Daily Debate: Would a Merger Between 2D and 3D Play Styles be a Great Feature for a Future Zelda Game?
Posted on August 14 2022 by Mike Soldano
This is something I’ve wanted to see for a very long time. Picture this, one of the new runes you get in Breath of the Wild 2 is the Rune of Two Dimensions. It allows Link to shed his depth and transform into the 2D version of himself from earlier installments. Now before you say anything, I know. They had something similar to this in The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds with Ravio’s Bracelet. That’s not quite what I had in mind. I’m thinking more in line with Super Mario Odyssey.
Most boards, Mario could only pass through them if he was in 2D. It was a fun throw back to his old school games and also kept the play interesting. The feature was integrated into the game rather well, a seamless transition from 3D to 2D with no pause or break in game play. Quite often it was vital to beating the levels, not just used for a one-off minigame.
Now, if it worked for our favorite plumber, it most certainly would work for our hero in green. Perhaps this is how it could play out.
Link comes to a shrine and once inside, finds an empty room. Players will recognize the images that appear on the walls, familiar sights, objects and obstacles reminiscent of A Link to the Past. Link activates his new rune and transforms into pixelated Link, entering a world of two dimensions. Here, puzzles and bad guys await within, all of which must be defeated in 2D in order to progress to the end of the shrine.
This 2D feature could work in a wide variety of ways. You can use it to solve Korok seed puzzles. Perhaps there are 2D dungeons hidden throughout Hyrule. Items and weapons exclusive for 2D combat can be implemented. It would be an awesome feature that will help make Breath of the Wild 2 a stand out Zelda game for years to come.
Do you think they should incorporate 2D and 3D play into one game? And if not in Breath of the Wild 2 then where? We would love to hear your thoughts on this, please share in the comments below!
Mage of the cosmos, guide and traveler through realms fantastic. A world builder who loves to see how much depth and life I can bring to each of my creations. Writing is a passion that needs to be shared with others. Having a community is vital, for a bard’s tale cannot thrive without the attention of the audience.
