PixlBit

You've read the blogs, you've heard the fans cry out. Websites have posted their opinions and at times irked people with what is simply known as bait topics. But does The Legend of Zelda need change? It's a very hotly debated topic among fans. Some have felt the series has grown stagnate in it's 25 years of gaming relevancy. Sure Nintendo  has made tremendous strides towards evolving the series. Each new game gives the fans something new...whether they like it or not. The series has done some things differently in recent titles whether it's the item upgrades in Skyward Sword or the item system in Link Between Worlds.

I'm going to try and tackle some of the topics that have been raised. Some ideas are good and others may not be. Anyways let's just look into the ideas tossed around by people who want Zelda to change.

1. Voice Acting- A common assessment is that Zelda needs voice acting. Now this can go one of two ways. As a really good idea...or a really bad one. Nintendo isn't really known for it's...quality voice acting...take for instance Super Mario Sunshine or odd decisions for the Phillips CD. Now I can see this working if they get the quality that one expects with Zelda. I admit some people hate reading and reading. So Zelda could get a nice benefit from voice acting. Another topicwithin this topic is does Link stay silent? Do we give him a voice. In some instances Link represents the person playing so some say no. However, Link is also a representation of a hero and needs to express himself in some way. I thought Wind Waker did a good job with the facial expressions in this regard. So maybe there's a balance to find.

2. A Playable Zelda-  The dream of a playable Zelda has fans intrigued. Since the introduction of Sheik to the fact that Zelda does offer support help and is no slouch herself...Fans have opened up to the idea of being the princess herself. Now the last time this happened...werll let's just say that it wasn't very good. Now I'm not saying it will ever get that bad again. Let's hope not. However, Nintendo doesn't really offer it's princesses video game roles. Peach did get her own game in Super Princess Peach as well as a support role as a playable character in Super Mario 3D World. But she has mostly been a damsel in distress. Now there are many things you can do with Zelda from her ability to utilize light magic or just magic in general. Not to mention you have the added benefit of her also having been sheik who has that ninja ability/combat. Think maybe more Tenchu...and less Ninja Gaiden

3. Better Item Usage/Utilization- Some Zelda games utilize their new additions really well. Take Windwaker which had you using your deku leaf or grappling hook practically the entire game. But then you have a Zelda Twilight Princess where items like the Dominion Rod, Spinner, Ball & Chain...aren't used outside of their respective dungeons...or at least not often. Sure there will always be use for bombs and arrows, but specialty items hardly get a nod. Also in a side note some people want different items or maybe some past items.  Whatever happened to Roc's feather/cape which allowed the player to make tremendous leaps and jumps? Magic rings and rods have been phased out for specialty arrows. I'm not saying the system is bad, maybe just better balanced.

4. That Exploration- Some Zelda games are massive and large...some Zelda games are more linear. With the massive Zelda games fans have felt that the overworld was far too big with not enough to do. When you make it too small and linear...there's too little to do, not enough to explore. So again it's about striking that balance. What that balance is...who knows?

5. And anything else I may be forgetting be sure to leave a comment or leave feedback. Perhaps dungeons need more refined. Perhaps hero mode should be introduced in every Zelda title for that extra challenge. Either way it's always appreciated!