The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds was released in North America and Europe on November 22, 2013 and in Japan on December 26, 2013.  The game was developed by Nintendo and 3Monolith Soft and published by Nintendo.  In Japan, the game is translated as “The Legend of Zelda: Triforce of the Gods”.

      The game is based on the top-down two-dimensional gameplay of “A Link to the Past”.  The game is presented in full 3D graphics on the Nintendo 3DS and in 2D on the Nintendo 2DS.  The game runs at 60 frames per second (FPS).  The top screen is the main screen and the bottom screen contains the map, gear, and items.

      Several items return from the A Link to the Past.  These include arrows, the hammer, and the Fire Rod.  These items and others use the Energy Gauge instead of individual stock for the items.  The magic meter refills over time instead of needing potions.  Items can be rented or purchased.  Rented items are returned to Ravio if Link loses his last heart.  Items can be upgraded upon completing a side task.

      After Yuga seals the Seven Sages away into paintings, Link must rescue the Seven Sages and save Princess Zelda.  After his first encounter with Yuga, Link has the ability to merge into walls and to slip through holes.  Link must defeat the combined forces of Yuga and Ganon.

      The game has online play which allows one player to go against Shadow Link.  This Shadow Link is another player from the Nintendo Network.  If the player wins, he wins a rupee reward.  The music here has a resemblance to the music from the NES game when Link faces the final “Shadow Link” boss.

      The game has received critical acclaim.  It has won several “Game of the Year” awards.  As of January 2018, the game has currently sold over 3 million copies since its release.