This game's age definitely shows at times. Link's movement isn't very fast and the combat is pretty clunky. I was initially feeling pretty frustrated with the game's dated feel, but to save myself more frustration, I ultimately decided to look at a guide so I could get more Heart Pieces. Eventually, I felt compelled to get every item, Skulltula token, etc. and I started to notice I was having a lot more fun than I was in the beginning. Exploring each area and getting to know the NPCs was really fun, and I enjoyed the creative use of items to solve puzzles in dungeons and get more collectables. The cinematics and storytelling are also really well done for its time. It definitely took some time for me to get used to the controls, but overall I really enjoyed my time with Ocarina of Time and I can finally see why it has this sort of "legendary" status in gaming history.

A breath of fresh air. After years of what seemed like endless New Super Mario Bros. titles, we finally get the 2D Mario game this franchise has so desperately needed. Each level offers something new and interesting, and the Wonder effects kept me wondering (lol) what fun idea the game would show off next. The characters and enemies are the most visually detailed they've ever been, and I absolutely loved the visuals for many of the worlds (especially Shining Falls).

It was satisfying to get 100% completion, but the lack of postgame content or any sort of meaningful completion reward was a bit disappointing. There's also a strange lack of boss fights, and the boss fights we do get are pretty disappointing (aside from the final boss, which was pretty fun). I get that boss fights aren't the Mario series' strong suit, but even in the NSMB games the bosses were at least different enough to feel fresh.

With all that being said, 2D Mario is so back. And I couldn't be happier.

This was my first time completing a Zelda game, and it was overall quite an enjoyable experience. The dungeons are well-designed and gradually powering Link up with upgrades felt rewarding and satisfying. The parallel world idea is really neat and very ambitious for its time. I also appreciated the bits of storytelling the game provides as you make progress. My only complaints would be the regular sword slash feeling inconsistent at times and some of the bosses feeling weirdly designed. It also would’ve been nice to have some sort of fast travel option for the Dark World. Regardless, I had a fun time with Link to the Past, and I will definitely try out some more Zelda games in the future since I had such a positive experience with this one.