Summary
Although it is generally considered one of the best new features inThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, it looks like Ultrahand is going to be a one-off ability, not returning for future games in the series. This may be disappointing, but it does make some sense, as it would surely be a difficult ability to implement in a new game with different environments, puzzles, etc. Moreover, thenextZeldagame will take a different approach, according to comments made by Nintendo, and will thus distance itself from major mechanics like Ultrahand. This is a good thing, but not everything fromBOTWandTOTKshould be axed for future entries.
It’s not exactly a hot take to argue thatBreath of the Wildwas a massive shakeup to theZeldaformula. The traditional structure and tone of 3DZeldagames were eschewed in favor of a wide-open map that encourages exploration and emergent gameplay. These gameplay foundations were supported by a few key pillars, not the least of which being Link’s unique abilities and endlessly satisfying and entertaining physics system.Tears of the Kingdomaltered a good deal ofBOTW’s gameplay mechanics, including Link’s powers, but the stellar physics engine powering its predecessor remained, and it should still be intact in future releases.
Why the Next Legend of Zelda Games Needs to Keep TOTK’s Physics
Though someTOTKandBOTWfeatures, like weapon durability, should arguably bite the dust, it would be hard to argue against the expansive and immersive physics system of these games. KeyBOTWabilities, alongside the puzzles they’re required for, are propped up by this system, as players can analyze and judge the movement of objects in a consistent manner, allowing for clear, creative solutions to problems.TOTKtakes this synergy to the next level, with its unparalleled building opportunities, granted via Ultrahand, giving players nearly endless opportunities for creative expression and outside-the-box problem-solving. Even with these finely-tuned systems, there’s always a sense that players are just scratching the surface of what this physics engine is capable of.
Adapting Tears of the Kingdom’s Physics to a New Zelda Game
Long before players were leveragingUltrahand tocraft wild creations inTOTK, they were playing around with the physics inBOTW. Launching enemies (or Link) through the sky via improvised catapults, grappling onto rocks before they are sent flying through the Stasis ability, freezing and blowing enemies off cliffs - all of these things are possible through the expressive and well-wrought physics system ofBOTW, which was of course carried intoTears of the Kingdom.TOTK’s new abilities and features work in tandem with the existing physics engine, opening the door to even more bizarre scenarios.
Witha newZeldagame, Nintendo could further expand the opportunities available through the physics system. New abilities, a new rendition of Hyrule, different puzzles, and even a fresh art style could all drastically alter how players engage with a physics engine that is as finely tuned as the one found inTears of the KingdomandBreath of the Wild. Different forms of emergent gameplay and puzzle solutions could be uncovered by taking full advantage of the physics found in the game, and withTOTKplaying with immersive sim elements, perhaps a new game could go all-in on the genre, using things like realistic weight and movement as central gameplay conceits.
Ultimately, there’s simply no good reason to change the way that physics works inThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom’s successor. It underpins the rest of the mechanics, and it’s versatile enough to work in various different kinds of games.TOTKleaves some big shoes to fill, and while the nextZeldagame should differentiate itself, it could also greatly benefit from borrowing some key elements from its two predecessors.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
WHERE TO PLAY
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is the sequel to the beloved open-world adventure, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This installment once again sees Link and Zelda battling to protect Hyrule from falling to Ganondorf. This new adventure takes place in the same land of Hyrule as Breath of the Wild but sees something called the Upheaval, which allows link to travel to Sky Islands, as well as deep into the Depths beneath Hyrule. Players can use special abilities to fuse together weapons, and build items to help them progress through the release.
