Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures offers a compelling mix of puzzle-solving, exploration, and combat that builds on the classic top-down formula of previous Zelda titles. At its core, the game centers on Link wielding the Four Sword, which splits him into four distinct copies whenever its power is used. Each stage requires the combined efforts of these four Links to navigate maze-like environments, activate switches, and tackle enemy-filled chambers. This fundamental twist transforms every area into a miniature cooperative puzzle, even in single-player mode where you cycle control among the quartet.

Formations are the game’s standout mechanic: arranging the four Links in lines, squares, or parallel rows unlocks new abilities such as moving heavy blocks, generating wind gusts, or performing powerful multi-target attacks. Experimenting with these shapes is both intuitive and rewarding—learning when to shift from a straight line for narrow passages to a square for 360-degree defense creates countless “aha” moments. The need to collect Force Gems to recharge the Four Sword’s power adds further depth, as careful exploration and enemy skirmishes become keys to progression rather than mere distractions.

Dungeon design cleverly balances above-ground fields with subterranean caverns, each brimming with hidden nooks, secret chests, and branching paths. Puzzles range from simple block-pushing to timed challenges where all four Links must cooperate under pressure. While veteran adventurers will breeze through early stages, later levels introduce layered mechanics—moving platforms, conveyor belts, and teleporters—that demand precise timing and clear communication in multiplayer sessions.

Multiplayer functionality elevates the experience: up to four players can join using Game Boy Advance link cables, granting each their own screen view when inside houses or caves. This local co-op setup fosters real-time teamwork and occasional friendly rivalry, as players scramble for Force Gems or pride themselves on solo boss takedowns. Even in solo play, the game does an admirable job of simulating cooperation by letting you switch between Links and plan each move strategically.

Graphics

Graphically, Four Swords Adventures retains the vibrant hand-drawn aesthetic of A Link to the Past while incorporating subtle enhancements suited to the GameCube’s capabilities. Environments pop with lush colors: emerald forests, sun-drenched plains, and dimly lit dungeons each have distinct palettes that make exploration feel fresh. Character sprites are crisp and expressive, with Link’s four avatars easily distinguishable by slight hue shifts and shadow effects.

Special effects—sparkling Force Gems, swirling magic rings, and flashing screen transitions when switching Links—are smooth and eye-catching without overwhelming the action. Boss encounters, in particular, leverage larger sprites and animated attack patterns that feel impressively large on the GameCube screen. Particle effects such as dust clouds, water splashes, and glowing runes add polish, ensuring that even familiar Zelda tropes look revitalized.

Level geometry feels thoughtfully laid out, with subtle depth cues—stone walls cast realistic shadows, and ledges have gentle gradients indicating height differences. This clarity benefits both visual appeal and gameplay, as you can quickly judge line-of-sight and platforming distances. Though the game doesn’t reinvent 3D rendering, its top-down viewpoint remains supremely functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Menus and HUD elements are cleanly integrated, using semi-transparent backgrounds that let you stay immersed in the world. Multiplayer indicators clearly mark each Link’s status and remaining Force Gems, eliminating confusion in hectic moments. Overall, the graphics strike an excellent balance between nostalgic charm and technical finesse.

Story

The narrative of Four Swords Adventures picks up after the defeat of Vaati by the original Four Sword wielder, a legendary hero of Hyrule. Peace reigned until Vaati’s dark power seeped from his underground prison, kidnapping maidens across the kingdom once more. This sets the stage for Link’s new quest: to reassemble the Four Sword’s magic, split into four embodiments, and seal Vaati away.

Storytelling unfolds modestly through in-game dialogues, item descriptions, and environmental clues rather than lengthy cutscenes. Villagers and sages scattered across the overworld provide bits of folklore and guidance, reinforcing the sense of a living world. While the plot may feel familiar to longtime Zelda fans, it gains freshness through the Four Sword mechanic—every dungeon feels like another chapter in the heroes’ intertwined journey.

Boss battles against Vaati’s minions culminate in several memorable set pieces, each emphasizing cooperative action: summoning multiple Links to pressure weak points or navigating rotating arenas that test spatial awareness. The final confrontation against Vaati recaptures the epic scale of classic Zelda showdowns, blending tight combat with story-driven stakes as the fate of four heroes hangs in the balance.

Although the narrative framework is straightforward, it effectively motivates exploration and puzzle progression. The recurring theme of unity—four heroes working as one—resonates in both gameplay and lore, making each victory feel earned. For players seeking a deep, cinematic story, it may fall short, but those who cherish Zelda’s mythos will find it perfectly serviceable.

Overall Experience

Four Swords Adventures stands out in the Zelda franchise by prioritizing cooperative puzzle-action over solitary exploration. Its seamless integration of four-character mechanics breathes new life into familiar dungeon archetypes, delivering a fresh challenge even for seasoned adventurers. Single-player mode remains robust, but the true highlight is the local multiplayer that transforms each stage into a shared quest filled with laughter, competition, and teamwork.

Replay value is high: Objective collectibles, hidden Force Gems, and time-based challenges encourage revisiting levels to improve efficiency and uncover all secrets. The inclusion of a competitive Battle Mode—where four Links square off in mini-arenas—adds a fun diversion, perfect for party settings or quick multiplayer sessions between adventure runs.

Some minor drawbacks include occasional camera zooms that make it tricky to see all four Links on screen, and the reliance on link cables may limit multiplayer access for those without spare hardware. Yet these issues are relatively small compared to the game’s overall strengths. Controls are responsive, pacing is well-judged, and loading times are minimal, keeping players immersed throughout.

For buyers seeking a Zelda title that champions collaboration and inventive level design, Four Swords Adventures is an outstanding choice. It honors the series’ traditions while daring to explore new cooperative territory, making it a standout in the action-adventure genre and a must-have for GameCube owners with friends eager for a shared quest.

Retro Replay Score

8/10