The trailer for Zelda U has ignited the imaginations of fans everywhere. While showing off the impressive graphical capabilities of the Wii U, it also teases a new adventure on a scale that has never been seen before. Of course, the trailer poses more questions than answers, so for many of us this next year will be spent in a state of speculative limbo, while we eagerly await more information.
Personally, my mind has been on the items. Every new installment to the series it bound to bring in plenty of new ideas, but we Zelda fans are a nostalgic bunch, so it’s safe to say that items from older games will also be returning.
Certain treasures are simply essential to Zelda – the Hookshot, the Hero’s Bow, the Boomerang, the Bombs, the Hylian Shield, the Master Sword – I expect all of these items to return in some form. However, there are other items that haven’t yet earned such a legacy, and their fate still hangs in the balance.
Here are the top 10 items I want to see return in Zelda U.
10) The Spinner
Perhaps the most innovative addition to Twilight Princess, the Spinner had us shooting along walls at high speeds, jumping to avoid obstacles, and reaching new areas in the process. You would not have to work hard to convince me that there’s more fun to be had with this item than any other in Zelda history. A strike of genius from Nintendo, but in my opinion, they could have done more with it. The Spinner suffered from what I like to call ‘one use syndrome’. Outside of Arbiter’s Grounds, it had very little application. Zelda U could change this, both by incorporating tracks in to more of the over world, and by giving the item itself more uses in combat. Why not give Link the ability to swing his sword while he rides? I can imagine that this could be a good tactic against certain enemies, though it may leave you vulnerable to extra fall damage against others.
9) The Pegasus Boots
When these boots made their debut in A Link to the Past they performed a very simple function – they allowed you to run. This might not seem like much on paper, but it was absolutely game changing. Suddenly you had the power to charge through rooms of enemies at high speed, or crash in to piles of boulders, destroying all in your path. That said, in a 3D Zelda game the Pegasus Boots could have many more uses. Anybody who has played Mario Sunshine understands the appeal of running on water. Anybody who was played a Sonic game has felt the exhilaration of running up walls. The fact is, any gamer can appreciate a true sense of speed. While the ability to run with the stamina meter in Skyward Sword was appreciated, Nintendo can take this to another level if they choose to revive the Pegasus Boots. Gone are the days when rolling everywhere is somehow a practical form of transportation.
8) The Whip
If Indiana Jones taught us anything it’s that a trusty whip can be a valuable tool in any adventurer’s arsenal. I personally love this item both for its visual design (especially in Skyward Sword), and its perfect blend of combat to puzzle application. In many ways it’s similar to the grappling hook from Wind Waker – allowing you not just to swing across chasms and pull hard-to-reach levers, but to stun enemies and even salvage materials from them. If I could make just one change however, the whip would be more damaging to stronger foes. Keese and Archa are one thing, but whipping a Moblin into submission sounds much more appealing.
7) The Magical Rod
I despair at the lack of magic in recent Zelda titles. The early games in the series were rich with magical rods and canes for all different functions. The Dominion Rod was a nice addition to Twilight Princess, but it doesn’t compare to the magic of games past. I therefore implore Nintendo to celebrate Zelda’s history of magic by combining all of the past uses in to a brand new magical super rod. Control statues. Create blocks. Shoot fire, ice, and wind. An item for combat and puzzle solving alike. Give this magical artifact a sense of mystery, like the aptly named mystery seeds from the Oracle games, or the Magic Powder from A Link to the Past. Instill us with the feeling that anything could happen when we give it a swing.
6) The Ball and Chain
The Ball and Chain has been featured in many Zelda games, but usually just in the hands of enemies. Twilight Princess, however, allowed Link give it a whirl for himself. Anybody who has played that game can probably understand why I want it back. Nothing is more satisfying than smashing various creatures to smithereens with this thing. While the item will always be valued for its combat abilities above all else, it could also have some interesting new applications for puzzle solving. Imagine a dungeon that gradually changes around you as you smash up its pillars and foundations. Destruction can be a useful tool, as bombs have taught us in the past.
5) Strange Flutes
Ricky, Dimitri, and Moosh might not be native to Hyrule, but that doesn’t mean we have to leave the concept of pet summoning behind. Don’t worry Epona, you’ll always be our favorite, but in a world as imaginative as Zelda’s it seems a shame to leave other creatures out of the mix. Above all else, I miss the feeling of choosing a companion and then working together to access areas that might be off limits to players who have made different choices. It’s the little things like this that really make a Zelda game your own personal adventure. I have no doubt that Nintendo could come up with a truly unique set of new creatures if they put their minds to it.
4) Medallions
Right, time for a confession. A Link to the Past was actually the last Zelda game I played out of the main series. With that said, finding the three Medallions spread over Hyrule was an incredible surprise. The only thing remotely similar to me was Din’s Fire in Ocarina of Time, but even that doesn’t compare. Area of effect magic like this is perhaps the most satisfying way to clear a room full of enemies. Using Quake, Ether, or Bombos give you a true sense of power. I can only imagine that they were removed from later installments for being too powerful. To remedy this, perhaps just have a medallion drain your magic bar completely. It seems like a fair trade-off to me. I can only imagine how mind blowing they could look in a 3D Zelda game, with the Wii U’s excellent graphical capabilities.
3) Biggoron’s Sword
For many Ocarina of Time fans, this was the Holy Grail. After a long and grueling trading sequence, one that’s incredibly challenging without the use of a guide, you’re finally awarded with this monstrosity of a weapon. A two handed sword that is taller than even yourself. In my dreams, it returns with its own set of special attacks that aren’t possible with the Master Sword. Who needs The Blade of Evil’s Bane when you have this?
2) Masks
Perhaps my excitement for Majora’s Mask 3D is bleeding in to this article, but I think that a set of masks could bring a lot of creativity to Zelda U. When People discuss Majora’s Mask they always praise it for its dark atmosphere and its difficulty, but often neglect to mention the pure fun that comes with the ability to transform in to a Deku, Zora, or Goron. This drastically changes the gameplay, essentially allowing for 4 playable ‘characters’ as opposed to just one. Now, transformations aren’t necessary to make masks a worthy addition, but they definitely help. Either way, their return would surely allow for some interesting interactions with NPCs, as well as opening up any number of puzzle solving possibilities. Besides all that, a little cosmetic customization is always welcome.
1) Roc’s Cape
In the past, Roc’s Cape has served a very simple function. Jump and glide. But the reason Roc’s Cape is number one on this list is because I believe it hasn’t even come close to meeting its full potential. Take a moment to imagine this item in a 3D Zelda game. Imagine jumping from the highest peak of Death Mountain, soaring all the way over the beautiful landscape of Zelda U, and landing safely in Lake Hylia. Imagine directing yourself through a dungeon of wind currents. Imagine hookshotting up on to a wall, before jumping from it like an eager flying squirrel and gliding across to a hidden area. Imagine aerial combat, shooting through the sky and hacking away at flying enemies simultaneously. If just one item returns to Zelda U, please Nintendo, let it be this one.
What items do you want to see return in Zelda U? Let us know in the comments.
