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CRITIK

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Item: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Open World, RPG, Single Player

AvailableMay 12, 2023

PlatformNintendo Switch

DeveloperNintendo

Overview

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is the sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The setting for Link’s adventure has been expanded to include the skies above the vast lands of Hyrule.

Elsewhere

9.6

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

86%

Mixed (50-79)

14%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The majority of critics praised the story of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, highlighting its engaging narrative, emotional depth, and surprising twists. Critics like Forbes appreciated the direct continuation from Breath of the Wild, introducing new elements and characters while revisiting key parts of Hyrule's history. GameSpot commended the engaging narrative with themes of heroism and collective responsibility, emphasizing emotional revelations and unique companion interactions. The storyline was deemed captivating, with innovative mechanics and engaging gameplay elements, as noted by GRYOnline.pl. On the downside, some critics expressed concerns about the storytelling in Tears of the Kingdom. Critics such as But Why Tho?? and Pure Nintendo criticized the narrative journey for being underserved, falling apart, and feeling disjointed due to repetitive events and poorly executed cutscenes. Noisy Pixel mentioned the lack of memorable moments and forgettable characters, while Worth Playing highlighted missed opportunities for a direct sequel and repetitive elements from the previous game. Overall, despite some mixed opinions, the consensus among the majority of critics leans towards a positive view of the story in Tears of the Kingdom. Critics appreciated the game's immersive narrative, emotional depth, and engaging twists, showcasing a compelling journey for players to experience. The blend of familiar elements from previous Zelda games with innovative storytelling approaches seemed to resonate well with critics, offering a mix of mystery, action, and character growth. The game managed to strike a balance between familiarity and innovation, drawing players in with its rich lore and expanding on the Zelda universe post-Breath of the Wild.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics mostly praised The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom for its engaging narrative, emotional depth, and surprising twists. Some critics had concerns about storytelling flaws, repetitive events, and forgettable characters, but overall, the majority found the game's blend of familiar and innovative elements captivating and immersive.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

93%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. Many praised the game for introducing innovative mechanics and abilities that added depth and creativity to gameplay. Critics like Digital Trends and But Why Tho?? highlighted the game's encouragement of creative thinking and exploration, offering immersive sim elements and diverse activities. The introduction of new gameplay mechanics like Zonai devices and the Fuse system, as mentioned by Checkpoint Gaming, provided players with creative solutions to puzzles and combat scenarios. The game's versatile gameplay, rewarding traditional and unconventional playstyles, as noted by Shindig, allowed for unique experiences for each player. On the downside, some critics pointed out certain issues with the gameplay of Tears of the Kingdom. The Jimquisition mentioned concerns about weapon breakage, convoluted controls, and frustrating mechanics like the cooking system. IGN Portugal noted a lack of the sense of exploration and challenging puzzles expected from a Zelda game, while Pure Nintendo criticized the dungeons for being too open and lacking mystery. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment from the critics suggests that the positives of the gameplay outweigh the negatives for most players. In conclusion, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom received high praise for its innovative gameplay elements, diverse activities, and creative mechanics that offered players a fresh and engaging experience. Critics like VGC and GameSpot highlighted the game's introduction of new abilities for creative experimentation and problem-solving, encouraging player creativity and exploration. While there were some minor issues raised by a few critics regarding specific gameplay mechanics, the general consensus among the reviewers is that the gameplay of Tears of the Kingdom was very good, providing players with a rewarding and immersive gaming experience in the world of Hyrule.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom wows critics with its innovative gameplay mechanics, immersive sim elements, and diverse activities, though some critique weapon breakage and lack of exploration. Overall, the game's creativity and versatility offer a fresh and engaging experience in the world of Hyrule.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

74%

Mixed (50-79)

