The Story of Zelda: Link's Awakening

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  • čas přidán 29. 05. 2019
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    Learn the complete history of The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening. What began as an after-hours passion project turned into one of the greatest Zelda games of all time. Learn how the development team at Nintendo went outside the box and created The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening!
    CORRECTIONS
    - The total # of units sold between both versions is somewhere around 6 million
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Komentáře • 2,7K

  • @GamingHistorian
    @GamingHistorian  Před 5 lety +1564

    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
      @RaineRyanRudnick Před 5 lety +11

      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
      @chuuwieee Před 5 lety +10

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

    • @chilitower
      @chilitower Před 5 lety

      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
      @andknuckles101 Před 5 lety

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

    • @dennistaylor5065
      @dennistaylor5065 Před 5 lety +1

      Game Boy Color Version superior.

  • @SteadyEddie1983
    @SteadyEddie1983 Před 4 lety +1961

    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
      @CollectorsLuck Před 4 lety +115

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

    • @brosephthomas3764
      @brosephthomas3764 Před 4 lety +164

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

    • @one_degenerated_ontarian
      @one_degenerated_ontarian Před 4 lety +235

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

    • @jlh8830
      @jlh8830 Před 4 lety +12

      Really cool story

    • @stardoll9250
      @stardoll9250 Před 4 lety +30

      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.

  • @zaccds
    @zaccds Před 5 lety +1772

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

    • @doodoostickstain
      @doodoostickstain Před 5 lety +146

      lol you lucked out then

    • @LordHorst
      @LordHorst Před 5 lety +120

      Got lucky there. MK for GameBoy sucks! :D

    • @rbfsk8
      @rbfsk8 Před 5 lety +82

      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
      @zaccds Před 5 lety +25

      @@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
      @pandoradoggle Před 5 lety +36

      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.

  • @YN-ih4ge
    @YN-ih4ge Před 2 lety +68

    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
      @PinkyJustice Před 2 měsíci +2

      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

  • @FantasticOtto
    @FantasticOtto Před 4 lety +229

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

    • @rainehappy7097
      @rainehappy7097 Před 3 lety +21

      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
      @raymccue1824 Před 3 lety +3

      Same

    • @mixmastermikepwt
      @mixmastermikepwt Před 3 lety +9

      Glad I wasn't the only one 🤣

    • @shitbreak2k
      @shitbreak2k Před 3 lety +10

      same omg ive been playing this game allllll wrong

    • @Mehwhatevr
      @Mehwhatevr Před 3 lety +5

      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.

  • @joshua238
    @joshua238 Před 5 lety +728

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

    • @KNJfan
      @KNJfan Před 5 lety +50

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

    • @deltatango-six7941
      @deltatango-six7941 Před 5 lety +22

      He wasn’t wrong though lol

    • @Norvo82
      @Norvo82 Před 4 lety +15

      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
      @MrGrace Před 4 lety +4

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

    • @mrdgenerate
      @mrdgenerate Před 4 lety

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

  • @nintendolife
    @nintendolife Před 5 lety +405

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

    • @DylanDude
      @DylanDude Před 5 lety +63

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

    • @pumpkinhead79000
      @pumpkinhead79000 Před 3 lety +3

      @@DylanDude lol

    • @T-Dawg75
      @T-Dawg75 Před 2 lety +5

      You MUST.
      Btw love your content

    • @MountainSnowInc
      @MountainSnowInc Před 2 lety +3

      Number one game on GameBoy. Facts.

  • @SonofMrPeanut
    @SonofMrPeanut Před rokem +35

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

  • @xeros4000
    @xeros4000 Před 4 lety +364

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

    • @tddt1615
      @tddt1615 Před 2 lety +8

      IKR! the man himself!

    • @RPGreg2600
      @RPGreg2600 Před rokem +14

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

  • @skelleytor
    @skelleytor Před 5 lety +642

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

    • @adventureoflinkmk2
      @adventureoflinkmk2 Před 5 lety +18

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

    • @ohnoitschris
      @ohnoitschris Před 5 lety +30

      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
      @ETK696 Před 5 lety +55

      Oracle games are criminally underrated

    • @ETK696
      @ETK696 Před 5 lety +13

      They're some of my favorites to be honest

    • @medes5597
      @medes5597 Před 5 lety +16

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

  • @AlbertScoot
    @AlbertScoot Před 3 lety +99

    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.

