A Link to the Past

A Link to the Past is the definitive Zelda game and defined so many of the things we associate with Zelda. Treasure chests, the master sword, dual world gameplay, red/blue crystal switches, even the hookshot comes from this awesome game for the SNES.

This game has it all. Complex dungeons, challenging bosses, an intricate overworld, steady progression, tight controls, and a real sense of adventure. The game absolutely holds up today, and everyone should play it.

Not only have I played this game countless times, I’ve played several romhacks, and played a ton of randomizer. Consider me a Link to the Past evangelist. It’s shocking how good this game is, and more games - more Zelda games - should try to recapture what it does.

There's no story-locking at all in the game (besides the initial rescue of Zelda). Everything is dictated by the items you get and how you use them to progress. It is semi-linear, in that the game tells you the order, but you actually do have some freedom in what to do (like you can get crystal 4 before crystal 2 or 3). Every dungeon is well-crafted and interesting to explore, and once you get to Dark World they become sprawling, complex puzzles to unlock.

I highly encourage anyone who hasn’t played this game to play it. I highly encourage anyone who hasn’t played it in a long time to play it again. And I encourage anyone who has played recent similar games (like Link Between Worlds and the Link’s Awakening remake) to pick this game up.

And after you play it, check out the alttpr randomizer community. It’s a welcoming place that encourages people to play whatever fun style they love. I would liken it to the Magic The Gathering community for its play-whatever-way-you-want attitude.

There are no caveats. The game is the GOAT.