Unleashing the Unprecedented: The Game-Changing Dungeon Theme in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Highlights

In a groundbreaking move, Tears of the Kingdom introduces a fresh perspective to the Water Temple concept. Gone are the days when water stood in the way of Link's progress; instead, it now serves as an ingenious tool for him to wield. Prepare to embark on an otherworldly adventure as you ascend to a temple that defies gravity itself, granting Link the extraordinary ability to traverse platforms with the grace of a moonwalker.

In Tears of the Kingdom, Link can utilize water to cleanse sludge, reveal concealed switches, and access elevated areas. Instead of being an obstacle, water serves as a means for Link to advance through the temple by providing new and innovative gameplay mechanics. This unique incorporation of water as a practical tool, rather than a mere gimmick, elevates Tears of the Kingdom to a remarkable entry in the legendary Legend of Zelda series.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has been an incredibly successful game for the Nintendo Switch, serving as both a hit for the franchise and one of the final exclusive titles for the console. The scale of the game is truly massive, surpassing the already huge size of Breath of the Wild with an adventure that takes place in the skies, on the surface, and even in the underworld. The main quest alone can take hours to complete, not to mention the countless side missions and activities to discover.

One criticism of Breath of the Wild was that the dungeons lacked thematic diversity, with all of them looking too similar. Tears of the Kingdom has addressed this by introducing dungeons that have unique elemental themes, shaping the puzzles and areas around these concepts. However, one particular dungeon in Tears of the Kingdom has taken this idea to the next level, surpassing any previous installment in terms of its theme execution.

The Problem with the Water Temple in Past Zelda Games

The Legend of Zelda games feature challenging dungeons that are filled with enemies and puzzles, each revolving around a specific element. Concepts such as Forest, Fire, Shadow, and others are recurrent in various installments. However, it is the presence of Water, which has caused the most divided opinions among players. Almost every water-themed Zelda dungeon or temple has been met with mixed responses. Some players find these areas too difficult or tedious, making them stand out unfavorably among the otherwise highly praised collection of locations.

One recurring issue with these areas is the excessive focus on water as the main obstacle or gimmick for navigation and control. In games like Ocarina of Time and Twilight Princess, players are repeatedly required to manipulate water levels in order to access specific areas within the temple. This mechanic is often seen as frustrating and repetitive, with its implementation in Ocarina of Time being particularly criticized. In other instances, such as in Oracle of Ages, water serves as an ongoing obstacle, with Link having to swim through the entire temple. This not only hampers movement but also adds unnecessary complexity to combatting enemies and solving puzzles. In comparison, it is not as if Link must constantly cut through vines in the Forest Temple or rely on a light source to navigate the darkness of the shadow temple.

How Tears of the Kingdom Reinvents the Water Temple

Tears of the Kingdom takes a smart approach by shifting the use of water as a tool instead of an obstacle or gimmick. The Water Temple is no longer deep underwater, but rather high in the sky above Hyrule, altering gravity and allowing Link to moon jump across platforms. Instead of being an impediment, Link can now directly control and utilize the water to his advantage in order to progress through the temple.

Link can use water to clear away sludge, similar to FLUDD in Super Mario Sunshine, revealing hidden switches and other interactive objects. Additionally, clever use of water bubbles allows Link to reach higher areas, emphasizing the idea of Link harnessing water for his benefit rather than having to overcome it. This continues into the boss battle of the temple, Mucktorok, where water is again employed as a tool to wash away the enemy's sludge before delivering the final blow.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is available now exclusively on Nintendo Switch.