One exploration gameplay feature forThe Legend of Zeldahas become a traditional part of the franchise, but a future game would benefit from subverting it and implementing a new mechanic instead. Of course, plenty ofZeldamechanics have been radically changed in past titles, and this particular feature is no different. However, with the tradition having remained firm for thirteen years since its last major change, the franchise is arguably due for another title which moves in a different direction.
The ways in which Link travels around Hyrule orotherLegend of Zeldasettingscan often influence the development of major game mechanics, such as the extensive amounts of sailing featured inThe Wind WakerandPhantom Hourglass. But while most exploration mechanics are tied to one or two specific games only, a more fundamental aspect of travel inThe Legend of Zeldahas remained a constant for over a decade now. While it is undeniably iconic, this also means thatbreaking aLegend of Zeldatraditionfor this feature could have an incredible impact on the next title.
Zelda’s Non-Horse Mounts Are More Interesting Than Epona
Unusual Mounts Create Opportunities For Unique Travel Mechanics
ManyZeldagames give Link access to a mount to aid him in his travels, most commonlyThe Legend of Zelda’s iconic horse Epona. However,a much smaller number of games allow Link to partner with more unusual animal companionsduring the course of his adventure. Furthermore, these exotic mounts lend themselves to far more interesting gameplay mechanics than Epona. Breaking away from the traditional horse-riding mechanics of aZeldagame represents a fundamental shift in that title’s gameplay, which is exemplified by the Loftwing flight implemented inSkyward Sword.
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Originally released in 2011,Skyward Swordhas one of themost unique gameplay mechanics ever used inZelda, with Link’s Loftwing allowing him to fly freely through the sky. There are earlier examples of Link riding other non-horse mounts as well, each with their own unique characteristics.Oracle of AgesandOracle of Seasonsintroduced Moosh the Bear, Ricky the Kangaroo, and Dimitri the Dodongo, all of which have their own unique travel mechanic. Moosh can fly over holes in the ground, Ricky can jump to otherwise unreachable heights, and Dimitri can swim through rivers and up waterfalls.
Link is able to ride Sand Seals through the Gerudo Desert inBreath of the WildandTears of the Kingdom, but these animals being limited to the desert makes it clear that horses are still the games’ main mount of choice.
Although the ability to ride a horse is well suited to Hyrule’s typical fantasy aesthetic, ultimatelythere is little that can be done to change the fundamentals of horse riding in any game. All Epona or any other horse can do is facilitate faster movement across the map, as well as perhaps mounted combat depending on the title. In contrast,unusual mounts with special abilities like flight open up many more possibilities for explorationand travel mechanics.
Link’s Next Mount Should Be A Different Animal
Branching Out From Horses Would Reinvigorate Exploration
Whether Link’s next mount would need to be tamed likeBreath of the Wild’s wild animalsor befriended as an intelligent being in their own right, there is little doubt thatit would be far more interesting for the hero’s next mount to be something other than a horse. This could constitute the return of a previous mount like Loftwings, or even something entirely new. In any case, there are endless possibilities for how such a major break with tradition could play an important part in the nextZeldagame.
For example,one concept for new mounts that has yet to be explored inThe Legend of Zeldais the possibility of underground travel, such as tunneling with a mole-like companion. Not only would this perfectly suit the freedom of recentZeldatitles if implemented in an open-world game, but it would immediately distinguish the game from all of its predecessors. Although cave systems did play a prominent role inTears of the Kingdom, most notably the Depths, the likely prominence of such a mechanic would still make this entirely new ground for the franchise.
Specialized Animal Mounts Would Enhance The Next Game
Horses Could Be Joined By Mounts Capable Of Flight And Other Feats
It is also worth noting that once again implementing multiple mounts like those of theOraclegames, each with their own particular abilities and specializations, would also enable much more efficient and extensive travel overall. It would greatly expand the possibilities in world design, allowing for many more different types of environmental obstacles than just one mount alone would be able to overcome. In this scenario,a horse could even still serve in the traditional role of land-based travel whilst other mounts enabled travel through more unusual environmentslike bodies of water or the sky.
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Although it can be fun to seetraditions being continued inZeldagames, that does not mean that every game should follow the same formula. Breaking traditions, no matter how well established, is an important part of keeping long-running franchises likeThe Legend of Zeldafresh and interesting. Changing Link’s choice of mount to something more unusual than a horse, or even giving him multiple mounts, would be a perfect way to invigorate the next game, helping to build its unique identity and signature mechanics like Loftwings did so many years ago now.
