The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is the latest installment in the iconic action-adventure franchise that has captivated millions of fans for over three decades. Developed by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch console, TOTK is a direct sequel to the critically acclaimed and commercially successful The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (BOTW), which was released in 2017.
TOTK continues the story of Link and Zelda, two heroes who have saved the kingdom of Hyrule from the evil clutches of Calamity Ganon, a dark force that corrupted ancient machines called Guardians and turned them against the people. In TOTK, Link and Zelda discover a mysterious portal in Hyrule Castle that leads them to a hidden sky island where they find an ancient Zonai device that can control time. However, their actions awaken a new threat that threatens to destroy both Hyrule and the sky islands. Link and Zelda must work together to stop this evil and restore balance to the world.
TOTK features a large open world that can be explored both on the surface of Hyrule and in the sky islands above it. The game introduces new gameplay mechanics and abilities that enhance the player's freedom and creativity. For example, Link can use his new mechanical arm to perform various actions such as Ascend, which allows him to fly up to certain points, and Construct, which lets him create and manipulate ancient machines. The game also has a dynamic weather system that affects the environment and gameplay, such as rain, snow, wind, and lightning.
The game also offers a rich variety of content and activities for players to enjoy. There are over 100 Shrines to discover and complete, which are mini-dungeons that test the player's puzzle-solving and combat skills. There are also many side quests, secrets, collectibles, mini-games, and challenges to find and complete. The game also has a robust crafting system that allows players to create weapons, armor, food, elixirs, and more from the materials they find in the world.
Some of the things to do first in TOTK are:
- Get the Archaic Warm Greaves, which are a pair of boots that protect Link from cold weather. They can be found in a chest inside a hollow tree trunk on the eastern part of the Great Sky Island.
- Stockpile Zonai Devices, which are capsules that contain useful items such as fans, wing gliders, and portable cooking pots. They can be obtained from Zonai Device Dispensers, which are large globes that accept Zonai Charges as currency. There are two dispensers on the Great Sky Island, and more can be found on other sky islands and on the surface.
- Offer a Fruit to the Cherry Blossom Trees, which are pink trees that have a mysterious power. One of them is located east of the Great Sky Island Shrine, and others can be found around Hyrule. Offering a fruit will trigger a special event that may reward Link with items, rupees, or secrets.
The game also features many characters that play important roles in the story or provide assistance to Link and Zelda. Some of them are:
- Link, the protagonist of the game and a legendary hero who wields the Master Sword, a sacred blade that can seal away evil. He has a new mechanical arm that gives him new abilities.
- Zelda, the deuteragonist of the game and the princess of Hyrule who possesses the Triforce of Wisdom, a powerful relic that grants her magical abilities. She accompanies Link on his adventure and helps him with her knowledge and skills.
- Impa, an elderly Sheikah woman who serves as Zelda's advisor and guardian. She is well-versed in Hyrule's history and lore and provides Link with guidance and information.
- Purah, a young Sheikah woman who is Impa's sister and a genius inventor. She runs the Hateno Ancient Tech Lab where she researches ancient technology and upgrades Link's Sheikah Slate, a multipurpose device that can access various functions such as map, runes, camera, etc.
- Robbie, an old Sheikah man who is Purah's husband and a fellow inventor. He runs the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab where he creates powerful weapons and armor from ancient materials for Link.
- Sidon, a young Zora prince who is the son of King Dorephan and the brother of Mipha, the Zora Champion who died fighting Calamity Ganon. He is brave, cheerful, and loyal, and has a strong admiration for Link. He helps Link and Zelda in their quest by giving them access to the Zora Domain and its secrets.
- Riju, a young Gerudo chief who is the descendant of Urbosa, the Gerudo Champion who died fighting Calamity Ganon. She is wise, courageous, and compassionate, and has a close bond with her sand seal Patricia. She helps Link and Zelda in their quest by giving them access to the Gerudo Desert and its secrets.
- Teba, an elder Rito warrior who is the husband of Saki and the father of Tulin. He is proud, stubborn, and skilled, and has a grudge against Calamity Ganon for killing Revali, the Rito Champion who was his idol. He helps Link and Zelda in their quest by giving them access to the Rito Village and its secrets.
- Yunobo, a young Goron warrior who is the descendant of Daruk, the Goron Champion who died fighting Calamity Ganon. He is timid, clumsy, and kind-hearted, and has a special ability to withstand extreme heat. He helps Link and Zelda in their quest by giving them access to the Goron City and its secrets.
- Kass, a wandering Rito bard who plays an accordion and sings songs about Hyrule's history and legends. He is friendly, curious, and knowledgeable, and has a personal connection to the Sheikah monks who created the Shrines. He helps Link and Zelda in their quest by giving them clues and hints about various secrets and mysteries.
The game was released on May 12, 2023 and costs $70 or 5760 ₹. It has received critical acclaim for its graphics, gameplay, story, and music⁴. Many reviewers have praised the game for expanding on the strengths of BOTW while addressing some of its weaknesses, such as adding more variety to the Shrines, dungeons, enemies, and bosses; improving the durability system for weapons; adding more voice acting and cutscenes for the characters; and providing a satisfying postgame that allows players to continue exploring Hyrule after defeating the final boss⁴. The game has also been nominated for several awards, such as Game of the Year, Best Action/Adventure Game, Best Art Direction, Best Soundtrack, etc.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a masterpiece that sets a new standard for open world games. It is a must-play for fans of the Zelda series and anyone who enjoys immersive and engaging adventures. It is one of the best games ever made and a worthy successor to Breath of the Wild.
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