What's Next For Zelda?

BlackTron said:
My take is, the more Zelda they make, the more likely to land on the style I want. If they always wait that long between games, I might die before they get around to it. So keep the offshoots, remakes, and general milking going please.

I like the Link's Awakening remake more than BOTW/TOTK.
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I'm a LTTP purist. The NES->SNES->64 evolution will be a dragon we chase with Nintendo forever. The reason I proposed a break is because I can't even think of what I want from Zelda right now. We've been somewhat spoiled since Twilight Princess, getting a good spread of art styles. To the point that whatever I could think of seemed derivative of one of them. I hope Nintendo enlists their best magicians on whatever they do next with it. Mario and Metroid are much easier IPs to direct imo. Maybe it is time for the "realistic" shot. Switch 2 should be able to handle that graphical style. I'm hesitant to go there, but it's the only think I can find with that spark. A highly polished, linear, dungeon-based Twilight Princess style would also be good. Maybe they can really polish a cool take on third person action combat. If anyone can pull it off, it's Nintendo.
 
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Something dark and gritty.
 
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Not open world. At least for next few games.
Nor heavily story driven. Zelda games doesn't get developed around a story, but story gets developed around gameplay.

The core of a Zelda is exploration, dungeons and their clever puzzles.
I think next game will have to do something with next Switch's gimmick, if there is any.

They used the mix/match/craft concept already for TOTK. Physics for the BOTW... Ability changes for the recent Zelda one...
I think something other than those types would be key new feature - or combination of all of them.
Maybe it would be something about woodworking/stone carving/blacksmithing while collecting materials - that you create your own weapons?
Not as ultrahand, but more of condensed, more concise and infinitely different types of weapons that can really creative - and can be used to solve the puzzles...

But the art style wise - don't know. I doubt if they'll release SD/Chibi style for their mainline 3D zelda now - I think it will stay as 3d cell shaded look (which I don't mind, provided with excellent animations)
 
All I want is open world and for them not to use that awful art style from Links Awakening remake and Echoes of Wisdom.

I think they will not stick to BOTW/TOTK style but anything else is better than the creepy LA/EoW look.

Being able to play as Zelda in a main title would be cool because I'm never gonna play EoW.
 
You know what I would like to see? I would like to see a Zelda game where you can travel to different worlds. I'm not talking about going from one world to another but actually skipping to different worlds within the same game.

One idea I had was where Ganon has conquered multiple worlds kind of like the Guardian in Ultima IX. SOMETHING TRULY EPIC.
 
Set it in modern day. Fully voice acted. Give Link two pistols alongside his sword. He swears and drives a motorcycle. Zelda is a freedom fighter who communicates through an ear piece and knows everything. Ganon is a greedy capitalist who controls society behind the scenes through consumerism. Near the beginning of the game during a fight a green cap falls on Link's head and he turns to the camera and says "not in a million years" before throwing it off like a badass.
 
If they are smart, they will take a step back from the Open Air Zelda style and give it some room to breathe after the inevitable 4K Remasters/ Switch 2 upgrade of Breath of the Wild & Tears of the Kingdom.

While both games were roaring successes, Tears of the Kingdom doesn't seem to have the legs that Breath of the Wild does, and may end up selling 15 million copies less which is a pretty significant drop. Releasing another game in this style will likely stagnant the series or follow in worse sales.

Neither which is what I imagine Nintendo would want. I remember hearing plans of them having a Zelda related title on a yearly basis, but with Echoes of Wisdom probably not selling better than the Link's Awakening remake... Again I suspect they will slow their roll on that plan.

With the apparently strong upgrade Switch 2 provides, a classic 3D style Zelda game could be the best path forwards to keeping the series invigorated. Utilizing the hardware for some impressive visuals, a focus on dungeons and better combat mechanics would likely be the best route for the series in the interim. It would provide fans what they have been clamouring for, and at the same time allowing anticipation to build for another open air Zelda game to follow afterwards.

Timing is important here though, the classic Zelda style game should release in the next 2 years, and following that the Open Air Zelda should follow within 3 years. Tears of the Kingdom simply took too long to come out after Breath of the Wild, though a big part of this had to do with COVID I'm sure.

