The Legend of Zelda

Why the Next Zelda Game Should Take Inspiration from Wind Waker

Tears of the Kingdom drew many of its best ideas from Skyward Sword, so the next Zelda game should borrow from Wind Waker.
Why the Next Zelda Game Should Take Inspiration from Wind Waker

Highlights

  • The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom draws inspiration from Skyward Sword, featuring floating Sky Islands that add a unique element to the game's world.
  • The implementation of the floating islands in Tears of the Kingdom feels fresh and immersive, showcasing the advancements and new approach of Nintendo in recent years.
  • Wind Waker's setting of a world covered in water and the sense of discovery it provided could serve as a perfect template for a future Zelda game, offering players a fresh take on the open-world formula.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom was one of 2023's biggest releases. After the success of Breath of the Wild, which had a significant impact on the Nintendo Switch, creating a follow-up was a considerable challenge, but Tears of the Kingdom managed to stand out with its innovative mechanics that allow players to combine and build objects, making it one of the most open-ended sandbox games ever made. However, some critics have pointed out its similarities to BotW, particularly its reuse of the map. Interestingly, Tears of the Kingdom draws its biggest inspiration from Skyward Sword, a Zelda game originally released on the Wii.

Skyward Sword has a complex legacy. Some players hold the game in high regard for its unique take on Zelda lore, serving as an origin story for the timeline. The game's distinct design elements set it apart from other entries in the series. Notably, it was set on floating Sky Islands. However, the game's challenging controls, utilizing Wii MotionPlus, sparked controversy. While immersive, many players found the motion controls cumbersome, leading to a re-release on Switch with traditional control options.

Learning from Skyward Sword

Tears of the Kingdom incorporated and expanded on the Sky Islands concept from Skyward Sword. Players can launch themselves into the air from the land below, seamlessly integrating the floating islands into the game's larger world. Navigating the air always carries high stakes due to the constant risk of falling back down to Hyrule. This enhanced version of the concept demonstrates the evolution of Nintendo's approach to game design since the Wii era, building on the foundation laid by Skyward Sword.

While Tears of the Kingdom borrows from Skyward Sword, it successfully maintains its originality through technological advancements and Nintendo's fresh perspective. For the next Zelda title, revisiting ideas from another classic, Wind Waker, could provide a unique approach. Set in a world submerged in water, Wind Waker required Link to sail to various islands, offering a distinct sense of exploration that could inspire a new open-world Zelda game.

Exploring New Frontiers with Wind Waker

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker commences on a small island before Link obtains a boat to embark on his adventure, enabling players to uncover the expansive world. The game's vast overworld map continues to be one of Zelda's best. Introducing a new Zelda game set in a water-covered world could provide an exhilarating follow-up to Tears of the Kingdom. Open-world Zelda titles thrive on the sense of discovery they offer. Enabling players to sail across a new incarnation of Hyrule and explore new islands and mysteries would rejuvenate the open-world Zelda formula.

Diving into Aquatic Adventures

A new Zelda game set at sea could incorporate underwater exploration or naval combat. With Nintendo's advancements since Wind Waker, revisiting this concept would undoubtedly excite players. The world of Wind Waker presents a unique version of Link and Zelda, particularly Tetra. While Tetra's return is unlikely, drawing inspiration from her character could infuse the next game with a refreshing and unconventional spirit by borrowing from Wind Waker.

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