  • @JJCanDes
    @JJCanDes Před 5 lety +483

    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
      @endersblade Před 4 lety +45

      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
      @Mahoneyyay Před 4 lety +6

      Same

    • @RumblePirate
      @RumblePirate Před 4 lety +9

      The game got us involved so much

    • @gojesus1234
      @gojesus1234 Před 4 lety +8

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

    • @hagamapama
      @hagamapama Před 4 lety +23

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

  • @kingdomrains
    @kingdomrains Před rokem +24

    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
      @DanielMartinez-ih3hq Před 10 měsíci +1

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

    • @applejuicejunkie316
      @applejuicejunkie316 Před 9 měsíci +1

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

    • @kingdomrains
      @kingdomrains Před 9 měsíci +1

      @@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.

  • @sherbet_scoop
    @sherbet_scoop Před 5 lety +201

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

    • @SerpentineDeity
      @SerpentineDeity Před 5 lety +1

      Egoraptor admitted it is the best in the series.

    •  Před 5 lety +2

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

  • @michaelperez7868
    @michaelperez7868 Před 5 lety +337

    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
      @ridetheapex Před 4 lety +14

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

    • @jamesartaxetiv5477
      @jamesartaxetiv5477 Před 4 lety +5

      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
      @endersblade Před 4 lety +6

      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
      @shinigamimiroku3723 Před 4 lety +3

      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
      @machineunit Před 4 lety +2

      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.

  • @jaypee9575
    @jaypee9575 Před 2 lety +17

    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.

  • @mmn19900
    @mmn19900 Před 5 lety +285

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

    • @AnonymousFrogNG
      @AnonymousFrogNG Před 5 lety

      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
      @borndorian92 Před 5 lety

      Thought the same 💯

    • @NateyCat
      @NateyCat Před 5 lety

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

  • @PixelGameSquad
    @PixelGameSquad Před 5 lety +271

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

  • @paulsneddon1234
    @paulsneddon1234 Před rokem +6

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

  • @kated47
    @kated47 Před 4 lety +170

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

    • @rogeranimates3357
      @rogeranimates3357 Před 3 lety +3

      Good job!

    • @90kuky
      @90kuky Před 3 lety +2

      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
      @Drew_2152 Před 2 lety +1

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

    • @christianblanco2568
      @christianblanco2568 Před 2 lety

      Fr fr

    • @DaPlasticPaddy
      @DaPlasticPaddy Před rokem

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

  • @stillstyle
    @stillstyle Před 5 lety +453

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

    • @lostempire6862
      @lostempire6862 Před 5 lety +7

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

    • @Mictian1980
      @Mictian1980 Před 5 lety +14

      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
      @firebeardnc6012 Před 4 lety +18

      That triforce you like is going to come back in style

    • @butcherax
      @butcherax Před 4 lety +7

      Agent Cooper's Awakening

    • @aaronstark5060
      @aaronstark5060 Před 4 lety +2

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

  • @Moshugaani
    @Moshugaani Před 5 lety +17

    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
      @DylanDude Před 5 lety

      @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
      @fixman88 Před 4 lety

      @@DylanDude And that was *before* Pokemon.

  • @matthybel955
    @matthybel955 Před 4 lety +39

    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
      @DanielMartinez-ih3hq Před 10 měsíci

      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.

  • @MrFoxInc
    @MrFoxInc Před 2 lety +49

    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.

  • @Gr33nshell
    @Gr33nshell Před 5 lety +206

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

    • @AnonymousFrogNG
      @AnonymousFrogNG Před 5 lety +1

      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
      @justinkinter8651 Před 5 lety +1

      @@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
      @UltraHylia Před 5 lety +1

      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
      @hattymchappy Před 5 lety

      @@UltraHylia May I see it?

    • @UltraHylia
      @UltraHylia Před 5 lety

      hattymchappy No

  • @irritationnation6122
    @irritationnation6122 Před 5 lety +88

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

    • @MisterCasket
      @MisterCasket Před 5 lety +12

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

    • @JUSXTREME96
      @JUSXTREME96 Před 5 lety +10

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

    • @MisterCasket
      @MisterCasket Před 5 lety

      @@JUSXTREME96 true.

