I bought my GB pocket for the original Zelda link's awaking. When I updated to the GBC; I manage to lose my original link's awaking game. I decided that I should update to the DX version. This was the first game boy game I played with the game boy colorizaton. I did not know what to expect but when I pop it in I was amazed at how much the color really did help this game.

The story.
Zelda purist won't like this game has far has story line. It doesn’t have Zelda or the triforce in it. I personally like it, this game proves that it doesn’t take those elements to make a great Zelda game

Link has got to be the unluckiest elf alive. After saving his homeland from Gannon in Zelda 3 Link decided to take a vacation to catch up on some training. While on his trip home his small raft encounter a fierce storm, and his ship was struck by lighting. Link passes out shortly after his ship his destroyed. When he wakes up he finds a girl that looks like Princess Zelda. She says her name is Marin and that he is on the island of Kholint. When link explores the island he quickly learns that nobody's has been off the island, and to even think of it is hearsay. A talking owl seems to know the solution to Link's problem of getting off the island. The only way to get off the island is to wake up the wind fish that sleeps in an egg on top of the island; to do this he needs to collect 8 sirens instruments. While on his quest to collect the instruments Link's discovers the island biggest secrets; it's all a dream of the wind fish. If he wakes the fish all the inhabitants of the island will disappear, and this could include him. What will happen when Link's opens the Pandora’s box that comes with waking the wind fish?

Graphics:
The graphics in the DX are exactly like that in the original Link's awaking. They are very similar to the SNES Zelda game a link to the past, but the sprites are smaller. The camera is in the over head view just like a link to the past.

Color.
If you’re playing with an original Game boy then you won't notice anything in this department. However if you are playing with a GBC you will notice a huge difference in this department. The colors in this game are great. They are bright and well done. The greens are green, the blues are blue, and the reds are red. This really does help the feel of the game, and stops some of the dizziness that happens when playing in the black white.

Super game boy.
For those who own this ancient SNES accessory, and are expecting a lot of super game boy support don't. All you get is a different shade of green then the original game, and a picture of Kholint island has it's border. While the green is better looking, and less vomit inducing. It still gets boring to look at after the first dungeon. If you own a super game boy system and want to play this game in some sort of color; I would recommend you try to track down a super game boy strategy guide. The strategy guide has color codes for each of the dungeons; you can enter these for more color then the basic green.

Sound.
When it comes to sound on the GBC most of its unbearable to listen. Zelda on the other hand music is pretty good; in the over world you will hear a re-mix of the Zelda theme. While it's not the best Zelda re-mix it's still pleasant to listen. In the dungeons you will hear some creepy music which will get you into the dark themes of the dungeons.

Game play.
The game play is the typical Zelda style. Enter 8 dungeons, beat dungeon master, and collect the item (this time it's siren instruments). While in between the dungeons Link will need to find a key for each dungeon, or something that will un-block the way to the dungeon.

There is one thing that is different in this game then and any other Zelda game. That is that you have to equip items to the A and B button. This includes your sword and shield to. While the good part about it is that you can combine items, and weapons to make some neat things happen (example arrow and bombs will make a missile that explodes when touched). The bad news is that everything in this game except walking takes an item, so you have to constantly switch items to get past different obstacles.

Special features.
If you own a GBC then there is a whole new dungeon to explore. The dungeon is in the graveyard, but before you can get it; you have to find a way to get the book off the top shelf at the library. The dungeon is optional, but if you win you will get a choice between two color clothes. The red clothes will increase your attack power, the blue will increase defense. If you change your mind you can always replay thorough the stage, and reselect the item. This is only available if you are playing the GBC, if you are not you will be stopped before even entering the dungeon.

Also there is a new photo shop Tal Tal heights. In the game now are special scenes you can activate by standing at different places. While these scenes are funny, and they give you a picture you can print out; (if you have the game boy printer) they do nothing to really effect the game play outside of them.

Who would I recommend this item to.
I would recommend the dx version to any Zelda fan that has a GBC. Even if you already have the original link's awaking it's worth the extra money for the added features and colors. I would not recommend it to people who have the original link's awaking, and don't have a GBC. All you get for your 30 dollars with a classic game boy, is the camera side quest, and some extra clouds drawn in at the opening screen. If your a person who has a classic game boy and doesn’t own either, I would suggest digging in the bargain bin for the original Zelda game.

All in all I would recommend either version of the game, to any game boy fan or Zelda fan.


Recommended: Yes