The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition Review

The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition

Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Grezzo Platform: Nintendo DSi Players: 1-4 Release: 2011 Genre: Adventure / Puzzle Rating: 7.6 / 10.0:Satisfactory 

Above is 4-player co-op gameplay

A rerelease of the 2002 Game Boy Advance title The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords and the first Zelda game I ever played, this game was released on DSiWare to celebrate the 25th (Japanese) anniversary of the Legend of Zelda series. The plot has Link remove the Four Sword from its pedestal, releasing the monster within named Vati and creating three multicolored copies of Link. Vati captures Zelda, planning to make her his bride, and it's up to Link and his clones to save her. The game plays identically to its GBA counterpart-- it's a top-down action quest, just like the classic Legend of Zelda titles. The main difference here is that rather than traversing one massive overworld, there are several areas to select from a world map. Any of the stage scan be replayed, and you'll soon realized that the layout changes every time you enter. There are various weapons and gear to find and use, and the stages are filled with clever puzzles. And there's a bonus-- you can play with nearby people via Download Play, which is far more convenient than using a mess of link cables to engage in co-op mode. And although it's fun most of the time, the game has its share of flaws. The stages are sometimes incredibly lengthy, and the puzzles can be frustrating, leading to being dead stuck. And for those of the gamers (including me) who purchased the game  within the first several months of its release got it free of charge, although it's now $4.99, still a bargain. Despite its flaws, The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition is an exceptional, fun-filled game, and no Zelda fan should miss out on celebrating the series anniversary a little late.

Ups
Fun action and bosses
Download Play multiplayer
Was temporarily free

Downs
Frustrating stretches

ESRB: E 10+ Content: Fantasy Violence Price: $4.99 (Download)