Nintendo has had a long time to plan the success of their next console, the games to accompany it, and most importantly bolstering their staff to accommodate the new Switch.
 
Bridges said:
Set it in modern day. Fully voice acted. Give Link two pistols alongside his sword. He swears and drives a motorcycle. Zelda is a freedom fighter who communicates through an ear piece and knows everything. Ganon is a greedy capitalist who controls society behind the scenes through consumerism. Near the beginning of the game during a fight a green cap falls on Link's head and he turns to the camera and says "not in a million years" before throwing it off like a badass.
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Oh I really hope you're joking but I'm sure you are. That's the last thing I want to see. The closest to that would be some kind of huge magical city that Link can explore.

DKPOWPOW said:
If they are smart, they will take a step back from the Open Air Zelda style and give it some room to breathe after the inevitable 4K Remasters/ Switch 2 upgrade of Breath of the Wild & Tears of the Kingdom.

While both games were roaring successes, Tears of the Kingdom doesn't seem to have the legs that Breath of the Wild does, and may end up selling 15 million copies less which is a pretty significant drop. Releasing another game in this style will likely stagnant the series or follow in worse sales.

Neither which is what I imagine Nintendo would want. I remember hearing plans of them having a Zelda related title on a yearly basis, but with Echoes of Wisdom probably not selling better than the Link's Awakening remake... Again I suspect they will slow their roll on that plan.

With the apparently strong upgrade Switch 2 provides, a classic 3D style Zelda game could be the best path forwards to keeping the series invigorated. Utilizing the hardware for some impressive visuals, a focus on dungeons and better combat mechanics would likely be the best route for the series in the interim. It would provide fans what they have been clamouring for, and at the same time allowing anticipation to build for another open air Zelda game to follow afterwards.

Timing is important here though, the classic Zelda style game should release in the next 2 years, and following that the Open Air Zelda should follow within 3 years. Tears of the Kingdom simply took too long to come out after Breath of the Wild, though a big part of this had to do with COVID I'm sure.

Nintendo has had a long time to plan the success of their next console, the games to accompany it, and most importantly bolstering their staff to accommodate the new Switch.
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I kind of be up for some kind of space adventure. But done fantasy wise, something like Spelljammer.
 
Open world.

Items collected in dungeons unlock more areas and ways to interact to explore that world

Same physics interactions like BoTW.

Combat overhaul making more move sets and unique attack combos.
 
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Darkmakaimura said:
Oh I really hope you're joking but I'm sure you are. That's the last thing I want to see. The closest to that would be some kind of huge magical city that Link can explore.


I kind of be up for some kind of space adventure. But done fantasy wise, something like Spelljammer.
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I think it's really likely we get a remake of some kind when it comes to classic 3D Zelda. Though, with the Open Air concept I feel Space and Underwater would be the next logical concepts for them to tackle. They already did underground + sky so, makes sense.

I just feel things should be fleshed out more, regardless of what they go for in the Open Air concept. Combat, enemy variation, enemy A.I., environmental destruction, there is a lot that deserves an upgrade in mechanics. BotW teased gigantic creatures roaming along the lands like Kaiju's or Shadow of the Colossus.

I think it's something that could be built upon and incorporated in an exciting way to the overworld. Allowing real consequences to happen if you dilly dally, almost like the Moon crashing down in Majora's Mask.

Weather events could be totally upgraded, just a lot of the systems in general and explanations for things. It's still a bit jarring when you are struggling to survive during moments of the games and then you open your item screen and you have 50 prepped meals ready to go.

Not saying they should dive full into realism, just provide an explanation that makes sense within the world.
 
Aside from Wind Waker HD, and BOTW Deluxe coming to Switch 2, I think were Zelda goes next is to the past.

I think they either remake OoT in the BoTW (go anywhere, solve *some* puzzles in any order). My hope is it is in the Wii U Tech Demo art style.
 
Aonuma hates the old formula now, so I don't really care. I guess I don't mind the open world line of games, but now that side projects like Echoes are gimmicky too instead of traditional action adventures, all I look forward to is remakes.
 
