Daily Debate: Do the Horror Elements in Tears of the Kingdom Ever Get to Be Too Much for You?

Posted on July 17 2023 by Kora Burton

Let’s get this out of the way now: I’m “bad” at video games. I can’t jump into just any game and automatically do well, but this is especially true with intense or fast-paced gameplay. My speed is watering flowers on my Animal Crossing island or exploring the open-world Hyrule of Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom while avoiding as many enemies as possible. I usually play games to relax, and that’s just who I am.

Therefore, when it comes to the horror elements in Tears of the Kingdom, it takes me a little bit of extra exposure to not be an absolute wimp about it and run away. If left to my own devices with no other incentives like collectibles or quest objectives, would I have pushed through exploring the Depths? Probably not. The first time I experienced the sudden appearance of Gloom Spawn I screamed out loud and avoided it whenever possible until I absolutely had to in order to complete a quest. And that first face-to-face with Phantom Ganon? That was a nope from me. I didn’t even like entering caves if I could hear Horriblins.

In the end, I did push through all these elements to be able to work my way through the game, but it could definitely get overwhelming for someone like me who loves Zelda games for the puzzles and adventure. I deal with enough anxiety in real life! But what about you? Do the horror elements in Tears of the Kingdom ever get to be too much for you, or do you wish there were more of these elements in the game?

I think part of what Tears of the Kingdom does really well is the fact that it integrates these elements in a way that lends itself to discovery and spontaneity in your interactions with the deep, dark, and frightening. It’s what’s really scary, but it’s also what’s really impactful. Scary things in life are unavoidable. As I played through Tears of the Kingdom, I knew I might have to face that sudden patch of gloom chasing me or a red-wreathed creature erupting from the dirt in the Depths unexpectedly. I could never fully relax, and in Tears of the Kingdom’s world, this is pretty fitting.

What do you like about the horror elements in Tears of the Kingdom? Are they overwhelming for you, or do you wish the game leaned even harder in the horror direction? Let us know your opinion down in the comments below!