The Zelda series has traditionally centered around Link as the hero; however, following The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, there’s a growing sentiment that it’s time for Princess Zelda to take a more central role. While no official sequel has been announced yet, the community remains hopeful that the next installment will make her a playable character, similar to her role in Echoes of Wisdom. Zelda’s character development in both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom showcased her potential, yet she largely remained a background figure. Given her growth, it would be thrilling to see her actively engage within the gameplay.
Having appeared as a playable character in spin-offs like the Hyrule Warriors series, Zelda has proven she can hold her own. Granting players the opportunity to experience Hyrule from her perspective could not only refresh the gameplay but also deepen the storytelling. With her intelligence, magic, and unique abilities, Zelda is well-equipped to offer something innovative to the franchise. Below are several compelling reasons why she deserves this opportunity.
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It’s Called The Legend of Zelda, Not The Legend of Link
It’s Time to Give Zelda a Chance to Shine
For too long, the Legend of Zelda series has prioritized Link’s adventures, sidelining Zelda, the titular character. As the queen of Hyrule, her significance in the kingdom’s lore calls for increased visibility. A sequel to Tears of the Kingdom could provide the perfect setting for her to showcase her strength, wisdom, and leadership beyond merely a supporting role.
Elevating Zelda to the main protagonist not only challenges the traditional “damsel-in-distress”narrative but also enriches her character. Despite her deeper portrayal in newer games, she often finds herself in need of rescue. Allowing players to step into Zelda’s shoes would shift the narrative, presenting her as a powerful, independent figure capable of driving the storyline forward.
With numerous years of playing as Link, introducing Zelda as a playable character would offer a fresh narrative perspective, making her the hero of her own legend—a long-awaited and exhilarating change.
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Playing As Zelda Could Help Deepen Link’s Story
Zelda Could Help Explore Link’s Story from a Different Angle
Incorporating Zelda as a playable character could contrast with the standard narrative where Link is the hero. An intriguing twist would be having Zelda rescue Link, which could add depth to their relationship and highlight their respective strengths. Such a transformation in roles would build on the groundwork laid in Echoes of Wisdom, offering even richer gameplay in a more ambitious sequel.
Throughout the series, Zelda has taken on distinct identities, including Sheik in Ocarina of Time and Tetra in The Wind Waker. Allowing her to navigate the same challenges as Link would provide a unique insight into his struggles and motivations. Their intertwined journeys could enhance the storyline substantially.
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Fans Have Wanted to Play As Zelda for Years
This Has Been Highly Requested for Years
For many years, the gaming community has expressed a strong desire to play as Zelda. Each new installment of the Legend of Zelda series elevates these calls, reflecting her status as one of Nintendo’s most iconic characters. Though Echoes of Wisdom provided some playable segments with Zelda, the demand for more immersive experiences remains high.
Granting access to play as Zelda would reignite excitement, especially for those who have exclusively controlled Link for decades. Experiencing challenges through Zelda’s eyes could invigorate puzzle-solving and combat engagement, ultimately refreshing the gameplay framework.
Nintendo’s reputation for creativity also points to a missed opportunity in expanding playable female characters. As a compelling character, Zelda represents a pivotal step in reshaping narratives within the industry. Now is the time for the gaming giant to respond to fan demands and elevate Zelda, a pivotal figure in the franchise.
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A Unique Playstyle, Distinct from Link’s
Magic Could Revolutionize TLOZ’s Combat
Introducing Zelda as a playable character would diversify the gameplay style typically associated with Link. Her association with the Triforce of Wisdom and her untapped magical prowess could transform the traditional combat approach. Rather than relying solely on melee combat, Zelda could leverage her powers to conjure spells, attack enemies from afar, and create protective barriers.
Zelda’s magical abilities promise to introduce new strategies into battles, highlighting long-range tactics over conventional close-quarters combat. Players could employ her diverse range of magic-related weapons and items, enhancing the overall complexity and enjoyment of combat scenarios.
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The TOTK Set Up Zelda for Greater Challenges
Zelda’s Narrative in TOTK Deserves Expansion
In Tears of the Kingdom, Zelda demonstrates her remarkable capabilities by sacrificing her form to transform into the Light Dragon, a crucial act that aids Link. This showcases her ability to handle significant challenges independently. With her narrative development in mind, it would be a missed opportunity to revert her character to a passive role in future titles.