DKPOWPOW said:
I think it's really likely we get a remake of some kind when it comes to classic 3D Zelda. Though, with the Open Air concept I feel Space and Underwater would be the next logical concepts for them to tackle. They already did underground + sky so, makes sense.

I just feel things should be fleshed out more, regardless of what they go for in the Open Air concept. Combat, enemy variation, enemy A.I., environmental destruction, there is a lot that deserves an upgrade in mechanics. BotW teased gigantic creatures roaming along the lands like Kaiju's or Shadow of the Colossus.

I think it's something that could be built upon and incorporated in an exciting way to the overworld. Allowing real consequences to happen if you dilly dally, almost like the Moon crashing down in Majora's Mask.

Weather events could be totally upgraded, just a lot of the systems in general and explanations for things. It's still a bit jarring when you are struggling to survive during moments of the games and then you open your item screen and you have 50 prepped meals ready to go.

Not saying they should dive full into realism, just provide an explanation that makes sense within the world.
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Didn't they sort of cover open air with Skyward Sword? I mean it didn't cover entirely the air but there was still a significant portion of that.

As for outer space, that would be more difficult. I'm talking about something more fantasy related then science related when it comes to space but if you play the most recent Zelda game, that might interfere with the lore. If you haven't played it I won't go in to it any further as to not spoil it.
 
Probably more of the same for 10 years before they change the formula or go back to an older one ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
It's not a complain, I like it all except the f****** weapons degradation, I hate that in ALL GAMES or any kind of inventory micro management like in recent Metro where you have to "clean" your shitty weapons. What they were ALL thinking ? OH, I know, they were NOT THINKING AT ALL aka let's artificially make the game longer and a chore to play.

Weapon degradation is one of the worst idea ever in history of video games.
anakin skywalker hate GIF
 
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ZoukGalaxy said:
Probably more of the same for 10 years before they change the formula or go back to an older one ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
It's not a complain, I like it all except the f****** weapons degradation, I hate that in ALL GAMES or any kind of inventory micro management like in recent Metro where you have to "clean" your shitty weapons. What they were ALL thinking ? OH, I know, they were NOT THINKING AT ALL aka let's artificially make the game longer and a chore to play.

Weapon degradation is one of the worst idea ever in history of video games.
anakin skywalker hate GIF
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Genuine question, what's a good alternative to weapon degradation in an open world? I've been thinking about it a lot but not sure what's been tried and true in the gaming world already.
 
Darkmakaimura said:
Didn't they sort of cover open air with Skyward Sword? I mean it didn't cover entirely the air but there was still a significant portion of that.

As for outer space, that would be more difficult. I'm talking about something more fantasy related then science related when it comes to space but if you play the most recent Zelda game, that might interfere with the lore. If you haven't played it I won't go in to it any further as to not spoil it.
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When I say Open Air, I am referring to what Eiji Aounuma said. He titled the style of Zelda games like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom as their "Open Air Concept" if I remember correctly.

I haven't played Echoes of Wisdom yet so yeah, can't say I know or want to know yet. Sounds interesting though.

I can't say I'd really want a Space Zelda game in the traditional sense so, a different interpretation would be something I'd be more open to.
 
tomato shrub said:
Aonuma hates the old formula now, so I don't really care. I guess I don't mind the open world line of games, but now that side projects like Echoes are gimmicky too instead of traditional action adventures, all I look forward to is remakes.
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I really enjoy this new direction they've taken Zelda. The old formula was getting really stale, it felt like I did the exact same thing in every game. But I can do without these weird tech puzzle tools. I tried out TotK, but it didn't click with me as I'm not that interested in building vehicles and whatnot in a Zelda game. I want fantasy with great atmosphere and loads of exploration.

RomanceDawn said:
Genuine question, what's a good alternative to weapon degradation in an open world? I've been thinking about it a lot but not sure what's been tried and true in the gaming world already.
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I would be happier with having a great weapons variation instead. For example the enemies holding their own varieties of weapons that I find interested in taking and trying out. Sort of like in Wind Waker. The degradation just felt meh and unnecessary. I would have been more interested in deeper combat mechanics, different moves that are unlocked, also like in Wind Waker.

