THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: DAWN AND DUSK REVIEW

 

I finished the Ocarina of Time romhack-expansion Loz: Dawn and Dusk and I can say it was good. Not "Missing Link"-kind of good, but good overall.

 

First I wanna say things I liked about it:

1. The textures were well-made, the music covered nicely the whole eerie atmosphere of this new country and its dark history.

2. I loved the intro of the game explaining the story of this new land and its amazing artwork. It made me want to find out more about this land. I always liked Zelda games that were taking place in other lands and countries except Hyrule, making me to want to learn about this place and its inhabidants.

3. The Red Cavern Dungeon was really challenging and thought out by the creators. I really enjoyed it and got frustrated at the same time. Although its boss can be killed in one hit, but I can live with that.

4. There were nice puzzles all over the land, which were optional. You can finish the whole game without getting all the heart pieces, the metal shield or even the Duskside Tunic, but the final battle will be hell for you.

5. Even though it was small, the Zelda-like atmosphere was right there. It could also be a real Zelda 64 DLC if DLCs existed back in late 90's.

6. I liked the design of some items like the Wooden and Metal Shield and the Duskside Tunic.

7. The Duskside Palace Gardens had great atmosphere and great stealth-puzzle although I'd prefer more rooms with other challenges before the final boss.

 

Now for the things that didn't agree with me:

1. Ok, maybe this one is just a nitpick, but I didn't like the fact that the developers drew the whole map of the Dawn and Dusk Land, but the cursor didn't move to the areas like the other Zelda games.

2. The story at the beggining seems interesting, but it didn't fulfill its purpose. I really wanted to learn more about this fallen kingdom and its lore.

3. So small arsenal and mostly useless items. Really the only weapons Link can use in this game except the Sword is the slingshot and the Hammer. After that you can find Deku Sticks and Deku Nuts (which I never used at any point in the game) and 2 bottles.

4. There were two moments that the game glitced so much I had to reset so I can play again. I don't know if it was my problem or the rom's problem, I just put it out there.

5. The Final Boss, Umbratia is just Volvagia on hard mode and a color change. Nothing special about it.

6. The end of the game was like I was playing a beta game. I beat Umbratia, collect its heart container and.... End credits. Really??? I mean, why you set up such a great intro with beautiful artwork, walk us into the new country's lore and in the endgame you are like "*Slash* *Dead Beast* *The End*"???

 

So does Dawn and Dusk worth a try? YES. Just because it's a small game that you can finish in 2-3 hours, I can forgive its flaws. It's not like you play a 30-hour Quest and in the end Link flies in the space with an Alien spaceship *wink-wink*.

 

At the end of the game my Quest Log was looking like:

 

7 hearts, Villager's Sword, Wooden Shield, Metal Shield, Dawnside Tunic, Duskside Tunic, Villager's Boots, Slingshot, 20 Deku Nuts, 20 Deku Sticks, Hammer, Bottles (2), Power Bracelet and 52 Rupees in my pocket.

 

I really hope for a sequel of this game and an expand of its lore, although I guess it will never come to existence.