One of the main reasons why the Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will be a unique game in the series is the lack of companions. There will be no Navi to help you lock onto enemies and no Fi to explain unnecessary statistics. However, this relatively new solitude in Breath of the Wild is important for both the player’s experience and possibly Link’s character development.
I say “relatively new” because the amount of freedom in an open world game is inspired by the spirit of the original Legend of Zelda game for the Nintendo Entertainment System. The game is considered one of the earliest examples of open world gameplay. This same concept existed in A Link to the Past and A Link Between Worlds as well. Another characteristic that these games share is Link’s solitude, the absence of companion or partner characters. Companions are a factor that make the Legend of Zelda a unique game, particularly because those companions are memorable. In my opinion, Midna’s backstory and character development in Twilight Princess make the game even better than it already is. The same could be said for Link. The addition of companions assisting Link is a nostalgic part of the series and the relationships they share have been heartwarming.
However, companions, specifically in the Zelda series, can make a story feel scripted. In parts of the games, you cannot advance through the story without your companion guiding you down a certain path. Though they don’t necessarily order you what to do, they throw not-so-subtle hints at players. In my opinion, Zelda has done a good job of letting companions help a player without directing them. Even so, this can be a downside for some fans. Navi is a good example of a companion that forces the player down a set path. On the flipside, companions exist for a reason. Although Navi is iconic for being one of the most obnoxious characters in the series, she has a purpose aside from being annoying. Because Zelda games have not necessarily been large open world games, guidance through the story from companions is important for players both young and old. It’s easy for players to get lost in games and the assistance from these characters makes the game enjoyable for many fans. Companions have always played a huge part in the Zelda series; they have almost always contributed toward the main story, Link’s character development, or even their own, like Linebeck in Phantom Hourglass.
This small view of the Overworld in Breath of the Wild is overwhelming.
Aside from this, the freedom will be a refreshing concept compared to other games in the franchise. Being able to explore the world of Breath of the Wild at your own pace is welcomed by fans, the solitude is an important change in direction for the series as it could affect future Zelda games. Arguably, fans theorize that the game will not be as “open world” as it seems and that the story will still guide players just like other games despite the lack of companions.
With this, fighting and exploring alone, in an unknown world, is something that would make anyone ill-at-ease. The vulnerability and uncertainty that exists when exploring a new world, especially one as big as the Overworld in Breath of the Wild, could keep players on edge. The size of the world itself changes the whole dynamic of the game. In one way or another, the solitude players and possibly Link will experience is a new notion as well. I, for one, am doubtful that Link’s personality will change much, but the game brings fans new concepts, and it is something to contemplate. Although Link has a new design, it is possible that Nintendo is showing us a new side of Link that fans have yet to witness, and if Link is the “same, old Link” that we have come to love, then that is okay too.
What are your thoughts on companions in the series? Do you enjoy having them around? If so, who is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.
