The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - A Timeless Adventure

The realm of Zora's Domain is plagued by a thick layer of sludge, and Prince Sidon requires my assistance. To aid him, I must first restore the Zora armor, which involves a simple fetch quest to find a fish. This armor will grant me the ability to swim up waterfalls and access the mysterious sky islands. However, I soon realize that the armor's base rating of 3 may not provide sufficient protection, prompting me to visit the Great Fairy fountain for an upgrade. Unfortunately, the Great Fairy demands Hyrule bass in exchange for the upgrade, leading me on a detour to central Hyrule for some pond dipping. Along the way, I inevitably stumble upon and complete shrines, which has become a familiar and enjoyable experience. Upon returning, I decide to upgrade my standard attire, consisting of the Cap of the Wind, Hylian Trousers, and Hylian Armor dyed in traditional Link green. However, the Great Fairy informs me that she cannot offer the maximum level upgrade because I have yet to find one of her sisters. This sets me on a lengthy journey across Hyrule, searching for the last giant flowerbud and subsequently becoming embroiled in a musical troupe quest to find fireflies for a flute player in Faron. As I progress, I continue to complete shrines, which has become an integral part of my adventure. The band reunited, I prepare to take them to the fountain, but my attention is diverted by Penn, my Rito colleague from the Lucky Clover Gazette, who is investigating a potential Princess Zelda sighting. I offer to assist him, but soon find myself wondering if I had abandoned my original mission to save Zora's Domain. This meandering journey has filled a couple of hours, yet it feels like only 30 minutes have passed. The best part is that none of this was forced upon me; it was a natural progression of my curiosity and desire for discovery. I was free to explore and wonder, unencumbered by the constraints of a linear narrative. As a long-time Zelda fan, it is no surprise that this game has captivated me. However, what is surprising is the depth and breadth of its appeal. The game builds upon the foundations laid by Breath of the Wild, with many of the same gameplay elements, such as exploring Hyrule, clearing shrines, and cooking food. Yet, it also introduces new ideas, changes, and additions that make the experience feel fresh and exciting. The redesigned map, for instance, holds the key to the game's appeal. The new towers, which replace the arduous climb of Breath of the Wild, offer a more satisfying way to reveal the map. Instead of simply pressing a button, I must solve puzzles or complete miniature quests to unlock new areas. The reward is well worth the effort, as I am launched into the air, free to explore the new sky islands. The networks of sky islands are a great addition to the game, offering a new world to discover and explore. The Depths, a subterranean expanse, is another significant addition to the game. Initially, I avoided this area due to its eerie atmosphere and increased difficulty. However, as I acquired stronger defenses, I decided to explore the Depths, and hours later, I was still mining Zonite, hunting down the Yiga Clan, and finding lightroots. The Depths alone could have been a separate game, and yet it is only a third of the overall experience in Tears of the Kingdom. The return of dungeons is also a welcome feature, offering a more involved and satisfying experience than the Divine Beasts in Breath of the Wild. The dungeons in Tears of the Kingdom have a clearer sense of direction and purpose, making them feel more like the classic Zelda dungeons. I have enjoyed the dungeons immensely, often preferring them to the shrines, which are still excellent in their own right. The game's storytelling is also noteworthy, building upon the minimalist approach of its predecessor. The overall plot is conveyed through a series of brief cutscenes, each barely a minute long, yet they effectively convey the sense of an epic fantasy. The story is presented in a way that keeps the main objectives in mind, making it easy to become invested in the world and its characters. Since Majora's Mask, I have held the Zelda series to a higher standard for side quests. The series has struggled to match the heartwarming adventures of Majora's Mask, but Tears of the Kingdom has finally surpassed it. The game is packed with stories to tell, from the plight of Mattison, a young half-Gerudo girl preparing for a rite of passage, to the numerous side quests and characters that populate the world. As I near the end of my final temple, I am already planning to explore other areas, complete more quests, and discover more secrets. I actively do not want to finish this game, and I do not remember feeling this way before. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is not just my Game of the Year; it is likely to be my Game of Next Year as well.