The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

This yet another magnum opus from Nintendo. Breath of the Wild came and completely changed the way we gamers viewed and played open-world games. Now after 6 years, Tears of the Kingdom shows how Nintendo still had a lot of innovative ideas in the minds to improve the experience even further, a feat I didn't think was possible. So many new and incredible gameplay mechanics are introduced here which I haven't seen in any other game I've ever played. I would go on to say these gameplay mechanics are the most innovative and creative. They completely changed the way players will experience Hyrule again. The Hyrule itself although similar is quite different than before. We have the new Sky and Underground maps now that makes the exploration even more worthwhile. One thing I also appreciate about its gameplay is how it allows freedom but also test the player's creativity and problem-solving skills like no other. Having many tools at the disposal means nothing if the players can't exploit them according to their creativity and not something that was scripted by the developers. The physics engine in this game is also the best i've ever seen with Red Dead Redemption 2's physics engine at close second place. This time the game has a heavy emphasis on story, and the plot is very interesting with proper voice acting. There are also dungeons in this one for those missing them in Breath of the Wild. Last but not the least, the graphics although not ground-breaking by today's standard, are still very artistic. In fact, it looks and feels like a Studio Ghibli movie. Due to this art-style, this game will still look gorgeous even after 25 years whereas most photorealistic game of today will probably not age well in comparison. We've seen this in case of Wind Waker, which is a timeless piece of joyful art. In comparison Mass Effect, which came a few years later hasn't aged that well in looks department. Although, I do admit that there are a few performance drops in some instances due to Switch's hardware limitations. I believe this should have been a launch title for the Switch 2 and as a result should've made use of improved specification to run smoother and looked better. Nevertheless, the questions is that do I like it more than Breath of the Wild? Well, in some cases yes and in some cases no. Yes because it's clearly a more grander experience with vastly larger map, better gameplay mechanics and better story. But it doesn't compare with the experience of discovering Hyrule for the first time in Breath of the Wild. Although by comparison the experience of Breath of the Wild was a lot simpler; but that was where the true beauty of Breath of the Wild really was. It was after a very long time that I had some much fun, and a sense of nostalgic escapism; or maybe, feeling like a kid again playing a video-game. Nintendo clearly knows how to make the most memorable and joyful video-game experiences, and this alongside Breath of the Wild ranks topmost in my absolute best game of all time.

(I'll update my review as I play through the game). I love the sandbox elements of the game and the new abilities that Link has access to. They are much better than what we had in Botw because they interact and are integrated with world in a much more engaging and interesting way. I also love the new enemy variety and bosses. It is much more similar to what we would expect from a Zelda game. However, the dungeons are still not what I want from a Zelda game. And the game in general doesn't really feel like what I've grown to associate with Zelda. I know many people dislike linear games but I think a linear experience doesn't run the risk of ruining the experience for players who do things the "wrong" way. Additionally, the story and progression can be more potent and fun. I firmly believe that a linear experience is a more consistently powerful than an open world experience. I love the freedom but eventually since the story only ends when you want it to, by the time you finish the game it will have lost its appeal whereas a linear experience gets to end the game with a bang. My biggest issue though is still the dungeons. In older Zelda games you would slowly unlock parts of the dungeon making the whole process satisfying as you would go through the dungeon one door at a time. Then halfway through you would get a key item as a reward for a mini boss and would be forced to use the item as a sort of tutorial. As you went through the second half of the dungeon you would become more and more comfortable with the item and finally, as one last challenge you would be tested on your knowledge of the new item and the dungeon as a whole. It was a satisfying experience that left me hungry for more and excited for the next dungeon. That just isn't the case here. There's never the wonder of "what item am I getting here?" or "what cool puzzles will be featured?" It's just a slog to do dungeons. I love the game but I honestly wish that the dungeons were more linear. However, they are significantly better than Botw dungeons and are actually fun so that is a big step up. Additionally, and I don't know if I'm the only one who's noticed this, but the game looks noticeably better than Botw which was a high standard. The enemy variety is very refreshing after the repetitive enemies of Botw. The new bosses are also very appreciated. I remember heading into the depths and then getting jump scared by a giant Obsidian Frox that freaked me out. In general the exploration has gone up from a 9.5/10 in Botw to a very easy 11. Now every corner of the world is not just filled with things to find but meaningful and exciting things. I recently found the torse to the Twilight Princess set and let out an audible squeal of joy and excitement. Overall, I won't give the game a ten until I've finished it but it's getting there.