MagiusNecros said:
All these top down Zelda's and I just want a Twilight Princess 2.
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Some annoyed Nintendo employee will read this and pitch a topdown TP2.
 
Darkmakaimura said:
So they've tried all sorts of different stuff with Zelda and now we have a huge open world.

What do you think the next innovation is going to be for this series? What will they do that's different in the next installment? Perhaps having it take place and a huge fantasy-tech city that you can explore? Or a full-blown dungeon crawler? Or something else entirely?
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Let be a Main character playable

Zelda_Traveler_2_Info.png
 
I'd take things down a notch compared to TOTK, I don't want so much crafting / building and mix and match. Open world is nice, BOTW was amazing but all the machines, cars, planes, engines... it takes me a bit out of what I thought was supposed to be a sword and sorcery fantasy world.
 
I wanna see more in line with botw-totk and majoras mask. Big town with lots of characters routines, side missions. Masked based interactive world, postman mask lets you deliver mail for money, bunny mask run faster, night mask lets you see better at night, etc
 
Trilobit said:
I really enjoy this new direction they've taken Zelda. The old formula was getting really stale, it felt like I did the exact same thing in every game. But I can do without these weird tech puzzle tools. I tried out TotK, but it didn't click with me as I'm not that interested in building vehicles and whatnot in a Zelda game. I want fantasy with great atmosphere and loads of exploration.


I would be happier with having a great weapons variation instead. For example the enemies holding their own varieties of weapons that I find interested in taking and trying out. Sort of like in Wind Waker. The degradation just felt meh and unnecessary. I would have been more interested in deeper combat mechanics, different moves that are unlocked, also like in Wind Waker.
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But TotK had loads of exploration. That is one of its big attractions.

The building part was relatively minor part of the game if you wanted it to be.

And great weapons variation? I'm replaying WW now and there's like 3 different weapons so far and I'm probably halfway thru. And that's including the torch sticks. And you can't even bring the weapons with you. TotK enemies used different weapons too. And they used different varieties of similar weapons.

I don't get using WW as an example of deeper combat mechanics either. If you're talking pure sword fighting ...maybe it is technically correct? I forget but I never once thought TotK lacked in combat mechanics by comparison. I did miss rolling around a little bit at first just outta habit.
 
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weapon breaking really made you use different weapons and not rely on just on one or two the whole game. I embraced it and loved it.
 
Seeing how Nintendo might be in safe mode (basically iterating on the Switch with Switch 2) I think we will just see a prettier, better running BOTW/TOTK style of game.

The games sold massively, and I am afraid that Nintendo might see that as "why spoil a good thing". I think with the movie coming out they will take no chances.

Me personally, I would love for them to fly in the face of convention and give us the most beautiful 2D Zelda ala "The Adventure of Link". Imagine what they could do with that style of game with modern graphics?
 
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tr1p1ex said:
But TotK had loads of exploration. That is one of its big attractions.
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I think due to it having pretty much the same map as BotW it didn't impress me very much. Sure, there were plenty of stuff different, but I did not really enjoy the exploring here.

tr1p1ex said:
And great weapons variation? I'm replaying WW now and there's like 3 different weapons so far and I'm probably halfway thru. And that's including the torch sticks. And you can't even bring the weapons with you. TotK enemies used different weapons too. And they used different varieties of similar weapons.
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I mean that it could be inspired by WW in that you take (and keep) different weapons, but without the durability issues.

tr1p1ex said:
I don't get using WW as an example of deeper combat mechanics either. If you're talking pure sword fighting ...maybe it is technically correct? I forget but I never once thought TotK lacked in combat mechanics by comparison. I did miss rolling around a little bit at first just outta habit.
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As I remember it you could visit a dojo and learn different moves, sort of similar to Minish Cap. Those were a blast to use, I can't recall BotW or TotK having that moveset. I always found the combat in those two games paltry in comparison to WW. I almost evaded much of the combat because I didn't find it satisfying.
 
