The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
The villages of Hyrule in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom have seen better days. With sky islands, the Depths, temples, shrines, and Ultrahand-enabled tomfoolery stealing the spotlight, it's easy for the familiar towns from Breath of the Wild to be overlooked. However, as I delved deeper into the game's main questline and explored the regional phenomena, Tears of the Kingdom surprised me by embracing the nostalgia of the old.
One such example is Tarrey Town, a memorable quest from Breath of the Wild that receives an expansion in this game. Now, multiple similar quests are available for other villages, adding depth and variety to the gameplay experience.
In Breath of the Wild, Lurelin Village was plagued by Bokoblin 'pirates,' and players were tasked with eliminating them. In Tears of the Kingdom, the village has been rebuilt but still requires restoration. With the assistance of Bolson, players can collect lumber and Hylian rice to gradually revive the village, one house at a time. This quest can even be completed while undertaking the Lurelin Village Chamber of Trials, providing a convenient way to earn extra rupees.
Meanwhile, Hateno Village presents an intriguing questline. Upon completing the 'Welcome Home' quest, players encounter Cece, a fashionista unhappy with the village's focus on agriculture rather than couture. Her conflict with the mayor, Reede, over the town's future adds a surprisingly political and well-written element to the game.
Players discover that there are multiple candidates vying for the position of mayor, and they are encouraged to gather information on each of them. While the side quests are relatively straightforward, the payoff is unexpected. A revealing cutscene showcases the motivations of the candidates, and the outcome of the quest significantly impacts the town's future. This quest represents more than just a change in fashion; it becomes a shift in the political landscape of Hateno Village.
While hints of similar quests can be found in other villages, such as the ruins in Kakariko Village and the potential narrative in Tarrey Town, it's refreshing to see The Legend of Zelda series explore quests beyond the usual 'rescue kidnapped maidens' or 'defeat Ganon' tropes. With nearly 100 hours of gameplay, Tears of the Kingdom continues to impress and surprise. Even as the main quest nears its conclusion, there are still countless discoveries to be made, including assisting the regular inhabitants of Hyrule's villages.
If you're ready to embark on this monumental adventure, be sure to consult our Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Endgame Guide to ensure you don't miss any essential content. And if you find yourself facing challenging boss fights, our Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Hard Mode suggestions are here to lend a helping hand.
