Summary
It’s rare to see oneThe Legend of Zeldatitle directly iterate on another, but that’s exactly what happened when it came toBreath of the WildandThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Taking everything that madeBotWwhat it was and building upon it,The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomhas proven to be an impressive feat of both broad design work and technical engineering. Not only is the world open, but so are the mechanics, allowing players to approach combat, navigation, and puzzle solving from any angle. IfBreath of the Wild’s obstacles were kept as is, the sequel would have trouble keeping up with resourceful players.
But for that reason, combat has seen a serious upgrade. A number of new enemies and bosses have been introduced toTears of the Kingdom, several returning from the series' history. This is another holdover fromBreath of the Wild, once again creating a staunch challenge for players setting out. Knowledge, upgrades, and better equipment will eventually tip the scales, but it’s impressive howevenBotW’s monsters were re-integrated into new encounters. IfTears of the Kingdomends up with DLC like its predecessor, it should capitalize on this strength and expand its combat with even more old enemies adapted for the modern age.
RELATED:The Legend Of Zelda: 10 Forgotten Enemies From The Series' History
Tears of the Kingdom Has Modernized Many Zelda Enemies Already
Taken together,Tears of the KingdomandBreath of the Wildalready have an impressively large number of foes redesigned from pastZeldagames.Lynels inBotWandTotKhad new life and infamy breathed into them after rarely appearing in other entries, but staples like Keese, Chus, Octoroks, Hinoxes, Stal enemies, Bokoblins, and Moblins were all modernized as well.Tears of the Kingdomalso brought back Gohmas, Gibdos, Like-Likes, a take of Floormasters with Gloom Hands, and Phantom Ganon himself.
What really made these baddies shine was their new designs. Taken as is, many would have been too simple to support their high number of encounters across an open world Hyrule. However, because of their dynamic abilities, often benefiting from different elements, weapons, geography, or other enemies, they are able tosupportBotWandTotK’s heavy combat emphasis. Plus, it’s always exciting to see oldZeldaregulars get new forms in a modern era, which is part of the reason why Ganondorf’s return was so celebrated. Even thoughBreath of the Wild’s DLC didn’t add to its enemies apart from Monk Maz Koshia,Tears of the Kingdomwould be wise to bring a few more old faces back.
DLC Could Help Missing Zelda Foes Make An Appearance
While it would involve spending more development resources on an already massive and content-rich game, there are too many iconic foes left waiting for their next chance in the spotlight. Even if Lynels and Phantom Ganon already fill their role, therecurringZeldaminiboss Darknutsand their Iron Knuckle counterparts would immediately give newTears of the Kingdomcontent a unique feel thanks to how regal they seem. Dodongos are a baffling continued exclusion, as are true Poe enemies and the classic human-like undead Stalfos and ReDeads.
A whole otherZeldagame could be supported by the enemies and bosses that haven’t been modernized yet. Dungeons ending with new variations on Manhandla, Digdogger, Aquamentus, and a new variation of the classic “floating hands and head” design would all work wonders, and could even add more surprises to the open world itself. So many otherclassicZeldaenemies like Dinofols, Skulltulas, Armos, Beamos, Wallmasters, Deku Baba, and more would be a cause for celebration.Tears of the Kingdomcould ace its grand finale if its DLC uses even a fraction of these foes.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomis available now on Nintendo Switch.