26%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics praised The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom for its stunning visuals and impressive art design. Many reviewers highlighted the diverse landscapes, detailed environments, and vibrant world that the game presents. Critics like GamingBolt and GameSpot commended the game for its vibrant and alive world, diverse landscapes, and rich dungeon designs. The visual enhancements, attention to detail, and improved aesthetics were also noted positively by critics such as Impulsegamer and GameSkinny. Additionally, the game's expansive open world, new areas like Sky Islands and The Depths, and visually appealing art design were appreciated by critics like XGN and ZTGD. On the downside, some critics mentioned issues with the game's graphics and visual design. JeuxActu pointed out technical issues like frame rate drops and texture quality problems that persisted in the game. Gamer.nl and Softpedia noted struggles with frame rate drops on the Nintendo Switch, especially in handheld mode. IGN France criticized the lack of identity and sense of repetition in the game's visuals. Additionally, Eurogamer Poland mentioned rough resolution for enemies and NPCs, while TierraGamer highlighted areas that may lack depth visually. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. The game is widely praised for its gorgeous landscapes, stunning visuals, and attention to detail, with many critics commending the art direction and diverse environments. Despite some technical issues like frame rate drops and occasional visual shortcomings, the majority of reviewers found the game's graphics to be very good, enhancing the overall immersive experience and pushing the limits of the Nintendo Switch hardware. The game's expansive world, improved aesthetics, and visually stunning presentation have left a lasting impression on critics, making Tears of the Kingdom a visually captivating and artistically rich addition to The Legend of Zelda series.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom's stunning visuals and vibrant world, praising its diverse landscapes and rich dungeon designs. While some mention technical issues like frame rate drops, the majority applaud the game's graphics for enhancing the immersive experience and pushing the limits of the Nintendo Switch hardware. Overall, Tears of the Kingdom is hailed as a visually captivating and artistically rich addition to The Legend of Zelda series.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

72%

Mixed (50-79)

28%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. COGconnected praised the fantastic music, highlighting the unique tracks for each town that added depth and different vibes to the game. IGN Brasil also commended the soundtrack for maintaining the iconic Zelda sound while introducing new compositions, effectively blending familiar themes with fresh elements. Additionally, Impulsegamer noted standout voice acting and brilliant updated music that combined old and new elements, enhancing the immersive experience for players. The overall sentiment among critics was one of admiration for the exceptional sound design and music that elevated the gameplay experience. Despite the widespread acclaim, a few critics did express some minor criticisms regarding the Sound Design and Music of Tears of the Kingdom. Cubed3 mentioned that while the musical and sound design added to the unique atmosphere of the game, there could have been more differentiation in the sound design to further enhance the overall experience. VG247 pointed out that while the soundtrack created a great atmosphere, the voice acting was considered hokey, slightly detracting from the overall immersion. Washington Post noted that the music lacked the iconic themes of the series, opting instead for atmospheric piano tinkles, which may have been a departure for some fans of the franchise. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Critics such as Hey Poor Player praised the game for featuring one of the series' best soundtracks with beautiful tracks that will stand the test of time. IGN France highlighted the adaptation and music, emphasizing beautiful moments and cinematic flair. The majority of reviewers appreciated the immersive audio design, captivating soundtracks, and exceptional voice acting that collectively enhanced the overall gaming experience. Despite some minor critiques, the general sentiment is that the sound design and music of Tears of the Kingdom significantly contributed to the game's success and should be celebrated as a standout feature.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics overwhelmingly praised the sound design and music of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom for its fantastic music, unique tracks, and standout voice acting. While some critics had minor criticisms, the general consensus is highly positive, with reviewers admiring the exceptional sound design and music that enhanced the gameplay experience.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

56%

Negative (0-49)

11%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Critics like Impulsegamer and Nintenderos praise the standout voice acting, with Impulsegamer specifically mentioning the talented Matthew Mercer adding depth to the game's narrative. Nintenderos also highlights the exceptional Spanish voice acting that enhances the overall experience. Additionally, GamingBolt appreciates how the expanded voice acting contributes to the overall experience, while Nintendo Insider commends the voice actors for delivering commendable performances that breathe life into the characters. These positive opinions indicate that the voice acting successfully adds depth and enhances the storytelling for some critics. On the other hand, there are critics like Pure Nintendo and VG247 who express more negative views on the voice acting. Pure Nintendo describes the voice acting as okay but not essential to the experience, mentioning that it can feel dramatic and disconnect the player from the scene. VG247 goes further to describe the voice acting as Saturday morning cartoon-like and not well-directed. Gamereactor Finland also points out that exaggerated voice acting may not appeal to everyone. These criticisms suggest that while some find the voice acting to be immersive and enhancing, others feel that it can be overly dramatic, disconnected, and not well-directed, potentially detracting from the overall experience for certain players. Overall, the opinions on the voice acting in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom are varied. While some critics appreciate the depth and enhancement it brings to the narrative, others find it exaggerated, disconnected, and not well-directed. The consensus seems to lean towards a positive reception of the voice acting, with critics like Gaming Age and T3 acknowledging that it adds to the overall story experience and depth of storytelling. However, it is important to note that personal preferences play a significant role, as highlighted by critics such as Pure Nintendo and VG247, who found the voice acting to be less appealing. Ultimately, the voice acting in the game seems to have a polarizing effect, with some players enjoying its contribution to the experience while others may find it detracts from immersion.