10 out of 10 - A Triumph Beyond Time and Sky

Overview:

Where Breath of the Wild shattered expectations and redefined the open-world genre, Tears of the Kingdom does the unthinkable - it elevates it. Literally and spiritually. This isn't a sequel that plays it safe. This is a bold, risky masterpiece that doubles down on exploration, expands the mythos, and gives players power, freedom, and tools so creative you could build a damn empire from scratch.

This game isn't just about saving Hyrule.

It's about reinventing how you interact with Hyrule.

Story & Scope:

The tone here is both ancient and urgent. An ominous force stirs beneath the surface - a hidden evil that feels deeply connected to Hyrule's long-lost past. The mystery runs deeper, the stakes are higher, and the emotional undercurrent? Heavier.

You're not just traversing land anymore.

You're flying through sky islands.

You're diving into depths that hide forgotten nightmares.

You're unlocking a timeline of legendary proportions.

And Zelda? She's no longer a passive figure. Her presence in this story - her choices - shape everything. You feel the weight of loss, legacy, and leadership all the way through.

Gameplay Innovation: Ultrahand, Fuse, Ascend, Recall

The abilities alone deserve their own throne: Ultrahand lets you build anything - gliders, mechs, traps, bridges - if you can dream it, you can build it. It's Minecraft meets MacGyver meets ancient Sheikah tech.

Fuse takes the combat sandbox to the next level. Slap a rock on a stick, a bomb on an arrow, or a ruby on your sword - now you're creating chaos, your way.

Ascend is a mind-blowing mechanic that flips traditional traversal on its head. Ceiling? More like shortcut.

Recall lets you reverse time on objects - part puzzle solver, part combat trick, part "wait, did I just do that?!" wizardry.

These powers don't just add spice.

They reshape how you think as a player.

World Design:

Hyrule is massive. But now, it's layered: Surface - Familiar but evolved, reshaped by upheaval. New towns, ruins, and mysteries everywhere.

Sky Islands - Ethereal, puzzle-filled paradises that test your creativity and timing.

The Depths - Vast, pitch-black, and terrifying. A forgotten underworld crawling with danger and discovery.

This isn't open-world fatigue. It's open-world finesse.

Combat & Gear:

Durability returns, but it matters less now - because your gear is yours to customize. The fuse system makes every encounter fresh. Enemy camps are no longer just trials - they're experiments. You approach each battle not just with weapons, but with ideas.

And yes - Link's moveset is as sharp and fluid as ever.

Bows, gliders, shields, slow-mo mid-air attacks - it's all here, all dialed in.

Tone & Presentation:

The soundtrack is haunting and gorgeous, often subdued until a piano or swell catches you off-guard and floors you. The visuals? Breathtaking. The skies feel endless. The lighting in the Depths is eerie and dreamlike. And the ancient iconography layered throughout? Pure worldbuilding bliss.

The tone is heavier, more mysterious. You're surrounded by echoes of a lost civilization and whispers of prophecy. And it all leads to one of the most cinematic, intense, and emotional conclusions the franchise has ever delivered.

(No spoilers - but the final act? Chills, brother. Chills.)

Why It's a 10:

Because this isn't just a game - it's a love letter to curiosity, innovation, and legacy.

It says: We trust you.

It says: Here's power. What will you do with it?

It says: Build, break, explore, fall, rise again.

Tears of the Kingdom challenges your imagination and rewards it with beauty, depth, and awe at every turn. It's not just a follow-up - it's a spiritual successor that closes the arc of Breath of the Wild with brilliance.

Final Thought:

Some games give you a sword and a path.

This one gives you a broken world and says, make it whole again - your way.

You don't just play Tears of the Kingdom.

You write your own legend inside it.

Just a heads up this review has no major spoilers.

From the moment this game starts you are in for an immersive experience. Anything from the story to the actual gameplay is phenomenal. The overall performance of the game will encounter very few flaws.(but yes they are there just not very noticeable) If you are a long time Zelda fan or you are a fan of open world type games you are in for an absolute treat! This game is not even close to what you consider just simply " Botw DLC" it's so much more than that and it really stands out not only as a direct sequel but as it's own title as well. There has been moments that were jaw dropping as well as moments that had my heart racing from excitement. Overall, the music, the graphics, the exploration, the story and game mechanics are to die for. Pick up this game immediately and ignore these people who claim this is just " DLC" it's so much more than that!

I have spent over 120 hours playing this spectacular game. At first, I thought it was a bit overwhelming, but as I made my way through the map and unlocked this new world, I realized it was much more than just a simple DLC. It offers new stories, characters, and adventures. Don't pay attention to those people who say it's just a new DLC; for me, it's something new while still appreciating all the good things from the previous game! The gameplay mechanics are very different, which can make it seem complicated, but after playing it, you will once again immerse yourself in a fantasy world that only Nintendo can achieve!

Excellent game!