One of Skyward Sword's promises was to make an overworld that felt more like a dungeon. There were more puzzles, to be sure, but this design choice also stinted exploration. The fact that the three major overworld regions were unlocked after completing a certain quest in the main game and connected through jumping off the Loftwing created the most linear console Zelda yet.
But what if Nintendo took the opposite approach and opened up dungeons to more closely resemble an overworld? While I wasn't the biggest fan of Skyward Sword's dungeons, I thought the Sandship was a very unique idea in design and execution. Having to locate the dungeon in the Lanayru Desert Sand Sea made it seem more connected to its surrounding environment. The boat design also certainly contributed to it not feeling like a stereotypical temple dungeon.
Of course, dungeons can also have simple nods to the overworld by having multiple entrances, such as the Desert Palace or Skull Woods from A Link to the Past. Or an important gameplay mechanic can be tied to a dungeon, as seen by the Spirit Temple requiring players to go back in time and return as Young Link.
Dungeons and overworlds are two distinct sides to the franchise, but perhaps they can be merged into a more coherent whole. Nintendo simply chose the wrong alternative with Skyward Sword. What are your thoughts on the matter?
But what if Nintendo took the opposite approach and opened up dungeons to more closely resemble an overworld? While I wasn't the biggest fan of Skyward Sword's dungeons, I thought the Sandship was a very unique idea in design and execution. Having to locate the dungeon in the Lanayru Desert Sand Sea made it seem more connected to its surrounding environment. The boat design also certainly contributed to it not feeling like a stereotypical temple dungeon.
Of course, dungeons can also have simple nods to the overworld by having multiple entrances, such as the Desert Palace or Skull Woods from A Link to the Past. Or an important gameplay mechanic can be tied to a dungeon, as seen by the Spirit Temple requiring players to go back in time and return as Young Link.
Dungeons and overworlds are two distinct sides to the franchise, but perhaps they can be merged into a more coherent whole. Nintendo simply chose the wrong alternative with Skyward Sword. What are your thoughts on the matter?