There is a type of game that The Legend of Zelda should give priority. There is no doubt that the main line Zelda registrations have always been a great success, proven by the monumental launch of Tears of the Kingdom last year. With this in mind, it wouldn’t be a surprise for Nintendo to focus its efforts on a sequel that is based on TOTK. Yet, Nintendo must not lose sight of the experimentation and creativity provided by Zelda spin-offs.
Nintendo hasn’t always been willing to push the Zelda franchise outside of its comfort zone, sticking mostly to more traditional mainline entries. This isn’t helped by previous spin-off attempts such as Link’s Beast Training or Freshly harvested Tingle’s Rosy Rupeelandwho failed to capture the spirit of Zelda series in a meaningful way. However, this attitude has changed in recent years and the success of recent Zelda spin-off games show the value of exploring such titles as they can provide unique experiences that not even the main series could accomplish.
Zelda spin-offs are some of the best in the series
They offer a variety of play styles
The main appeal Zelda Spin-offs come from their unique gameplay offering that differs from the main series. The most popular example of this would be Hyrule Warriors. Like a cross between Zelda and the Dynasty Warriors series, Hyrule Warriors places greater emphasis on combat, as the player must face hordes of enemiesincluding Bokoblins or Lizalfos, which can be eliminated using a variety of weapons and special moves. The multiple stages and constant onslaught of enemies make for a more intense and demanding experience than even the mainline Zelda inputs could provide.
Hyrule Cadence is another great example of the creative gameplay on display. As a spin-off to NecroDancer’s Crypt, Cadence focuses on rhythm-based gameplay. Players must traverse a traditional path Zelda overworld, eliminating enemies and exploring dungeons, all while keeping panic at bay as they must maintain a perfect movement rhythm. This is where the true value of Zelda spin-off lies: offering a variety of different gameplay experiences that make each game feel fresh while staying true to the core of the franchise.
Why More Zelda Games Should Be Spinoffs
The Zelda series needs this variety in its library
Those Zelda the spin-offs are clear proof of how the franchise desperately needs a sense of variety that has been missing for a long time. Traditional mainline gameplay Zelda inputs works incredibly well, but can become predictable. Spin-offs take a much more ambitious approach, and Nintendo should be willing to take those risks in the same way it did with the Super Mario franchise and its bevy of spin-off series.
There are several different genres and game styles that suit Zeldasense of adventure and discovery that has not yet been utilized. As an example, one Zelda roguelike would naturally fit into the larger franchise. The usual combat and exploration elements take on an extra level of strategy, as players are challenged to take a more cautious approach to each journey to avoid losing all of their progress.
Another spin-off could once again place greater emphasis on combat. The idea of ​​an arena-style fighting game including several Zelda characters and villains, from Impa and Ganondorf to Skull Kid and Gant, it’s too exciting a prospect to pass up and would provide a multiplayer experience that the franchise often lacks.
The potential for Zelda franchise to diversify in new ways has always been in sight. While Nintendo clearly wants to maintain the high status the series holds, This shouldn’t preclude the possibility of spin-offs adding something new to the table. With the success of recent releases such as Hyrule Warriorsthis could be the signal for Nintendo to take over the Legend of Zelda franchise in a bold new direction.