We have come to know the The Legend of Zelda series well, as each new title Nintendo release loosely sticks with the same formula, while adding new features to each iteration.
series well, as each new title Nintendo release loosely sticks with the same formula, while adding new features to each iteration. Whether it be mask morphing or riding the skyline on a giant bird, the Big N always delivers enticing new mechanics. Over the years I’ve created the perfect Zelda game in my mind, although I’ve never been able to put it down on paper. Today, that changes; well, sort of. The Legend of Zelda is an amazing franchise that many gamers hold near and dear to their hearts, and Nintendo has been thriving to keep the franchise at a steady high. Here are five things I believe would propel the Zelda series to greater heights.
Bring Back Time Travel (young/adult Link)
One iconic game mechanic in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is the time traveling aspect. However, Nintendo never built upon it. Seeing how areas and/or people changed in Hyrule over the course of 7 years was a perfect way of expressing environmental storytelling. It would be insanely cool to see how Nintendo could take advantage of this legendary game mechanic.
On a slightly different note, it would also be interesting to have Link start as a child, then through the course of the game you watch him grow into an adult. Sure it\’s different, but as Nintendo knows, bold ideas can go a long way.
Play as Sheik
Sheik is character that has always had a strong presence in Nintendo\’s Super Smash Bros. series. She also recently made an appearance in Hyrule Warriors as a playable character. She is quite a popular character considering she\’s only been featured in one game in the main series ( Ocarina of Time ). I think Nintendo should flesh out this character, as her ninja-like abilities could surely mix up the gameplay for Zelda franchise. Hyrule Warriors is a testament to that, and shows she has got what it takes to tear enemies apart.
RPG Elements
In Zelda: Skyward Sword you were able to upgrade your weapons. Sadly, there wasn’t much depth there, or any other big changes that followed. I want an upgrade system on a whole new scale. Sure, I want to upgrade my bow and arrow, but I also want to upgrade my horse to run faster, and my magic to be stronger. I want Din’s fire to reign over enemies and send them into eternal hellfire! Okay… maybe not that serious.
Returning to Past Places/Times in the Series
Unlike any other company, Nintendo can sell games based purely on the nostalgia they bring to people. They need to incorporate that more into Zelda . Everyone loves Easter eggs and throwbacks to previous games in the series. Let me walk into Clock Town, or even Lon Lon Ranch once more in glorious 1080p, HD. It would be insanely cool to see a past Chosen Hero fighting off some baddies in the distance, and it would also be an opportunity to fix some timeline errors.
Voice Acting
I know what you’re thinking, typical thing to hear from a fan. On various occasions Nintendo has given (slightly bad) reasons not to pursue voice acting in the Zelda franchise. However, how cool would it be over hear local townspeople talking about the terror and havoc Gannondorf has caused? Link could build relationships with other characters, and you might actually care for them, which is something that\’s been absent from the franchise. Also, Voice acting being featured in the game doesn\’t mean Link has to speak often, or even at all for that matter. Nintendo is (presumably) working on a live-action Zelda series, and I can\’t imagine this would be any harder than that.
So how do you feel about this? Do you think The Legend of Zelda series should take more bold directions? Do you want voice acting in Zelda ? Leave all your thoughts in the comments section below!
Written by Brett Medlock
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