The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom was an impressive feat to achieve on the original Nintendo Switch. That said, the game felt like it could run better on more powerful hardware.
Infamously, the original version reviewed here received a low score, sparking a discussion in the gaming world about the perceived travesty of a Zelda title receiving anything less than a 9 or 10. As time has passed, opinion on Tears of the Kingdom has swayed more to the less-than-positive feelings at launch
Now, at the advent of the Switch 2, we have a new version of Tears of the Kingdom. Could this be the definitive version of the game? Can Zelda finally get some redemption?
Let's find out.
When Tears of the Kingdom (TotK) launched, I instantly snapped it up. As a huge Breath of the Wild fan, I just had to play the direct sequel to what I consider one of the best games of all time. But, I didn't click with it.
Sure, it was more of everything: a whole new underground map underneath Hyrule, an entire area of islands in the clouds, the stick-anything-together fuse mechanic. Yet, it was still the same Hyrule map from Breath of the Wild, and the problem was that exploring it a second time, even with new or rejigged areas, made the whole thing feel like it was a reskin of the first game rather than a whole new experience.
Now that time has passed, and we are on to a whole new console generation with Switch 2, something about Tears of the Kingdom felt new this time around. It felt fresh, it felt like the game I had wanted to experience the first time around.
Sure, the new frame rate is nothing to be sniffed at. Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition looks gorgeous. Everything seems to pop, colors appear more vivid (even compared to playing on an OLED), and movement is now buttery smooth. I think that it just needed more time to cook in the kitchen, despite being one of the most insane accomplishments of the original Switch.
The story of Zelda is (usually) always the same simple formula: fight the monsters and save Hyrule/Princess Zelda. But that isn't what matters here; what matters is the gameplay and the fun factor. Tears of the Kingdom has fun by the bucketload. While I didn't click with it the first time, now with the amazing upgrades Nintendo has slathered over the whole affair, TotK has gone from an average game that could do better to a bona fide system seller.
Now, don't get me wrong, I was not the reviewer of the original version here, but I can see the issues that our previous review highlighted. I might have scored it slightly higher, but I didn't see it through to the end either. And for that, I couldn't be more thankful.
Playing a fresh Zelda game is always a good time, and getting to play such a polished version of Breath of the Wild on steroids is a thrill. If you have never played this game, then you are one of the lucky few, my friend. TotK is genuinely one of the best games I've never given a proper shake, and the power of the Switch 2 really makes it shine.
From the puzzles to the new powers to the incredible dungeons, each part of the game is baked to perfection. Figuring out challenge rooms will give you the sweet dopamine overload you expect in Zelda. Building numerous creations and seeing if you can sky surf the map with them is a joy, and I haven't spoken about all the new additions to the Switch 2 Edition yet.
Like Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition, TotK gets a bunch of new additions to the base game. These are mostly the same for both titles, and my opinion remains unchanged from my experience with them in the last one.
- Voice Memories
Voice Memories brings a new reason to play by adding new in-game lore that can be listened to in the app. Explore Hyrule, and in certain areas, you will unlock a new Voice Memory read by Princess Zelda.
- Navigation
This is brilliant. Navigation essentially functions like Google Maps, allowing you to select a destination and have voice navigation guide you there while playing. I have used this to collect several Korok seeds and may finally attempt to find them all. You can use this to find many things, from Lynels to Shrines, and even the new voice memories. It works better than Google Maps does while I'm driving!
- My Play Data
A simple section displays information such as play time, number of deaths, collected materials, and more. This one could have been added to the game rather than to an app on a separate device.
- Global Play Data
The same info as My Play Data, but collated worldwide. See how your stats compare with those of others from across the globe.
- Daily Bonus
Here you can spin a wheel to earn a bonus to assist your quest. Hearts, meals, weapon fixes, and more can be won and used to aid in defeating Ganon.
- Amiibo
When you scan an amiibo five times, you'll get an additional bonus use of that amiibo for a second scan that day.
- Photo Studio
You can edit your in-game photos by decorating them with frames, stamps, and more.
- Item sharing
You can convert your in-game items into QR codes and share them with friends, a pretty cool addition that lets you help out friends in need.
Now, while all the additions are just as superb as they are in Breath of the Wild's upgrade, TotK has an extra one that stands out: Autobuild Sharing. With this, you can use the app to generate a QR code for your in-game Ultrahand creations and share them with anyone. On the flip side, you can also scan other players' designs for their creations and drop them into your game - very cool for the "that'll do" players like myself.
However, Tears of the Kingdom has the same feeling as visiting a burger place you liked before and ordering an XL meal this time round. It's still very good, but it's more of the same as before, and this time you'll leave feeling bloated. With that awful analogy aside, TotK is a great game; it just doesn't have the same impact as its predecessor did, and tries to compensate by offering an XL Deluxe version that is just a bit too much.
The biggest problem it suffers from is that it is a direct sequel, as playing it separately from Breath of the Wild won't have the same impact. Using the same characters and maps in sequels can work for some franchises, but The Legend of Zelda is an example of a series that greatly benefits from a fresh slate with each new entry. Final Fantasy is very much the same and had its own issues when it tried direct sequels. Half of the joy in Zelda lies in the discovery of a brand-new Hyrule and its cast of characters; removing that deflates the whole experience slightly.
All in all, I did like Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition and was glad I got to experience it fresh. Unfortunately, it came across as too much of a good thing rather than the industry-shaking Breath of the Wild.
This is the best way to play Tears of the Kingdom as it has QoL improvements and new features that make it stand head and shoulders above the original release. If you haven't played the game and own a Switch 2, go buy this game now. If you never liked it initially, then this will unlikely sell you on trying again, as it is still the same game, just a much improved version.
Pick this one up if you are a fan of the series or are looking for a showcase for your shiny new Switch 2. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition is a system seller through and through, and deserves its flowers this time around.
