A New Dawn: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Review

An impressive follow-up that somehow explodes the benchmark to the stratosphere.

Nintendo has once again demonstrated its prowess in crafting immersive and groundbreaking video game experiences with The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Building upon the foundation set by Breath of the Wild (BotW), Tears of the Kingdom takes players on a journey through the familiar yet vastly expanded realm of Hyrule, now enhanced by innovative gameplay mechanics, narrative depth, and a world teeming with discovery.

An Epic Tale Unfolds

The narrative of Tears of the Kingdom is a significant leap forward from its predecessor, drawing players into an enthralling tale that unfolds across time and space. Our beloved protagonist, Link, embarks on an epic quest with old friends and newfound allies, facing off against formidable foes and unraveling mysteries that shape the fate of Hyrule. The story is well-paced, providing a nice balance between narrative-driven sequences and exploration.

The Power of Ascend and Recall

In the new installment, Link has access to fresh abilities, namely Recall and Ascend, which add an exciting layer of dynamics to gameplay. Recall allows players to reverse time on objects, opening up an array of strategic possibilities, while Ascend lets you warp through ceilings, offering a novel approach to navigating the world. The caves of Tears, for instance, become less daunting with Ascend, making traversal a breeze and unveiling a trove of hidden secrets.

A Reinvented Weapon System

Tears of the Kingdom has innovated the weapon system, permitting players to create high-damage, customizable weapons. This shift in the design encourages strategic combat, as players can tailor their arsenal to take down the toughest adversaries Hyrule has to offer. The thrill of hunting down potent weapon parts adds to the excitement of the game, making every victory sweeter and every defeat a learning experience.

Ultra Hand Building System: A Game-Changer

One of the game's most notable additions is the Ultra Hand building system. It extends Breath of the Wild's Magnesis power, granting players the freedom to pick up, rotate, and attach almost any object to another. This mechanic, combined with a range of special objects called Zonai Devices, opens up a world of possibilities, from building a makeshift airplane for fast travel to creating a combat-ready Roomba-like contraption.

The building system strikes a fine balance between complexity and approachability. The ease of use doesn't compromise the level of customization, allowing players to experiment and find creative solutions to problems. The joy of creating and seeing your contraption at work, even if it ends in a hilarious disaster, is a testament to the game's emphasis on creativity and experimentation.

Quality of Life Improvements

Tears of the Kingdom introduces numerous quality-of-life improvements that greatly enhance the gameplay experience. Minor yet impactful changes, such as the ability to drop a weapon directly from a chest or having a convenient recipe list, eliminate unnecessary interruptions, providing a smoother and more engaging experience. It's clear that Nintendo has taken player feedback to heart, refining the gaming experience without making drastic changes.

Performance and Visuals

While the game doesn't necessarily outshine its predecessor in terms of performance, it holds its own. Even in docked mode, the game can occasionally experience frame rate drops, especially during visually intensive scenes. However, these hiccups rarely interrupt the action or detract from the overall experience. Despite the game's technical limitations, the beauty of the landscapes and the engaging gameplay more than make up for it.

Moreover, the game boasts an impressive lack of bugs, which is commendable considering the scale and complexity of the world. Nintendo has managed to create a seamless and immersive gaming experience that runs smoothly even on a 2017 Switch console.

Verdict

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom proves to be an exemplary successor to Breath of the Wild, taking strides forward in virtually every aspect. The story, engaging and compelling, is a driving force that immerses players in the game's expansive world. The innovative additions of Recall and Ascend abilities, coupled with the revamped weapon system, inject freshness into the gameplay, while the Ultra Hand building system fosters creativity and experimentation.

Quality-of-life enhancements, both minor and major, contribute to a more fluid gaming experience. Whether it's the simplicity of dropping a weapon directly from a chest or the convenience of a recipe list, every detail has been meticulously refined to maximize player satisfaction. Nintendo's attentiveness to player feedback is evident and praiseworthy.

While Tears of the Kingdom's performance might not stand toe-to-toe with other contemporary titles in terms of frame rate and resolution, the game's immersive experience, bolstered by its creative gameplay mechanics, unique narrative, and visually stunning world, overshadows these minor shortcomings. Moreover, the game's remarkable lack of bugs, even after 100 hours of gameplay, testifies to the high-quality standards upheld by Nintendo's development team.

In conclusion, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a testament to the capabilities of Nintendo as a leading force in the video game industry. It takes a beloved franchise and amplifies it in ways that feel both familiar and refreshingly new. By evolving and expanding a world that already felt beyond expectation, Nintendo raises the bar yet again, delivering a triumph over a triumph. This game is a must-play for any Zelda fan and stands as an exemplar for what sequels in the gaming world should aspire to be.

Despite a few technical limitations, Tears of the Kingdom shines as a beacon of creative and immersive gaming, raising the standard for future open-world adventures. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is more than just a sequel; it's a remarkable, boundary-pushing experience that stands tall among the best video games of its generation. We give it a 10 out of 10.