Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom's new gameplay trailer boasts innovations

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has a new gameplay demonstration with over ten minutes of gameplay. The video, shown during a Nintendo showcase, delved into details of the game's new mechanics, which is a sequel to the acclaimed The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. 

In addition to demonstrating the gameplay, the presentation announced a new model of Nintendo Switch OLED, which will come with the game's theme. The console will be available on the market starting April 28, while a themed Pro Controller and a carrying case will be available on May 12. 

In the story of the time, Link will have an arsenal of skills to facilitate his movement around the world, given that Hyrule has now been expanded with the so-called sky islands for a more vertical exploration. The first new skill is called Recall, and as the name suggests, it allows Link to move any object backward in time. The video demonstrates a falling rock used as a kind of elevator, allowing the protagonist to explore the sky and glide through its clouds.

Another handy ability for locomotion is Ascend, which allows Link to cross any ceiling to reach the upper floor. In mountain caves, this ability enables you to get to the peak without spending time and energy climbing, as in the previous game.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom's gameplay also promises to encourage players' creativity thanks to a new mechanic for fusing objects. With the Fuse ability, it's possible to merge weapons with other objects from inventory or scenery to add different properties. This also increases the range or resistance of certain weapons, as the durability mechanic, which divided fan opinion, is also back.

Another example presented in the video is mixing arrows with eyes, which can sometimes fall from enemies. In this way, it is possible to create teleguided arrows to make it easier to shoot down aerial enemies, for example. There is also the possibility of creating freezing arrows and other types of elements.

Finally, Link can also manipulate objects in the scenery, such as wooden logs, to create vehicles. This novelty had already been presented in the last trailers, but that was only now possible to check in detail. The mechanics promise to be very intuitive, as you only have to position the objects and stick them together. Some mechanisms ensure propulsion, such as giant fans.

The idea is that players can create boats, cars, and even balloons with this fusion mechanic. Not all types of vehicles will be available from the start. Still, it is clear how the development team wants to give even more scope for players' creativity, given that even today, the community discovers secrets and new possibilities in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

According to producer Eiji Aonuma, the game's development is now complete and scheduled for release on May 12, 2023. Being a Nintendo flagship, Zelda is promising. For those interested in purchasing a copy, check out our comparator for the cheapest deals on The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and fly back to Hyrule.