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Over the past few years, The Legend of Zelda series has been virtually unstoppable. While it’s true that Nintendo’s adventure series has always been beloved and influential, its impact seemed to hit renewed heights with the release of Breath of the Wild in 2017. This renaissance was only strengthened by the more recent additions of Tears of the Kingdom and Echoes of Wisdom.
There are countless ways to analyze how The Legend of Zelda has managed to keep its artistic integrity and consistent success, but it all boils down to one main strategy: experimentation. Unlike many other major franchises that latch onto a winning formula, Zelda refuses to do the same, evolving with every new game. By sticking to this approach, it not only stays ahead but often sets the trends that other game series follow. However, this experimental spirit sometimes comes at a cost, particularly in terms of user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design.
When Nintendo reimagined Zelda with Breath of the Wild, it essentially reinvented the wheel. Key to this new direction was a robust inventory system, more akin to those found in action-RPGs than the simple item economies seen in earlier titles. Players had to manage various weapons, shields, and consumables using a straightforward menu system designed for quick access to essential items.
While this worked for Breath of the Wild’s straightforward needs, it became less practical in Tears of the Kingdom. The latter’s complex inventory and crafting systems made navigating this linear menu tedious at times, especially when assembling intricate machinery.
The UI challenges persisted in Echoes of Wisdom, albeit somewhat less pronounced. In this game, the linear menu returned to manage an extensive collection of Echoes. Given that many puzzles required choosing the right Echo, the menu’s structure added an unnecessary layer of difficulty. Flicking through a long list soon grew tiresome for many players, elevating the need for better UI/UX designs in future installments.
Looking ahead to the next Zelda game, it’s hard to predict what design choices might be improved, especially without knowing the new game’s direction. If we assume a return to recent trends with a complex item system, it’s clear that a more efficient interface is crucial. Implementing a streamlined favorites feature could be one solution, allowing for quick item shortcuts. A radial menu replacing the linear system might provide faster, easier access to items. Enhanced categorization based on practical attributes instead of linear order could also make navigation and overall gameplay smoother and more engaging.
