History YMMV / TheLegendOfZeldaALinkBetweenWorlds

* OlderThanTheyThink: The concept of temporarily renting items first appeared in the Japan-only UsefulNotes/{{Satellaview}} MissionPackSequel to ''A Link to the Past'', ''Ancient Stone Tablets''.

* EpilepticTrees: Because Gramps from [=StreetPass=] seems to have all of the same skills Link has [[spoiler:as revealed as him being the BonusBoss of the [=StreetPass=] challenges]], many believe that he is the Link from ''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaALinkToThePast A Link to the Past]]''.

** Getting all 50 [=StreetPass medals=] too. Given that it's a SocializationBonus, it's already impossible in many parts of the world, and some of the challenges are annoying even then (kill Dark Link in under 10 seconds, kill Dark Link without moving, use a Bee/Golden Bee/Sand Rod/whatever in the battle). While the game can generate Dark Links on its own, it takes 4-5 hours for each one and putting the system in sleep mode doesn't count, and due to the nondescript appearance of the NPC running the system, it's easy for players to end up ignoring him completely and never turning [=StreetPass=] on for the game which means that getting [=StreetPasses=] even via relays tends to be disproportionately rare. It's mitigated by the likelihood increasing if you go with your 3DS to game stores or just transit through populated urban environments, but only to a point. It doesn't help that Shadow Links vanish after ''losing'' against them too, giving only one chance per fight. So despite being able to get a BonusBoss out of the deal, many completionists are ignoring this one too.

* CompleteMonster: [[spoiler:[[{{Narcissist}} Yuga]], the [[EvilSorcerer Sorcerer of Lorule]], is a MadArtist bent on kidnapping Princess Zelda and the Seven Sages--some of whom are children--in order to resurrect [[Characters/TheLegendOfZeldaGanonGanondorf Ganon]]. Arriving in Hyrule, Yuga turns numerous soldiers into [[PhantomZonePicture paintings]] that are [[AndIMustScream fully conscious, yet unable to move or speak]], and does the same to Link, intending to leave him to rot on a wall for the rest of eternity. After successfully capturing the Sages, completing his ritual, and [[FusionDance merging with Ganon]] himself to obtain the Triforce of Power, Yuga is temporarily subdued by Princess Hilda of Lorule. Eventually revealed to be a servant of Hilda in her conspiracy to steal Hyrule's Triforce and save the dying land of Lorule, Yuga gleefully [[TheStarscream betrays her]], steals the Triforce of Wisdom, and reveals his true plan: to use the completed Triforce to destroy Lorule and recreate it [[InTheirOwnImage in his own image]], while also dooming Hyrule in the process. A treacherous fiend [[NotSoWellIntentionedExtremist obsessed with his own desires over the needs of his people]], Yuga engages Link in a merciless final battle to gain the full power of the Triforce and condemn both worlds to oblivion.]]

* CompleteMonster: [[spoiler:[[EvilSorcerer Yuga]] starts off working with Princess Hilda of Lorule to capture Hyrule's Sages to revive [[Characters/TheLegendOfZeldaGanonGanondorf Ganon]] so the Triforce of Power can be returned to the mortal plane. He also imprisons several soldiers around Hyrule Castle by [[PhantomZonePicture turning them into paintings]]. Yuga merges with Ganon and mercilessly attacks Link, only to be stopped by Hilda who sets him off to free the Sages. After all the Sages are freed, Link gains the Triforce of Courage. After wearing Yuga down, he then betrays Hilda, puts her in a painting, and then merges with her to get her stolen Triforce of Wisdom. [[NotSoWellIntentionedExtremist Yuga himself reveals that he didn't care about restoring Lorule at all]]; all he wanted was to reshape it [[InTheirOwnImage in his own image]]. He even tries to cause Lorule's destruction at the end for that purpose, with only Link standing in his way.]]

* ContestedSequel: While ''ALBW'' is widely praised and has avoided many of the criticisms of other modern ''Zelda'' games, fans seem undecided as to how it holds up compared to ''A Link to the Past''. Generally, ''[=ALttP=]'' is seen as more influential, while ''ALBW'' is seen as more polished and refined.

* MemeticMutation: Has its [[Memes/TheLegendOfZelda own page]].

* HarsherInHindsight: One of the things Ravio may say [[spoilers:after you buy all his items]] and revisit him is a nonsensical song he created about the weather, with him remarking afterwards that it's been a while since he's been in a "singing mood." While this may seem like a lighthearted, silly moment, once you reach the end of the game, it suddenly becomes more poignant with the reveal that [[spoiler:Ravio himself is Lorulean and knew firsthand of the plot to steal Hyrule's Triforce.]]

* {{Fanon}}: While the game never gives the Sages associated elements, based on their elemental affiliations and resemblance to the Sages in ''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaOcarinaOfTime Ocarina of Time]]'', it's generally accepted that Osfala is the Sage of Light, Gulley of Forest, Rosso of Fire, Oren of Water, Impa of Shadow (again), and Irene of Spirit, while Seres is the "elementless" successor to Zelda.

