The Case for a Condensed Legend of Zelda Adventure Post Tears of the Kingdom
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom delivered a massive and ambitious gaming experience However, there is a compelling argument for downsizing the next entry in the series, allowing for a more focused and accessible adventure
Article Key Points
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is widely acclaimed as one of the top games of the year, exceeding the achievements and unexpected elements of its predecessor Breath of the Wild. Nintendo Switch owners simply cannot miss out on experiencing this title.
The franchise has always been evolving, introducing games like Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask, but it might be time for a smaller Zelda adventure. This could attract longtime fans while highlighting the series' ability to deliver fresh experiences within a familiar framework.
Although Tears of the Kingdom is vast in scope, fans might appreciate a smaller game that harkens back to the pre-Breath of the Wild era. The series has always been known for its diverse gameplay mechanics and innovation, and offering unique experiences can be thrilling for players.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is highly regarded as one of the top games in the current year. It has surpassed its predecessor, Breath of the Wild, with numerous advancements, promising to captivate gamers' attention for a long time. Both games are essential for Nintendo Switch players, and any future releases will have high expectations to meet.
The direction that will be taken after Tears of the Kingdom is uncertain due to the franchise's history of constant innovation. While Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask shared similarities, The Wind Waker completely discarded old elements for something fresh. Considering the recent games' expansive nature, it could be an opportune moment to explore a more compact experience.
There's Merit to the Smaller Zelda Experiences
While Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are widely praised for their non-linear level design and potential for user-generated entertainment, there is another beloved aspect of the Zelda series that both fans and critics appreciate. Games like A Link to the Past, Minish Cap, and Link's Awakening follow a familiar format, with their well-paced gameplay, engaging puzzles, and immersive settings being the key reasons why players keep coming back for more. This familiarity provides comfort for some players, and the way each game unfolds demonstrates that Zelda can deliver new experiences within a tried-and-tested structure.
With the release of these two exclusive Nintendo Switch games and their immense popularity, the impact of a smaller-scale Zelda game is now greater than ever. In the days of Super Nintendo and Game Boy, fans knew what to expect in terms of design, but now, the top-down and more contained formula can serve as a delightful contrast to the expansive open-world projects. It appeals to long-time fans while also showing that Zelda doesn't have to completely abandon the foundations set by Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. There will always be certain elements that fans anticipate in Link's journeys, and those elements can still be upheld even in a more compact game.
Tears of the Kingdom is Big, Ambitious, and Often Overwhelming
Tears of the Kingdom takes inspiration from the original NES game by offering an open area and non-linear story. This makes it a true Zelda experience, but in the context of modern game design, the vastness of the 2023 release can be overwhelming, even for long-time fans. While new players have been attracted to both Tears of the Kingdom and its 2017 predecessor, it is important to cater to the devoted fandom that remains.
It would be disheartening if Zelda were to exclusively adopt this new approach, so a smaller, more traditional game similar to pre-Breath of the Wild era would be warmly received. The anticipation of knowing where to go and what to expect is what makes repeat playthroughs of The Wind Waker and Skyward Sword so captivating. The scripted moments can be just as exciting as the discoveries in the open-world version of Hyrule. Zelda has always been brave in its innovative approach and unapologetic with its mechanics, so providing more variety to the long-standing series can only be beneficial.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is an adventure game in the legendary franchise, The Legend of Zelda. It was developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch platform. The game was released on May 12, 2023. With its immersive gameplay and captivating storyline, players can expect to spend around 60 hours in the game. It has received critical acclaim with a Metascore of 96. The game is suitable for players aged 10 and above, due to fantasy violence and mild suggestive themes.
Editor's P/S
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a massive and ambitious game that has been met with critical acclaim. However, there is a compelling argument to be made for downsizing the next entry in the series, allowing for a more focused and accessible adventure.
One of the main reasons why a smaller Zelda game would be beneficial is that it would allow for a more focused story. In Tears of the Kingdom, the story often takes a backseat to the exploration and combat. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it can make it difficult for players to stay engaged with the game's narrative. A smaller game would allow for a more streamlined story that is easier to follow and more satisfying to complete.
Another reason why a smaller Zelda game would be beneficial is that it would be more accessible to new players. The Legend of Zelda series is known for its challenging gameplay, which can be off-putting to new players. A smaller game would be less daunting for new players and would allow them to get a taste of the series without feeling overwhelmed.
