The Essence of The Legend of Zelda: The Sense of Adventure and Discovery

At last month’s Wii U Nintendo Direct Eiji Aonuma revealed the philosophy behind the development of Zelda U. He spoke about setting aside modern conventions such as linearity and single-player and getting back to the “real essence of the franchise.” While that’s all well and good in sentiment, it does raise one simple question: what is the essence of The Legend of Zelda?

[MNGamer-N]

I don't know how Nintendo is going to top the story from Skyward Sword. It was one of the best storylines I've ever played in a video game. The story pace, emotion, and gameplay was A++. I am imagining adding much larger open world, with hidden secrets and dungeons. Hopefully some new tools, weapons and abilities for Link. Also the bosses in skyward were amazing.

[Pozzle]

They already did top Skyward Sword's story with Majora's Mask, imo. Though MM came before SS, of course.

[herbs]

Honestly Skyward Sword was my least favorite Zelda Game even though the story was really well done and it controls better than anything I have ever played. Hopefully the Windwaker remake and the next Zelda have optional motion+ controls, as well as more traditional gamepad controls.

[3-4-5]

I may be alone in this thinking, but I don't really like the dungeons in Legend of Zelda games. I like the towns and open fields and side quests and random NPC's and the little activities and side quests that let you explore the world.

Dungeons to me are boring, and the only part in which I actually get mad at the game. I don't care either way about Boss fights, I've never been into Boss fights in any game but I understand their purpose.

I just want to explore Hyrule or another place as much as I want and have 200+ minor things to do to keep me busy.