Sounds a lot like the direction in which
Skyward Sword was headed, what with its bug and spoils collections and such. It'd be nice to see this idea fleshed out into the realms of an "alchemy system", so to speak. I also like the related idea proposed by
The Wanderer, as I have pitched a similar system in past threads in regards to a "
Hunt System."
The hypothetical hunt system would involve the player receiving or taking "bounties" on a variety of enemies ranging in toughness from easiest to boss level difficulty. The progression in which these "bounties" are encountered would be similar to
Twilight Princess' now infamous
Cave of Ordeals, except, instead of a "cave", they'd be found scattered - and ofttimes hidden - throughout the overworld. This could tie into the hypothetical "alchemy system" via the spoils, or collectibles, that the "bounties" leave behind; with rarer unlockables becoming available as difficulty increases. The player would also be rewarded a variety of items for having felled a given bounty. Rewards could include a new tunic or a bigger bomb bag, etc. /all of which is optional...
HOWEVER... as awesome an idea as this might seem, I think that this as far as the series needs to go in terms of adding RPG elements. I love RPGs with a passion, but I prefer it if
The Legend of Zelda remained an
adventure game, especially given the fact that titles of this genre [from my experience] are becoming increasingly sparse....