TL;DR

voice acting

TLDR: Critics are divided on the voice acting in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Some praise it for adding depth to the narrative and enhancing the overall experience, while others criticize it as overly dramatic and disconnected. The general consensus leans towards positivity, with some acknowledging its contribution to storytelling, but personal preferences play a significant role in how it is perceived.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

29%

Mixed (50-79)

71%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on the Nintendo Switch, several critics highlighted positive aspects. For instance, IGN Adria praised the game for its impressive technical performance and optimization expertise from Monolith Soft. Additionally, GameSpot commended the smooth gameplay experience, even in handheld mode, showcasing the game's ability to run well on the Switch. Critics like Nintenderos and Siliconera noted stable frame rates and no bugs or issues at launch, contributing to a technically impressive and stable experience. On the downside, some critics pointed out negative aspects of the technical performance on the Nintendo Switch. For example, COGconnected mentioned occasional framerate issues during intense scenes, while Pocket-lint highlighted occasional frame rate drops and slowdowns impacting overall performance. Critics like KeenGamer and Softpedia noted occasional frame drops and stutters, with Softpedia also mentioning a lack of accessibility options as a drawback. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on the Nintendo Switch is generally positive, with many reviewers acknowledging the game's ability to run smoothly on the aging hardware. While occasional framerate issues and technical limitations were mentioned by some critics, the majority praised the game for its stable performance, impressive optimization, and smooth gameplay experience. This indicates that despite minor technical hiccups, the overall technical performance of the game on the Nintendo Switch was well-received by critics, showcasing the developers' efforts in delivering an enjoyable gaming experience on the platform.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics mostly praised The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on Nintendo Switch for its impressive technical performance and stable gameplay, with only minor issues like occasional frame rate drops mentioned. Overall, the game runs smoothly on the aging hardware, showing the developers' dedication to delivering an enjoyable gaming experience.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

70%

Mixed (50-79)

30%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has garnered high praise from the majority of critics for its exceptional replay value. Many reviewers highlighted the game's vast world full of mysteries, hidden gems, and challenging puzzles, offering endless possibilities for exploration and creativity. Areajugones commends the game for providing a playtime of around 40 hours for the main story and over 100 hours for completionists, ensuring a rich and rewarding gaming experience. Dexerto and Digital Trends also emphasize the game's creative gameplay mechanics, diverse combat options, and the Autobuild feature, which enhance replayability by offering unique and rewarding experiences each time the game is played. On the flip side, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks that may impact the overall replay value of Tears of the Kingdom. Pure Nintendo mentions that while the game offers a lot to do, it lacks substance in terms of rewards, which may disappoint fans seeking classic Zelda elements. IGN Portugal notes that the game, despite glimpses of being a perfect sequel, is held back by its extended duration and a sense of familiarity, potentially hindering replayability for some players. The Jimquisition finds solace in the engaging experiences offered in the Depths but suggests that the overall gameplay experience may not strongly encourage replayability. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the replay value of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. The game's extensive content, innovative gameplay mechanics, captivating storytelling, and emphasis on exploration and experimentation have been widely praised. Reviewers like COGconnected, Player 2, and Press Start Australia highlight the multitude of side quests, shrine challenges, engaging optional bosses, and a variety of activities that offer substantial replay value, estimating over 100 hours of gameplay for completion. Eurogamer Poland and TierraGamer commend the game for providing endless possibilities for exploration and a mix of action and puzzle-solving elements, ensuring a personalized and engaging experience for players. With the majority of critics lauding the game's replay value, Tears of the Kingdom stands out as a must-play title for fans of the genre seeking a deeply immersive and rewarding gaming experience.

