Collection essentials #438: The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX (GBC)

This is an updated, colorized port of The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening for the original Game Boy. For more on what this game is all about and why it’s great, please refer to my post about the original version.

There’s not a whole lot to say about Link’s Awakening DX, really, because it’s pretty much the exact same game just with color added. Having color certainly is very cool! But there are generally no gameplay changes.


Well…almost, but there are a few things! The biggest thing DX adds for sure is a brand new dungeon, called the Color Dungeon. As the name implies, this new dungeon takes advantage of the newfound color by having a series of color-based puzzles. Beating the dungeon gives you new outfits that increase Link’s offensive or defensive power. There’s also a more generous hint system, and there are some photos that can be printed with the Game Boy Printer accessory.


Link’s Awakening was already one of the best Game Boy games, and DX is even better. There’s a 3D remake of this game available now too, but DX still holds up just fine and there’s plenty of merit to playing this version. Another classic Zelda, another no-brainer essential.

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