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What’s Missing From the New Zelda Game?

What’s Missing From the New Zelda Game?

I still remember the buzz in the community right after The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was launched, with gamers passionately reciting their own personal conquests to eager listeners. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild ’s lacking restrictions gave gamers true freedom to tackle obstacles in creative ways, letting each player carve out their own unique story. This zeal to share their exploits with others unintentionally made it a multiplayer game, despite it being restricted to a one-Link-only adventure. But if that barrier were removed? What if you could explore Hyrule alongside a friend? Well, in my mind it would create endless new stories and equally endless fun.

Let’s first consider the practical applications of a dual Link campaign. Imagine two Links galloping into a camp of sleeping Bokoblins, launching skyward from their respective horses at the same time, and pelting every last one into submission before even touching the ground. Or how about one player hitching a ride on a Magnesis held metallic crate to drop atop a Stone Talus and smash it to smithereens. Oh how sweet it would be to see one player bucking and slashing on the back of a Lynel while the other keeps firing dazing head shots. How about tweaking some of the shrines (or better yet adding new ones) to require the synchronized efforts of both players before granting its Spirit Orbs.

But then again, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has the unwavering lure to break us away from the linear path, with the most memorable experiences being those not found in the script. Instead of worrying about Ganon and the fate of Hyrule, why not go Korok hunting together or have an Iron Chef challenge by seeing who can cook the best five course meal using Rushrooms as the main ingredient. Create your own competitive races, such as crossing Lake Hylia without touching the water using Cryonis, scaling Death Mountain in nothing but your underwear and a handful of Meat Skewers, or seeing who can make it from Hebra Tower to Faron Tower first without using the Paraglider.

I also think adding a second playable character would be a great opportunity for Nintendo to fill the gender gap, with respect to the hero role. Since the first reveal of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, there have been rumors and debates regarding Link’s androgynous look, and whether players would be able to choose their gender. I think this is a prime time to pull Linkle out of Hyrule Warriors and let her roam the open world alone or alongside Link. I would even retain her trademark dual crossbows and kick attacks to give her a unique combat distinction. Nintendo could introduce her into the story however they’d like. Plucking from her biography, I would have her raised in Kakariko village, tending to the cuccos but longing for something bigger. Perhaps Impa would take notice of this desire and train her in the ways of the Sheikah.

What’s Missing From the New Zelda Game?

Nintendo has dipped its toes into multiplayer waters with the The Legend of Zelda series before, though for the most part has been restricted to portable gaming systems. Well, the Switch is technically one of those, and I think a co-op DLC for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild would be received with nothing but open arms from the community. Perhaps 2018, when the hype for the game finally simmers down and players have exhausted their antics around Hyrule, would be a desirable time to announce a co-op feature. It would breathe new life into the game and have owners returning for another hundred hours or more of testing out new possibilities alongside a partner.

How would you feel about a cooperative experience in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild ? And what sort of strategies, competitive challenges, and hilarious diversions would you create? Fill up the comments section with creative ideas.

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