Four Swords shows off the capabilities of the GBA link cable.
Out of all storyline's between the Zelda series, Four Swords probably would top the list for being simplest and straight-forward storyline. A villain has appeared in the land of Hyrule and resemblance between Link is uncanny. Deemed most likely as Dark Link, you and Princess Zelda follow him into a chamber where the legendary Four Swords rest in the pedestal and the only way to defeat t him is to draw it out. Without warning, another tyrant is released from the pedestal and Link has been split into four beings of himself. On top of the beloved Zelda has been captured along with 6 maidens who stand guard of the Four Swords. The four Links must now travel the land of Hyrule to save the maidens including Zelda and defeat the Enemy which was released.
Like any other Zelda game which has been on a 2D platform, Four Swords classically reinstates the image of that 2D gaming was never about graphics, but gameplay. The main change between gameplay of Four Swords and the other Zelda franchises is that the game has been split into levels rather than one enormous piece of land. Each level contains its own set of heart pieces and items, so when you progress to the next level, the heart pieces and items that you found are not taken with you. This sounds strange as most, if not all Zelda games allow you to carry all items discovered, it still manages to work quite well as the items and heart containers can be found quite easily. The only item which does carry across between all of the levels is the Four Swords and your trusty Hylian shield.
Another change that anyone will recognise are the infamous rupees which support Link financially has been replaced by Gems which add power to the Four Swords. Producers have scrapped the use of purchases from shops and mini-games as there would no specific place to put them. The only similarities between Gems and rupees is that they are quite simple to obtain and the color scheme follows similar values, for example, a green rupee and a green gem have the same value of one.
The enemies of Four Swords follows the same path as the Minish Cap, due to the 2D graphics. Memorable enemies such as the Ortock and Kneese make their 2D comeback and classic Zelda fans will be pleased with the result. Dungeons of Four Swords also follow the retro style of what Zelda once was. Puzzle-solving and confusing dungeon areas may still get the best of you as some prove challenging as its predecessors which has always been a trademark of the Zelda series, even with the simplistic top-view perspective.
Even if you don't have a GBA in your possession, Four Swords is still playable with the Gamecube controller. For single player mode, the GBA link may seem as a gimmick because it only becomes useful only when entering underground passages and cave areas as the screen will swap from your television to your GBA. Although the GBA was probably more intended for the use of multiplayer as your friends cannot know when you'll come out of a cave for a surprise attack.
Although graphically, the game has been toned down so that it can be compatible with the GBA, it still looks quite amazing. This probably makes Four Swords one of the best looking 2d games to be produced, however in this day and age, we are surrounded by gaming technology designed to surpass the qualities of that of 2D gaming. Also some gamers may appreciate the quality and gameplay that 2D graphics can still bring to the gaming community.
Four Swords will also have similar sounds that have been used in previous Zelda games. This goes from the remix version of Fairy fountain to the sounds of discoveries and the whizzing of bows and the explosion of bombs. All of these sounds can only add to the classic, retro feel and maybe give gamers of old and new what Zelda was like back in the days.
Four Swords proves to be quite an interesting game, but only really gives the feeling that it was only designed to give those who have a GBA a reason to link it with their Gamecube. Little things such as the MIA of rupees and the absence of those highly addictive mini-games bring the game down. However, Four Swords gives classic gamers the feel that 2D graphics can still be quite enjoyable and fun when compared to 3D games.