Daily Debate: Which Zelda Gameplay Camera Angle Do You Prefer – Overhead or Third Person?
Posted on March 30 2019 by Michaela El-Ters
The Zelda series has evolved both in graphics and gameplay over the years, and maybe the most obvious shift was the camera angle. The original Legend of Zelda featured an overhead camera angle that (with the exception of Zelda II’s side scrolling map), persisted for several games after that until Ocarina of Time. Ocarina of Time completely revolutionized the experience as well as 3D gaming in general, featuring a third person camera angle while also introducing Z-Targeting, among other things. Unsurprisingly, the third person camera angle stuck around for several games, and with the exception of side games like Four Swords and The Minish Cap, it seemed like the series would mostly continue to have the third person camera angle.
But with the upcoming Link’s Awakening remake on the Switch beautifully capturing the charming graphics of the original game — and the overhead camera angle — it got me thinking about which gameplay style is superior. Ultimately, I enjoy both camera perspectives and how each one dramatically changes the game you’re playing. It’s not just that the camera is positioned differently — it completely changes the experience. Because of that, while I’m more comfortable with the third person camera angle because of the games I grew up with, I think I prefer the overhead angle. It challenges me and requires me to approach the game differently. Simple things like jumping across gaps sometimes aren’t even doable in the 2D games without an item, and it makes it harder but more rewarding, too. What do you think? Which camera perspective do you prefer? Let us know in the comments!
This Daily Debate was inspired by Discord user @zeldafan006#3796 from our Discord channel.
Michaela El-Ters is a Senior Editor for Zelda Dungeon. She is also an Senior Writer for Boss Rush Network, and writes blogs and streams games on Objection Network. Her favorite Zelda game changes with the seasons, but the series as a whole is near and dear to her heart.
