In The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, players are treated to a fresh and unique experience that still manages to capture the essence of the beloved franchise. They will once again find themselves battling Bokoblins and discovering new items like the muddle bud, all while pursuing the mythical dragons that soar through the skies of Hyrule. However, unlike in Breath of the Wild, these dragons play a pivotal role in the game's narrative and hold many hidden secrets that are integral to the story. In fact, once the truth about the Light Dragon is revealed, the true nature of Tears of the Kingdom becomes crystal clear.
The Identity of the Light Dragon in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
In Tears of the Kingdom, players are in for a treat as the game's intricate storyline unfolds through multiple playthroughs. One interesting detail that players may discover upon replaying is the immediate appearance of the Light Dragon after Link relinquishes the corrupted Master Sword. Throughout most of the game, the identity of the Light Dragon remains a mystery to players. However, after obtaining a good number of the Dragon's Tears, players will learn that the dragon is none other than Princess Zelda. Sacrificing herself to restore the Master Sword with her sacred energy, Zelda's last act was to cry in sorrow, giving rise to the game's title, Tears of the Kingdom.
Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom's 'Find Princess Zelda' Quest
The quest to "Find Princess Zelda" is an overarching objective that cannot be easily cleared at the start of the game. It functions similarly to Breath of the Wild's "Destroy Ganon" quest and is naturally integrated into the main story. As players progress through the game, they will discover that Zelda is much closer than they initially anticipated. The use of the Light Dragon and time travel in Tears of the Kingdom is a delightful surprise, as it intertwines with the quests involving Princess Zelda and the Master Sword in a way that has been considered a tearjerker by many fans. While there is a possibility that players may have the twists in the plot spoiled by discovering the Dragon's Tears out of order, it remains a unique and refreshing take on Link's mission to rescue Princess Zelda.
While the story of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom may have its flaws, its handling of time is a standout feature. The attention to detail in TOTK is impressive and solidifies its place as a worthy successor to Breath of the Wild. Fans may find some repetitive language in the game, but overall it remains a must-play title. TOTK was released on May 12, 2023, and is currently only available on the Nintendo Switch.