Notes on the Zelda Franchise and Tears of the Kingdom

Introduction to Zelda

The Zelda series is highly regarded and has a magical quality that connects with many, including neurodivergent individuals.
Considered one of the most influential franchises in gaming history.
Major gameplay elements introduced in Zelda have become industry standards (e.g., open world, day/night cycle).
The series has a strong, recognizable logo that serves as a community identifier among gamers.

Release Impact:
- Despite a massive fanbase, the transition to 3D games initially hurt sales, nearly leading to the series being discontinued.
- BotW became a monumental success, tripling the sales of the previous bestseller and generating $2 billion in revenue.
Critical Reception:
- While critically acclaimed, some players noted flaws, particularly in dungeon design and weapon degradation.
- Fans expressed frustration over the lack of substantial cities, bosses, and exploration in BotW.

Teaser and Expectations:
- Anticipation grew for TotK, with concerns about it being merely a DLC for BotW.
- The game aimed to build on BotW's mechanics while introducing new features.
Gameplay Mechanics:
- Game introduces intuitive building mechanics and a fuse mechanic for weapon customization, addressing previous criticisms about weapon durability.
- Improved storytelling and character development in TotK, featuring a compelling narrative.
Visual and Technical Aspects:
- The game visually impresses despite running on older hardware.
- The new abilities allow for more dynamic gameplay and exploration.

The Overworld and Sky Islands:
- Players can freely explore the world, but some Sky Islands felt repetitive.
- The Depths, a new underground area, provided a fresh exploration experience but also faced criticism for lack of variety.
Side Quests and Gameplay Structure:
- Engaging side quests and fun distractions help keep players involved, yet story padding can detract from the main quest.
- The game structure often repeats tasks, creating a sense of tedium in some areas.

Dungeons:
- TotK's dungeons show improvement over BotW but still feel disjointed and less cohesive compared to traditional Zelda dungeons.
- Players noted the importance of unique dungeon designs and how they contribute to the overall experience.
Shrines:
- While shrines are back and improved, there were too many in the game, detracting from their uniqueness.

The soundtrack is considered a letdown compared to previous Zelda games, lacking the epic feel that characterizes the series.
Music often feels generic, contrasting with the bold themes fans expect from Zelda.

Overall, despite multiple criticisms, Tears of the Kingdom offers a remarkable gaming experience that can appeal to many, retaining the essence of adventure and exploration in the Zelda franchise.
The review reflects on the highs and lows of the game and the importance of player feedback in shaping future titles in the series.