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[Zacfoldor]

Weapon durability killed my enjoyment of BOTW. If Nintendo’s argument is, “well, we just want the players to try all out the weapons”, well, my counter argument is to make sure all the weapons are fun to use so that’s less of an issue, not having a player enjoy a weapon style and then slap it out of their hand after two dozen swings.

Weapon durability was really their way of making the piddly drops impactful.

They should have tried a more complicated solution to make the drops meaningful rather than "your weapon breaks every few hits so you always need to search for new ones."

That said, there isn't a super elegant solution that I can think of for that problem. Like, making them non-breakable and adding Nioh loot is not the answer in a game of this quality. I think the answer is out there though.

I think they went the direction they did because it tied into their "survival game" deal where they wanted us to have to cook, eat, climb, ect within the limitations of the world. They wanted us to suffer as Link suffered, in the same way Fromsoft designs suffering into their games as a way to make non-suffering all the sweeter.

I think they could just change philosophy and keep most of the same programming. Do we really need weapon drops in Zelda? Perhaps maybe 3 or 4 big quests to upgrade the sword. It's hard to make that work in an open world but still prevent things from being trivialized. It's a hard problem if they don't want to rely on traditional solutions. I think the main reason BotW felt so good early on(and also totk) is the struggle. It's real the first few hours and those are the best hours of those games for me(especially totk). It just starts to wear on me really quickly after the first game/tutorial area.

Also after BotW it happened too quickly in TotK that I saw the "man behind the curtain" or rather, Nintendo's hand guiding me along. It became apparent too quickly. In the first game it took 100+ hours in TotK it took maybe 40 because I had already played BotW. I knew these tricks.

Perhaps moving away from the survival mentality and much less menial labor would allow the world to shine once again. I think they'll get it right. TotK is still one of the best and most innovative asset flips of all time, and a great game but I think the formula is getting a little tired and they should change it up this time.

 

[MagnesD3]

I would love if they added some linear gates amd allowed for progression by unlocking items again through interesting complex dungeons but I dont think we will ever get that again even if there are ways to allow for a large amount of freedom.

 

[MMaRsu]

The Windwaker 2 obviously.

 

[Alexios]

Breaking weapons worked fine in BOTW, maybe got a bit grating by TOTK (though adding components was really neat for me) but no more than requiring all the building stuff for those who prefer the core gameplay instead. Maybe another solution is to grind them into (or just use them as is as) materials to just repair your constantly degrading weapon, similar to how Fallout 3 did it where the common loot was also more useful than in previous bethesda games by allowing you to repair your used stuff with it, or replace it if it was so much better you'd keep and repair that instead (but of course make all the unique gear repairable with the common variables, if to a lesser extent, rather than have them impossible to repair as it could happen in that game if I don't remember that part wrong, lol). So you can play it like BOTW and constantly change, or just repair your favorites.

 

[REDRZA MWS]

I wouldn't mind them going for a bit darker tone and direction. Keep the super stylized materials and lighting but make it grittier.

Zelda HD (Wii U tech demo) still looks fresh.

The problem with that demo Nintendo has been long removed to release hardware to create a game that looks like that, not even remotely.

 

[DonF]

Go back to roots imo.

a "return to form" you say??

 

[SyberWolf]

next for zelda. probably a switch 2 exclusive.

 

[Darkmakaimura]

I want to play with Zelda as protagonist... Or Linkle Spin off.

Oh hell yes I'd love to see trans Link aka Linkle as a canon character.

 

[U n i o n 0015]

A gritty modern day reboot. Take the franchise to places it hasn't been.

 

[SunnySideGuy]

Stop doing the breathe of the wild format hopefully. It's dull and boring.

 

[cash_longfellow]

Probably another re-skin, talked up as best game ever.

 

[Metnut]

Please no more ultra hand

 

[Polygonal_Sprite]

We never know from Nintendo when it comes to Mario or Zelda and that’s where the excitement comes from.

 

[amigastar]

Stop doing the breathe of the wild format hopefully. It's dull and boring.

Definitely, can't get into BotW and TotK.

 

[Heimdall_Xtreme]

Oh hell yes I'd love to see trans Link aka Linkle as a canon character.

Linkle is female

 

[cartman414]

I'd like for them to make a YS-like Zelda where they put as much effort into combat as they did to interactivity in the last one.

A Zelda 2-style with both top down and side view with both awesome combat and puzzle action would be aces.

 

[HYDE]

How about a game with dungeons and memorable music?

Back to the roots!

Temples and epic Music

Hopefully actual 7 fully featured dungeons for mainline games.

