The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch (US Version)

The short version is that this game improves and expands upon Breath of the Wild in every possible way, with the only real con being that this game pushes the Switch to its absolute limit, and you will encounter a very occasional framerate chug. Also they took away my hearty durians!

Vast amounts of Content:

Some were concerned when it was announced this game would utilize the same map from BOTW (its predecessor), so much to the point where it became common to see this game referred to as BOTW DLC prior to its prelease. I can assure you this is not the case. The is the game equivalent of a BMW 1M. Much how like that car was cobbled together from the BMW parts bin, but somehow became one of the best cars they ever made, this game is made with many existing assets and yet surpasses all my expectations. Not only are there sky islands, but their are caves, and an entire other layer of the world to explore (which I won’t spoil if you’ve somehow managed to avoid spoilers for this game). There’s also more to the story this time, and I swear they’ve at least doubled the amount of side content.

More enjoyable combat:

While this game uses the same general combat as BOTW, what’s improved is the way you use weapons. They still break if that bothered you before, but I feel far less restricted thanks to the Fuse mechanic, which allows you to combine things with your weapons and shields. The consequence of this is that you feel far less unwilling to use your higher powered weapons. In BOTW I would hoard them, and I still do a little, but I also am at least willing to use them more frequently than before thanks to the fact that I can fuse a weak little stick into something more potent at almost any time. Additionally arrows are far easier to come by, as of writing this I’ve been on my playthrough for maybe 40-50 hours and have accumulated 200+ arrows without really trying to conserve.

No hearty durians?

Ok, since I brought it up, I’ll make this it’s own section. At first I hated this, the magical fruit that restored so much health it was almost gamebreaking in BOTW. However, in hindsight I think it was a good call, as I’m using more of the expanded materials/recipes now and it definitely adds to the game.

Other details and conclusion:

I hesitate to go into further details on this as it may spoil the experience of discovery, but I can say that the staples of BOTW are still here. Shrines, resource gathering, great fairies, upgrading your armor, all still play a huge role. The runes from the first game are gone, but are replaced with quirkier and largely more useful abilities, although I do miss the bombs. But even the function of the old remote bomb can be replicated in no less than three ways, depending on the situation. I have not beaten the game, but I have spent about 40-50 hours in this world by my estimate and completed three of the four major temples, and revealed the entire main map. Yet, despite that I feel like I’m still just scratching the surface. There have still been a few new enemy types that I still have no idea how to take down, or I need to collect more hearts/better armor. There is so much to see and do in this game, and so far it’s all been very entertaining. I’ve been playing Zelda since Link’s Awakening on Gameboy Color, and although this game like BOTW diverts somewhat from the classic formula, it is definitely in the lead for my favorite Zelda game of all time, and possibly my favorite open world game of all time. Truly fantastic.

Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom turned out to be the rest of the story that BOTW created! As a lifelong fan of the Zelda franchise and an avid follower of its enchanting history, this game has absolutely blown me away on how it told a story that we all know and love from the games, and gave it even more depth!

From the very first moment I stepped dove off sky island into the beautifully rendered kingdom of Hyrule, I knew I was in for a treat; as I could tell this was not the same Hyrule I had left at the end of BOTW. The attention to detail is simply astounding, and it felt like I was part of a living, breathing world that is teeming with secrets waiting to be unraveled. The familiar sights and iconic landmarks left me with a sense of nostalgia, while the fresh and innovative twists kept me glued to my controller.

What sets Tears of the Kingdom apart is its compelling story that delves deep into the Zelda lore. I was thrilled to discover ancient artifacts and hidden manuscripts that shed light on the series’ mythos, piecing together parts of the puzzle I’ve longed to uncover. The way the game weaves together the past and present is nothing short of a masterpiece.

The gameplay mechanics were a true delight. Navigating through timeless forests, solving intricate puzzles in cunning shrines, and engaging in exhilarating combat against menacing foes that seem to have upgraded their techniques since last we fought provided an unmatched sense of accomplishment. And let’s not forget the ingenious temples —each one presented a unique challenge that tested my wits and rewarded my perseverance.

The music, oh the music! Tears of the Kingdom boasts a mesmerizing soundtrack that perfectly captures the essence of the Zelda universe. The familiar tunes intertwined with new melodies added a soul-stirring dimension to my journey, further immersing me into the game’s magical realm. Nothing is as relaxing as hanging out in Zora’s domain just to enjoy the music.

Without giving away any spoilers, let me just say that the climactic moments and surprising plot twists had me on the edge of my seat, eagerly awaiting the next revelation. The emotional depth and character development added layers to the story, making me feel genuinely connected to the cast of new and even the familiar characters.

In conclusion, Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is an absolute triumph. It pays homage to the beloved series while crafting a captivating tale that Zelda fans, like myself, will cherish. Whether you’re a newcomer to the franchise or a long-time admirer of the Zelda lore, this game promises an unforgettable journey. Bravo, Nintendo!

Excelente secuela de BOTW, me gusta mucho el sistema de creación de armas y las mecánicas para los santuarios

El producto llegó muy rápido y en excelentes condiciones, el precio por el producto vale mucho la pena.