TL;DR

replay value

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom wows critics with its exceptional replay value thanks to a vast world full of mysteries, challenging puzzles, and over 100 hours of gameplay for completionists. While some point out drawbacks like lacking rewards and familiarity, overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive for its innovative gameplay, engaging storytelling, and personalized experiences, making it a must-play for fans seeking an immersive gaming adventure.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

97%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has garnered widespread praise from the majority of critics, who laud it as a very good addition to the Zelda franchise. Many reviewers, such as T3 and Game Informer, highlight the game's positive aspects, emphasizing its rich and immersive open-world experience, innovative gameplay mechanics, and compelling storytelling. Critics like Dexerto and Malditos Nerds even go as far as calling it a masterpiece that surpasses its predecessor, Breath of the Wild, setting a new standard for the series and the gaming industry as a whole. The game is commended for its creativity, entertainment value, and the fresh take it brings to the Zelda series, resonating well with both fans and newcomers. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, some critics point out certain drawbacks in Tears of the Kingdom. IGN France mentions existing frameworks and design flaws that hinder the game from reaching its full potential. TheSixthAxis raises concerns about the frustration caused by mechanics like spending too long at cooking pots and weapons deteriorating mid-fight. Softpedia notes minor performance issues and a lack of accessibility options that may impact the overall experience for some players. These criticisms, while present, do not overshadow the game's strengths but serve as areas for potential improvement in future updates or sequels. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with Tears of the Kingdom being widely regarded as a remarkable and immersive entry in the Zelda franchise. The game is celebrated for its vast open world, creative gameplay elements, and captivating storytelling that offer players a truly enthralling experience. Critics from various outlets, such as Player 2, GameSpot, and Worth Playing, all echo the sentiment that Tears of the Kingdom is a significant improvement over its predecessor and a monumental achievement in gaming. The game's ability to blend old and new elements, deliver memorable adventures, and expand the Zelda universe in meaningful ways solidifies its position as a must-play title that sets a new standard of excellence in the gaming industry.

TL;DR

Critics are raving about The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, praising its immersive open-world experience, innovative gameplay, and captivating storytelling. Some even call it a masterpiece that surpasses Breath of the Wild. While a few critics mention minor flaws like design issues and frustrating mechanics, overall, the game is hailed as a remarkable and enthralling addition to the Zelda franchise that sets a new standard of excellence in gaming.

CRITIK

Reviews

217 reviews found

100

God is a Geek

Nintendo Switch

May 11, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer highly praises the game, calling it one of the best games ever made with unparalleled exploration and a sense of adventure like no other.

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100

Gamereactor UK

Nintendo Switch

May 11, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is described as a triumph and an outstanding achievement as a game. It matches the quality of its predecessor and stands head-and-shoulders above it in various aspects.

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100

App Trigger

Nintendo Switch

Jul 12, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is praised for its complexity, freedom, and creativity, and is given a score of 10/10.

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100

Metro GameCentral

Nintendo Switch

May 11, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Receives a perfect score of 10/10 and is recommended for its gameplay, world design, and technical advancements. Considered one of the best Zelda games ever made.

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100

TheGamer

Nintendo Switch

May 11, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is praised as a masterpiece that surpasses its predecessor. It is commended for its storytelling, world-building, and gameplay innovations.

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100

Dexerto

Nintendo Switch

May 11, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom surpasses the exceptional quality of Breath of the Wild, offering a fresh new beginning with enhanced creativity and choice. It sets a new standard for the series and the gaming industry as a whole.

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100

Hey Poor Player

Nintendo Switch

Jun 20, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a complete triumph and an instant contender for Game of the Year, improving on its predecessor in nearly every way.

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100

Carole Quintaine

Nintendo Switch

Jun 15, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Zelda Tears of The Kingdom est un chef d’œuvre !

100

Inverse

Nintendo Switch

May 11, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Tears of the Kingdom is a staggering achievement of game design and the best open-world experience ever created. It improves upon the core vision of Breath of the Wild and is highly recommended.

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100

Malditos Nerds

Nintendo Switch

May 24, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A masterful sequel that pushes boundaries and sets a new standard in the gaming industry, receiving a perfect score of 10 for its exceptional quality and impact.

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