The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
BothThe Legend of Zelda : Breath of the Wildand its sequel , bout of the Kingdom , have create huge change within the series . Each game ’s rejection or subversion of belovedZeldaseries staple , from themore undefended progressionto the weapon lastingness system , has opened a range of possibilities for how the franchise can evolve . That being said , not all ofBOTW ’s andTOTK ’s changes to theZeldaformula were an improvement , and this is no more evident than with the change made to one touch series staple .
One of my favorite aspects of theZeldaseries is the fabled Master Sword that Link wield in multiple entries . Not only does the weapon system own great specialty and magical abilities beyond what other weapons grant you , but the Master Sword is often a crucial part of your journey in each game , provide the boost you involve to venture forth and relieve the kingdom of Hyrule . It ’s a core part of theZeldaseries thatBOTWandTOTKseverely downplay , and I ca n’t avail but experience that they lose great deal of what makes the Master Sword so special .
The Master Sword Is Inessential In BOTW & TOTK
The Legendary Blade Is Not Required To Finish Either Game
One way in whichBOTWandTOTKdownplayed the Master Sword ’s inclusion was by making it an inessential item to incur . Unlike titles such asOcarina of Time , where the Master Sword is required to progress , the open anatomical structure ofBOTWandTOTKmeans you never need the arm to make your fashion through the main tarradiddle . In fact , you ’re able to go up against and defeat the final boss in either game without ever larn the Master Sword , diluting its grandness as the Sword that seal the Darkness .
There is one feature in The Legend of Zelda : breathing place of the Wild that is surprisingly deathly for Link even when equate to the relaxation of the game .
Moreover , the Master Sword is surprisingly well - hidden in both plot . For example , whileBOTWoffers plenty of guidance on master quests such as restoring the Divine Beasts , you ’re not given that same service when seeking out the Master Sword , with the legendary weapon being tucked out within Korok Forest , through the labyrinth of the Lost Woods . While finding andobtaining the Master Swordis never made hard , the way in which the artillery is made so easy skippable alters the perception of this fabled blade to become a mere reward , rather than an all important item .
BothBOTWandTOTKrequire you toupgrade either Link ’s health or staminato a certain level in edict to pull the Master Sword from the pedestal .
What made this portrayal of the Master Sword so annoying to me is how it does n’t line up with the tale told inBOTWandTOTK . Through cutscenes and dialogue , both games place a luck of focussing on the Master Sword , portraying it as not just a powerful weapon , but a key part in agitate against the wickedness that plagues Hyrule . Despite this , I never felt that importance during gameplay , and this contradictory portrayal of the Master Sword made obtain the weapon far less impactful than previousZeldagames achieved .
BOTW & TOTK Have Better Alternative Weapons
I Found Myself Rarely Using The Master Sword In Combat
Unfortunately , the Master Sword is further minimise inBOTW&TOTKonce you get the weapon . At first coup d’oeil , the Master Sword seems like a worthful weapon for you to have in your inventory . Not only does the Master Sword concede you a flock of onslaught exponent during crucial scenario alongside a respectable strength , but its ability to recharge intend that you ’ll almost always have the legendary blade on deal , aid to comfort thepain of always having your weapon system break .
The proceeds lies in how the Master Sword pales in equivalence to other weapons inBOTWandTOTK . Whether it be Ancient Blades or the Scimitar of the Seven , both titles include arm that often exceed both the king and durability that the Master Sword offers . This is further compounded by the fact that the Master Sword is rarely at its full power in either game , making it a far weak weapon for the bulk of your playthrough , and fail to face it as the legendary blade it should be .
BOTWdid have DLC that include the Trial of the Sword , an optional side pursuit which , upon closing , rewarded you with an kick upstairs Master Sword that would stay at full power .
Custom Image by Katarina Cimbaljevic
Despite my initial fervour upon get the Master Sword for the first prison term , I constantly found myself relying on other weapons I had stumbled across to force my way through combat confrontation . I palpate discomfited at my avoidance of the Master Sword inBOTWandTOTK , something I had work out so firmly to obtain compared to the other weapons I had at my disposal . The lack of office that the Master Sword have made my efforts to go for the arm feel worthless , losing that sense of wages and accomplishment that obtaining the legendary brand ordinarily elicits .
The Master Sword Deserved Much Better
The Blade Of Evil’s Bane Is A Symbol Of Worthiness
What I ’ve always adored about the Master Sword inpreviousZeldaentriesis how it is often portray as more than just a powerful weapon . prevail the Master Sword in titles likeWind WakerandSkyward Swordhappens at crucial moments when you ’ve already had to get the best major challenge and obstacles . When you ’re finally able to get out the Master Sword out of its plinth , it serves as proof of your worthiness to hazard forth and gratis Hyrule from the clutches of evil , creating this unequivocal impression of achievement that is unlike other video games I ’ve played .
Both game turn this once powerful and evocative moment of theZeldaseries into just another quest for you to complete .
BecauseBOTWandTOTKdilute the Master Sword ’s importance and power , the weapon no longer symbolizes that worthiness it once did . Rather , the lack of significance it hold in your journeymakes the Master Sword ’s inclusion body feel like an afterthought . Both games turn this once powerful and evocative moment of theZeldaseries into just another seeking for you to complete , losing sight of what made the Master Sword so special to begin with .
The Sheikah Slate is an iconic feature in Breath of the Wild , but what some may not recognize is that the item has a very specific inspiration .
With the Master Sword likely to make another appearance in a futureZeldaentry , I hope that the weapon is recognized once more for its significance and encroachment . Not only does obtaining the Master Sword provide a grand mother wit of forward motion , but the arm is a beacon of your worthiness , pass you the boost to adventure forth on your journey . The Master Sword deserved much good than how it was implement inBreath of the WildandTears of the Kingdom , and hopefully the weapon system will soon be restore to its former halo .
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