Released in 2023, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom continued the legacy of Breath of the Wild in a world that is ever larger, freer, more experimental. But according to several corroborating sources, Nintendo is currently working on a direct sequel, planned for the Switch 2. “Rumor has it that the next main Zelda opus in development would be the sequel to Tears of the Kingdom”.
This news, while it delights some fans, also worries part of the community, attached to a bygone era: that of the more linear Zeldas, built around emblematic dungeons, objects to recover, and the classic progression towards a final confrontation against Ganon.
An open-world format that is starting to tire?
Since 2017, the Zelda series has seen four games in the style initiated by Breath of the Wildif we include spin-offs Hyrule Warriors. An open, very free format, which has seduced with its richness and audacity… but which is beginning to show its limits. “I worry that Nintendo is starting to rely too much on this era of Zelda gameplay.”
The open world, while it frees the player, also deconstructs the adventure. Less narration, less rhythm, fewer surprises. Some regret the classic rise in power which made the charm of the old parts, like Ocarina of Time, Twilight Princess Or A Link to the Past.
Fans dream of a return to their roots
What many nostalgic fans are calling for is not a remake, but a return of atmosphere. Dungeons with unique mechanics, a linear but controlled scenario, unlockable objects which open access to new areas… “I miss the more linear adventure, with its progression from dungeon to dungeon, the discovery of new objects and improvements along the way, and the final confrontation against Ganon for the umpteenth time”.
Nintendo has already proven this with The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom : it is possible to offer different gameplay, a new aesthetic and a new main character. The audience is ready.
Switch 2: hope or repeat?
The power of Nintendo’s next console could raise everyone’s hopes. New graphics, new mechanics, more advanced artificial intelligence. But for some, the promise of a “sequel to Tears of the Kingdom” leaves a bitter taste.
They fear creative stagnation, a repetition of an already worn-out model. A bit as if the series, although known for its ability to reinvent itself, now chose the safest path – at the risk of losing its soul.