BS Zelda (SNES)

The classic NES game gets a "super" makeover
The classic NES game gets a “super” makeover

The Legend of Zelda is one of the most iconic games in Nintendo history, hell, make that video game history. The NES classic provided countless memories for many of us who grew up in the glorious ’80s. I’ll admit I appreciate the game for what it is, but it’s never been one of my top favorites. Link to the Past, however, is another story entirely. But you got to respect the first one. When I found out several years ago that the original game was “souped up” for the Super Nintendo, I knew I had to get my hands on a copy. It was released as a downloadable game in the late ’90s only via Japan’s Satellaview service.

The first thing you will notice immediately is the enhanced graphics. While I feel they’re not quite on the “enhanced” level as Super Mario All-Stars, I have to say this will do. To me they strike a healthy balance between 8-bit and 16-bit. 12-bit, if you will. Hey, at least the graphics were enhanced more than what we got with Ninja Gaiden Trilogy!

NES original
NES original
BS Zelda

Pretty cool to see the original world in 16-bit visuals, no? It definitely strikes the eye as simple and pleasing. The colors are much richer (naturally) and the whole world seems to come alive that much more. Here’s one more example:

NES original
NES original
BS Zelda
BS Zelda

Diehard purists may scoff, but I welcome these changes with open arms. The Legend of Zelda never looked so good before!

But enough of the visuals. How does the game play? Pretty much the same classic Zelda you know and love. You can collect more Rupees here, the overworld is altered and the maps are different. But the same weapons and items are there, and the quest remains the same: kill Ganon, restore peace to Hyrule, collect the Triforce pieces and save Princess Zelda. Weapons can now be conveniently switched with a tap of the shoulder buttons L or R. Nice.

Bombs may reveal hidden rooms
Bombs may reveal hidden rooms
Ah, the classic sword scene with the old wise man
Ah, the classic sword scene with the old wise man
The classic overworld never looked better
The classic overworld never looked better
Vintage 8-bit gameplay in a sleek 16-bit package
Vintage 8-bit gameplay in a sleek 16-bit package
Gotta catch 'em all!
Gotta catch ‘em all!
Battle monsters using your brawn and brains
Battle monsters using your brawn and brains
The dungeon music is creepier than the original
The dungeon music is creepier than the original
Gotta love that classic dungeon gameplay
Gotta love that classic dungeon gameplay
It's a 3-for-1 special on aisle 4!
It’s a 3-for-1 special on aisle 4!
Use special weapons to aid your quest
Use special weapons to aid your quest
Think this is bad? Later on you'll face TWO of 'em
Think this is bad? Later on you’ll face TWO of ‘em
Some items aren't weapons but are still much needed
Some items aren’t weapons but are still much needed
Good luck, Link...
Good luck, Link…

CLOSING THOUGHTS

An epic final battle for an epic first game
An epic final battle for an epic first game

Although I’m not the biggest fan of The Legend of Zelda, I enjoyed playing this one very much so. The visual upgrade is very pleasing to the eye, the music is as memorable as it was in the original (I find the dungeon music in BS Zelda to be much creepier) and the game plays like classic, vintage Zelda. I wouldn’t play this over Link to the Past, but as far as “remakes” go, this one ranks up there. It makes me wish there was a BS Metroid, BS Kid Icarus, BS Rygar, BS Contra, BS Mega Man 2 and the list goes on and on. But hey, at least we got BS Zelda. It’s definitely worth a playthrough. I can’t guarantee you’ll like it more than the original, but you’ll probably get a good kick out of seeing familiar sights in 16-bit glory.

Graphics: 8
Sound: 9.5
Gameplay: 9
Longevity: 8

Overall: 9.0

Gold Award