All photographs between 3 files? Did each file have different photos?

[@soterioncoil2163]

Now I know Mother Bear! Know I now, yes, yet my life is not yet complete. :)

[@Mac_Omegaly]

@@porkeyminch8044 I think it was something like 4 different situations you had an option between 2 different photographs. So you could not unlock all the photos on a single save file. And of course when you get renamed, and return to the store, a special photo is taken. But it technically only requires 2 save slots, but I do all three so Only one is a thief.

[@aemerox5773]

First game I've ever owned on the GBC still have it in my possession, though the sticker is all wormed out.

[@Garhunt05]

I cried when it was over still one of my favorite games.

[@user-qo1me7hh2c]

This was my first LOZ game.. my first true love 💕 I've been a fan ever since. ❤️💯🗡️🛡️

[@paultapping9510]

Not just one of the best game boy games, but one of the best videogames of all time. It's damn near perfect in design and execution. The level and boss design, narrative design and delivery, and the absolute gut punch of an ending are just absolutely top notch. Without a walkthrough this took 8 year old me, literally years to complete and when I did... oof... that ending...

[@TheAileZX2]

The emotion Koizumi had when announcing the remake is raw, relatable, and awesome.

[@grimey3480]

Can i get a link to this?

[@nemo84]

@@grimey3480 Nintendo Direct 2.13.2019

[@toaster8595]

This is the only channel that actually can make me watch a hour-long video in one sitting.

[@LeFiendComedian]

This was the first Zelda game I ever played back in the early 2000s and developed a life-long appreciation for everything Zelda and Nintendo.

[@luc.7650]

Played on my GBC. Now im 32 and still play on the switch. What an incredible game. The music. The weapons. Koholint island. The homage to the nintendo characters. I love this

[@StephenYap3]

Thanks, Gaming Historian for covering my "numero uno" favorite Zelda game of all time!

[@doughankins3996]

You're like a PBS program for old video games. Thanks Gaming Historian! Keep up the great work!!

[@DM-qm5sc]

What's PBS?

[@debsreno911]

@@DM-qm5sc Public Broadcasting Station. They had some fantastic documentaries back in the day. Not sure about these days?

[@debsreno911]

The Ken Burns of video gaming documentaries?

[@b.lloydreese2030]

I played the hell out of link's awakening. One of my favorites

[@nairbpenguinlizard]

Link's Awakening is tied with Minish Cap for the best Zelda game. I'm so glad they're remaking it!

[@GamingHistorian]

Love Minish Cap!

[@yourmomsoshi]

I got Link to the Past in that tie too. By far my 3 favorite Zelda games.

[@ZipplyZane]

Minish Cap was good, but always felt too short to me. The beauty of Link's Awakening was that it felt like a full game, unlike, say, Super Mario Land.

[@Gagostrong6735]

This game is my personal favorite game of all time ..

[@dmist24]

definitely one of the most memorable gameboy games I ever played in the 90s. I remember playing countless hours trying to finish it but was not able to do so as I was only borrowing my friends gameboy when I get a chance. I believe I have finished the game on an emulator like 10 years ago. Oh man, hearing its music brings so much memories and it feels great. Missing my childhood much.

[@lanikmueller9318]

Isn't it a beautiful game? Now, for the Oracle series

[@ETBrooD]

Bomb-arrows... BOMB-ARROWS?!? My entire childhood was a lie!!

[@heyhonpuds]

IKR I’ve had this game since not long after it launched, completed it several times and didn’t know that was a thing till this video.

[@ErinTheFennec]

I had this game as a young kid, and while I can't clearly remember a lot, I know I discovered it back then on my own, the game might have an awkward menu but little things like that just make it so rewarding to experiment with.

[@Avrysatos]

Heyhon Puds pretty sure the game told you about the combination. I can’t remember where though. Haven’t played it in a long time.

[@spector3881]

Same here bro

[@TRJ2241987]

This was definitely in Nintendo Power, I feel like they even reprinted it in the 100th issue

[@sonomama82]

I can't believe the soundtrack was written by people with no experience. The ballad of the wind fish is one of my favorite zelda songs ever.

