There are key points in our cultural history from which all other subsequent pieces draw influence and reference. These are bottlenecks in the artistic family tree that all lines must pass through. They are the defining moments: The Marriage of Figaro; Persistence of Memory; Anarchy in the UK; The Battleship Potemkin. All are pieces that will forever be regarded as essential works. And, without any hesitation, A Link to the Past must be regarded as such.

So how can you improve something that is culturally so significant without ruining it? The answer: you don’t. You merely include an additional yet separate piece. Thus we have the re-release of A Link to the Past included with first multi player Zelda adventure, Four Swords. After their exceptional work on the Oracle games, Nintendo commissioned Capcom to produce this additional escapade. Only available for two, three or four persons, each in possession of a GBA plus a copy of the game, Four Swords is more than a mere diversion from the main event. It’s ultimately too short to have been sold as a stand alone game, but it’s an avenue Nintendo and Capcom should pursue again. Four Swords contains just the right amount of cooperation and competitiveness that makes it a great multi player experience.

Players must work together through four dungeons to face Vaarti, a wind demon who has captured princess Zelda. The reason for multiple Links running around is neatly explained by the Four Sword, a weapon that multiplies to wielder to face off the demon. There is no over-world as with previous Zelda games, just four large dungeons, each with two stages followed by a boss. On top of this there are three difficulty levels that alter the complexity and requirements of each stage as the players progress. The dungeons are randomly generated, and except for the odd circumstance of repetition it would be difficult to distinguish.

Players are forced to work together through various puzzles which extend far beyond simple block pushing. A typical example might see a player throw another across a chasm, then for the player to pull the other one across using a large magnet. On other occasions, the different coloured Links must clash swords to spark off a fire. Some enemies require verbal communication between the players, where each can only see the weak spot of the enemy the other player must hit. Every puzzle requires some degree of co-operation. When less than four players are present the puzzles are suitably modified.

As with any other Zelda adventure, rupees are available in bushes, grass and chests. Here though they play a different role to mere currency. The group must collect a certain number of Rupees to complete the dungeon. The number increases depending on the difficulty level and the group loses 50 rupees every time a player is reincarnated. The twist to all of this is that the player who collects the most Rupees is awarded a medal. Collect ten medals and an extra quest appears in A Link to the Past. This adds a competitive streak between the players in a rush for rupees. Although players can not harm each other directly, they can force each other off ledges or pick one another up. Hurling another player into a chasm to win a fifty rupee piece is the cause of much hilarity followed by vows of revenge.

There are many other links (pun not intended) between the two games. Any player who obtains the Master Sword in A Link to the Past is also granted it in Four Swords. Completion of both games allows entrance to a secret dungeon hidden in A Link to the Past.

If any of this sounds like interfering with the classic game, it isn’t. These additions are merely side quests and do not impede with the main game in any way. A Link to the Past now features the yelps present in Ocarina of Time and an absurdly difficult puzzle in the Ice Palace has been simplified, but beyond that and few extra frames of animation the game has been left almost entirely intact. There is certainly nothing here to upset the fan base in the same way as the Star Wars and E.T. film re-releases.

Which is how it should be. One of the most fondly remembered and influential games of all time, this deserves no less. Although the Zelda franchise was well established with the first two games on the Famicon, the third game took the premise to uncharted new heights. Full of the touches that have now become synonymous with Nintendo, it is a game that surprises, tests and enthralls. The phrase “still stands up next to current titles” is used far too liberally and yet here it applies totally. This is not just misty eyed nostalgia; it is a true work of genius. From the moment Link steps outside into the rain, the experience is truly captivating.

It is surprising how little fat there is. The amount of text is infinitesimal compared to more recent adventures like Golden Sun and Xenosaga, yet only rarely is the quest unclear. The amount of time that the player is watching as opposed to playing is miniscule, something modern games designers would do well to take note of again. The game has already influenced hundreds of others and yet it should not be assumed that this title has nothing left to teach. It is an example of prodigious game design.

Which if true, begs the question why does the game not receive the perfect score? Normally any game this greatly revered would be beyond criticism, but were it not for the fact that even better was yet to come. Whilst the Zelda fan base may be split over which game is the greatest, the truth be told Ocarina of Time is both more dynamic and more courageous. Although it comes very close, nothing in A Link to the Past is as complex as The Water Temple nor as bold as Ocarina’s final stand off with Ganondorf. One could also argue that the dungeons in A Link to the Past, the main meat of any Zelda game, are not as engaging as the outstanding designs in Link’s Awakening, although the overall experience of that game is less cohesive. This is highlighted by the new secret dungeon, which is arguably the best example in the game.

Whatever stands between the various titles though is slight and it is a verification of A Link to the Past’s distinction (if one were indeed required) that the only games that come anywhere close are other Zelda games. Ultimately, there is no finer endorsement.

It is said that the most important art creates social change. Although it may seem absurd to heap such praise on a “mere” game, A Link to the Past was one of the catalysts that turned many people’s eyes towards Japanese society and in turn saw a gradual influx from the East of culture such as Anime and later Pokemon. It also inspired a huge number of game designers and continues to have an influence on the industry to this day.

It may be yet another re-release for the GBA, but this can not take away the game’s greatness. When recently Metropolis and 2001: A Space Odyssey were re-released at the cinema, no cries of “It’s just another re-release” could be heard, film goers were simply enthralled that they had another chance to see these great masterpieces. Gamers need to recognise that they too have a great history that should be celebrated, but to only see great examples in a museum would be criminal. Games like this should be played by everyone and if you have yet to sample the magic, you now have a second chance. Enjoy the ride, for it is nothing short of breathtaking.