The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX | Game Boy Color Video Game
Experience The Legend of Zelda: Links Awakening DX on Game Boy Color. Explore Koholint Island, solve puzzles, conquer dungeons, collect powerful items, and awaken the Wind Fish in this classic Zelda adventure.
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX is the enhanced Game Boy Color edition of Nintendo's classic handheld adventure, originally released in 1998. While it follows the same story and dungeon progression as the original 1993 Game Boy release, this version adds full color graphics, a brand-new optional dungeon, and a handful of extra features that make the journey through Koholint Island even more memorable.
The story begins after Link is caught in a storm at sea and washes ashore on the mysterious Koholint Island. Far from Hyrule and separated from everything familiar, he soon learns that the only way to leave the island is to awaken the legendary Wind Fish. To do that, players must travel across the island, uncover secrets, conquer dangerous dungeons, and collect the eight Instruments of the Sirens.
What makes Link's Awakening stand out from other Zelda games is its unique setting and dreamlike atmosphere. The island is filled with unusual characters, strange events, and surprises that give the adventure its own identity. Even decades after release, many players consider it one of the strongest entries in the handheld Zelda series.
How to Play
Your goal is to guide Link across Koholint Island while searching for the eight Instruments of the Sirens. The game combines exploration, combat, puzzle-solving, and dungeon crawling in a way that constantly rewards curiosity.
As you explore, you'll discover new tools and equipment that unlock previously inaccessible areas. Items such as the Hookshot, Roc's Feather, and Power Bracelet are essential for reaching hidden locations and solving environmental puzzles. Progress often requires revisiting earlier parts of the island with newly acquired abilities, revealing shortcuts, secrets, and optional content along the way.
The island itself functions as a connected overworld filled with caves, towns, side quests, and collectibles. Dungeons serve as the main challenges, each introducing unique mechanics, enemy types, and puzzle designs. Completing them rewards players with important instruments needed to advance the story.
The DX version also introduces the Color Dungeon, an optional area built around color-based puzzles and enemy patterns. Finishing this dungeon allows players to choose between two permanent upgrades: the Red Tunic, which increases attack power, or the Blue Tunic, which reduces incoming damage.
Another exclusive addition is the Camera Shop. Throughout the adventure, a photographer can capture special moments from Link's journey. These snapshots are stored in an in-game album and were originally compatible with the Game Boy Printer, allowing players to print their favorite images.
Controls
- D-Pad (Arrow Keys): Move Link in all directions across the island, towns, and dungeons.
- A Button (Z key): Use the item assigned to the A slot.
- B Button (X key): Use the item assigned to the B slot.
- Start Button: Open the inventory screen to manage equipment, view collected items, and change assigned tools.
- Select Button: Open the world map and review your progress across Koholint Island.
Why It's Worth Playing
Link's Awakening DX remains one of the most impressive adventures released for the Game Boy Color. Its compact world is packed with secrets, memorable characters, clever dungeon design, and rewarding exploration. The added color visuals bring new life to the island, while the exclusive Color Dungeon provides a worthwhile bonus for returning players.
Whether you're revisiting a childhood favorite or experiencing it for the first time, Link's Awakening DX delivers a classic Zelda adventure that still holds up remarkably well today.
