Zelda: Unfulfilled Potential - A Great Character Left Hanging
Unanswered questions and the absence of a beloved character leave fans disappointed as Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom fails to deliver DLC
Article Key Points
Tears of the Kingdom, the latest installment in The Legend of Zelda series, brings forth an array of fresh civilizations, remarkable abilities, unexplored islands, impressive weaponry, and formidable adversaries. However, amidst this captivating journey, discerning players may have noticed the absence of some cherished characters, such as the trusty blue Rito ally, Kass.
Kass, a musician who travels, played a vital role in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and its DLC, by sharing songs and assisting Link. The reason for his sudden absence in Tears of the Kingdom is still unknown.
Although there are currently no official plans for a Tears of the Kingdom DLC, enthusiasts eagerly anticipate Kass's return in upcoming content or a sequel. He has become an iconic and well-loved character within the Legend of Zelda series.
Many questions remain unanswered following the dramatic conclusion of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. The sequel expanded upon the origins of the familiar land from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, introducing new civilizations, abilities, islands, weapons, and enemies. However, one noticeable absence was the large blue Rito ally who failed to make an appearance.
In Tears of the Kingdom, the traveling musician named Kass was never explicitly mentioned by name. Although his wife Amali and their five children were present in Rito Village, only one child vaguely mentioned her father without providing any information on his whereabouts. A reporter named Penn from the Lucky Clover Gazette referred to a renowned bard, presumably referring to Kass, but that was the extent of it. It remains peculiar that the iconic blue Rito was nowhere to be found throughout the entirety of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Without the possibility of DLC, this mystery may never be resolved.
The Rito Musician Has Shined in A DLC Before
Kass, the wandering musician, holds great significance in the realm of The Legend of Zelda. In Link's adventures throughout Hyrule in Zelda: Breath of the Wild, he frequently crosses paths with Kass. Kass embarks on a noble mission to uncover the enigmatic Ancient Songs.
These enigmatic melodies serve as guides, leading Link towards hidden shrine quests. However, it was only upon completing the game that Kass finally reveals to Link his profound knowledge, acknowledging him as the Champion from the very first encounter.
Kass's teacher, a Sheikah Court Poet, was deeply in love with Zelda. However, they understood that Zelda had feelings for Link, her appointed knight. After being moved by witnessing Link's self-sacrifice, Kass's teacher asked Kass to pass down these ballads to the hero. Kass was one of the few characters who knew Link's true identity before he revealed himself. Kass played a significant role in Breath of the Wild, but interestingly, he was absent in its predecessor.
Furthermore, Kass played a highly influential role in Breath of the Wild's DLC. The DLC consisted of two packs: The Master Trials and The Champions' Ballad. The Master Trials pack included:
Trial of the Sword
Hero's Path Mode
Master Mode
Travel Medallion
New armor
The Champions' Ballad, on the other hand, included:
Master Cycle Zero
A new Divine Beast
New shrines and dungeon
New cutscenes
Additional armor
Ancient Brindle and Saddle
In The Champions' Ballad, Kass not only shared new, original songs, but also assisted Link in overcoming various challenges. This expansion provided significant insights into the story and dynamics of the four Champions. As a kind gesture upon completion, Kass gifted Link an affectionate photograph of the Champions, which also makes an unexpected appearance in Tears of the Kingdom.
Given these circumstances, incorporating Kass once again as a guide in a DLC for Tears of the Kingdom would present a perfect opportunity. His disappearance remains one of the biggest mysteries in Tears of the Kingdom, and having him in future downloadable content would offer resolution to some of the unanswered questions. Considering his role as a traveler, he could uncover and communicate fresh information regarding the original Zonai ancient hero, the intricacies of draconification, or even provide further details about the enigmatic statues in the Depths.
Regrettably, in an interview with Zelda producer Eiji Aonuma for Famitsu, Aonuma expressed skepticism about the possibility of a Tears of the Kingdom DLC.
"At this time, we do not have any plans to release additional content. This is because we believe that we have already exhausted all possibilities in terms of creating content within that world. The decision to develop a sequel to the previous game was driven by our desire to explore new gameplay experiences in Hyrule. However, if circumstances change, we may revisit that world. Whether it takes the form of a sequel or a new project, I envision it to be a completely innovative gameplay experience. I sincerely hope you will anticipate it."
This could potentially indicate a sequel to Tears of the Kingdom in The Legend of Zelda series. If such a sequel does happen and returns to the shared world of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, it would be fitting for Kass to make an appearance. Initially, many fans speculated that Kass would be brought back in a DLC, but since there are no plans for that, the status of this iconic Rito musician will remain a mystery in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is the much-anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed open-world adventure, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. In this thrilling installment, players will once again accompany Link and Zelda as they strive to protect the kingdom of Hyrule from the clutches of Ganondorf. While the game is set in the familiar land of Hyrule, a new phenomenon called the Upheaval grants Link the ability to explore Sky Islands and delve deep into the Depths beneath Hyrule. With the aid of special abilities, players can combine weapons and construct useful items to assist them on their journey.
Game Details:
- Franchise: The Legend of Zelda
- Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
- Release Date: May 12, 2023
- Developer: Nintendo
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Genre: Adventure
- ESRB Rating: Rated E for Everyone 10+ for Fantasy Violence and Mild Suggestive Themes
- How Long To Beat: Approximately 59 Hours
- Metascore: 96
Editor's P/S
Kass, the wandering Rito musician, is a beloved character in the Legend of Zelda series. I was disappointed by Kass's absence in Tears of the Kingdom, especially considering his significant role in Breath of the Wild and its DLC. His absence leaves a void in the game, and it's a missed opportunity to further develop his character and explore his relationship with Link.
I hope that Nintendo will reconsider and include Kass in future DLC or sequels. His presence would add depth to the story and provide fans with a sense of closure. Overall, Tears of the Kingdom is a fantastic game, but it could have been even better with the inclusion of Kass.
