Sparklite & Zelda: Link’s Awakening
I rolled the dice and purchased Sparklite this past month, after humming and hawing over the roguelite the past few years. Five hours later, I got the platinum.
My buddy’s Christmas gift arrived just afterwards: The Legend Of Zelda: Link’s Awakening. Another game I’d been interested in playing, well, now I can! A week of snow days at work helped facilitate a playthrough!
So – the question is: Which is the better Zelda game? The answer, without question, Sparklite.
I haven’t the time now to dive into a full write-up, but some key points follow
Sparklite
- Fun, light combat
- Meaningful upgrades
- Enjoyable roguelite elements
- Diverse biomes
- Simple, trackable collectibles
- Fantastic visuals
Zelda
- Bullshit 1993 level design
- Awesome presentation
- Where the fuck do I go now?
- Obtuse and nonsensical
Now, I totally understand Zelda’s loyalty to its source material. But as a gamer who didn’t play the 1993 game in 1993, I most certainly want nothing to do with 1993 design in 2026. (yes, I know it came out seven years ago). It was all just so absurd. The early dungeons were fun, but dungeon 7, I’m looking at you – Holy shit, what bullshit. It was one of those games that you complete and immediately say, “I want never to play this again.”
Sparklite on the other hand, had its share of flaws, but was an enjoyable experience throughout. I hardly put it down, and while the final trophies were a bit grindy, they weren’t necessary to complete the tale. I had a great time playing this and I’m glad I dove in, despite reservations.
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