The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening is a 1993 handheld action-adventure developed by Nintendo EAD, the first Zelda made for a portable system. Shipwrecked on the mysterious Koholint Island, Link must collect eight instruments and awaken the slumbering Wind Fish to find a way home.

Despite the original Game Boy's monochrome limitations, it delivered a full Zelda experience with intricate dungeons, item-based puzzles, side-scrolling platform sections and a surprisingly emotional, dreamlike story about the nature of the island itself. Its quirky townspeople, trading side-quest and playful cameos from other Nintendo franchises gave it a charm distinct from the console entries, and its clever design belied the small screen.

Link's Awakening is regarded as one of the finest handheld games of its time. It received an enhanced color re-release and, decades later, a full remake with a charming toy-like diorama art style, ensuring its bittersweet story continues to reach new players.