Summary
The Legend of Zeldafranchise does an incredible job of portraying Hyrule throughout multiple generations. The series’ main character, Link, is also depicted throughout differing timelines, almost always as a different character with a soul that gets passed on.Breath of the Wildwas revolutionary for the IP, as its nonlinear gameplay and open world highlighted the series’ themes of exploration and adventure. However, theNintendo Switch launch titledid so much more for the series’ narrative than other entries.
Link is historically known as one of Nintendo’s most iconic silent protagonists, alongside Red of thePokemonseries. Despite this, the games have succeeded in characterizing the protagonist. Besides the player being able to choose tons of Link’s dialogue inBreath of the Wild, the game’s Memory mechanic was an integral addition to the plot. The game begins in the Shrine of Resurrection, as Link’s Memory has fallen apart after he has undergone a 100-year-long restoration. The 18 Memories are not needed to beat the game, but they provide intriguing storylines and may address any unanswered questions that the player may have. The nextLegend ofZeldagame could expand on this feature and add similar mechanics, further highlighting the franchise’s contrast between gameplay and storytelling.
Breath Of The Wild’s Individualization Of Link
Link’s perpetual silence throughouttheLegend of Zeldaseriesis crucial to the story that each game is trying to tell. The wayBreath of the Wildtook advantage of this fact should be further explored in future titles. Zelda’s Diary, which can be found in Hyrule Castle, provides detailed background information regarding Link. She even digs deep into Link’s personality, and why he has chosen a vow of silence.
“When I finally got around to asking why he’s so quiet all the time, I could tell it was difficult for him to say. But he did. With so much at stake, and so many eyes upon him, he feels it necessary to stay strong and to silently bear any burden. A feeling I know all too well… For him, it has caused him to stop outwardly expressing his thoughts and feelings.”
This kind of context is unprecedented inThe Legend of Zelda. It’s a clever way to maintain traditions set by previous games, while simultaneously answering questions that players may have been wondering for decades.Breath of the Wildnotably gave Princess Zelda much-needed individuality, but how it was able to lift mysterious auras around Link cannot be overlooked either. Not only should details like these diary entries and the aforementioned Link memories return, butthe nextLegend of Zeldagamecould find more ways to distinguish Link within the world he inhabits.
Future Legend Of Zelda Games Can Avoid The Mistakes of the Classics to Highlight Link’s Character
Breath of the Wildand its sequel,Tears of the Kingdom, have arguably done the best job of exploring Link as a character. Previous titles have told complex tales, but the linearity of their gameplay can have limits on certain aspects of the plot. In short, they simply do not expand on themes that require more context. For example,Link has had tons of family membersin games such asThe Wind Waker,A Link to the Past, andThe Minish Cap. Yet, they are rarely ever explored on a deeper level.
By exploring Link’s lineage even further,TheLegend of Zeldacan continue to keep its timeless protagonist fresh, while increasing how relatable he is. Like inThe Wind Waker, where the game’s story is set in motion by the kidnapping of his sister, future games can revolve around the narratives of his family and more personal aspects of his life.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
WHERE TO PLAY
Forget everything you know aboutThe Legend of Zeldagames. Step into a world of discovery, exploration, and adventure inThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, a boundary-breaking new game in the acclaimed series. Travel across vast fields, through forests, and to mountain peaks as you discover what has become of the kingdom of Hyrule in this stunning Open-Air Adventure. Now on Nintendo Switch, your journey is freer and more open than ever. Take your system anywhere, and adventure as Link any way you like.