These guys get it

 

[Kenpachii]

Would love to see zelda in a more modern setting like a cyberpunk future day setting. That would be interesting and refreshing.

 

[Madserb2023]

They will likely do what they have done with every other franchise and that's keep all styles going. The next main Zelda game will probably be an open world TOTK type of game but before that, we likely get remasters and remakes of games like Wind Waker and Ocarina of Time. Might even see a new top down Zelda, and if we are lucky a new lower budget traditional 3d Zelda game. The reason I think this is because TOTK took 7 years to come out and they will need to fill that gap.

 

[wigsplittin4fun]

Honestly if they can make a game just like totk but with a more dense population of npc’s I would be super happy. I enjoyed the freedom of totk and being able to use all the items around you that most games I have played afterward made me feel like I went back in time to the days where open world games didn’t exist and there were no secrets or open paths in games.
It’s like comparing a game like Mike Tyson’s punch out on the nes and its lack of complexity to the last fight night game. The level of complexity and freedom of choice is completely incomparable and it’s a huge shock going from one to another.
To me totk is in my top 3 fav games of all time and I’m not even a huge Nintendo fan.

 

[Shubh_C63]

We never know from Nintendo when it comes to Mario or Zelda and that’s where the excitement comes from.

Zelda XCOM incoming!

And Yes, all Toad characters will have lore perma-death.
Edit - I forgot this already exists.

 

[Zannegan]

Would love to see zelda in a more modern setting like a cyberpunk future day setting. That would be interesting and refreshing.

That might actually be the perfect idea for a new franchise altogether: classic Zelda gameplay (open-ish world with classic dungeons, progression gated by gear, 1 piece of gear per dungeon, etc. etc) and a fresh new setting that still strikes the same chords as classic Zelda.

With the massive success of BotW and TotK, there's little chance Nintendo will take the franchise back to formula with mainline entries any time soon. A new series could be the best solution for Nintendo and fans.

EDIT: For my tastes, I'd like to see them continue with the new emergent gameplay-driven approach BUT also incorporate classic dungeons into that framework. If that means stepping into the dungeon strips you of all your gear like some of the shrines in TotK and forces you to master one new item/power to solve its puzzles and defeat its boss, great.

 

[Aesius]

I'd love to see a dark fantasy Zelda that takes its visual cues from Katsuya Terada's concept art:

 

[Darkmakaimura]

Would love to see zelda in a more modern setting like a cyberpunk future day setting. That would be interesting and refreshing.

Techno-magic setting would be pretty cool.

 

[semiconscious]

Hopefully they get Windwaker HD out on Switch before it's dead. Then, I'd like to see them do a Majora's Mask style remix of that game, maybe with multiplayer.

with the ability to invert controls, please!...

i'd be happy if the series reverted back to classic limited open world / dungeon mode. i need realistic in-game gravity & clever construction kits in my zelda games like I need a hole in my head...

 

[ItsGreat]

My guess is “just” the BotW/TotK formula with a new artstyle, story, physics powers, dungeons etc.

I’m hoping for large cities/settlements and a more vibrant and sprawling Hyrule in general. I’m kind of burned out on the barren/ruined/war-torn areas filled with ruins and old architecture for now.

Would also love to see a return of underwater exploration.

Whatever they come up with I can’t wait to see it though. I’m still sad that we’re not getting DLC for TotK.

I think this is the way it will go. Perhaps not all in one go.

It's as if they're building all the parts and systems that will all slot together as they evolve the engine.

 

[{insert code here}]

What's next is FPS Zelda and it's going to be weird, but it's going to work, and it's going to be huge.

 

[Brumfieldhm]

I would love to be more fully convinced of the world I’m running around in. I know the size of everything is calculated for visual / engineering reasons , but I would like to feel more overwhelmed by the scale of things and intensity of flora / fauna .

 

[Ceadeus]

I'd love to see a dark fantasy Zelda that takes its visual cues from Katsuya Terada's concept art:

man it looks absolutely incredible. I'm kinda speechless in all honesty I really like the vibe it's going for.

 

[HYDE]

I have always wanted to see a version where Epona gets upgrades…combat abilities, swimming ability, double jump, speed, soaring, flight, etc.. with leveling up. Might call them Roc’s shoes, Pegasus wings, Trojan Horse, Sea Horse…Haha idk any good names for them.

 

[Aesius]

man it looks absolutely incredible. I'm kinda speechless in all honesty I really like the vibe it's going for.

I have always loved this artwork. It was in the A Link to the Past Strategy guide and I used to look at it all the time as a kid dreaming of when games might look like that.