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Sooner said:
Just finally finished Echoes of Wisdom.

Hated it.

Don't do that again, Nintendo.
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I don't think the game was meant for the hardcore fan. More for younger players as a gateway into the Zelda universe (particularly young girls). I believe the sales were not that great, so you probably have nothing to worry about.
 
I think they will do a modern take on wind waker where you have ship / base / survival mechanics or something similar.

I can see Link exploring a large archipelago with this ship and having to maintain it, with island / dungeons aplenty.
 
Hopefully back to the greatness that is OOT, still is. Or MM. Breath and Tears are cool, don't get me wrong but I want that traditional Zelda back.
 
Trilobit said:
I think due to it having pretty much the same map as BotW it didn't impress me very much. Sure, there were plenty of stuff different, but I did not really enjoy the exploring here.


I mean that it could be inspired by WW in that you take (and keep) different weapons, but without the durability issues.


As I remember it you could visit a dojo and learn different moves, sort of similar to Minish Cap. Those were a blast to use, I can't recall BotW or TotK having that moveset. I always found the combat in those two games paltry in comparison to WW. I almost evaded much of the combat because I didn't find it satisfying.
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The whole cave, well and underground thing was massive exploration. And all were new areas. The sky too.

And then all the new shrines to be found along with korok seeds. And just so many more enemies all over. And so many more changes.


I understand the initial reaction to the same map thing. But a superficial reaction to me.

TotK was already inspired by WW because you could take and keep the weapons. ;)

And yes you went to the Dojo to learn a new move or two in WW. But ...I'm not even sure you have more moves overall than TotK. In TotK you have jump attack, flurry rush attack, charged spin, spin, sidestep, backflip, parry, .... seems very similar in variety.
 
Sooner said:
Just finally finished Echoes of Wisdom.

Hated it.

Don't do that again, Nintendo.
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I couldn't finish it. I got thru 2 dungeons maybe and 5-6 voids and I was done.

I couldn't do another little go here, go there order to a random spot to further the story. IT was very empty busy work. And the voids were meh as well and not easy on the eyes.

The conjure mechanic was the attraction and fun for awhile but you quickly got 65 things to conjure and it was too much. And it got old to stack/bridge to get to places you couldn't otherwise get to.

The dungeon stuff was merely ok.
 
TotK is one of my all-time favorites, but even I have to admit giving players essentially debug tools disguised as powers is a one-time trick. It's why BotW still holds its value.

I want one more BotW/TotK style game. I don't know how they'd exceed TotK, but I'm willing to believe they would. I want to see what they would do.

It's the same vibes in here as when the whole Wind Waker thing was going on. Better arguments and less mean spirited, sure, but sometimes you don't know how good you have it until you don't.
 
Heimdall_Xtreme said:
Let be a Main character playable
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Linkle game pls

tumblr_p92jomf2im1u1ry24o1_500.gif


John Bilbo John Bilbo A Jet Force Gemini 2 is long overdue but I think the closest thing to Zelda in Space is gonna be Metroid Prime 4 and will be closer to the normal Zelda formula of acquire stuff to explore and find more stuff. Nintendo is aiming for more Musou fun at the end of the year...which is better then having LoZ Fallout 3.

As I enjoy those more since your weapons don't break mid-combat like it's trying to use a Fire Emblem durability system.

I think 3D Zelda's big problem is a seeming lack of either good dungeon design or just dungeons altogether. Their Banjo Kazooie instanced shrine collectathon just isn't the answer.
 
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Commanderson said:
I wanna see more in line with botw-totk and majoras mask. Big town with lots of characters routines, side missions. Masked based interactive world, postman mask lets you deliver mail for money, bunny mask run faster, night mask lets you see better at night, etc
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I hope they go overboard with the sidemissions this time around. I had a blast with the missions on Windfall Island in Wind Waker. It was amazing crawling around the buildings and taking pictures and whatnot. That's what really immerses me in games.
 
Fire dungeon that has its own distinct look, layout, mechanics, enemies, music, and takes hours to finish.

Water dungeon that has its own distinct look etc.

You get the idea.
 
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