Gossip Stone: Should the Four Sword Return?
Posted on January 28 2015 by Alexis S. Anderson
As most Zelda fans know, Four Swords and Four Swords Adventures are not typical Zelda games. Neither contain an overworld, both are multiplayer, and wouldn’t you know Link splits into four. The emphasis on multiplayer mechanics in these games shifted focus away from compelling story lines which made them feel less welcome in the series. But, technology has come a long way since 2004 and we’ve yet to see another multiplayer Zelda. With the recent outcry for Vaati to return to the series, there is reason to cry for a return of the Four Sword.
The original Four Swords was a short extra-game packaged along with A Link to the Past for the Game Boy Advance. For this reason it didn’t have a story, rather it was set up in stages with multiple floors to clear. It required more than one player, and GBA linking was the only way to achieve this. Four Swords Adventures was a stand-alone game which allowed for a multiplayer and single player adventure. The quest was still split into stages, but these followed a cohesive and interesting storyline. The mechanics were also greatly improved as the Links could now be placed into formations, pick each other up, go off alone, and switch between one another. Multiplayer still required GBA linking, but a new mini-game called Shadow Battle was added for multiplayer outside of the main quest.
The biggest issue with the Four Swords games would be the lack of an immersive story. The type of multiplayer used in the games could be easily reproduced nowadays without it having to be the main focus. If another Four Swords game were to be made, it would definitely be for the New 3DS and not the Wii U, so the mechanics wouldn’t need to be changed very much so long as the game was made the way A Link Between Worlds was– 3D without losing the 2D mechanics capabilities. Four Swords Adventures was originally planned to have an in-depth story, so the possibility of applying one to the Four Swords realm isn’t impossible. And a new game would likely surround Vaati, as he is the main antagonist in both of the others, which would appease the masses on that end and guarantee fan interest.
Four Swords Adventures proved that Four Swords could make it as a stand-alone game, despite being the least popular Zelda game in North America. And though gameplay wouldn’t have to change too drastically when on the 3DS, it would need to change to draw in players. In Adventures, only one secondary item could be kept at a time. Perhaps a remake would allow for items to be found and kept without need for substitute, this would make puzzle solving more complex as there won’t be only two possible ways to clear a dungeon. This time around it might help the story to provide an overworld leading to different areas rather than separating things into stages. The Zelda series has been leaning towards more freedom for the player, and Four Swords would definitely benefit from this. Having four Links on screen opens up endless possibilities for puzzles as they don’t need to incorporate all four of them in each. Having secrets and side quests and caves in a game like this would make it bouts more interesting to be sure.
The multiplayer on a modern Four Swords would be magnificent. No need for linking cables, just connect with streetpass. On the 3DS the multiplayer could be shared in just the same way it is for Smash Bros., play with strangers and let it set you up into groups of four automatically or play with friends using your friend codes. There can even be extra dungeons specifically for multiplayer or certain secrets that can’t be accessed in single player mode. Nintendo could take a page from Four Swords Adventures and add an extra mini game just for multiplayer, too. I’m assuming this game would be for the New 3DS, but if it was for Wii U then multiplayer could be done using wiimotes, pro controllers, or syncing up 3DS’s. It might be cool to have a Four Swords extra game go out with a console Zelda either in addition to a 3DS Four Swords or as a prelude to one.
Four Swords Adventures was my first Zelda game. I used to play it all the time with my twin brother, and I doubt my parents would’ve bought the game for us had it not been multiplayer. So personally, I would give anything to see another multiplayer Zelda happen, and especially with the Four Sword returning. Multiplayer just exposes the series to more players, especially tentative skeptics and sibling Player 2’s. The quirky lack of seriousness in Four Swords Adventures was a perfect light way to introduce new players– four at a time at that! So though I highly doubt we’ll see another Four Swords anytime soon, there’s definitely reason to hope for one.
Do you think there should be another Zelda game featuring the Four Sword? Do you think there’s enough room for improvement, or has the novelty of playing with four Links been exhausted? Should it just be an extra packaged with a main Zelda title like the original Four Swords was? Let your thoughts loose in the comments!
Alexis S. Anderson is a Senior Editor at Zelda Dungeon who joined the writing team in November, 2014. She has a JD from the UCLA School of Law and is pursuing a career in Entertainment and Intellectual Property Law. She grew up in the New Jersey suburbs with her parents, twin brother, and family shih-tzu.
