This time final 12 months, the considered having a brand new top-down Zelda in our palms felt like a pipe dream. However then Echoes of Knowledge got here alongside and reaffirmed the concept the way forward for the sequence may not be an completely open-world, 3D affair.
However our minds at the moment are drifting to the franchise’s different fashion, one we’ve not seen utilized in isolation since Zelda II (and even then not totally). If Nintendo is open to completely different sport views, is it time for an additional side-scrolling Zelda?
This thought got here to thoughts whereas taking part in by the princess’ newest journey. Very like Hyperlink’s Awakening, Echoes of Knowledge usually switches to this side-on fashion, limiting the hero’s actions to 4 clean-cut instructions as if remodeled into an ordinary platformer.
Not like Grezzo’s final remake (and the ignored Oracle video games), nonetheless, Echoes of Knowledge returns to the side-scrolling view with a a lot greater frequency. This is not an occasional gimmick, however reasonably one thing that pops up time and time once more. An early dungeon flips to this angle in nearly each room, together with a climactic boss battle that takes place totally from the facet.
The sequence has flipped issues to the two-dimensional realm prior to now and you may even class a few of A Hyperlink Between Worlds’ painting-based puzzles as consistent with the fashion. However, thus far, solely Zelda II: The Journey of Hyperlink has been courageous sufficient (silly?) to go all out on the side-on view — and that was manner again in 1987.
Maybe it is right down to that sport’s standing as one of many sequence’ decrease factors (though its status has improved in latest occasions), its punishing problem, or Hyperlink’s goofy little run, but it surely’s unusual that Nintendo by no means returned to the side-scrolling fashion, bar the odd cameo right here and there, after that rocky begin. If Echoes of Knowledge exhibits us one factor, it is that Zelda deserves extra starring roles. But when it exhibits us two issues, it is that side-scrolling Hyrule actually works.
We cherished the side-on strategy utilized in Jabul Ruins and Hyperlink’s Awakening’s Eagle Tower boss battle is a sport spotlight with its perspective-shifting motion. Is it time that Nintendo had one other crack at a totally 2D journey?
It isn’t just like the 2D fashion is being rejected by the trendy gamer. Final 12 months, Tremendous Mario Bros. Surprise took us again to the glory days of Tremendous Mario World. All discussions of rendered hair follicle density and practical climate techniques went out the window after we have been confronted with a superbly animated, miraculously designed mission from left to proper. Who’s to say Zelda could not do the identical?
In bite-sized chunks, Echoes of Knowledge has demonstrated what this might seem like. Early caves had us fixing issues with out the privilege of the z-axis and they’re simply as puzzle-y as one thing with added depth. We have taken on enemies, tackled bosses, and overcome platforming challenges on this method, too. Nintendo’s teasing that it is aware of the best way to make a totally side-scrolling Zelda sport, it is simply reluctant to go complete hog.
However what do you suppose? Would you prefer to see one other totally side-scrolling Zelda title sooner or later, or is that this fashion higher left within the sequence’ previous? You’ll be able to share your reply within the following ballot after which take to the feedback to clarify your selection.
What did you vote for? Shuffle sideways into the feedback and tell us.
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Jim got here to Nintendo Life in 2022 and, regardless of his insistence that The Minish Cap is the very best Zelda sport and his unwavering love for the Star Wars prequels (sure, actually), he has continued to put in writing information and options on the location ever since.
