Earlier than The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom‘s launch, there was one query that followers stored asking: Would the sequel carry again conventional Zelda dungeons? That was one thing that was sorely missing from Breath of the Wild, which changed them with Divine Beasts. These had been technically dungeons, however ones that had been a lot smaller in scope and revolved round particular puzzling.
Nintendo would alleviate some fears days forward of its launch by confirming that extra acquainted dungeons return for the sequel, however we weren’t given a full concept of what that may entail. All we knew is that they’d be greater and be themed. So, does Tears of the Kingdom truly usher within the return of traditional Zelda dungeons? It’s sophisticated. The reply is firmly between sure and no, relying in your definition of “conventional.”
What are conventional Zelda dungeons?
Let’s reply a difficult query first: What can we even imply after we say “conventional Zelda dungeon.” That query will internet you very totally different solutions relying on who you ask. Once I performed a casual ballot on the topic on social media, I discovered that no two solutions had been precisely alike. For some, it was nearly scale and theme. For others, it was extra about utilizing particular objects to step by step open up an area.
Right here’s what you might want to know for positive. Traditional Zelda dungeons typically encompass interconnected rooms and chambers. While you first enter one, you’ll be able to’t entry each route. Some doorways is likely to be locked and also you may want a key merchandise discovered halfway via the world that permits you to traverse extra. Up to now, Hyperlink would discover a map, compass, key merchandise, small keys, and a boss key whereas fixing puzzles and preventing enemies. That may all culminate in a closing boss battle that may put his newest merchandise to the final word check.
It’s essential to notice that earlier Zelda dungeons are typically closely themed. Ocarina of Time, as an illustration, featured temples themed round water, fireplace, grass, and extra. Different video games have performed with extra particular gimmicks, equivalent to a crumbling tower in Hyperlink’s Awakening.
So after I say “conventional dungeon” right here, that’s what we’re principally referring to, with some variation. Acquired it? Then let’s discuss Tears of the Kingdom.
What are dungeons in Tears of the Kingdom?
Whereas Tears of the Kingdom does embrace dungeons that decision again to traditional Zelda design, they don’t absolutely return to that format. You’ll not discover maps or compasses, nor will you uncover a key merchandise in them. You additionally received’t unlock routes in the best way you probably did in earlier video games. The dungeons right here (referred to as temples) are extra open-ended and completely revolve round Hyperlink opening some type of lock by interacting with 4 or 5 objects.
For instance, the Water Temple is ready on a giant land mass surrounded by smaller islands that may be absolutely explored in any order from the bounce. Hyperlink has to cease a move of sludge by doing 5 puzzles in and across the space. In that sense, they nonetheless very a lot play just like the Divine Beasts in Breath of the Wild. Don’t count on a return to type until you get pleasure from being dissatisfied.
Nonetheless, there are components that carry the temples a lot nearer in keeping with traditional Zelda dungeons. As an example, all of them have some type of unifying theme like Ocarina of Time, from water to fireside. They’re additionally a lot bigger in scope than the Divine Beasts and don’t require Hyperlink to rotate the dungeon.
Whilst you received’t discover a key merchandise in them, you do nonetheless sort of get one. In every dungeon, Hyperlink pairs up with a companion that has a particular energy. A Goron pal, as an illustration, can flip right into a ball that Hyperlink can launch to interrupt rocks and damage enemies. These talents play a giant position in every dungeon, so it does nonetheless really feel such as you’re getting one new merchandise in each.
These companion talents are additionally essential in boss fights, that are by far essentially the most conventional factor about dungeons. Boss fights in Tears of the Kingdom are a real throwback, as Hyperlink should work out how you can break a monster’s guard with a particular skill, permitting him to slash at an uncovered weak level. Every battle feels far nearer to older titles than something in Breath of the Wild did.
So, do conventional dungeons return? I’d say no. They’re nonetheless very a lot a riff on Breath of the Wild‘s Divine Beasts, however that’s positive to be a degree of debate. Should you solely outline dungeons by scope and theme, this may match the invoice. In any other case, it’s possible you’ll end up pining for a extra old-school Zelda sport down the road.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is out now on Nintendo Swap.
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