Link’s Awakening’s unbeatable foe returns: unstable frame-rates.
Indeed, the fluctuating frame-rate problems may be even more pronounced.
Despite the similarities between the map layout, the actual placement of everything and size feels very different.
There were no slopes or more varied terrain as we saw in A Link to the Past.
Zelda can perform all these actions right from the beginning which changes how you approach exploration.
It’s interesting stuff.
It’s exactly the behaviour observed in Link’s Awakening but this time it’s even worse.
Once you begin to run again, however, it crashes down to 30fps.
So, some of the issues are triggered by moving through the world - possibly streaming level data.
This can certainly have a detrimental effect on some sections, though.
Basically, most of the gameplay outside of the overworld is smooth overall.
It really is a game of two halves in that sense.
This raises the question then - will it bother you, the player?
If you were annoyed by the issues in Link’s Awakening, well, it is not better here.
If you had no issues with that game, you’ll likely be OK with it.
As you progress, you’ll be able to memorise objects and add them to your collection.
It hasBreath of the Wild-like freedom, only within a more focused level design.
There’s just a lot going on per scene in pursuit of this flexibility.
Then there’s image quality.
Here, we’re seeing the same metrics as Link’s Awakening.
I would say image quality is generally good overall though.
The rest of the visuals very much follow in the footsteps of Link’s Awakening Remake as well.
The main difference this time stems from the more complex world.
The walls are no longer constrained to 90 degree angles and there are slopes in the terrain.
It really is just the frame-rate woes that I take issue with.
In summary, I enjoyed my time with this game and plan to see it through to the end.
It keeps the spirit of the series alive while presenting a decidedly different take on it.
However, it’s not simple to brush aside its performance problems.
And it’s a shame because that’s really the only major flaw here.
The rest of this game is interesting and unique.
I’m really impressed with what the team has achieved here in terms of design.