  • @TheSoliloquist
    @TheSoliloquist Před 4 lety +7

    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.

  • @rBennich
    @rBennich Před 5 lety +54

    "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

  • @soyUsernameWasTaken
    @soyUsernameWasTaken Před 5 lety +50

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

  • @kdude2704
    @kdude2704 Před 5 lety +187

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

    • @Oxxyjoe
      @Oxxyjoe Před 5 lety +3

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

    • @kdude2704
      @kdude2704 Před 5 lety

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

    • @WuschelofDespair
      @WuschelofDespair Před 5 lety

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

    • @leinhartzank7111
      @leinhartzank7111 Před 5 lety

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

    • @Oxxyjoe
      @Oxxyjoe Před 5 lety +1

      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

  • @jayf17z
    @jayf17z Před 5 lety +70

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

  • @pluperw
    @pluperw Před 5 lety +60

    this man deserves 1 million subs

  • @songoku9348
    @songoku9348 Před 5 lety +77

    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 👍

    • @snoopii2507
      @snoopii2507 Před 5 lety +9

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

    • @themeanestofgenes2409
      @themeanestofgenes2409 Před 5 lety +3

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

    • @douglasmarkwith
      @douglasmarkwith Před 5 lety +1

      Hang in there, man!

    • @julesmcgrules3860
      @julesmcgrules3860 Před 5 lety +1

      Health and happiness to you ✌️🤘

    • @NathanChisholm041
      @NathanChisholm041 Před 4 lety +1

      @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!

  • @monagee9340
    @monagee9340 Před 5 lety +62

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

    • @qwert9876
      @qwert9876 Před 3 lety +3

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

  • @NobleVagabond2552
    @NobleVagabond2552 Před 4 lety +18

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

  • @brycestrife5605
    @brycestrife5605 Před 3 lety +50

    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)

  • @904SupremeDream
    @904SupremeDream Před 5 lety +58

    This is my favorite Zelda game of all time!!

    • @chaoskiller6084
      @chaoskiller6084 Před 5 lety

      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!

  • @lucassiccardi8764
    @lucassiccardi8764 Před 5 lety +194

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

    • @nuclearbeeberman
      @nuclearbeeberman Před 5 lety +3

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

    • @jamesmurray4312
      @jamesmurray4312 Před 4 lety +8

      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
      @chillplayer1234 Před 4 lety

      Lucas Siccardi Nah.

    • @elephant35e
      @elephant35e Před 4 lety +2

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

    • @grimey3480
      @grimey3480 Před 2 lety

      @@jamesmurray4312 can you post the link?

  • @PlotlinePlus
    @PlotlinePlus Před 5 lety +5

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

  • @vansmoken4172
    @vansmoken4172 Před 4 lety +7

    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
      @AmariMarvelous Před 2 lety +1

      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.

  • @dadeleemurphy85
    @dadeleemurphy85 Před 5 lety +43

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

    • @MrAPOD
      @MrAPOD Před 4 lety +6

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

    • @Goobyster
      @Goobyster Před 4 lety +7

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

    • @knowthycell
      @knowthycell Před 3 lety

      @@MrAPOD at least he didn’t say 20th century

  • @wulver810
    @wulver810 Před 5 lety +42

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

    • @mypartyisprivate8693
      @mypartyisprivate8693 Před 5 lety +3

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

  • @FaLL0uTZ0mBie
    @FaLL0uTZ0mBie Před 4 lety +4

    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

  • @ferdinandcountfathom9298
    @ferdinandcountfathom9298 Před 2 lety +3

    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!

  • @EvanCastor
    @EvanCastor Před 5 lety +97

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

    • @TheEgg185
      @TheEgg185 Před 4 lety +1

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

  • @danielbloomquist9810
    @danielbloomquist9810 Před 5 lety +14

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

  • @Capullation76
    @Capullation76 Před 4 lety +24

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

  • @tombuck
    @tombuck Před 4 lety +2

    This is my favorite Zelda game, and I love learning more about the history. Thank you!

