Early Horizon Forbidden West Reviews Reveal What Nintendo Should Do for Its Widely Hyped Zelda Sequel

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was a sequel that took the entire world by storm. The 2017 release saw Link drop into a whole new world for players to explore, with puzzles to be solved, and a kingdom to be saved. Although not an RPG in the traditional sense, the prominent Nintendo title tip-toed that line with its immersive world and the ability to improve Link’s health and stamina.

Fans have long since theorized what a sequel to BOTW would do to hone its RPG elements, as Nintendo has revealed little about the title. But YouTube channel SwitchForce recently dropped a video describing the features they want to see in the next Zelda title, and it’s based on the experience derived from Horizon Forbidden West.

What Nintendo could learn from Sony’s Horizon

The host Zach starts off with a quick comparison of the two titles. Zach notes both titles saw their release in early 2017, and share peculiar similarities despite being exclusives for separate platforms.

“Both games are explorative, open-world adventures set in dystopian futures, filled with the past. Ancient technology meets the future, and it’s run amok. And you gotta find a way to shut that down.”

Additionally, Zach observes similarities between the ranged combat and stealth mechanics between the two first-party titles.

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With the foundation laid, SwitchForce gets into the meat of their argument. They concede that BOTW 2 cannot compete with Forbidden West in terms of graphics, given its aging hardware.

However, the gameplay is a different story. Zach notes that BOTW 2 could seek to learn from Horizon’s immaculate upgrade system. With a plethora of upgrades to choose from, its elaborate skill tree increases the longevity of the game and adds to the character progression. While Zach doesn’t expect Zelda to have full-on skill trees, he hopes it’ll incorporate more skill and progression-based upgrades.

Next up on SwitchForce’s list is Nintendo’s forte, the humble puzzle box.

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Zach claims Nintendo does the puzzle box better than anybody. And that if they can “deliver deep dungeons, maze-like structures, and strange locales set-pieces and brilliant use of indoor spaces,” it will be a major step up for the sequel.

Recalling how every Zelda has had that from Skyward Sword to Wind Waker, he says it is what the series is known for. And BOTW 2 needs to bring it back. For Zach, those indoor dungeon areas can elevate the sequel and differentiate it from Horizon.

Do you agree with SwitchForce? Tell us in the comments below.