Legend Of Zelda's Lost Features Fans Crave for the Next Game
With the next Legend Of Zelda game shrouded in mystery, GameCentral delves into the series' rich history to explore discarded elements that could make a triumphant return. February 21 marks the 40th anniversary of The Legend Of Zelda, a series currently at its peak with Breath Of The Wild and Tears Of The Kingdom hailed as masterpieces and financial successes. However, fans are left wondering what comes next and how Nintendo will celebrate this milestone.
Currently, details about the upcoming mainline entry are scarce, but it is confirmed to feature a new open world setting and will not revert to the pre-Breath Of The Wild formula. While Nintendo aims to push forward with innovation, there is potential to draw inspiration from the past, much like Breath Of The Wild did with the original NES game. To honor the anniversary, here is a wish list of classic features from past Zelda games that fans hope to see revived.
Dungeons: A Call for Traditional Complexity
Dungeons have never fully disappeared from the series, with shrines offering smaller puzzle rooms. However, fans yearn for the return of large-scale, traditional dungeons. Breath Of The Wild's Divine Beasts and Tears Of The Kingdom's attempts fell short in memorability and length. A revamp could include optional secrets, incentives for revisits, and central progression with permanent upgrades and tools, alongside improved boss battles.
Combat: Elevating Link's Arsenal
Zelda's combat has always been simple yet effective, with Ocarina Of Time setting a standard for 3D action. Twilight Princess introduced sword techniques, but only the shield parry persisted. Skyward Sword's technical combat, requiring precise sword angles, showed promise without motion controls. Future games could refine this or borrow from action titles, making Link nimbler with diverse weapons for varied functions, adding depth without overwhelming complexity.
Weirder Characters and Horror Elements
The series has lost some of its unabashed weirdness, with fewer freaky character designs like Ocarina Of Time's skeletal scientist or Twilight Princess's Ooccoo. A return to oddball aesthetics could enrich Hyrule. Conversely, embracing horror elements, as seen with Tears Of The Kingdom's Gloom Spawn, could add eerie encounters, blending survival horror with the game's adventurous spirit for impactful contrasts.
Iconic Characters and Items: Midna and More
Midna, Link's companion from Twilight Princess, remains a fan favorite but has seen limited use since her debut. Her return, even as a descendant, could provide a dynamic ally. Other MIA characters include Tingle, Epona, and Navi, each offering unique gameplay opportunities. Items like the hookshot and fishing rod are sorely missed, with potential for puzzle-solving, combat enhancements, and relaxing minigames.
Vehicles, Underwater Exploration, and Classic Attire
With the Switch 2's enhanced hardware, vehicles like the Master Cycle Zero could offer unrestrained movement without technical limitations. Underwater swimming, a feature from Majora's Mask, could add Tomb Raider-style exploration. Additionally, fans hope for Link's iconic green tunic to make a full comeback, blending classic and modern designs to honor series lore while appealing to new audiences.
As speculation mounts, these features represent a blend of nostalgia and innovation that could define the next Legend Of Zelda adventure, ensuring it continues to captivate fans for years to come.
