Overview
Zelda, unplugged. Link’s Awakening proved the series could thrive on portable hardware. Koholint Island felt complete despite Game Boy limitations—villages with personalities, dungeons with clever puzzles, a world worth exploring. The dream-logic narrative and melancholic ending elevated what could have been a simple handheld adaptation into something profound.
Fast facts
- Developer: Nintendo EAD.
- Director: Takashi Tezuka.
- Year: 1993.
- Platform: Game Boy.
Island world
| Location | Character |
|---|
| Mabe Village | Central hub |
| Tal Tal Heights | Mountain range |
| Animal Village | Quirky residents |
| Wind Fish Egg | Final destination |
Dungeon structure
| Dungeon | Instrument |
|---|
| Tail Cave | Full Moon Cello |
| Bottle Grotto | Conch Horn |
| … | Eight total |
| Purpose | Wake Wind Fish |
Cameo appearances
| Character | Origin |
|---|
| Chain Chomp | Mario |
| Goombas | Mario |
| Kirby | Kirby |
| Yoshi doll | Mario |
Narrative themes
| Element | Impact |
|---|
| Dream world | Reality questioned |
| Consequences | Awakening’s cost |
| Attachment | Island residents |
| Ending | Bittersweet resolution |
DX version
| Enhancement | Addition |
|---|
| Colour | Game Boy Color |
| New dungeon | Colour-based puzzles |
| Photo quest | Camera feature |
See also