I’m a Zelda fan. Long history beginning with rage-quitting the NES rental (Mom won’t let me forget that) to getting a Majora’s Mask tattoo (this afternoon!) I have a shelf in the Geek Room dedicated to Zelda. I have hardcover books. I spout useless Zelda trivia to anyone that (doesn’t) ask. I’m a fan.

BUT. I didn’t like Breath of the Wild. I bought it immediately when it released on the Wii U. I didn’t want another Twilight Princess cross-gen release with limited printing. I played it for a while. I got lost. I didn’t have goals. I moved on.

Years later on the Switch I played it again. Aprox 20hrs in I lost interest again. I was never going to finish this game. I didn’t like the breakable weapons. I was disinterested in cooking. I wanted dungeon items that would open up overworld locations. Arrrggh!

My brother would give me shit each time I saw him. “I thought you were a Zelda fan. I collected all the Korok seeds” blah blah blah. Fine! The last time we visited I knew it would come up. I started a fresh file while on the vacation and have been playing since.

I’m exhausted. It feels like a job. Maybe it’s my attention span. Maybe it’s my need to explore. The problem is, I’ve grown to love it. I don’t feel it HAD to be a Zelda game. It could have been an open world adventure from a brand new IP. Think Immortals: Fenix Rising. But because it’s a Zelda game fans are rewarded with lore, easter eggs, and more. All lending itself to the connection (or Link) to the world and characters.

I’ve tamed the Divine Beasts. It’s time to face Ganon. But not yet. 10-20 more hours of collecting, upgrading, and harnessing the block/parry before I face true Evil. Oh and then do I follow up with Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity or Tears of the Kingdom. Oh and there’s the new Zelda game still in the plastic. And did I ever beat the original? I see why Skull Kid went mad. As always, thanks for reading.