  • @norbertcsorba4639
    @norbertcsorba4639 Před 5 lety +32

    Game development being fun. What an interesting concept

  • @FreddPhucks
    @FreddPhucks Před 5 lety +97

    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
      @junybuckles7927 Před 4 lety +4

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

    • @shernweilee5576
      @shernweilee5576 Před 4 lety

      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
      @bigduke5902 Před 4 lety +1

      Splatoon has the exact same development story.

  • @Yagamiar15
    @Yagamiar15 Před 5 lety

    Your content is one of the finest on youtube right now. So informative yet entertaining, in a time where short videos and extreme reactions are required to mantain viewer's attention, it's really wholesome to see videos like yours. Thanks a lot and keep up the very appreciated good work

  • @jazznomad642
    @jazznomad642 Před 5 lety +19

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

  • @timothyritchie5290
    @timothyritchie5290 Před 5 lety +25

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

  • @RevLink
    @RevLink Před 5 lety +50

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

    • @HUYI1
      @HUYI1 Před 5 lety +2

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

    • @AdamChristensen
      @AdamChristensen Před 5 lety +7

      The owls are not what they seem. 🦉

    • @BenCol
      @BenCol Před 5 lety +3

      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!

  • @StephenYap3
    @StephenYap3 Před 5 lety +4

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

  • @AngelStickman
    @AngelStickman Před 4 lety +2

    The music in this game makes it one of the best Zelda games I have played.

  • @victorg7036
    @victorg7036 Před 5 lety +37

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

  • @Garhunt05
    @Garhunt05 Před 5 lety +8

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

  • @meodai
    @meodai Před 5 lety +2

    I am having a blast watching your videos, every single time! Regularly bringing me back to my childhood and unveiling some details about the titles, I had never heard off. Thank you for your amazing work

  • @TheBradRules
    @TheBradRules Před 5 lety

    Great to hear this amazing history. Link's Awakening was always my favorite Zelda game, but now it is SOLIDIFIED, knowing all the love, care and the mindset that went into making this masterpiece of my childhood.

  • @toaster8595
    @toaster8595 Před 5 lety +4

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

  • @marioluigijam3612
    @marioluigijam3612 Před 5 lety +31

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

    • @Mictian1980
      @Mictian1980 Před 5 lety

      Jam I never got to try the Oracle games unfortunately.

    • @marioluigijam3612
      @marioluigijam3612 Před 4 lety +2

      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
      @chatteyj Před 4 lety

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

    • @marioluigijam3612
      @marioluigijam3612 Před 4 lety

      Devonian Dunno never played it.

    • @chatteyj
      @chatteyj Před 4 lety

      @@marioluigijam3612 Why not?

  • @tedweird
    @tedweird Před rokem +1

    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

  • @videogameobsession
    @videogameobsession Před 5 lety +86

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

    • @AshuraMage
      @AshuraMage Před 4 lety +8

      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
      @videogameobsession Před 4 lety +4

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

    • @AshuraMage
      @AshuraMage Před 4 lety +2

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

    • @MrRooke
      @MrRooke Před 4 lety +3

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

    • @AshuraMage
      @AshuraMage Před 4 lety +2

      @@MrRooke strange,very strange

  • @TheAileZX2
    @TheAileZX2 Před 5 lety +8

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

    • @grimey3480
      @grimey3480 Před 3 lety

      Can i get a link to this?

    • @nemo84
      @nemo84 Před 3 lety +1

      @@grimey3480 Nintendo Direct 2.13.2019

  • @milo4008
    @milo4008 Před 4 lety

    What a game. Crazy how watching this brings back bits and parts of my memory of a game that I played over 25 years ago.

  • @jamesfowler5100
    @jamesfowler5100 Před 4 lety +4

    Link's Awakening has Mario sleeping in a bed. Mario RPG has Link sleeping in a bed. Cool!

  • @ETBrooD
    @ETBrooD Před 5 lety +78

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

    • @heyhonpuds
      @heyhonpuds Před 5 lety +8

      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
      @ErinTheFennec Před 5 lety +1

      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
      @Avrysatos Před 5 lety +1

      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
      @spector3881 Před 5 lety

      Same here bro

    • @TRJ2241987
      @TRJ2241987 Před 5 lety +1

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

  • @b.lloydreese2030
    @b.lloydreese2030 Před 5 lety +16

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

  • @MatthewdeKimble
    @MatthewdeKimble Před 5 lety +1

    This game is so special. Thanks for another touching and beautiful episode. Actually overwhelming, just love it so much. Can't wait for the remake.

