Prior to its release, there were doubts as to how different Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom would be from its predecessor, Breath of the Wild. The reuse of Hyrule for the game led many to wonder if Nintendo was taking a lazy approach. However, Tears of the Kingdom has delivered a fresh and expanded version of Hyrule that feels unfathomably enormous. The game’s increased verticality with the Sky Islands and Depths has given players new ways to explore the world. Despite this, the question remains: could Nintendo mine another game out of this version of Hyrule?
Ollie Reynolds, a writer for Nintendo Life, initially felt disappointed when it was confirmed that Tears of the Kingdom would feature the same world as its predecessor. However, he acknowledges that the changes made to the world are astounding. He suggests that a potential third game set in the same Hyrule could explore underwater segments or expand further into the sky. Alternatively, he proposes that another realm within the Zelda universe could be given the open-world treatment, such as Termina or an expanded Koholint Island.
Jim Norman, another writer for Nintendo Life, also initially did not want a second Zelda game with the same Hyrule. However, now he wants a third game set in the same world with a “Hyrule with a twist.” He suggests that the game could feature rifts in the current environment that lead to a world like the original but different. He acknowledges the difficulty in building an entirely new world in the image of the one already present but dreams of the possibility.
Alana Hagues, a writer for Nintendo Life, proposes exploring Zelda’s history and expanding upon some of the favorite Zelda worlds. She suggests that the correct answer to a new game would be Termina from Majora’s Mask, providing a bigger world for unusual stories, characters, and events. Alternatively, she thinks a multiplayer version of a Breath of the Wild-style game would be enjoyable.
Gavin Lane, a writer for Nintendo Life, leans towards a Termina-style twist on the Hyrule template or exploring unexplored land to the north and west of Hyrule. He suggests that returning to a subtly twisted version of the world would provide an opportunity to explore the darker, more surreal side of the series. The option of setting sail on the Great Sea off the southern and eastern coasts is also a possibility.
In conclusion, while Tears of the Kingdom has delivered a fresh and expanded version of Hyrule, the potential for a future game set in the same world is still a possibility. By exploring underwater segments, the sky, or different realms within the Zelda universe, it opens up new possibilities that could keep the world fresh and exciting for players.