Daily Debate: Which Zelda Game Do You Find Most Realistic?

Realism in games can work as a sort of double-edged sword. On one hand, experiencing a game that focuses on realistic characters and environments can give you a feeling of immersion. On the other hand, when a game becomes steeped in realism, anything out of the ordinary can seem jarring. Things like magic and monsters need a great deal of explanation and backstory. The supernatural, by definition, is out of the ordinary, and would need some kind of tangible defense. The Legend of Zelda series has never been a series that focused on things being real. Modern graphics and “gritty” atmospheres are one thing, but true realism is much deeper. When looking at these games, then, which one could be described as the “most realistic” of the series?

Graphically speaking, it’s hard to argue against Twilight Princess. Story driven and mature, Twilight Princess had the look and feel of a real-life adventure. Human characters were created in proper proportion, while textures, lighting, and surfaces had the look of their real-life counterparts. Epona’s tail came alive with each strand of hair. Water flowed and bridges had intricate detail in the wood grain. While a game like Breath of the Wild captured the feeling of being alive, strictly speaking (lightning strikes, feeling hot and cold, etc.), it still had a cartoon look to it. Twilight Princess doesn’t capture the feeling quite the same, but absolutely nails the look.

At the complete opposite end of the spectrum, I’d put something like The Wind Waker. While it is one of my favorite in the series, there’s not much realism to be found. The art design is whimsical and fun, character models are exaggerated and cartoonish, not to mention Link’s talking boat. Similarly, games like The Minish Cap, Phantom Hourglass, and Spirit Tracks offer the same look and feel. Realism takes a back seat to a lighthearted, almost childlike feel for each game.

A happy balance, in my opinion, falls somewhere between Adventure of Link and A Link to the Past. Both games offer realistic character models, particularly in Link and other human-like characters. Both games offer a sprawling yet accessible kingdom to explore. The dungeons in each game feel appropriately massive and alive. Neither game can claim realism for their boss design, though you could argue a slight edge for Adventure of Link. Mazura, despite his horse head, is a simply a knight wielding a mace, and Barba is nothing but a sea serpent. Even Link’s Shadow can be seen as symbolism for overcoming your own doubts. If I’m splitting hairs, I give the edge to Adventure of Link for the lack of mental telepathy found in A Link to the Past.

The idea of realism in a Zelda game feels like a question with no real answer. For each aspect of realism in a Zelda game, you could find at least one equal argument against it. It certainly feels like a question with many possible answers. If graphics equal realism, you get one answer. If it’s story and interaction, you get another. What makes a Zelda game realistic for you? Let us know in the comments!

Featured Image by HubbleTea