Movement, its clear that the Xenoblade X team was able to bless Aunoma with the core philosophy: traversal is the puzzle. The core loop around traversal and how that has improved combat in Zelda in terms of aerial bow slow down, using the stamina gauge while flying to land right to improve the strength of attack? Like so many things about traversal improve everything. Ultimately the sights are so compelling to see, and with meaningful elements added around collecting Koroks to improve the sense of reward to add more loot? It’s beautiful. Finding shrines feels like an accomplishment, and the literal in game non story elements in terms of the moment to moment narrative is incredible. Pair that with incredible set pieces that seem to emerge naturally ? I am in awe of this game. It is a lot, and can feel like not enough happens but the the story as told still pulls on heart strings and is tied to you getting to know the world more intimately? It really is a game that feels like the mesh of many great ideas.

Reviewed on Dec 31, 2023


Comments