Over the years, Zelda has devoted herself to understanding Hyrule, honing her magical talents, and cultivating her leadership potential. She embodies more than just a princess; she is a scholarly warrior and strategist. Her past training equips her to face obstacles that require stealth and intelligence. With her vast knowledge and experiences, Zelda could emerge as a vibrant, impactful protagonist.
After her significant development, it would be illogical for Zelda to regress. She possesses the skills and foresight to act decisively when needed. The forthcoming game should allow her to embrace her capabilities and fulfill her destiny—to be the hero she was always meant to be.
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Zelda Would Have the Chance to Finally Be Free
It’s Time to See Zelda Break Away from Her Destiny
As Hyrule’s princess, Zelda’s life has been shaped by destiny and duty. A more active role would afford her the chance to question and redefine her responsibilities, prioritizing her personal choices. Her journey could become an emotional exploration, addressing her fears and the ramifications of her transformation into a dragon, helping her reclaim her humanity amidst the weight of her royal obligations.
Zelda could play an integral part in the restoration of Hyrule, engaging directly with communities to assist in their recovery instead of merely overseeing progress from a distance. Her understanding of the land and her divine powers will enable her to have a meaningful impact in healing both the kingdom and its people.
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Zelda Could Use Her Diplomacy and Influence to Rally Allies
Zelda Is a Natural-Born Leader and It’s Time to Explore That
Beyond her role as a princess, Zelda embodies characteristics of a leader capable of uniting Hyrule. Unlike Link, who often embarks on solo missions, Zelda possesses negotiation skills which could facilitate the building of alliances and garnering support from her people. Her influence would contribute to preventing conflicts while promoting cooperation against common threats.
Zelda’s empathy towards her citizens positions her as an excellent leader. In gameplay, she could traverse Hyrule, forge relationships with local rulers, and establish a coalition to confront emerging threats. Her wisdom would provide players with the opportunity for impactful decision-making that genuinely affects the narrative, thereby introducing multiple potential endings to enrich the player’s experience.
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Zelda Has Been Playable in Past Games
Echoes of Wisdom Was Enjoyable, But Zelda Deserves More
Zelda has appeared as a playable character in previous titles, and these instances showcased her potential beyond just a character in need of rescue. In Spirit Tracks, for example, she assists Link as a spirit, using her ethereal presence to enhance gameplay. This gave her a more engaging role in the storyline.
Furthermore, in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, she actively fought against enemies, pushing her traditional boundaries and allowing players to engage with her magical combat style. Most recently, Echoes of Wisdom provided players an opportunity to control Zelda directly, allowing her to travel across Hyrule and save Link, flipping the usual narrative on its head.
Zelda’s participation in spin-off titles and crossover series, such as Hyrule Warriors and Super Smash Bros., has been well-received, emphasizing her ability to stand out as a standalone character within the franchise. With her intellect, powers, and engaging background, she deserves a more prominent role in future titles, especially as part of a sequel to Tears of the Kingdom.
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It Could Lead to a Zelda-Only Spin-Off
A Zelda-Only Spin-Off Would Be Something New
Building upon the excitement of playing as Zelda in Echoes of Wisdom, a dedicated Zelda-only spin-off could be a major success. Leveraging the stunning graphics and rich storytelling from Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, such a game could delve into her unique experiences, confronting her destiny, mastering her abilities, and transitioning into her royal role. This would provide an emotional lens distinct from Link’s usual adventures.
Focusing on Zelda’s magical heritage and noble background would craft an intriguing narrative likely to resonate not only with long-standing fans but also with new players curious to view Hyrule’s legacy through her eyes. The timing is ripe for Nintendo to develop a new adventure that highlights Zelda as a genuine hero in her own right.
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Playing As Both Zelda and Link Would Be Amazing
Dual Protagonists Do Well in Video Games, Plus It Could Mean Co-op
In a potential sequel to Tears of the Kingdom, the option to play as both Zelda and Link could introduce a thrilling gameplay dynamic. Two protagonists would allow players to immerse themselves in the storyline from distinct perspectives, each character providing their unique talents. While Link navigates through combat and exploration, Zelda could leverage her magical abilities and diplomatic finesse, bringing forth an innovative interaction with the game world.
This arrangement could also pave the way for cooperative gameplay, enabling two players to control Zelda and Link together to solve problems and navigate obstacles. Games that emphasize dual protagonists, such as A Way Out and It Takes Two, highlight how this format can enrich the overall playing experience.
With the enriching character growth seen in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, Zelda’s narrative is integral to the series. Continuously relegating her to the background would squander her potential. Elevating her role in future games would allow her significant journey and transformative experiences to resonate within the narrative, making her involvement equally critical.