Zelda: A link to the past. SNES or GBA?

[TG Bloody Wolf]

I bought the GBA cart, but then a friend of mine stated that it wasn't as great as the SNES version. I'm not entirely well versed in the matters of classic gaming, and I thought that the GBA version was the ONLY version of this game. I'm a "modern" type gamer who has recently taken interest in classic games, and I wouldn't know the difference. (If any?)

I know the GBA version includes the Four swords game, but that's of no interest to me. I would simply like to know opinions.

Thanks!

[Jorpho]

A lot of people really, really don't like Link's constant yammering in the GBA version. And like many other GBA games, the palette is over-brightened, if I'm not mistaken.

[wiggyx]

The palette adjustment is to account for the non-illuminated GBA LCD. Looks about perfect on an AGB-001, and way off on an AGS-001 or 101 :(

The GBA version "fixed" the ability to play dungeons 5 and 6 in reverse order, thusly cutting the time it takes to complete 5 by a significant amount of time (because of the item acquired in 6). Lord knows why they fixed this non-problem, but it's fucking annoying if you ask me.

[Leo_A]

The brightening of the graphics doesn't really do much harm. Someone that hasn't played the original in a while or isn't comparing back & forth won't notice any issue since it still looks great.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Re0-64tm3FY

And while I can see how it could annoy, I personally don't really notice the yelps and such. If you've ever played the Mario Advance ports on the GBA and don't notice Mario's voice samples after the first few seconds, you won't notice Link's added sound effects. It's especially easy to ignore since the samples are taken directly from Ocarina and Majora's Mask. If you're familiar with those games, you'll probably barely notice their unnecessary presence here.

But assuming that you want to play it on a tv set, definitely go with the SuperNes original. The sound is superior (The GBA doesn't quite do justice to a few pieces of the music) and the screen isn't cropped a bit like the GBA port and will obviously also be full screen rather than windowed. And the only additions to the GBA port are the Four Swords multiplayer game and a new sidequest and dungeon in the single player component that requires playing through Four Swords to unlock.

So unless you have a buddy with a GBA and a cartridge which isn't too likely these days, you won't even be able to access those single player extras.

[thegamezmaster]

Doesn't matter to me. I like both. Link's voice adds to the game for me and if you don't like it turn down the volume. And both can be played on the go or at home on a TV.

[Alianger]

There's a detailed comparison on youtube, judge for yourself.

[SparTonberry]

The GBA version added the trading sequence that became obligatory in Zelda games after being introduced in Link's Awakening. :P

As to turning the sound down to avoid hearing Link's yelling, maybe some people would like to still hear the music and other sound effects. :(

[Videogamerdaryll]

This is just an opinion on what I use to play GBA games...A DSlite...or a back Lit (Now With Brighter Screen version) Gameboy SP..
The AGS-101 GBA SP model that featured an improved backlit screen

However as stated above the game will look way off on a AGS-001 or 101


My favorite system to use to play GBA games is an SP...
But now that I'm older and I can't see for shit..
I prefer to use DSlite..the colors look great ..But I've never tried this game on a DS.

Has anyone played that game on a DS?..how's it look..?

.....................
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_Boy_Advance_SP

[Jorpho]

Apparently the screens on the DS Lite are exactly the same as those on the AGS-101.

[Tanooki]

Jorpho is right, the 'brighter' late model SP has the same general panel shared by both the DSLite/i and the GB Micro too, very clear, crisp and sharp.

Anyway about the game, here's a really nice definitive list of the changes/variations between the SNES/GBA.
http://strategywiki.org/wiki/The_Legend_of_Zelda:_A_Link_to_the_Past/Version_Differences

Seriously though from the aesthetic end the visuals aren't taking a hit at all on the GBA other than the resolution change and that's not much as they're not oddly scaled in a weird way (like how NES Classic games are crushed to fit emulated.) Certain visuals are even added in minor ways to enhance things (see the list above linked.) Audio, the GBA sound isn't as clean as the SNES, but it still is very close since the audio clarity on GBa is driven by how much the processor is used up for other functions from general AI, visuals, other code, as audio gets the leftovers. The audio does add those 'modern' yells and grunts Link does in the console games, and I don't consider it a drawback, but it's not really a plus, it just gives it a modern fit. There are weapon/item changes, and all things considered they're upgrades bringing the game up to the modern era in what those items do currently versus back in 1991 so that is a plus.

Personally I don't have a big preference on either of them, but if you check the list aside from the smaller viewing area and the slightly lesser quality audio the GBA game actually is superior.

[JSoup]

The GBA version added the trading sequence that became obligatory in Zelda games after being introduced in Link's Awakening. :P

I don't recall this trading sequence. Are you talking about the cosmetic items that are added to Link's house when certain objectives are met in Four Swords?

