Hold onto your Joy-Cons! Nintendo’s latest offering, Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, is an enthralling joyride through a stark and massive post-apocalyptic world that keeps you on your toes!
Diving straight into the gameplay, our lovable hero Link is thrust into the wilderness, quite literally with no shirt on his back! You’ve got to dig in and figure out how to navigate this world, as the game doesn’t baby you with tutorials. Brace yourself for the ‘Grab’ ability; it’s one tough cookie using both Joy-Cons to master and manipulate the world around you.
Think of it as a relentless never-ending puzzle where you constantly construct bridges, ladders, and even your own personal vehicles like minecarts and rafts (so whimsically innovative!) to progress. It’s challenging, sure, but oh-so-rewarding when you get the hang of it. As you progress you will continue to unlock new abilities like Ascend that can help you rise to new heights.
Now, let’s gab about the monsters! We’ve got worm-like critters that might move at a snail’s pace, but pose a fair challenge. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. We’ve got strange ancient robots, some friendly, others not so much, along with leapfrogging bubble-blowing frogs, swooping bats, and an assortment of sea creatures. Talk about a menagerie! Despite their threats, you can pause to munch on a mid-battle snack and restore health or know when to run away to fight another day. How’s that for a lunch break?
Tears of the Kingdom presents a post-apocalyptic world that’s just begging to be explored. Each discovery fills you with that warm fuzzy feeling of accomplishment! 🎉 The lack of restrictions means your journey is as unique as you are. And the nostalgia of classic elements like the angry, overgrown chickens (now looking more like ostriches), and using bombs to open new pathways, is just irresistibly fun!
Yet, danger doesn’t only lurk in the form of monsters. The environment itself has a way of keeping you on edge. One moment, you’re scampering around sky-high platforms, the next, you’re falling from those very heights (Oops!). Not to mention the icy perils of the snow-covered Sky Island where a cold-resistant wardrobe and a good stock of spicy pepper-infused food is a must (Culinary skill alert!).🌶️
The delightful system of cooking is your comfort in this harsh world. It’s a relaxing and charming diversion, experimenting with different ingredients, conjuring up new recipes that pack not just flavors but also helpful buffs. Every time you cook up a storm, it feels like a little victory!
In this expansive and, admittedly, empty world, every discovery feels like a mini-celebration. Exploring caves, stumbling upon hard-to-reach treasure chests, finding rare landmarks…each revelation is so satisfying, knowing your journey will be unique to you. You might be lost at times, but every misstep leads you to a new discovery, which adds to the allure.
The graphics may be minimalist and subdued, but it’s part of this game’s unique appeal. It’s not about dazzling you with colors but engrossing you in its vast, intriguing world. The musical score, too, is notably subtle, making the game even more immersive and giving you space to absorb the vastness of your surroundings.
Despite its quiet demeanor, Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom doesn’t skimp on nostalgia. From angry ostrich-like chickens to bombable cracks in walls that lead to hidden pathways, long-time fans will appreciate these cute nods to past games.
The storyline starts off with a bang, then gently recedes, allowing the vast, open world to do the talking. It’s a captivating narrative that involves ancient Hyrule rulers, enigmatic gods, and a fearsome demon king that keeps you intrigued and thirsty for more!
Yes, the controls might make you stumble, but that’s just part of the quirky fun. And yes, the aesthetics are understated, but that’s where its charm lies. Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom invites you to embrace the challenge, dive into the unknown, and make the adventure your own! Lace up those adventure boots and see you in Hyrule!
✨ Overall Score: 7.5/10 ✨ Geeky: 8/10 ✨ Sweetie: 7/10 ✨ Gameplay: 7/10 ✨ Story: 8.5/10 ✨ Graphics: 6.5/10 ✨ Music: 6/10 ✨ Voice Acting: 7
