Playable Zelda likely isn’t coming in Breath of the Wild 2. I’ve made my peace with that eventuality, even if it could help push the series forward in some truly meaningful ways. When all is said and done, Link is the hero of this story - the Hero of Time if you haven’t heard - and his presence is more than enough to carry an open world adventure we’ll spend hours being enamoured with when it arrives in 2022. Another mystery protagonist could be waiting in the wings, but whether they are related to Zelda remains to be s

Ashley is annoying on many levels. She is the stereotypical damsel in distress that can’t do anything while following Leon around. Sometimes there will be a garbage bin for her to hide in safely, but more often then not she’ll be tagging along just to get in the

Judging from the trailers we’ve seen thus far, Breath of the Wild 2 is going to be rather similar to its predecessor - at least in terms of moment-to-moment gameplay. The version of Hyrule we explored in the last game is making a return, survival horror remakes with Link stumbling across familiar landmarks and enemies with an outfit and movements we recognise from the last game. I imagine towns have been rebuilt and the region is a little more alive now Calamity Ganon has been vanquished, but the layout is likely similar. Because of this, the way in which we explore this world should remain recognisable, so returning players feel welcome and newcomers aren’t alienated by a sequel that challenges some of its younger sibling’s most daring and creative ideas.

The real wildcard is the new landmass that floats in the sky, a location that could throw everything we know out the window and incorporate a playstyle that is completely different from anything we’ve seen before. Link ( or could it be Ganon or Zelda? ) is capable of morphing through solid objects and flying through the air, so perhaps the need for climbing is obsolete in these circumstances. There are so many questions, but even now it seems Nintendo is acknowledging some of the previous game’s flaws and instead of removing them, is introducing diverse new gameplay ideas that provide other avenues of movement and traversal. Don’t just ditch the encumbrance of climbing in the rain or fragile weapons - instead, provide alternate ways of movement and combat that force you to rethink previously frustrating moments in a new way. Blatant removal feels like cowardice.

Link can’t speak, making Zelda the emotional core of a story in desperate need of one. Our protagonist can only stop and stare, providing the occasional nod or grunt to ensure he is with Zelda regardless of whatever circumstances might greet them. Given that so many of Breath of the Wild’s strongest moments are fragmented flashbacks and snapshots of Link’s own memories, it told a wonderfully coherent story of bittersweet heroism. Sacrifices are required to save the world, and Zelda is fully aware of the need to step forward and face the music even if it means giving herself up. She does this, but Link is able to save her, and Breath of the Wild 2 should explore their new lives and the inevitable threat that has the potential to wipe them out once ag

There are a few things that always come up when you talk to someone about The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild . Weapon degradation is one of the defining discourses around the game, with fans either despising the fact your equipment bursts into nothing after a handful of strikes or adoring how it forces you to think outside the box and constantly adapt your strategy to a changing inventory.

Square's Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars introduced Nintendo's icon to the world of role-playing games, a decision that resulted in several great spiritual successors. Despite coming out in 1996, the SNES classic holds up pretty well thanks to its clever writing and simple but enjoyable combat; however, anyone craving a modern iteration that offers (slightly) more than just a fresh coat of paint should check out the Switch rem

Breath of the Wild 2 seems to follow a similar trajectory, except Hyrule Castle is floating in the sky this time. See, it makes all the difference. Except it doesn’t really, and I can’t help but feel that potentially relegating Princess Zelda into the role of a helpless damsel in distress once again does a disservice to what is easily the best iteration of this character to date. In many ways, Zelda is the star of the show, especially in the previous game’s flashbacks where her struggle with accepting royal power and the inevitable loss of her friends becomes a crux for the unfolding narrat

Updated February 18, 2024 by Mark Sammut: 2024 is underway, and Nintendo has just released its first major exclusive of the year. While Mario vs. Donkey Kong will probably not go down as one of the biggest games of 2024, it is still a solid first-party release that can keep someone engaged until the arrival of Princess Peach: Showti