While some fans want Zelda to return to its classic roots, it sounds like the series will stick to its open format for the foreseeable future.
Aside from weapon durability in Breath of the Wild, one of the biggest criticisms was that it didn’t feel like it had enough of the classic Zelda feel, mostly related to the lack of traditional dungeons and open world formats. While The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom definitely has some dungeons in a more classic style, it still has the same open world that isn’t necessarily for everyone. But according to Game Informer’s new interview with series producer Eiji Aonuma and game director Hidemaru Fujibayashi, the open format is here to stay.
In an interview where Ocarina of Time was the basis for future development in the Zelda franchise, Aonuma was asked if Breath of the Wild could serve as a similar blueprint for future games. “With Ocarina of Time, I think it’s fair to say that it did create a format for many titles in the franchise that followed,” Aonuma replied.
“But in some ways, it’s been a bit restrictive for us. While we’ve always worked on giving players certain types of freedom, there are some things that are in a format that doesn’t really give people that freedom. Of course, the series continues to evolve over time. Flute evolved after that, but I think it’s fair to say now that we’ve reached Breath of the Wild and the new type of more open play and freedom it affords. Yes, I think it’s right to say that it creates a new kind of format.”
Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom may not be for everyone, but it’s clear that this technically not-so-new format (the first game is now six years old (sorry for the existential crisis) It’s resonating with people. After all, it’s the highest rated game ever on OpenCritic.
iGamesNews
