Adriana Esquer

I really enjoy this game and waiting for a second one! L.A. Noire 2. Expanding beyond the original detective storylines into a darker historical take; exploring Hollywood’s and the entertainment industry’s corruption but how it links to much bigger pictures of the world and all areas of society (unlocking more and more than just one stereotype industry also how cults are linked too. There’s just so much nuances), the way animals and children were treated, and the hidden ties to human trafficking during that era. What would make it even more compelling is if the game didn’t just limit itself to Los Angeles, but also connected events happening in other countries worldwide at the same time. That broader scope would remind players that corruption and exploitation weren’t just isolated to one city; they were part of a larger global network. Framing it this way could turn the sequel into a kind of interactive historical piece, blending noir detective work with the heavy reality of international crime and power dynamics. It would feel both cinematic and educational, offering players a deeper, more layered perspective on the period.

I like the game, but I don’t like the game. It feels like they’re just recreating *Breath of the Wild* (BOTW) and *Tears of the Kingdom* (TOTK) all over again. I wish the *Zelda* creators would focus on making new, standalone *Zelda* games without always worrying about prequels and timelines. The older games felt unique and didn’t need to fit into any larger narrative—fans created the timeline, and now it seems like the developers are stuck following it, which I think is stifling their creativity. I also get the sense that they’ve borrowed elements from *Mario* games and even *Animal Crossing*, which doesn’t feel right for *Zelda*. I love playing *Zelda*, but why can’t it just be its own thing without having to rely so much on BOTW and TOTK mechanics? Honestly, this game feels like a filler until the next console comes out. After BOTW’s success, it seems like they’re using us as test subjects to figure out what works and what doesn’t—at our expense, which is not cheap. The echo mechanic was fun at first, but like TOTK, it gets tedious quickly. The last two *Zelda* games feel copy-pasted and repetitive. I couldn’t help but laugh at the dialogue; it’s so simple it feels like it’s written for kids. I don’t mind simplicity, but older *Zelda* games had a way of using basic writing that didn’t make the player feel dumb, no matter their age. If that makes sense? Also, I’m over the whole “Minecraft effect” that’s become part of these games. The crafting and building elements are cool at first, but they feel forced, like you have to use them for everything. It feels like they’re borrowing ideas not only from *Minecraft* but also from *Animal Crossing*, which can make the gameplay feel diluted. I wish it was more optional, rather than mandatory. It feels like they’re just trying to capitalize on *Minecraft*’s success. As for playing as Zelda, why doesn’t she have her own sword? Why downplay her? Why is worried about fashion and smoothies? She used to be Sheik; she was trained for combat and fighting. Zelda was elegant but also powerful, strong, and brave. Shoot, she was even a pirate in the Wind Waker. I understand the game is supposed to be cute and cozy, which I do like, but you don’t have to water it down to infancy. *Zelda* games used to be made for all ages; even if they were for kids, they didn’t make players feel like they couldn’t handle the slightest maturity. The gameplay itself is clunky and doesn’t feel as solid as older titles. I’m torn because I like the game, but I also don’t at the same time. I love *Zelda*—it’s a core memory from my childhood, full of elves and mystical fantasy. But lately, Nintendo seems more focused on cashing in on nostalgia, just like with *Mario* games, instead of making genuinely good, quality games. They’re leaning too hard into these nostalgia-driven trends rather than creating new, exciting experiences like they used to. Back in the days of Super Nintendo and Nintendo 64, there was so much variety and quality, like *Conker’s Bad Fur Day*. What happened to those days?