Back in 2017, just after the launch ofThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,we got a glimpse at some of the development processes during a conference at GDC. It’s an extensive and interesting deep dive to watch, especially if you’re a big fan of the series or game development in general, but there were a few standout ideas mentioned during the presentation - ones that I can’t help but recall, years later.
As I return to Tears of the Kingdom on the Nintendo Switch 2, which aimed to push the boundaries of Breath of the Wild’s foundations, I’m looking forward to what the nextZeldagame could look like. The next mainline entry needs to be big, potentially bigger than we’ve seen before, making use of the powerful new hardware that Nintendo had created. And what better way to expand on the vastness ofTears of the Kingdomthan to look to the stars?
We Almost Got Sci-Fi Hyrule With Breath Of The Wild
One particular piece of concept art shown during the 2017 GDC presentation - titled ‘The Legend of Zelda: Invasion’ - depicted a hooded Link standing in that iconic Hyrule grass, with a colossal, circular alien ship looming in the sky as smaller ships depart from it and plumes of smoke decorate the horizon. This was described as “where things got a bit dodgy” during the ideas phase of development, but I can’t help but imagine the possibilities in the idea.
Another piece of art, described as ‘Link in Metroid’, displayed Link in an astronaut suit alongside a Metroid over his shoulder, while wielding the iconic Master Sword and Hylian Shield. And finally, a page of manga concept showing Link, alongside some others (one who looks to be wearing something reminiscent of a Metallica t-shirt), were examining a large alien in a lab. Yes, this is completely bizarre, I know.
Heavy metal bands aside, I’m kind of intrigued by what a sci-fi The Legend of Zelda game could have looked like. Realistically, it wouldn’t even have to be far from what we already know. In Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, both the Sheikah and Zonai have advanced technology of their own. Breath of the Wild’s opening sees Link wake up in Hyrule’s own Bacta Tank, after 100 years of recovery, and then pick up an iPad before heading out into the world.
Even then, aliens wouldn’t have to be as traditional as metal ships and blasters; the Twili, Shadow Beasts, and whatever the Ooccoos are could all easily pass for alien designs, while Majora’s Mask already has seeming aliens only referred to as ‘Them’. It would be intriguing to see something like a version of the Twilight from the cosmos, with organic-based tech. It just means weprobablywon’t have Space Ganondorf as the main villain, but honestly, I’m here for some new antagonists.
These Concepts Aren’t Out Of The Question
Even if you’re kind of on board with these concepts, you might still think there’s no way Nintendo would revisit the ideas - but that’s not necessarily true, and in fact, we’ve had evidence that it’s possible.
Further concept art shown during the presentation featured a ‘Biker Link’ atop a motorcycle, albeit much more modern in design, and then an older, cloaked Link with a missing arm, with sketches showing how he could use Sheikah tech to switch out prosthetic limbs as his classic tools and items.
As we know, a Sheikah motorcycle was added to Breath of the Wild - the Master Cycle Zero - which allowed Link to drift through Hyrule Field like there’s no tomorrow. And then Tears of the Kingdom was centered around Link losing his arm to Ganondorf’s blight, and using Rauru’s own Zonai arm in its place, granting him new abilities as you progress through the game. As a step further, another piece of concept art showed a floating Death Mountain with Ganondorf standing atop it, which mirrors how Ganondorf lifted Hyrule Castle into the sky at the beginning of Tears of the Kingdom, too.
Needless to say, much of this seemingly bizarre concept art has already been revisited and implemented, all of which has worked surprisingly well. With that, I’m hopeful that we can see the alien invasion ideas expanded, bringing an otherworldly threat to Hyrule. I mean,I’m eager to finally see a Hyrule that’s not facing an apocalyptic event, but I’ll let it slide if it means we get to go to outer space.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
WHERE TO PLAY
Widely regarded as one of the best games ever made, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild sets Link his toughest challenge yet. With free exploration of a huge open world and a story you can complete in your own order, it is a must-play for the Nintendo Switch.
