Uncovering the Link Between 1986's Zelda and Tears of the Kingdom
Discover the surprising similarities between the original Legend of Zelda and Tears of the Kingdom Despite being released almost four decades apart, both games share some mechanics that have made the franchise a beloved classic in the adventure gaming world
The Legend of Zelda franchise has remained a staple in adventure gaming for almost 40 years. Its origins can be traced back to the 1986 classic, The Legend of Zelda, which pioneered the action-adventure genre. Despite the franchise's evolution over the years, it has never lost sight of its roots. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom not only captures the same adventuring themes as the original, but also incorporates a number of mechanics with a fresh, modernized look.
How The Original 1986 Zelda's Mechanics Are Used in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
The basic mechanics of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom share similarities with the original game from 1986. Finding new weapons and using them to defeat enemies is a key aspect of both games. Shields, swords, boomerangs, and bows are all available for players to unlock in Tears of the Kingdom, similar to the original Zelda. Furthermore, the ability to launch the sword forward is reminiscent of Tears of the Kingdom's weapon-throwing mechanic.
However, the most striking similarity between the two games is their open-world designs. The Legend of Zelda was one of the first truly open-world games on a home console, and its influence can be seen in Tears of the Kingdom's design. In the original Zelda, players were given free rein over Hyrule and left to collect the eight Triforce pieces in any order they wished. Similarly, Tears of the Kingdom offers players an open-world experience where they can choose their own path and complete activities in any order they desire.
The dungeons in the original Zelda game are plentiful and share similarities with Tears of the Kingdom's dungeons. Despite the top-down view, the gameplay is similar, with players clearing out rooms of enemies, completing environmental puzzles, and defeating bosses to obtain heart containers. These mechanics are present in Tears of the Kingdom, albeit with modern 3D graphics. The original game also includes hidden secrets that can be found by using bombs or fire, rewarding players with Rupees, ammunition, or new equipment. This mechanic is also present in Tears of the Kingdom, with players able to unlock hidden tunnels and pathways using the same methods.
