Despite how incredible this game may be, I still feel like I'm going to miss certain aspects of Zelda that, going by impressions, previews, and now reviews, may not be totally there in BOTW. Of course, I'm gonna let that game be what it is and have its own voice, but as a long-time fan, I expect to miss certain tropes.
Some people are happy that it's seeing some change and that it's less formulaic, but I do like that certain formula. When all's said and done, for example, I doubt I'm going to be able to say "man, Breath of the Wild had the best dungeon portfolio in the series!" and for me personally things like that may actually hold it back on some level-- for me personally.
That's not to say I won't like the dungeons or shrines here, I'm sure they're fine, hell they may be even great, but I don't get the feeling that they're going to have that old school Zelda sense of eerie mystery, if that makes sense.
I think this dungeon track from Link's Awakening could help paint a clearer picture by what I mean.
Again, haven't played the game, but I guess I just have my own reasons as to why I love Zelda and that's a major part of it. I'm down with the open world and new ideas, I just hope I can find enough in this game to make me feel like I'm actually playing a Zelda game instead of a product that is trying to answer to various criticism. Some of which need answering, but not all I feel.
The pre-release jitters are real and I'm probably just talking out my ass and not explaining myself. It's at that point where I'm getting nervous despite all the praise that it may not completely deliver on the reasons I love the series. We'll see! I think it's also good in a way for me to lower my expectations.
Hype! Can't believe this might be my last Zelda game.
Well that's cryptic. Hope things are okay for you.