When the Nintendo Switch arrived in 2017, it launched alongside one of the greatest games of all time in the form of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. While the unique hybrid nature of the new console certainly drew a lot of attention, there was no doubt that after the commercial bombshell that is the Wii U, Nintendo needed a great app to make its new system an essential purchase, and that an ambitious one. open world adventure ticked all the boxes. The only problem with creating one of the most popular video games in the industry is that you are faced with the difficult challenge of having to complete it with your next release and, in a rather unique turn of events, this is precisely what Nintendo intends to do. . Straightforward suites aren't all that common in the Zelda universe, but Breath of the Wild 2 will look to deliver an even more compelling experience than its predecessor while also anchoring the action in the same ``version'' #39; & # 39; from Hyrule – A bold move, given that fans will be directly comparing the two games. Here are six ways we think Nintendo can ensure this follow-up is as essential as the original.
Bring back the dungeons, but better
(Image credit: Nintendo) Now, before you're wrong, a part of us was very happy that Breath of the Wild did away with the traditional dungeons seen in previous Zelda titles. It's not that we don't appreciate them; it's just that the franchise had fallen into a bit of a design rut, with the basic model of ``explore the world, enter the dungeon, beat the boss, rinse, and repeat'' #39; being practically frozen. However, while the pleasure of exploring the sprawling and wild landscape of Hyrule in every direction was genuinely welcome, it also seemed to be part of what makes Zelda such a great streak. Sure, the divine beasts offered little puzzle-based challenges in confined spaces, but it wasn't exactly the same. The trailer for Breath of the Wild 2 hints that underground exploration could be a part of the game, so we hope it finds a way to cleverly combine the vast open world of the original with deep and complex dungeon environments that amp up the challenge in new ways. and interesting.
Reinforce history without losing a player agency.
(Image credit: Nintendo) Breath of the Wild's script was attractive, but it certainly played second fiddle to the vast open wilderness of the setting. Regardless of the linear nature of previous outings, the game's story inevitably had to blend into the background to give the player full freedom, only being required at certain moments to further the intrigue. . The challenge of finding a balance between player agency and an engaging story is one that developers around the world are wrestling with, but if there's one company that can truly solve it, that's it; it's Nintendo. Let's hope this is possible without sacrificing the refreshing feeling of freedom that Breath of the Wild has provided.
Give up fragile weapons
(Image credit: Nintendo) The fact that weapons in Breath of the Wild deteriorate over time makes the game more difficult and also ensures that you haven't just chosen an offensive option and aren't using it for as long as it lasts. adventure (at least not until you get the indestructible Master Sword, anyway). It was a brave decision and, in the context of the series, something of a game changer that kept us all on our guard throughout the game's long campaign. However, it felt unnecessarily frustrating at times; There was nothing more demoralizing than approaching the end of a tense battle with a tough foe only to find your sword breaking before you could hit the assassin. It could still be considered a type of weapon degradation system down the road, but perhaps Nintendo could make it less punitive this time around, or use mechanisms that force players to experiment with their arsenal of weapons. weapons so that they don't just favor one type of weather.
Bring classic items, but with a new twist.
(Image credit: Nintendo) In addition to ditching the dungeons, Breath of the Wild has also dropped familiar items, such as the Boomerang, Hookshot, and Iron Boots, shifting the adventure from a traditional gear-based experience to a most free exploration game. Again, we don't expect or ask Nintendo to go back to the traditional Zelda model, which would deprive Breath of the Wild 2 of the same ingredients that made the original so awesome, but surely there is a way to introduce these classic elements. in this "new" configuration and expand the gameplay possibilities at the same time. Maybe we could see new items appear?
Bringing Hyrule back to life
(Image credit: Nintendo) Outside of the village of Kakariko, Hyrule was quite underpopulated in Breath of the Wild. Instead, Nintendo decided to illustrate how Ganon's evil forces had torn the earth apart, devastating its major population centers, and it worked. The horror of exploring the city of decimated Hyrule Castle, traditionally a bustling hub in previous games, has been terrifyingly effective. Perhaps the next game can show that the nation's capital has been restored to its former glory, teeming with people all too willing to send you on sidequests and the like? Filling a game world as large as Hyrule with life won't be easy, but it will ultimately make the game more interesting.
Give Zelda the scene
(Image credit: Nintendo) During the Zelda series, the titular princess went from hapless victim to hero (spoiler alert if you haven't played Ocarina of Time or Wind Waker yet) dynamic and often enigmatic, but the The only games in which she was the true protagonist are on the ill-fated Philips CD-i in the exclusive (and non-canonical) versions of Wand of Gamelon and Zelda & # 39; s Adventure, which have an incredible reputation among fans. from Zelda As insignificant as these games are, they can inspire Nintendo for the next release; Link is clearly shown in dire straits in the Breath of the Wild 2 trailer, so perhaps he'll be out of action during the mission, allowing Zelda to become the hero? It may sound dramatic, but as we've already established, she has an earlier form and could easily become the leading lady, if she gets the chance.