The Future of Linear Zelda Games remains uncertain, says Zelda Boss
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The success of The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom has sparked discussions about the future of the franchise and the potential for nostalgic elements to make a return. Eiji Aonuma, the head of the series, has clarified that the traditional linear style of Zelda games will not be making a comeback in the near future. In an interview with IGN, Aonuma attributes the desire for older Zelda formats to a "grass is greener" mentality, emphasizing that the current player-driven format offers a unique and satisfying experience.
Aonuma expressed his interest in hearing people's preference for older games, wondering why they would want to go back to a more limited or restricted type of game. He also discussed the nostalgic desire for older games. The interview also covers topics such as the relationship between Link and Zelda, the team's reactions to social media videos after the game's launch, and the approach to dungeon design in TOTK. Caution is advised for a question containing a massive spoiler for the game.
The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom is available now exclusively on Nintendo Switch. It was one of Our Website's top 10 games of 2023.
Editor's P/S
As a hard fan of the Legend of Zelda series, I am both excited and a bit disappointed by the news that the traditional linear style of Zelda games will not be making a comeback in the near future. On the one hand, I understand Aonuma's point that the current player-driven format offers a unique and satisfying experience. The open-world format of Breath of the Wild was a breath of fresh air for the series, and it allowed for a greater sense of exploration and freedom.
On the other hand, I can't help but feel a bit nostalgic for the older, more linear Zelda games. There was something special about the way those games guided you through a carefully crafted adventure, with each dungeon and boss battle feeling like a significant milestone. I also appreciated the way those games told their stories, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. While the open-world format of Breath of the Wild allowed for more freedom, it also resulted in a story that felt a bit more disjointed and less focused.