[@Parocha]

No experience in video games... Obviously, they had experience in music...

[@sonomama82]

@StinkyPirates correction. Mitsuda and Uematsu made the CT soundtrack. I see your point though.

[@RealRedRabbit]

I got a copy of Link's Awakening when it released here in the states, as a gift for my 6th birthday. The game came out just over a month after my birthday, so it was a slightly belated gift, but it has - to this day - remained my favorite Zelda game. Hell it was my favorite game in general for a decade or more.... I probably beat that game thirty or forty times on the OG Gameboy. I bought the Switch remake and have beaten it twice, but I still think I prefer the Gameboy original, honestly. BTW, Ballad of The Wind Fish is the best song in any Zelda game.

[@Capullation76]

This video confirms what I suspected: Link’s Awakening is a labour of love.

[@Syringey]

One of the best Zelda games ever made. Top 10 on the Gameboy for sure. CLASSIC 💯🎯

[@gregoriolobato3033]

This is one of my top 5 favourites channels. Thanks for all you do. Great video as always, Cheers from Argentina.

[@Crispyconcerto]

People I talk to are always surprised when I say links awakening is on my top 5 zelda games and TP or WW are not. Game is damn good

[@erinhaury5773]

I always feel like I have to defend my love for Link's Awakening. No one else I know has played it and they think it can't be good because it was for the original GameBoy. Fools! (^'.')^

[@chatteyj]

I think most Zelda games feel like cheap imitations compared to links awakening or OOT, as a twelve year old way back then I could tell this game was top quality and a labour of love. I tried oracle of seasons, Twilight princess and majoras mask and just thought they were all sub standard imitations.

[@breearbor4275]

the first Zelda game i ever played, and still my favourite. the story was so engaging and the world seemed so mysterious and interesting, i’d spend hours just exploring the island. was always very confused about who tf Zelda was until i played the other games in the series lol

[@healinghands884]

Thank you for bringing a legendary game to life. Each Zelda/Link games have always had positive impact on everyone.

[@Noemro]

Link's Awakening has always been my favourite Zelda game :)

[@pseudo.5106]

Noemro same :)

[@HUYI1]

I really can't wait for the remake, this is my favourite zelda game. 🙂

[@PoGoX7]

Now that it's been out for a while, how'd you like it?

[@acebharath]

The day you upload a video , the whole month goes happy for me.

[@trickeh2k]

Bharath Purohit 30th of May... (F)

[@Klos1neMN]

Thanks so much for this little history lesson. Link's Awakening is my favorite Game Boy game ever and I remember how long it took me to beat. I was super proud of myself finding all the pieces of heart, all the secret seashells, everything. Does anyone remember the screen skip glitch?

[@matthewgossett]

I used that glitch for hours. I found a way to beat the game by only completing the first dungeon and getting the jump. You can skip in the caves to find your way into the final boss fight.

[@TheIdontcare444]

Nobody on KZbin, does the research or has better presentation of its content, than the gaming historian! The work you put on your videos really shows man,

[@Bwianman85]

The best days are when Gaming Historian uploads a new video. Another great video Norman. Fantastic!!!

[@patrickhein6986]

Still my favorite Zelda Game. Can´t wait for the Remake.

[@surelock22]

I've been playing Oracle of Seasons lately. Love it.

[@bennieblanks5129]

Still among my favorite games of all time. I revisited it about a year ago just to see how well it held up and I wasn't disappointed. Link's Awakening is a classic by any measure.

[@thielnineteen]

So many people say how the 64 games were their favorite Zelda games, but for me Link's Awakening was something very special. I spent several Summers playing through that game and constantly searching for other Legend of Zelda games on Gameboy all the while. They finally did so many years later, but nothing comes close to how this game made me feel. I remember crying at the end, so sad that the friends that he had made along the way were just a fleeting dream and that this whole world vanished upon the windfishes awakening. It's a beautiful game, and beating it definitely brings out a sense of accomplishment!