Exploring the Potential Influence of Spirit Tracks on Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom's Successor

Highlights

The sequel to Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, may have room for an extended continuity, similar to Spirit Tracks.

The new game has the potential to incorporate advanced technology and vehicles, expanding on the mecha themes seen in Breath of the Wild's Divine Beasts and the motorcycle concept. In the spiritual successor, there is a possibility of certain characters from Tears of the Kingdom, such as Purah, making a comeback to provide further background for the story. Alternatively, they might serve as inspiration for new characters who are descendants of the original ones.

Tears of the Kingdom, the highly anticipated game in The Legend of Zelda series, was finally released in May 2023. Since its release, fans have been craving more. Despite the feeling that Link and Zelda's journey may have reached its conclusion in this latest installment, their story is destined to continue through reincarnation. The introduction of a new timeline in Breath of the Wild opens up the possibility for a seamless continuation, evocative of what Spirit Tracks did for Wind Waker and Phantom Hourglass.

Taking place a century before the events of Spirit Tracks, the past iterations of Link and Zelda laid the foundation for what would eventually become Hyrule. In the game, a new Link finds himself in the role of a train conductor, appointed directly by Princess Zelda herself as a Royal Engineer. However, Zelda grows suspicious of her royal advisor and seeks Link's assistance in escaping the castle. Unfortunately, their plans are hampered when the railroad they are riding on mysteriously disappears. With a backstory reminiscent of Spirit Tracks, there is great potential for a spiritual successor to Tears of the Kingdom.

New Technology in a TotK Successor

Given that the story is set in the distant future, there are more possibilities to explore. Building on the advancements seen in Spirit Tracks, players will notice significant improvements in vehicles, technology, and trains compared to the previous game. Nintendo takes the concept of technology even further in Breath of the Wild, introducing mecha themes with the Divine Beasts. The second DLC of Breath of the Wild already features a motorcycle concept, hinting at the potential for additional vehicles in future installments.

While Tears of the Kingdom focused on Zonai technology rather than the Sheikah, this hypothetical sequel could incorporate both. Purah, who is dedicated to advancing technology, introduced the Purah Pad in Tears of the Kingdom as an alternative to the Sheikah Slate. In a possible successor set 100 years later, there is potential for even more advanced Purah Pad-like devices, showcasing the progress of technology since the original.

Reusing Tears of the Kingdom's Characters

Some of the key elements that add depth to The Legend of Zelda series are its characters. For instance, in Spirit Tracks, Niko appears as an elderly character who fills in the gaps between events in Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks. In a similar fashion, Purah, who is ageless, could play the role of Niko in the successor to TotK, offering valuable context to the story. This approach could also be integrated into the gameplay, such as through character upgrades. Moreover, as a spiritual successor, there is ample room for new characters to be introduced, building upon the foundation of the original game. Taking inspiration from overworld non-playable characters like those found in Tarrey Town could give rise to fresh yet familiar characters who are descendants of the originals.

Returning to Hyrule

The past of Link and Zelda in Spirit Tracks unveils the creation of "New Hyrule," the very setting of the game. If this notion were to be implemented in the successor of TotK, it would allow for the reuse of the same backdrop after an extensive period of reconstruction. Hyrule Castle and other villages within the kingdom would undergo complete rebuilding accompanied by modern technology, bringing a sense of renewal to these familiar locations.

Crafting in a Spiritual TotK Successor

Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks heavily relied on the DS stylus for puzzle-solving and game progression. The Zelda Switch titles also have their unique gameplay mechanics to carry forward to a potential spiritual sequel. In Tears of the Kingdom, crafting is one of the players' key systems, offering the chance for refinement and the introduction of new components or entirely novel systems leveraging updated technology.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom serves as the highly anticipated sequel to the much-loved open-world adventure, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. In this thrilling installment, players once again join Link and Zelda in their relentless battle to safeguard Hyrule from the clutches of Ganondorf. While the game takes place in the familiar realm of Hyrule, it introduces a captivating phenomenon known as the Upheaval, which grants Link the ability to journey to Sky Islands and explore the enigmatic Depths beneath Hyrule. With the aid of special abilities, players can combine weapons and construct various items to overcome obstacles and progress through the game.

Franchise: The Legend of Zelda

Platform(s): Switch

Release Date: May 12, 2023

Developer(s): Nintendo

Publisher(s): Nintendo

Genre(s): Adventure

ESRB Rating: E for Everyone 10+ (Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes)

How Long To Beat: 60 Hours

Metascore: 96