Just because you want something doesn’t mean you’ll like it.
As someone who largely games alone, for years I wanted a way to play The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords on my own. It worked well in Four Swords Adventures on the GameCube, so why not allow me to experience the original Four Swords in the same fashion?
Four Swords Anniversary Edition allows you to do just that. You can solo the game by switching between the control of two Links. The problem is, the game was never designed to be played this way. So while they made single player work in the DSiWare rerelease, there’s little to no excitement when actually playing it this way. The main attraction was being able to coordinate with friends to solve basic puzzles. On your own, the simplicity of the dungeon design makes it a hollow experience.
The difference with Four Swords Adventures on the Gamecube is that it was at least built with single-player in mind even if it’s not the focus. On your own, you control the full set of four Links. You even have the ability to put them into formations, which is surprisingly fun to use during the larger combat sequences. Lining up your four Links in a row and releasing a barrage of arrows into a crowd of foes is incredibly satisfying.
Do yourself a favor and play the original Four Swords with some friends. It’ll probably be a lot funner.
(Header Image Source: Eurogamer)
