Summary
The Legend of Zeldaseries took a huge risk with its different approach in 2017’sBreath of the Wild, and inTears of the Kingdom, it was built upon to further facilitate player-generated fun. The Nintendo-owned IP was already beloved by fans, with several entries receiving critical acclaim and, in some cases, defining the system they were on. FromLink’s Awakeningon Game Boy toThe Wind Wakeron the GameCube, the series has an exceptional track record.
One of the few lukewarm additions was 2011’sSkyward Sword, being held back by its clunky controls and linearity. However, in the wake of something expansive and epic asTears of the Kingdom, the game’s more on-rails nature feels like a strength, and a sequel could take inspiration from the newest game and offer some much-needed variety.
RELATED:Zelda: Majora’s Mask and Tears of the Kingdom Are More Closely Connected Than You Think
Tears of the Kingdom’s Sky Islands Succeed Where Skyward Sword Failed
Skyward Sword’s greatest strengthis its story and character development, but its most significant departure from the rest of the series was its setting. Taking Link, Zelda, and co to the skies was a completely new idea which granted a few benefits, and a few more drawbacks. The new setting was closely connected to Hyrule (as Link spends most of his time on the surface), making it feel like a natural progression for the franchise, while also feeling new unto itself. There was something daunting about returning to the land below for the first time, as the society above was painted as a heavenly, passive place, and the rest of Hyrule was shrouded in obscurity.
However,though Skyloft was immediately likableand remains one of the most well-realized places in the whole series, the rest of the sky felt empty, and the other islands were bland. Pumpkin Landing was interesting enough as the NPCs that could be found there kept to the franchise tradition of well-crafted side personalities, but others in the sky largely missed the mark.Tears of the Kingdomshowed that there is potential in floating habitats, and though it and the 2011 Wii game are fundamentally different in core design, the success of the 2023 project could surely give inspiration for more tales in Skyloft and, hopefully, beyond.
Tears of the Kingdom’s Open-World Can Be Overwhelming
The Legend of Zeldastuck somewhat closely to a specific formula sinceA Link to the Pastmade major improvements to the pair of NES releases. The dungeon architecture, level design, and storytelling norms of the franchise have been tweaked and improved, but until 2017 never uprooted in favor of something truly different.Breath of the Wildtook that chance, andTears of the Kingdomexpanded on the idea by adding more layers to the map. The sky islands were interesting, but the addition of both those and The Depths meant the space could get overwhelming quickly, which had the potential to isolate gamers as much as entice them.
A sequel toSkyward Swordcould use the idea of sky islands while also being free of the overwhelming feeling of too much choice thatTears of the Kingdombrings. The two Switch offerings created a division in the series and plenty of fans will have a preference, be it the open-ended feeling of later offerings or the franchise’s more procedural roots.Skyward Swordhas shown it can be fun without the motion controls thanks to the HD remaster. A follow-up could right the wrongs of the past as well as take advantage of the thingsTears of the Kingdomdid to advance the series, showing thatZeldacan adapt to suit any preference.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomis available now on Nintendo Switch.
