So I played this game back when it was free about 8 years ago. It was awesome then, it's still awesome. The only thing that's changed, is I forgot how difficult it was (or I played it on easy back then...). Anyways, this game is tough.
Do NOT play this game on Hard difficulty unless you love games where normal enemies one-shot you and you die. For some reason it took me quite a good chunk of the game before I realized I wasn't getting health upgrades... Then I replayed in on normal and enjoyed it much more, granted, it was still tough.
I used JoyToKey to allow using my Xbox 360 controller for this game, which made it actually playable. You can also use a gamepad controller, but the 360 controller felt better to me. I also cheated and set a button on the controller to be a turbo-shoot button, so that I don't worsen my inevitable carpal tunnel progression. Also, it's a platform shooter, so having a turbo button allows me to completely own the enemies face as I stand next to them.
So back to the review! The game is really enjoyable, in a nostalgic way. The graphics were updated when they put the game on Steam, and they also redid the soundtrack. They also added a seasonal graphics update which you can enable or disable in the options. All of these are great, and the overall game did not change (it was good then, it's good now).
The story is good, and the presentation of the story fits.
The difficulty options:
* Easy - you take half damage
* Normal - this is what I played it on this time around
* Hard - you get no health upgrades and will be one-shot by quite a few enemies, be prepared to load... a lot
The weapons power up as you collect mini-Triforces dropped by killed enemies, which makes not getting hit doubly important. Also, there are some hidden weapons, if you want to just Google them. Almost every weapon has a good use, and there are a few you have to choose one or the other.
So the only thing I planned to do that I didn't do this completion run, was the optional extra final boss. He is unbelievably difficult to get to, and once you get to him, it's a multiple-stage boss fight and if you lose, you must redo quite a bit of legwork to get back to fighting him. I had the patience 8 years ago, and I'm not sure I still have it.
Ok, quick update. Screw that, it only took about 30 minutes, but I beat the bastard again. Muahahahaa! Done.
Yep, I've been spoiled by modern games. Also, if any game has quick saves, I will quick save enough such that I will never have to repeat:
* Any fight
* Any conversation/choice
* Reopen any door I opened before
Also, if the quick saves are not on a small rotation or single slot implementation, I will most likely fill up my hard drive (stares at The Witcher)
Overall, very enjoyable game filled with awesome nostalgia. If it's your first time through, play it on Easy and enjoy it.
