PGC NEWS

The Nintendo Switch, a hybrid console that seamlessly blends home and handheld gaming, has become a global phenomenon. Its vast library of unique and engaging titles caters to even the most discerning gamers. Launched in 2017 alongside the critically acclaimed The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the Switch solidified Nintendo’s position as an industry leader. Breath of the Wild, winner of numerous Game of the Year awards, set a high bar for open-world adventure games, generating countless hours of YouTube content and captivating players for years.

The inevitable question arose: how could Nintendo possibly follow up such a masterpiece? The answer arrived in 2023 with The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Pre-release buzz reached a fever pitch, fueled by strategic teasers, trailers, and gameplay demos. Critics and influential YouTubers alike showered the game with perfect scores, suggesting that Nintendo had not only met but exceeded the lofty expectations set by its predecessor. How did Tears of the Kingdom achieve this feat? Let’s delve into the magic that makes this game so special.

Building Upon a Solid Foundation

Link using the Ultrahand ability

At first glance, Tears of the Kingdom appears to build upon the foundation laid by Breath of the Wild, sharing similar graphics, combat mechanics, physics engine, and controls. Some might perceive this as laziness, a mere reskin rather than a true sequel. However, this was a strategic decision by Nintendo. By leveraging the existing framework, the developers focused their resources on crafting a new world, implementing innovative gameplay mechanics, and ensuring a smooth performance. This approach contrasts with the pitfalls of prioritizing superficial changes over substantial content, a trap that some other franchises have fallen into. The very title, Tears of the Kingdom, rather than Breath of the Wild 2, hints at a parallel story rather than a direct continuation. A similar approach can be seen in the Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons games, which shared the same core gameplay and graphics while offering distinct narratives.

Tears of the Kingdom takes place some time after the events of Breath of the Wild. As Hyrule rebuilds after the defeat of Calamity Ganon, Link and Zelda encounter a mysterious red-black miasma known as “Gloom,” which afflicts the kingdom’s inhabitants. Investigating the Gloom’s origins leads them to a network of ominous underground caverns beneath Hyrule Castle, a place long forbidden by royal decree. Driven by the need to find a cure for the spreading sickness, the legendary duo embarks on a perilous journey into the depths.

Innovative Gameplay Mechanics

Link exploring Hyrule

Retaining the familiar combat and physics systems of Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom allows returning players to jump right into the action. Melee weapons, bows, and shields—which can be used defensively and for traversal—remain the core tools of Link’s arsenal. Mastering advanced techniques like perfect parries, dodges, and Flurry Attacks still separates novice players from seasoned veterans. The key distinction lies in the new abilities, which offer significantly broader applications. While Breath of the Wild’s Runes were situationally useful, Tears of the Kingdom grants Link a suite of game-changing powers.

Unleashing the Power of Creation

Link fighting a construct

The Ultrahand ability allows manipulation of almost any interactable object. Unlike Breath of the Wild’s Magnesis Rune, which was limited to metallic objects, Ultrahand empowers players to build contraptions from a wide variety of materials. Constructing vehicles, rafts, or even colossal combat robots becomes an integral part of the gameplay experience. The Fuse ability addresses the weapon degradation mechanic from Breath of the Wild. Players can now combine virtually anything they find with their weapons, arrows, and shields. Imagine wielding a laser-equipped shield or firing homing arrows. These new abilities, along with Ascend (allowing vertical traversal through solid surfaces) and Rewind (reversing an object’s movement through time), provide powerful tools for combat, puzzle-solving, and creative exploration.

Link using the Fuse ability

Tears of the Kingdom effectively provides players with a game design toolkit, encouraging experimentation and ingenuity. The only limit is the player’s imagination.

A World Three Times as Vast

Link paragliding

Following in the footsteps of Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom embraces the open-world formula. Instead of a linear narrative, the game offers a vast and varied playground. Finding Zelda is important, but there are countless other compelling activities to pursue. Tears of the Kingdom boasts a world nearly three times larger than its predecessor, encompassing sky islands, the familiar Hyrule landscape, and a sprawling underground realm. Each area presents unique challenges, enemies, and traversal methods. Combined with the Ultrahand and Fuse abilities, this expanded world offers endless possibilities for exploration and creative problem-solving.

Link exploring the Depths

The Depths, a vast subterranean world shrouded in darkness, presents a significant challenge. Navigating this perilous environment requires resourcefulness, as even acquiring enough light seeds to illuminate the map becomes a strategic endeavor. Powerful creatures lurk in the shadows, making even the formidable Lynels and Hinoxes of the surface world seem tame by comparison. With hundreds of hours of potential gameplay, Tears of the Kingdom offers exceptional value and endless opportunities for discovery.

Link using a Zonai device

Conclusion

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is more than a sequel; it’s a testament to Nintendo’s commitment to innovation and player agency. By building upon the strengths of Breath of the Wild and introducing groundbreaking new mechanics, Nintendo has crafted an experience that is both familiar and revolutionary. The vast, multi-layered world offers endless opportunities for exploration, experimentation, and sheer fun. This is a game that will undoubtedly captivate players for years to come, sparking countless discussions, videos, and discoveries. Tears of the Kingdom is a must-have title for any Nintendo Switch owner and a shining example of what video games can achieve.

Link exploring sky islands

Link fighting an enemy

Link standing on a cliff overlooking Hyrule

Link using a Zonai wing