Almost eight years after its release, it's hard to deny how much The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild improved and expanded the series as a whole. From the emphasis on exploration and player freedom to the gorgeous cel-shaded art style, there are many factors that BOTH manages to do better than many of its predecessors. A specific area in which BOTH does better than previous entries with the characterization of the titular character herself, Princess Zelda.
BOTHThe narrative is far from being the game's high point. Its story is basic and loosely interconnected, likely meant to keep the player focused on the expansive open world that desperately wants to be explored. However, while the story itself may not be a highlight, Zelda's personal journey within this narrative is certainly. In fact, through his characterization and impact on the game overall, BOTH it's arguably home to the best iteration of Zelda to date.
Zelda's journey in BOTW was relatable
Players can identify with the princess's personal struggles
The reason why BOTH has the best version of Zelda is largely due to its relatability. Through BOTHIn Zelda's memory flashbacks, the player observes Zelda as she consistently struggles to fulfill her role as a princess, as well as the destiny that has been placed upon her as a descendant of the Goddess Hylia. All over BOTHIn the story, Zelda comes into conflict with Link and his father, King Rhoam, as she feels inadequate for the role given to her.
It's this internal struggle that Zelda faces all the time BOTHnarrative that allows the player to easily resonate with the princess. Zelda's conflict between the nerdy, independent person she is and the powerful, steadfast leader Hyrule needs her to be can be felt by an audience who likely struggled with their own unrealistic expectations imposed by others. It's this human element that gives Zelda her relatability in BOTHallowing the player to connect with the princess beyond her royal status.
This connection BOTH establishes between the player and Zelda helps make the princess's most vulnerable moments even more powerful. Witnessing Zelda struggle with her initial failure to stop Calamity Ganon becomes emotional for the player as they have witnessed her long and arduous journey to this moment. These themes of expectations, destiny, and inheritance that this version of Zelda evokes result in a complex and compelling character far beyond what players may have previously seen, and help to elevate BOTHIt's a lackluster story.
BOTW placed greater emphasis on Zelda's role
The game gave Zelda more details of the main narrative
BOTHZelda's representation also surpasses the quality of other titles due to the importance of the princess's role in the game's larger conflict. While the Zelda The series has always made the main role of the princess clear, many titles fail to reflect this in their own stories. Titles like THE Wind Alarm Clock and Twilight Princess are infamous examples, relegating Zelda to the background midway through the story, only for her to reappear in the final moments to help deliver the final blow to Ganondorf. Although not all Zelda the entries follow this pattern, it is a common trend among certain titles.
BOTHZelda's version not only has more to do in the main narrative, but also the significance of his role and occult powers are emphasized throughout. During BOTHThrough the cutscenes and countless character interactions, the player quickly develops a solid understanding of the importance of Zelda's role in saving Hyrule and how her power is the key to defeating Calamity Ganon. BOTH contrasts with the previous Zelda entries as it never loses sight of the significance of the princess' role, placing her on a similar level to Link.
Not all about BOTHZelda's opinion helps to highlight this importance. Unfortunately, the game continues with the redundant damsel in distress trope this consistently limited Zelda's potential throughout the series. Even though she's helping to prevent Calamity Ganon from wreaking havoc, the player still needs to help free Zelda before she delivers the final blow, undermining the role that BOTW spent so much time emphasizing. However, BOTH It's certainly a step in the right direction for Zelda's characterization, ensuring that the princess gets the spotlight she deserves.
How Future Zelda Entries Can Learn From BOTW
BOTW is just the beginning
The advances made BOTH regarding Zelda's representation demonstrate key areas in which future entries should continue to expand. As the title character of the series Zelda must always be given the courtesy of playing a vital role in the narrative of each entry. The inclusion of more complex and meaningful characterizations throughout the story is not only a benefit to the character, but elevates the story of Zelda games as a whole.
Fortunately, recent entries in the Zelda series are on the right track. Tears of the Kingdombeing a direct sequence of BOTHIt perfectly continues the established Zelda narrative while improving on its predecessor's shortcomings. Although Zelda maintains that vulnerable side to her character that made the princess so easy to connect with, she also plays a bigger role in the fight against Ganondorf. Her actions in the past have a direct effect on the player's journey in the present, forgoing the damsel in distress trope that limited the princess in BOTHand further solidifying Zelda's importance in saving Hyrule.
BOTHThe incredible depiction of Princess Zelda is a promise of what players can expect from the beloved character in future games. If the series continues to build on what BOTH established, so Zelda will continue to grow and blossom into the character she was always meant to be. For now, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildZelda's own interpretation remains the series' best offering to date, giving the princess the role she's always deserved.