Moot_Geeza wrote:I'd heard mixed things about Minish Cap but it was a pretty solid adventure imo, and I didn't play it until 2017. I had a look at my thoughts on both games, just to be sure, and it seems LA edged it immediately after playing:
Zelda: The Minish Cap - GBA
Finally. I kick stuff out of my pile of shame all the time, eventually conceding defeat, but this is something I kept on there since launch. It's not a masterpiece, but it's a fine effort by Capcom. The shrinking was serviceable rather that special, as was the doppelganger thing, but the kinstone pieces and figurines were a neat (optional) addition. Much like ALBW, it's too easy for the most part, even though I only found two bottles/a smattering of heart pieces. The last boss took three attempts to work out, but other than that I don't think I died. I'd always assumed it was short, maybe 8hrs or so, but I'd say it weighed in closer to 12, and that was without doing much in the way of extras. None of the dungeon design stood out, but they were all solid. I think I'll settle on a slightly harsh [7] - good, but not quite up there.
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening - Switch
First timer here. It's easy to see why this is so revered as a 1993 Gameboy title, but played first as a reboot it's a touch trickier to asses. Getting the old stuff out the way first - it's close to mind boggling to me that this is based on an OG Gameboy game. As mentioned elsewhere I had no idea that machine hosted games this complex. I've watched a few videos and I'm very impressed by it. So, big shout to the original, but from here on in we'll be focusing on the reboot.
Don't panic! It's still, mostly, an excellent Zelda entry. It lacks the intricacies of ALttP but the combat is fun and the dungeons are mostly high quality. The last 2D Zelda I played was Minish Cap (in 2017 iirc), and I'd put the majority of these dungeons above what was on offer there. The update is chunky and lush - non game-breaking framerate stutters aside - but it's a shame more wasn't added to alleviate the feeling of being totally stumped. The phone shacks help, but they're not a complete cure. Which clearly makes this a game best enjoyed by those who have sampled its delights before. With Google as my new Navi I successfully muddled through, but I'd probably still be stuck if I hadn't reached for pointers here and there.
I was reasonably confident I knew the ending going in, and yup. Again, that was probably quite something in a 30yr old game but I doubt it would be put on such a pedestal in 2020. Good though (and probably the best thing I can remember from a Zelda game in terms of storytelling), just not amazing!!!1
Toyed with a [7] but with its roots taken into account it scrapes an [8].
Moot_Geeza wrote:I played Mafia III briefly and thought the dialogue was surprisingly good, but the early missions didn't really pull me in, so I was out. Should I go back? Is 12hrs an estimate because that seems low for a modern open world experience.
Moot_Geeza wrote:It's on the maybe pile then, thanks. The reboot of the first game might be more my jam though.
It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!