For me, character customization is always a plus when included in a game, so imagine my delight when I could change up my horses’ looks in Breath of the Wild. Customization can become tiresome, though, when there are way too many options to choose from. I was exhausted after making my character in Fallout: New Vegas and custom fighters in Soul Calibur games. So, there is such a thing as too much customization. I would love for the horses in…
The attention to detail in Zelda is part of what makes the series so enchanting, and the designs of its boss keys are a perfect example of such detail. After besting beasts and puzzles to make your way through a potentially challenging dungeon, it always feels like a major triumph when you finally open that fateful treasure chest and out pops a Big Key. But which one epitomizes that feeling for you– which key brings a smile to your face…
The final obtainable memory in Breath of the Wild can be found after not only finding the first twelve, but also after talking to Impa. It is an emotional memory rightly saved for last, as it may have been too raw for Link to have seen right after emerging from the Shrine of Resurrection with amnesia and learning of his destiny. Impa waits until he knows more of his past before disclosing the final memory location, as well as telling Link…
The experimental nature of the Zelda series has proven to be a double-edged sword throughout the years. Since the N64 era, just about each subsequent entry has boasted its own set of unique mechanics. Whether it’s Majora’s masks, Twilight Princess’ wolf, or Spirit Tracks’ train, these elements have helped distinguish each game from its brethren. Indeed, this philosophy has served Link’s adventures well. Without such dramatic shakeups in terms of setting and motifs, it’s unlikely the series would remain as…
Every once in awhile we get spoiled in a Zelda game with an item or ability that almost makes the game too easy. I usually find such things to be a lot of fun if there was effort in getting them; like the trading sequence for the boomerang in Link’s Awakening DX, or gathering all the masks and then challenging the moon children to games to get the Fierce Deity’s Mask in Majora’s Mask. Even if there was no challenge…
If you ventured in the correct direction when first beginning Breath of the Wild you likely ended up at a Horse Stable as your were traveling to Kakariko Village. If you did you likely met an NPC who told you about taming a horse as your trusty mount. If you’re like me you probably met a few horses along the way that you began to cherish. You maybe even wished for their return from Malanya if they met their untimely…
Twilight Princess isn’t my all-time-favorite Zelda game, but it is near the top of my list. Apart from the cinematic dungeon design and sheer, epic mood of this game, one of my favorite additions was the Hidden Skills you learn from the Hero’s Shade. Most of the time, with the exception of Breath of the Wild, Link’s sword combat is tied to just a few signature moves that are pretty basic and easy to pull off in each game. So I absolutely loved…
Despite vast differences in geography and culture, Hyrule and it’s neighboring realms share a universal currency; the almighty rupee. While some of the economies in these lands operate strangely, flooding Link with cash and offering little to purchase, trading and transacting with merchants is a key component of most Zelda adventures. Thanks to the frequency of their interactions and their unique personalities, these entrepreneurs are often among their respective game’s most memorable characters. Which one is the most unforgettable? Beedle is easily…
I am a big, big fan of 80’s inspired synthwave music. Something about the way the music conveys a sense nostalgia while at the same time manage to sound futuristic is something that’s always hooked me about that style of music. Perhaps it’s that futuristic slant that serves as the reason why you don’t hear it in a ton of Nintendo games, however, which I’ve always thought is a shame, as when Nintendo has used electronic, synthy music in its…
Sometimes video games just don’t click right away. Even in our favorite franchises, a new release can occasionally disappoint. This can happen because of a different style or bizarre gameplay mechanic, but it can also be brought on by the fatigue of repetition and familiarity. It’s always worth giving games another try, however, as a different mindset or approach can often tease out an appreciation for titles we were previously lukewarm on. I know this has happened for me many…
