The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds – A Masterstroke on Nintendo 3DS

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds – A Masterstroke on Nintendo 3DS When Nintendo launched The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds in November 2013 for the Nintendo 3DS, fans and critics alike were eager to see how the iconic franchise would evolve on handheld hardware.

Developed by Nintendo EAD, this top-down action-adventure serves as a spiritual successor to the 1991 Super Nintendo classic, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past.

With its innovative mechanics, refined presentation, and nods to series tradition, A Link Between Worlds quickly cemented its status as one of the best experiences on the eShop and in the Zelda lineage. The adventure begins with Link afflicted by recurrent nightmares, prefiguring the dangers he will face in his renewed quest to defend Hyrule.

After a scolding from the Blacksmith for oversleeping, Link follows the castle’s captain only to witness the villainous Yuga transform both Seres—a descendant of the Seven Sages—and the captain into paintings.

Seemingly outmatched, Link finds himself rescued by the mysterious merchant Ravio, who gifts him a peculiar bracelet in exchange for temporary lodging. This bracelet, as Princess Zelda later recognizes, protects Link and becomes central to his journey.

When Yuga extends his magical onslaught to Zelda herself, turning her into a painting, the bracelet’s power temporarily saves Link, setting in motion an unexpected quest that redefines Zelda gameplay. A Link Between Worlds introduces the groundbreaking mechanic of merging into walls as a 2D painting—a simple idea executed with masterful precision.

This ability not only transforms puzzle-solving within dungeons but injects new life into world exploration, challenging players’ perception and rewarding curiosity.

As series producer Eiji Aonuma described, the team wanted to deliver familiar top-down adventure with a fresh twist, and the wall-merging mechanic became a "game-changing revelation" for both development and play. The game’s open-ended structure is further amplified by Ravio’s Shop, a bold departure from linear Zelda formulas.

Early in the game, players can rent or purchase vital items, enabling them to tackle main dungeons in an order of their choosing.

This design, coupled with a flexible item management system and straightforward rental costs, empowers players to carve their own path.

Each dungeon preserves its trademark variety and intensity, with ingenious puzzles and formidable bosses that test not just reflexes but lateral thinking, thanks to Link’s newfound abilities. Convenience features such as Weather Vanes for fast travel, an interactive touchscreen map for waypoints, and charming mini-games—including Treacherous Tower, Octoball Derby, and Rupee Rush—enrich the experience.

The integration of StreetPass allows players to challenge AI-controlled Shadow Links, earning rupees and record achievements, which extends replayability. Upgrades play a significant role, with players able to enhance their gear by returning lost Maiamai creatures to Mother Maiamai.

This grants upgrades like a triple-shot Bow or more powerful Fire Rod, incentivizing exploration but remaining optional for completionists. Technically, The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds dazzles on the Nintendo 3DS.

Its layered 3D visuals, consistent 60 frames per second performance, and responsive controls highlight the developer’s mastery of the hardware, delivering a seamless and visually striking adventure whether battling foes, solving puzzles, or simply roaming the vibrant overworlds of Hyrule and Lorule. Even as competitors prepared to unveil next-gen hardware in 2013, Nintendo’s innovation with The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds brought fresh energy to the Zelda series and affirmed the enduring legacy of the Nintendo 3DS.

With strong critical reception—including numerous perfect scores—it stands as a creative triumph, offering both nostalgia and new ideas in equal measure.

Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds Nintendo 3DS Ravio Zelda Link Yuga Seven Sages Princess Zelda Ravio's Shop Mother Maiamai Project Sora Kid Icarus: Uprising Lorule Hyrule