GREAT GAME!

So last night I finally faced off against Gannon for the first time (well, it IS "Link to the PAST"). And all I can say is that I WISH there were a Master Game set up in this cartridge because I would play it almost immediately (yes, even with this challenge going on). SPOILERS ABOUND AHEAD.

So after getting to the last door of Gannon's tower, I decided to go straight in. After getting my butt almost handed to me, I finally prevailed only to see Gannon's spirit leave his form and go elsewhere. A flute in the distance called to the bird which took me to the pyramid in the Dark World. This is where I saved and made my last two wishes.

: Ok Genie. Wakey Wakey! I am almost at the end, but wish to have a bit more of a 'completed inventory' than I do now.

: Ok. Lay it on me, mah main Jew ah Jewenstein.

: Ok. My second wish is to waitaminute... did you just call me "Jew ah Jewenstein"?

: .... sorry. Um... it sounded clever in the lamp.

: Second wish - To know where that 4th bottle is. Third wish is to know where the remaining 5 pieces of heart are.

: I shall tell you in verse - (ahem)

The bottle you seek is in the dark lands
Where the smithies would be, if you will,
The chest can't be opened, so take it to light
The silent man sits in the desert.

Go to GameFaqs, for there you will find
a list of the hearts.


: Wow... that didn't even rhyme.

: ... yeah, I'm not very good at poetry.

So after getting the bottle and one more piece of heart (and not wanting to spend too much time searching for the others) I go forth and fight Gannon. Emerging victorious (after three attempts) I smiled as the credits ran pleased that all was right in the world, and enjoying the music greatly.

For those of you in the know, my final stats were:
Total Games Played: 048 (1, 2, 3)
Game Play Time: 15 hours 30 minutes
Life Hearts: 19
Sword: 4
REVIEW:
That I have never played this game before is a real tragedy as this is surely one of the best games I have ever played. Nintendo went back to a plan that works with A Link To The Past after the previous Zelda II game.

The graphics are truly reminiscent of what majesty the Super Nintendo system brought to the world. Crisp colors and clever graphics make for a great game. The animation is pleasant and never confusing.

The game world is well mapped out to give a challenge to both the novice and the seasoned gamer. There is just enough puzzle in the world to have a youngster make it through (more-so than the first and second titles) and the addition of the world map made it easier still. But don't think that knowing where things were made the difficulty of getting there any cake-walk. The difficulty still forces those grey matter cells to pump furiously as you try to determine how to proceed. A terrific challenge.

Then we get into the storyline which is very detailed for a game that is not really an RPG. The history is deep enough so you feel bad when things happen to the townsfolk, but distances its self enough so that you don't feel like you have to follow too much of a path (harkening back to the first Zelda game's non-linear play).

As endings go, this was a truly satisfying event for me. Usually, the titles just pop up and that's it. But the game drew you into the ending and resolved many things that were just floating about. Then, when the credits did roll, the music was haunting and pleasant. A truly enchanting experience.

So, for giving me so much for my time and making me wish it never ended, I give The Legend of Zelda: A Link To The Past five Disco Warios!

Now, I start the fourth game of the series, this time on hand-held! The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening came out in 1993 on the GameBoy Color to an audience ready for more fun. Not being satisfied with being repetitive, the gameplay changed slightly and more features were added. I am now on my way to play the fourth game in this incredible series.