Video games occupy a unique space when it comes to sequels and The Legend of Zelda franchise is no different.
Many Zelda fans are waiting with bated breath for a sliver of news surrounding the much-anticipated sequel to the genre-bending Breath of the Wild. Many, like myself, can’t wait to see how this sequel will relate to its predecessor in terms of narrative.
As mentioned earlier, video games are unique in that it’s tricky to continue a narrative thread across games like movies do, such as Star Wars or Lord of the Rings. That’s not to say it’s impossible but it requires a lot of work since the amount of time it takes to get through a game is much more than a movie, making it hard to remember every intricate plot point.
Sequels in The Legend of Zelda Series
The Legend of Zelda franchise isn’t one for direct sequels though there have been sequels in the past.
The most obvious example, and the only other English title that features a number, is The Legend of Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link. This game, however, follows up the original game with the original Link but is six years older and the Princess Zelda of this game isn’t the same as the original game but rather one who has been asleep for years.
Many my age will point to Majora’s Mask as being a successful direct sequel to Ocarina of Time. Majora’s Mask follows Link shortly after the events of Ocarina of Time but doesn’t carry the same narrative or even the same setting.
One that does fit into the same setting is A Link Between Worlds, sharing the same world of Hyrule and Lorule as A Link to the Past. Other than similar names and same setting, not much else connects these games. Furthermore, Tri Force Heroes also uses the same Link as A Link Between Worlds.
To further continue the sequel thread, Link’s Awakening serves as a loose sequel to A Link to the Past as it features the same Link but a different world.
Other sequels in the franchise do loosely follow the narrative, such as Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks. These games feature different settings but are loose continuations of Wind Waker’s story.
Then there’s the Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons conundrum where the games are technically direct sequels but only if you link both games. Does that count? Let’s say yes, for now.
What Do You Think?
There are plenty of examples of sequels in the franchise but is that what we want? Twilight Princess and The Minish Cap both seem to be living their best selves without any sequels.
In fact, I think the franchise is at its best when it loosely references past games and doesn’t rely on a direct sequel. That’s not to say I’m opposed to them because I always enjoy a good romp through Hyrule. I just think direct sequels can take away time and energy from a game when it could go toward perfecting it.
Of course, according to Hyrule Historia, all the games are sequels to Skyward Sword but that’s neither here nor there.
But what do you think? Should the Legend of Zelda franchise do more on direct sequels or should it focus on standalone titles? Is there a standalone title you’d like to see a sequel to in the future? Let us know in the comments or head on over to our Discord channel to continue the discussion.
Featured Image: Nintendo (via GlitchWorlds)
Source: Game Rant
Leave a Reply