** Was Yuga [[spoiler:a TreacherousAdvisor and FalseFriend to Hilda who was planning to [[TheStarscream betray her]] from the start?]] Or was he [[spoiler:a genuinely loyal follower of Hilda who was slowly corrupted by Ganon's hate and ambition?]] Reading [[spoiler:Ravio's journal]] in the game's hero mode reveals it to be the former.
** In addition, is Yuga really meant to [[spoiler:portray the Lorulean counterpart to Ganondorf? Or is he an original character with no clear Hyrulean counterpart? Ravio and Hilda have black hair but otherwise appear to look exactly like their counterparts, Link and Zelda, while Yuga really has very little aesthetically similar to Ganondorf.]]

* AuthorsSavingThrow: Some ''Zelda'' games (mostly later 3D games) are criticized by some for being too linear and having tedious exploration. ''ALBW'' addresses these concerns in several ways: by allowing the Hyrule and Lorule dungeons to be completed in almost any order, by providing a convenient transportation system early on with Irene and the weather vanes, and by allowing most items to be used early on through Ravio's rentals.

* EvilIsCool: One of the most-memorable parts of this game is its BigBadDuumvirate, Yuga and [[spoiler:Hilda]]. The former for his unique powers, his LoveToHate personality, and the fact he's [[spoiler:able to hijack [[HijackedByGanon Ganon]] for once]]; and the latter for [[spoiler:being a compelling AlternateSelf of Zelda, and having an [[IDidWhatIHadToDo understandable]] motive for threatening Hyrule]].

* EightPointEight:
** While the majority of review scores have been 9 and higher, Destructoid gave the game a 6.5 out of 10. Opinions are divided on if the person who did the review was perhaps looking at the game from the wrong angle, comparing it more to games like ''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTwilightPrincess Twilight Princess]]'' or ''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaSkywardSword Skyward Sword]]'' and not as an old-school throwback handheld entry.
** Jim Sterling gave it a 3.5 out of 5 (which translates to a 70 out of 100 on Metacritic), resulting in some frustration.

* TheyWastedAPerfectlyGoodPlot: The story of the game has [[GrayingMorality one of the most morally ambiguous themes]] ever explored in the Zelda continuity: [[spoiler:Is it justified to save a dying kingdom (Lorule) by condemning another one (Hyrule)?]]. The problem? It's only addressed in the last 20 minutes of the game. Before then, with the exception of some brief, few and far in between {{Foreshadowing}} moments, it had what looked like little more than an ExcusePlot, which felt like a huge step back in the improving narrative of the franchise. The ending resolution of [[spoiler:a DeusExMachina magically fixing everything, thus averting any sense of sacrifice or consequence,]] also cheapens the conflict. We also get nothing regarding a possible Lorulean version of the Master Sword. Granted, wielding it at the same time that the Hyrulean one might not be a possibility, but it's an interesting concept anyway.

** After winning the piece of heart from the cucco dodging minigame, you unlock the minigame's "Endless" difficulty setting. It isn't actually endless. It ends if you are able to keep from being touched by a cucco for 999.99 seconds. That's just a little under '''17 minutes'''. This unlocks a giant cucco that serves as an endless source of health, [[BraggingRightsReward although there are plenty of Fairy Fountains serving this same purpose that are available right away.]] The whole thing is so ridiculous that it was considered an UrbanLegendOfZelda before it was confirmed by the strategy guide. Completionists everywhere are settling for 99.9%.

** Lynels, centaur-like beings that previously appeared in ''A Link to the Past'', [[SurpriseDifficulty are back with a vengeance]]. With the Forgotten Sword, they take an [[TheJuggernaut insane 30 hits to shut down]] (that's [[BossInMookClothing eight with the Golden Master Sword]]). Their fireball attack has also changed to a long-lasting, [[BreathWeapon flamethrower-like stream of fire]], which tracks your movement, preventing you from circling around or even reaching them unless you have the Hylian Shield to NoSell it. They also dish out a shocking amount of damage: ''three hearts'' per hit in the green tunic (in Hero Mode, you're looking at ''[[UpToEleven TWELVE hearts damage]]''). If you're facing them without item upgrades or the Hylian Shield, it would be best to simply avoid them, and if forced to fight anyway, ''never'' engage more than one Lynel at any one time. Unlike most enemies, Lynels cannot be stunned; even the Sand and Tornado Rods only serve to give them a free hit on you. Only the Ice Rod can momentarily freeze them on the spot for a few seconds, and if it doesn't have the "Nice" upgrade, you'd have to get well inside their attack radius to use it. Worse, there are ''tougher'' versions located within the Treacherous Tower, which, in addition to the flame stream, have the fireballs of their ''[=ALttP=]'' counterparts. Counterintuitively, however, the Nice Fire Rod shreds them, since the column of fire hits them repeatedly, causing them to flinch and stop attacking each time. And of course, knocking them over a ledge kills them immediately.

* TheTetrisEffect: Wall merging can get into a player's mind quite easily, and lack of wall merging...

* MemeticMutation: "Mumbo jumbo, mumbo jumbo..." has become a humorous phrase passed between ''Zelda'' fans.

* FunnyAneurysmMoment: If you talk to Ravio after buying all of his items, he'll make up a silly, nonsensical tune and then cheerfully remark that it's been a while since he's been in the mood to sing. [[spoiler:This becomes more poignant when you learn that he's a [[CrapsackWorld Lorule]] citizen who knew firsthand about the plan to steal Hyrule's Triforce; that'd put a damper on anyone's mood.]]