 

[Madflavor]

I haven't been a huge fan of the open world approach to Zelda, but I understand I'm the minority on that. BotW and TotK sold a ridiculous amount of copies, and I've accepted that when it comes to their big Zelda titles, they're never going back to their older format. But that's fine. Back in the 90s Zelda was THE epic adventure game series, but nowadays there's plenty of others.

 

[ChoosableOne]

A new(duh), smaller, and more dense map, add some old-style dungeons, keep the crafting elements(optional as before)—that's it.

 

[Ceadeus]

I have always loved this artwork. It was in the A Link to the Past Strategy guide and I used to look at it all the time as a kid dreaming of when games might look like that.

I was sure it was the art for either the first The legend of Zelda of the Adventure of Link. Because in the second game you fight human with horse head. I wonder what were the art for these games.

 

[Ceadeus]

I have always loved this artwork. It was in the A Link to the Past Strategy guide and I used to look at it all the time as a kid dreaming of when games might look like that.

 

[BlackTron]

Maybe they will get the sword back in his left hand.

Even Nintendo is caving to the lefties!

Spoiler

Yes, I'm a dumbass and deserve no likes

 

[SteadyEvo]

Semi open world. Tired of wide open empty spaces. More streamlined please.

 

[Drake]

Get rid of the building shit. Hope that is a one and done for Zelda.

 

[GoldenEye98]

Semi open world. Tired of wide open empty spaces. More streamlined please.

The novelty of "I can go anywhere" wears of real quick but the drudgery of endless traversing is permanent. That's my core issue with open world games.

 

[peronmls]

I really don’t care for Zelda unless Eiji Aonuma has creative direction again. I like my Zelda’s Dark and gloomy. Not bright and cheerful. Last good Zelda was TP.

 

[Solarstrike]

.

 

[HYDE]

Get rid of the building shit. Hope that is a one and done for Zelda.

Yeah, I am with you and I feel like Elden Ring is eating Zelda’s lunch. I think the top down 2D games continue to cater to a younger or new to the series crowd, whereas people who grew up with the series are feeling conflicted with the 3D games staying geared to only younger players. I am not saying making it all out mature and edgy, but add some darkness, less minecraft, and serious dungeons. Also bring back the beautiful memorable tunes.

 

[BlackTron]

The new Zelda's are great games in their own right, but Zelda needs dungeons and music or it's not really Zelda anymore to me.

Not a big fan of Zelda becoming one and done titles. Where once it's finished, there's no way you're doing all that walking, backtracking and fiddling again. Again, great games, but doesn't sit right to have these in lieu of regular Zelda. Remakes don't cut it, make a new one dammit.

 

[IDKFA]

I am not saying making it all out mature and edgy, but add some darkness, less minecraft, and serious dungeons. Also bring back the beautiful memorable tunes.

Something like Twilight Princess perhaps?

 

[simpatico]

I'd like to see a 5 year break. Gotten just a little oversaturated and I can't even think of a direction I'd like to see them go. Need to absence to make the heart grow fonder.

 

[BlackTron]

I'd like to see a 5 year break. Gotten just a little oversaturated and I can't even think of a direction I'd like to see them go. Need to absence to make the heart grow fonder.

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.

 

[HYDE]

Something like Twilight Princess perhaps?

A little bit, but add a jump button, get rid of the tutorial section, and give me more meaningful finds instead of rupies. Add leveling and fantastic weapons and stronger enemies. I feel like a perfect balance between Elden Ring and Ocarina of Time. Semi-open world. Also a new take on death instead of retrieving your souls or a simple game over screen, maybe a Sekiro like mechanic? Finally Epona actually having some ability or upgrades would be rad as I previously mentioned.

 

[Aesius]

I was sure it was the art for either the first The legend of Zelda of the Adventure of Link. Because in the second game you fight human with horse head. I wonder what were the art for these games.

Here's a digitized version of the strategy guide:

https://archive.org/details/Nintend...end_of_Zelda_A_Link_to_the_Past_1992/mode/2up

The artwork was recapping Zelda 1 and 2 for new players to the series.

 

[Ceadeus]

Here's a digitized version of the strategy guide:

https://archive.org/details/Nintend...end_of_Zelda_A_Link_to_the_Past_1992/mode/2up

The artwork was recapping Zelda 1 and 2 for new players to the series.

Oh wow, that's really cool, I wish I had this guide!

 

[Darkmakaimura]

I still think a cool idea for a new Zelda game would be a huge city environment or a game where you travel to multiple worlds and by the latter I mean more than simply two worlds. Maybe Ganon pulled a Guardian (from the Ultima games) and conquered multiple realms.