Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment may still have its skeptics, but its creations highlights an interesting path forward for the franchise: a deeper look at the lore.
For the most part, Nintendo has opted not to explore much of the Zelda lore outside the Link, Zelda, and Ganon dynamic. This makes sense given that they are key to the overarching story. Skyward Sword sets up the three to be intrinsically linked for all eternity.
In the course of telling their story, Nintendo has created some interesting side plots that many fans beg for a deeper examination. Though, the mainline games have not spent as much time on their plot thread.
This is where games like Hyrule Warriors could enter. Age of Imprisonment has allowed Nintendo to explore the Imprisoning War, making the events of the game canon to Tears of the Kingdom.
I do find the argument over what is canon a bit exhausting though connected media certainly does have a fun place in the world. I think this debate can take away from the fun of having unique stories within an established world.
This is the space more crossover games could occupy. They could help tell the stories of these unexplored corners and allow different perspectives on them.
One area I’ve always found fascinating is the dark history around the Shadow Temple from Ocarina of Time. We learn the Sheikah played a sinister role in the history of the kingdom, using the Shadow Temple to utilize “enhanced interrogation techniques” on enemies of the kingdom.
We don’t learn much past that, but a crossover game could fill that void. I would love to see an Assassin’s Creed-type game that has you controlling the Sheikah as they hunt down the enemies of the crown.
Of course, this may be too bloody for Nintendo’s liking, but would still provide a unique exploration of this time, regardless of if it’s canon or not.
Besides, fans largely determine what they accept as canon anyway. To me, whether it is canon or not is inconsequential. As long as it makes sense within the larger sense of the story, I would be happy.
Collaborations can also provide a way to scratch an itch regarding genre-swapping with in the franchise.
Many wonder what it would be like to have a Zelda RPG game. Having a crossover with Final Fantasy or another major RPG franchise could provide a preview. It doesn’t have to be an entire game, but rather a DLC or unlockable reward.
While these types of crossovers within Zelda have yet to break the proverbial wall down completely, they do indicate an interest within this realm. Furthermore, the possibilities are endless.
Nintendo has showed a willingness to do full crossovers with the likes of Hyrule Warriors, Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE, and Pokken Tournament. There have also been smaller crossovers such as Link being playable in 2002’s Soul Calibur II.
The possibilities and interest are there. It just needs the right approach to ensure this doesn’t become a cash grab. So far, Nintendo seems to have been judicious with their crossovers so I think we’re heading on the right track.
What about you? Would you like to see more The Legend of Zelda crossovers? What franchises would make for a good crossover? Let us know in the comments below or head over to our Discord channel to join the conversation.
Featured Image: Nintendo (via GameTyrant)
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