Browsing this thread [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/9.198301-Your-most-anticipated-game-for-E3], I can't help but notice all the people mentioning the new Zelda game as their most anticipated game of E3. I'm one of these. Someone asked why it is that the series excites so many (or I believe it was so eloquently stated, why it "gives us a hard-on"). Good question. It's like most of Nintendo's major franchises in that not much really changes from one game to the next. The plot is pretty much copy and pasted, the weapons are re-used, major and minor characters are re-used as well. You can bet on a Fire, Forest, Water, and Desert temple, as well as a temple that incorporates each of the previous ones. Voice acting is limited to mono-syllabic expressions and grunts, and you know that once you beat the villain at the end, you're probably going to be seeing him again in a few years. I can certainly understand why many people hate the series and see it as lazy.
But despite everything I've just mentioned, I still get a feeling of freshness once I start playing a new Zelda. I get goosebumps in the parts where I'm supposed to, I get giddy when I find the hookshot, and I'm focused on bringing down Ganondorf with zeal. Somehow, though many of the ideas are rehashed, each individual game feels different. Just ask people what they're favorite game of the series is and you'll find a defender for every installment and for different reasons.
So this is my question, why is it that you (or why is it that you don't ) enjoy the series so much despite it's obvious flaws?
For me, the biggest thrill comes from the puzzle aspect. I feel that any given Zelda game is really just a puzzle game disguised as an adventure. You want to progress in the story? Figure out what you need to do or find. Want to beat a temple? Navigate through the traps and many objects blocking your path. Have to defeat a boss? Find his weakness, figure out how to exploit it, and follow the patterns to allow you to do so. You have to be aware of the smallest detail in a given room and also aware of everything in your repertoire to beat the game. I've always loved this.
But despite everything I've just mentioned, I still get a feeling of freshness once I start playing a new Zelda. I get goosebumps in the parts where I'm supposed to, I get giddy when I find the hookshot, and I'm focused on bringing down Ganondorf with zeal. Somehow, though many of the ideas are rehashed, each individual game feels different. Just ask people what they're favorite game of the series is and you'll find a defender for every installment and for different reasons.
So this is my question, why is it that you (or why is it that you don't ) enjoy the series so much despite it's obvious flaws?
For me, the biggest thrill comes from the puzzle aspect. I feel that any given Zelda game is really just a puzzle game disguised as an adventure. You want to progress in the story? Figure out what you need to do or find. Want to beat a temple? Navigate through the traps and many objects blocking your path. Have to defeat a boss? Find his weakness, figure out how to exploit it, and follow the patterns to allow you to do so. You have to be aware of the smallest detail in a given room and also aware of everything in your repertoire to beat the game. I've always loved this.
