While fans of The Legend of Zelda had hoped to see a Breath of the Wild sequel released earlier, the September 2022 Nintendo Direct indicated that wasn’t going to happen. The game, officially titled Tears of the Kingdom, is coming to Nintendo Switch on May 12, 2023.
While some details can be inferred from the gameplay clip Nintendo has shared, fans of the series know a few things to look forward to. Regardless of the Link game’s incarnation, he remains the unswerving, unyielding hero armed with his famous weapon, the Master Sword. Link is one of Nintendo’s most iconic heroes, so of course he’s been the subject of some hysterical memes.
evolutionary link
What makes The Legend of Zelda games unique is the very different art styles used from game to game. Movies like The Twilight Saga and Breath of the Wild have more realistic designs for their scenes and characters, while The Wind Waker and Miracle have some cartoonish touches that audiences love.
While there doesn’t seem to be much rhyme or reason for the title to use which style of art, it does help distinguish the different versions of Link in the Zelda games. However, with some designs becoming popular through the ages, it leaves fans wondering: what will Hyrule’s heroes look like next?
link legend
Ever since The Legend of Zelda was first released on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1986, people have confused the names of the main characters. With the franchise’s name, it means that the playable character will also be the main character, but of course that’s not true.
Fans constantly remind casual gamers of the hero’s name, but someone will always call him Zelda. This caused an internal joke among the fandom: His name is Link, because he shouted louder.
Mario Kart is classic, right?
Zelda fans rejoice when Link becomes a playable character in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. This includes many kart items and options themed around the game, and even a course set in the kingdom of Hyrule.
Of course, with Link’s tough, silent temperament, it’s hard to imagine him joining Forza while Hyrule awaits rescue. However, if these events are a typical part of the Breath of the Wild character, it is interesting to think that it happened on a different plane of existence during his long slumbers.
man of few words
There is a tradition in The Legend of Zelda: Link not to speak. It has long been thought that this is to allow players to express their own ideas about Link’s personality onto the character. But, for whatever reason, it’s the gold standard of any title in the franchise.
However, that doesn’t mean Link won’t have a voice. Fans are familiar with the exclamations he makes when fighting, taking damage, or falling from a high cliff. Link may be a quiet hero, but his “quotes” are still iconic.
Hero of mini-games and side quests
Without a doubt, Link is committed to saving Princess Zelda and the kingdom of Hyrule. So concentrated, in fact, that his soul kept reincarnating over and over again to save her many times over (possibly) thousands of years.
However, in the player’s hands, Link can avoid some detours. Thanks to Breath of the Wild’s open-world concept, there are plenty of side quests and mini-games to keep you entertained, so going straight to Zelda’s rescue is the first thing to do. Even the ancient heroes should have fun, and surf the sand from time to time.
saving the world can wait
Hyrule has always been a realm full of interesting items, and Breath of the Wild adds a lot to that with its open world format. The never-ending mountains offer plenty of opportunities to smash some rocks and collect gems that can be used for a variety of benefits.
Affiliates can use these gems for anything from selling for profit to updating clothing and other items. The best part is, he doesn’t even need any specific tools to collect valuable stones. Link’s favorite sword, the Master Sword, was designed to fight evil in Hyrule, while also serving as an indestructible pickaxe.
Link’s new special ability
In the original Zelda game, Link’s controls and abilities are pretty straightforward. He can walk around and he can stab with his sword. As the game progresses, so does the Link skill. Through the Ocarina of Time, he is able to perform reverses, rolls, and various special attacks. However, Link still couldn’t jump down as ordered.
This changes in Breath of the Wild, where players can end up jumping when they want, instead of just running full throttle over a cliff and hoping everything goes well. It may seem like a small achievement, but die-hard fans couldn’t be happier for their hero Link.
very deep bond
Another interesting feature of the Zelda game is the variety of monsters and bosses Link has to face. From dangling drumming hands to terrifying sea snakes, it’s anyone’s guess who Link will fight at the next temple.
However, despite the diversity, there seems to be a trend as to how to exterminate these beasts. Finally, if a boss has a giant eye surrounded by impenetrable armor or skin, Link will always know exactly where to aim.
maybe it’s worth at least a few hearts
While health potions have always been a feature of Zelda games, Breath of the Wild introduces the option for players to craft their own for the first time, along with a wide variety of foods and meals. It’s not just a choice, but the game has virtually no restrictions on foods that can be cooked or eaten.
This allows Links to test publicly with food. The mysterious fruit from the fallen tree? eat it. Scary eyes of a fallen beast? why not? In the end, the results may not always be the best, but even if it seems a bit palatable, Link will give it a try.
Oh no, Link! Your weapon is broken!
Of the many innovative mechanics that Breath of the Wild introduces, the fragility of weapons is the most frustrating. In previous games, there was a minimum number of weapons available in a set. However, once Link has them, they stay active throughout the game.
This is not the case with Breath of the Wild, where weapons not only break, but also break at an annoying rate. Of course, this allows the player to find a multitude of swords, axes, spears, and bows. However, given how quickly they break apart, it’s surprising that Link (and the player) didn’t pull all their hair out by the time the credits rolled out.