[Leo_A]

I don't recall this trading sequence. Are you talking about the cosmetic items that are added to Link's house when certain objectives are met in Four Swords?

If you earn 10 medals in Four Swords, you open up a new side quest in LttP. It's a fetch quest added to the GBA port that gives you a series of riddles by the lumberjacks and you have to get the item that corresponds to each clue.

[JSoup]

If you earn 10 medals in Four Swords, you open up a new side quest in LttP. It's a fetch quest added to the GBA port that gives you a series of riddles by the lumberjacks and you have to get the item that corresponds to each clue.

Ah, that is also the one I was talking about. Having never sat the quest myself, I wasn't aware that it was a fetch quest.

[Rickstilwell1]

Both versions are very good. They differ enough to make me want to play both on various occasions. Actually whenever a remake comes out I put all ports on my to-do list. I just don't feel like a total master unless I beat the game for every system, even if it's the same on a different platform. (It's got different controllers.)

What I liked the most about the GBA version is that it actually lets you keep the shovel and use it to get rupees and hearts from under the ground (which was a new thing Link's Awakening added. The original shovel could only dig up the flute, otherwise it was useless so it got replaced by the flute.) No it's not needed to survive through the game, but it is its own unique way of laughing at the original version.

[Gatucaman]

The brightening of the graphics doesn't really do much harm. Someone that hasn't played the original in a while or isn't comparing back & forth won't notice any issue since it still looks great.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Re0-64tm3FY

And while I can see how it could annoy, I personally don't really notice the yelps and such. If you've ever played the Mario Advance ports on the GBA and don't notice Mario's voice samples after the first few seconds, you won't notice Link's added sound effects. It's especially easy to ignore since the samples are taken directly from Ocarina and Majora's Mask. If you're familiar with those games, you'll probably barely notice their unnecessary presence here.

But assuming that you want to play it on a tv set, definitely go with the SuperNes original. The sound is superior (The GBA doesn't quite do justice to a few pieces of the music) and the screen isn't cropped a bit like the GBA port and will obviously also be full screen rather than windowed. And the only additions to the GBA port are the Four Swords multiplayer game and a new sidequest and dungeon in the single player component that requires playing through Four Swords to unlock.

So unless you have a buddy with a GBA and a cartridge which isn't too likely these days, you won't even be able to access those single player extras.

But the GBA version is properly re-translated (No more Link & Zelda are brothas!!!)

[SparTonberry]

I don't recall this trading sequence. Are you talking about the cosmetic items that are added to Link's house when certain objectives are met in Four Swords?

I'm sure there was some sort of riddle guy added (in ALttP, never played FS because it is multiplayer-only) where you had to find items to solve his riddles.

Come to think of it, I might have been played on an emu with a FS-completed predefined save if that makes a difference.

[o.pwuaioc]

Same with Mario, adding Link's voice kills this game for me. Pass.

[wiggyx]

Apparently the screens on the DS Lite are exactly the same as those on the AGS-101.

They are not the same LCD. Same tech, not the same part shared by the different consoles.

[Lady Jaye]

I own both and finished the original several times, as well as the GBA version (played on a DS Lite) and to me, the differences aren't big enough to reject one over the other. I don't have a preference either way, it's more a question of whether I want to play at home or on the go.

[TG Bloody Wolf]

Going with the GBA version. If there is any reason as to why I shouldn't; notify me. No, I won't be looking at video comparisons because those have a tendency to spoil games. They usually go on the false pretense that everyone has already played the classic game, and know fully of the plot details. (I don't.)

[Tanooki]

As long as you're not going to be a kid about it and let Link doing his verbal shouts from Ocarina of Time ruin your fun it is a superior game with all the little upgrades, fixes and changes. But in the end there's still the same title on the SNES where you're not missing much going either way with it.

[SparTonberry]

I try to be adult about it but I still wish Link had a mute button after about five minutes. :P

And then there is the Mr. Know It All Mustache Man who grabs the wrong powerup and tells me it's "just what I needed!" Alright then, you want to go save that princess yourself?

[tomaitheous]

The superior audio makes the snes cart a win for me. Also, the better viewable area as well (the screen isn't cropped). But if it's gaming on the go that you need, or just liking playing on a game handheld in general, then go for the GBA version.

[Eternal Champion]

For some reason I miss my SNES Link to the Past. I stupidly sold it off a few years before retro gaming exploded - have you all seen the prices that thing is going for these days?
Anyway the GBA version is well done despite the Ocarina voice. I think I'm getting tired of the small GBA screen, is all.