  • @cedhead619
    @cedhead619 Před 5 lety +2

    Links awakening was my first portable Zelda experience. As always, excellent work Norm.

  • @doughankins3996
    @doughankins3996 Před 5 lety +27

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

    • @DM-qm5sc
      @DM-qm5sc Před 5 lety +1

      What's PBS?

    • @debscali7272
      @debscali7272 Před 4 lety

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

    • @debscali7272
      @debscali7272 Před 4 lety

      The Ken Burns of video gaming documentaries?

  • @gregoriolobato3033
    @gregoriolobato3033 Před 5 lety +5

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

  • @bennieblanks5129
    @bennieblanks5129 Před 4 lety

    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.

  • @healinghands884
    @healinghands884 Před 4 lety +1

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

  • @Bwianman85
    @Bwianman85 Před 5 lety +8

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

  • @acebharath
    @acebharath Před 5 lety +7

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

    • @trickeh2k
      @trickeh2k Před 5 lety

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

  • @generfeld
    @generfeld Před 2 lety +1

    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

  • @Vanare
    @Vanare Před 2 lety

    Link's Awakening is still my favorite Zelda game. I've played all but this was the first one that was launched that I was old enough to play new. It has stuck with me ever sense. Thanks for the video, I liked learning the history

  • @blingmobile
    @blingmobile Před 5 lety +20

    norman these are all so insanely good big ups to you my friend

  • @jimwornell5966
    @jimwornell5966 Před 5 lety +18

    Tezuka-san! Love that guy. Great video, Norm!

  • @gameboydadtm37
    @gameboydadtm37 Před 3 lety +1

    Links awakening for the Nintendo Switch has to be one of the best remastered versions of a game ever. Great documentary

  • @luc.7650
    @luc.7650 Před rokem

    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

  • @Masamatt90
    @Masamatt90 Před 5 lety +3

    links awakening is my favorite of the zelda games. i have so many memories with it

  • @Apocalyptico100
    @Apocalyptico100 Před 5 lety +4

    So good to see another episode of Gaming Historian, I can watch your stuff all day! :D

  • @Tftapodcast
    @Tftapodcast Před 4 lety

    This is still my favorite Zelda game and I learned so much from this video. Thanks, Norm!

  • @the.internet
    @the.internet Před 5 lety

    Genuinely my favourite Zelda game and probably favourite Gameboy game full stop. Absolutely loved everything about it. Settling down for this ep! Thanks Mr. Historian!

  • @Noemro
    @Noemro Před 5 lety +7

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

  • @DP3com
    @DP3com Před 5 lety +4

    LOVE this video! Thank you so very much for creating and posting it!

  • @Brokout
    @Brokout Před rokem +3

    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.

  • @subzippo
    @subzippo Před 5 lety +1

    My favorite Zelda. Thank you for making this.

  • @smallsthetimelord4066
    @smallsthetimelord4066 Před 5 lety +31

    Thanks for another great video! Your videos are amazing!

  • @dmist24
    @dmist24 Před 4 lety +1

    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.

  • @Justin-ld7xu
    @Justin-ld7xu Před rokem

    This game is incredible! Replaying it on game and watch all these years later.

  • @toastymansabe
    @toastymansabe Před 5 lety +13

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

  • @RevolverLink
    @RevolverLink Před 5 lety +3

    9:07 Whoa, wait a minute, you can pick up the shopkeeper in the crane game?! I've played through Link's Awakening so many times and never realized you could do that!

    • @jrvbamafan1
      @jrvbamafan1 Před 5 lety

      I didnt remember being able to combine items like the bomb arrow. I dont know if I just forgot about it over time or never knew it, but I found that to be pretty cool. This video was well done

  • @Drforrester31
    @Drforrester31 Před 8 měsíci +1

    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

  • @JonCorOfficial
    @JonCorOfficial Před 4 lety

    The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening, like the channel covering it, is simply phenomenal! Thank you. Love this episode.

  • @aemerox5773
    @aemerox5773 Před 5 lety +12

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

  • @SamuraiDon
    @SamuraiDon Před 5 lety +11

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

    • @DarkIceKrabby
      @DarkIceKrabby Před 5 lety +1

      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.