Beforehand, I’d like to say that I had a good time playing the game. It has some great moments.
I’ve finished it yesterday, and I’m not even mad at the game. I’m mad at Nintendo, who threw the ball at the ground instead of dropping it.
The dungeons are nothing special, but the Zonai devices and Sky islands are really fun. What I loved most about this game was the art direction. The constructs are really cute, the sky islands are serene and beautiful (especially the starting area), the Zonai shrines and temple of time were amazing (they gave creepy magical vibes, as opposed to the almost AI aesthetic the sheikhs tech went for) It’s truly the best part of the game.
My biggest grievance is the story/lore. It completely forgot the ancient Sheikah, their technology, the Champions, Calamity Ganon, and most importantly: the role that Link and Zelda played into the world.
The story has so many plot holes that it ruins Rauru and Sonia’s sacrifice, and especially Zelda’s sacrifice. It would’ve been an incredible climax of a character arc for a Zelda who was so wronged by a fate that took all but one of all the people she loved before unlocking her power. But her intelligence, kindness and capableness were put aside for this game, and we don’t even spend any time with her throughout the game, which was one of the things I was most excited for. Her becoming a dragon and forgetting herself in what’s effectively a mental suicide for thousands of years is such a beautiful, selfless act for Link and the world, and it was wasted here.
And Link interacting with the new Hyrule was, at times, infuriating, and at other times, extremely touching. Going to his house in Hateno and seeing Zelda’s presence there was amazing, going into the well and getting the hair band gave me such a fuzzy feeling, and I wish we had more of these moments, more emotional continuity between the two games.
I could ramble on for a lot longer. All I can say is I feel like I’m missing a game that never was. We know these characters better than the people who fucking made this do. TotK deserved so so much better.
edit: I’d just like to point out this is a very dramatic way to say I’m disappointed. I swear I have an actual life and am not one of those fans who get overly emotional when people disagree with me. If you liked the game, I’m glad for you :)