I like the game, but I donโt like the game. It feels like theyโre 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 didnโt need to fit into any larger narrativeโfans 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 theyโve borrowed elements from *Mario* games and even *Animal Crossing*, which doesnโt feel right for *Zelda*.
I love playing *Zelda*, but why canโt 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 BOTWโs success, it seems like theyโre using us as test subjects to figure out what works and what doesnโtโat 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 couldnโt help but laugh at the dialogue; itโs so simple it feels like itโs written for kids. I donโt mind simplicity, but older *Zelda* games had a way of using basic writing that didnโt make the player feel dumb, no matter their age. If that makes sense?
Also, Iโm over the whole โMinecraft effectโ thatโs 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 theyโre 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 theyโre just trying to capitalize on *Minecraft*โs success.
As for playing as Zelda, why doesnโt 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 donโt have to water it down to infancy. *Zelda* games used to be made for all ages; even if they were for kids, they didnโt make players feel like they couldnโt handle the slightest maturity.
The gameplay itself is clunky and doesnโt feel as solid as older titles. Iโm torn because I like the game, but I also donโt at the same time.
I love *Zelda*โitโs 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. Theyโre 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 *Conkerโs Bad Fur Day*. What happened to those days?