RUNNER UP: The Legend of Zelda: Link Between Worlds
The critically acclaimed The Legend of Zelda: Link to the Past has finally received a sequel following its release over a decade ago. As a sequel of a classic game, many were asking themselves does it play similarly to its predecessor? What about dungeons? Based on my play through of the game, I must say that A Link Between Worlds is the sequel everyone has been waiting for.
A Link Between Worlds stayed true to the first game as instead of making it modern where it’s all full 3D graphics like Ocarina of Time, Nintendo stuck with its birds eye view formula just like in the first game. Gameplay wise, nothing has changed except a few more buttons becomes available for easy access to weapons and tools. Visually, I must say that Nintendo really did a good job in crafting the visuals as its color accuracy is vibrant and seeing classic enemies from the first game appear in glorious 3D. Those who are anticipating for A Link Between Worlds, it does not disappoint and it will be something that everyone will be looking forward to later this year on the Nintendo 3DS.
HONORABLE MENTION: Killzone Mercenary
The PlayStation Vita line up has quite been a stale ever since it was launched last year. While there are good games that come out once in a while, they’re often ports. To get everyone excited for the PS Vita once again, Sony is releasing an exclusive Killzone title later this year.
After the release of Resistance and Call of Duty: Declassified on the PlayStation Vita, everyone gave up and assumed that PS Vita can never have a decent first person shooter title. Sure, the idea is great but those games weren’t great overall. To gain everyone’s hope that a PS Vita can do a game that shows the console’s full potential, Sony is bringing Killzone: Mercenary. Did it work? Absolutely! In my play-through, one thing I noticed right away is its visual quality. Since both Resistance and Declassified offered some sort of a visual degradation, Killzone: Mercenary is quite different as the quality depicts Killzone 3’s visuals. The lighting and the animation are solid and many will ask themselves if this truly is a portable game or now.
In addition to the visuals, the gameplay is tweaked as well. Those who have played Killzone should be familiar with how the game works. Instead of pushing a button to do a melee attack, players can now swipe the touch pad to do it. When it comes to the AI, they are a lot better than the two games I previously mentioned. Based on my play-through, Killzone: Mercenary has the potential to get system sales but many are still cautious as people have been disappointed with the PS Vita in the past.
