I Want Nintendo’s New Switch 2 Zelda Sport Was an Precise Zelda Sport

I’ve by no means been a Hyrule Warriors fan. Keep that in thoughts after I say that Nintendo’s new Switch 2-exclusive Zelda-universe recreation has impressed me in a number of methods, however the gameplay is not one in all them. Still, this Zelda spinoff has succeeded in displaying off the Switch 2’s graphics energy. Now can we’ve a real Switch 2 unique Zelda recreation subsequent?

The upgraded graphics in Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild has made the Switch 2 a good way to play current Zelda video games, which had stretched the Switch’s capabilities to the restrict earlier than. And they’re each properly value revisiting, as a result of they’re engrossing, enchanting, bizarre, epic wonders. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, one other within the Koei-Tecmo developed spinoff collection of Zelda-themed video games, is a prequel to Tears of the Kingdom. It’s the story of Zelda touring again in time to historic Hyrule, and the origins of Ganondorf’s evil. I’m right here for that, however a variety of hack and slash battles are in my means. 

A handful of hours in, I can say that the manufacturing values are fantastic. The voices and characters and worlds really feel authentically Zelda. I really feel like I’m getting a brand new chapter within the story I’d already been following. The Switch 2’s graphics showcase easy animation, too, even when battles can span a whole bunch of enemies.

But the sport’s central type, which is infinite slashing fights by means of hordes of enemies, will get boring for me. That’s what Hyrule Warriors is about, however the recreation to this point feels extra repetitive than strategic. And I simply preserve button-mashing to get to the following story chapter. For anybody who’s performed Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, count on extra of the identical, for essentially the most half.

I do like that the massive map contains elements within the depths and within the sky, mirroring the tri-level enchantment of Tears of the Kingdom. But Age of Calamity is not a free-wandering recreation. Missions open up across the map, each opening a contained map to battle by means of. Along the best way, you unlock a powerful roster of Hyrule characters you possibly can management.

As a Switch 2 unique to tempt Nintendo followers to make the console improve, it looks like a half success. I love the manufacturing values, and I wish to preserve taking part in simply to see the place the story goes. But as a purchase order, it is a distant third to Donkey Kong Bananza and Mario Kart World.

Hyrule Warriors followers, you in all probability know what you are in all probability in for, and can doubtless get this recreation regardless. Serious Zelda followers, it’s possible you’ll take pleasure in it only for the story components alone. 

As for me? I believe I’ll play some extra, however I’m already type of tuning the sport out a bit. I need extra exploration, extra puzzles, extra curiosity. This recreation’s not about that. But it does present me how good a real next-gen Zelda could possibly be on the Switch 2, at any time when Nintendo decides to make that occur.