The future ofThe Legend of Zeldacan seem concerning to at present, with the franchise undergoing so many different changes. However, looking more broadly, this worry should arguably not be as strong as it has grown to be for some people. As such, instead of worrying about howZeldamay change, it is time to be more optimistic about what the future may bring.
At this point, there are many different paths thatthe nextZeldagamecould take, and there is little indication of what may be coming. Of course, it is easy to see how people may have been dissatisfied with some of the elements that have come to the forefront of the franchise as of late, as well as whatnew trends have emerged inZelda’s standard gameplay. No matter how successful a game may be, it is impossible to satisfy the tastes of every single individual equally. Nevertheless, this does not mean the nextZeldatitle should be dreaded.
BOTW & TOTK Aren’t For Everyone
The Open-World Titles Have Mechanics That Some Find Unappealing
As successful as they have proven to be, it is still fair to say thatBreath of the WildandTears of the Kingdomare not universally loved. As innovative as the mechanics are in these games, they still have their share of detractors. For example,TOTK’s extensive use of Ultrahand, while it can lead to some incredible creations being developed, may still seem like it detracts from the traditionalZeldaformula. Another major point of contention can be the way that weapons have limited durability, to the point that even the Master Sword cannot be used indefinitely.
Although even some of the earliestZeldagames contain non-linear elements,BOTWandTOTKtook this to new heights. Again, the reception of this can vary. Although it can be interesting tobreak the traditions of exploration inZeldagames, for some the extent to which these titles do so is still a step too far. And, with the incredible popularity of these titles as a whole,it is easy to surmise that this is the direction in which future games will continue to evolve; a depressing thought for those who dislike the approach.
Of course, it is not difficult to see why this fear may seem justified. Despite returning to a top-down perspective, and with a much more limited world than its immediate predecessors in the franchise,Echoes of Wisdomstill bears many of these same hallmarks. The highly variable nature of Echoes and the experimentation they encourage evidently follow on from the free-form abilities ofBOTWandTOTK. Even the change to Link’s traditional green clothing is referenced in the blue cloak both he and Zelda wear at various points in the latest title.
Zelda Has Always Been An Experimental Series
The Franchise Constantly Replaces The Signature Mechanics Of Past Titles
Innovation and experimentation have always been a large part of what makes eachLegend of Zeldagame uniquely entertaining.The franchise constantly introduces radical new gameplay featureswhile still maintaining a core identity. Furthermore, it is far from unusual for some of these features to attract complaints about the perceived direction of the series. For example,The Wind Wakerwas extremely divisive for many people, with the new cel-shaded graphics attracting plenty of detractors. However, beyond the two sequels that followed it, this graphics style has notably not become a permanent aspect of the franchise.
Miyamoto Wasn’t a Fan of Legend Of Zelda: Wind Waker’s Toon Style
Newly translated interviews reveal that Miyamoto wasn’t a fan of Zelda: Wind Waker’s art style at first, so the development team kept it secret.
In some respects, every newLegend of Zeldagame breaks the status quo of the series in one way or another. Crucially, however, none of these drasticchanges in direction forZeldaever last for long. No matter what big change shakes up the series, after a game or two this major new feature (or other design aspect) will always be replaced with the next big idea. Naturally, the changes pioneered byBOTWandTOTKwill be no exception in the long run; even as influential as they have proven so far, that franchise will eventually move on.
Most thematic trends inZeldagames only last for two or three titles, as demonstrated by the cel-shaded graphic style ofThe Wind Wakeronly being reused inPhantom HourglassandSpirit Tracks, alongside the concept of using specific vehicles to traverse the overworld.
Of course, it is also worth noting that some aspects of the games do go on to be more permanent parts of the franchise. However, given the dramatic change in gameplay demonstrated byEchoes of Wisdom, it is already clear that this will not be true for any ofBOTWorTOTK’s more controversial elements. In fact,the most prominent feature that appears likely to remain a part of the franchise going forward is the Adventure Logand its associated side quests.
The Future Of Zelda Will Continue To Innovate
Every New Zelda Game Can Be A Fresh Start Rather Than Just A Continuation
Without innovation, it is difficult to seeThe Legend of Zeldaever having become as successful as it now is. As games have changed and developed in their own unique ways, so too has the franchise as a whole been shaped in both large and small ways. For example,the influence ofA Link to the Pastis not to be underestimated, having introduced now-essential aspects of the franchise like the Master Sword. This clearly demonstrates how it is good for the series to do more than simply repeat the template of past games.
It is inevitable that future innovations will have their own detractors, much like the gameplay ofBOTWandTOTK. But at the end of the day,the same constant innovation that keeps theZeldafranchise fresh and interesting means that none of these elements are truly as permanent as they may appearon first glance. As a result, if the most recent games have not been to one’s liking, it is arguably more likely that the next game will be far more enjoyable rather than simply continuing the trend.
Zelda’s Next Game Should Change One Unfair Feature From BOTW & TOTK
There is an unfair feature in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild which then carried forward into Tears of the Kingdom, but should go no further.
When examining the history of the franchise, it quickly becomes obvious that the future ofThe Legend of Zeldahas never been as set in stone as some people may believe. Moreover, while some of the innovative changes made during this constant evolution may prove immensely significant, most will still be set aside after one or two titles. In fact, it is arguably the perfect time for a new paradigm shift for the games, meaning the next title could easily be entirely different from what has come before in recent years.
