My personal favorite gimmicks are: Clock Cycle Mask Transformation Time Travel (Oracle of Ages) Wall Merging Season Changes Not sure how to rank them tbh, but I might love the Clock Cycle gimmick the most.
As someone who did grow up with the ds games, How? How can no one else get used to the touchscreen controls?! I'm not saying the game won't work with an analog stick, but the touch screen has never been an issue for me. I was expecting then to be at the bottom of this list, and you did not disappoint. I never did think of that growing up with the game aspect though. I had never used a stick before, so I was likely able to adapt as I had nothing to overide in my muscle memory. Just a theory though.
As a musician myself, I love when my video game characters are as well. In ocarina of time I always listen to the warp songs the whole way thru before clicking ok, and the Minish cap is my favorite bc of the beautiful sound track
One that I think should have been on the list is the password linking from the oracle games. This basically turns the two games into one big, overarching story, and also gives you some really fun and powerful items
I'm conflicted on Rauru's abilties in TOTK. In a plain field, the abilities are in depth and cool, but are SO poorly utilized by the games "puzzles," dungeons, and shrines. When nearly every part of the game is most efficiently completed by using either an air bike or a platform+ascend+recall, it gets stale FAST. The gimmick itself is cool and presented very well, but nearly every part of the game fails to make the player meaningfully engage with the gimmick, and it's incredibly unsatisfying.
This was such a fun watch. While I might not agree with your ranking of some gimmicks, I can see where you’re coming for your decisions. Watching this made me nostalgic to go play all the games lol Love the minish gimmick and I’ve truly enjoyed playing as Zelda problem solving with my own echo combinations. You’re totally right that sailing in windwaker was such a soothing vibe! Man this whole video was just one awesome trip down nostalgia drive👍
I can understand the wolf form feeling underutilized, the first three dungeon you don’t have free access to wolf link, the lost woods and chasing skull kid is downright one of my least favorite parts of the games and dungeon 5-9 isn’t built with wolf link in mind. The only dungeon that puts the effort into making wolf link usable is arbitrars grounds. I also think the wolf form should’ve been given more utility outside of what they have done with it. But I also feel that way for most things in the game including links tool set this game. Hidden moves 4-7 aren’t really well utilized either, not even in the cave of ordeals
in my opinion, i think rauru’s abilities are really fun but they might be my least favorite. but really because they’re TOO good. call me no fun, but i’m not a huge fan of being able to cheese your way through a puzzle or boss fight, and i think ultrahand and the like give way too much freedom. i think they’re fun in the overworld but i wish they limited their use a little in temples. but that’s just me.
I love how Zelda games all could be different franchises but are bundled together by using the same IP. There aren't any two consecutive Zelda games that are alike, like most other franchises.
I'd be tempted to include the Timeshift Stones from Skyward Sword as a gimmick in this list just because it's used so much and is so great, but I understand not including it too. If it was included it'd probably make the top of my list. Definitely agree about the wall merging though. I think it's kind of slept on. It's an excellent gimmick that completely transforms how you think about the world, is exploited to its full potential, is satisfying and simple to execute, and never gets old. Good pick for number one.
My personal favorite’s gotta be Ultra-Hand. I’ve always wanted a game where I can go wherever, and DO whatever I want. And Tears of the Kingdom supplies me with this granted wish.
I don’t feel like the touchscreen controls should be placed so low, they can be a pain but they’re quite intuitive. I also feel like the for the most part make these games work well, link feels light footed and in ph it makes the whole speed run aspect of temple of the ocean king fast, it also makes controlling Zelda or other characters a lot easier in some ways
A lot of it might just be unfamiliarity on my part, as I hadn't played the DS Zelda games until a few months ago. I'm open to going back and giving them another shot for sure
@ give it a try, funfact if you’re bold enough you can get maps 3 and 4 in the same run on ph. It’s a close call and much harder since you don’t have bombchus or grappling hook. Admittedly I don’t use the halfway warp anymore since I’m no longer a scared child anymore who needs there brother to get through the temple, although no shame if the phantoms scare the life out of you, since even now close calls can be quite scary. I completely understand if someone says they don’t like the temple of the ocean king I hated it as a kid, but now as an adult I really enjoy running through the temple
@ spirit tracks is a lot of fun and I think the addition of controlling phantom zelda makes the puzzles legitimately more difficult, I don’t think I’ve ever had more trouble with a puzzles in zelda games
Thank you for this, although I really hate calling these "gimmicks". I always was aware of these new elements and game mechanics as the way Nintendo had to make every game unique from all other entries, but whenever I brought them up, people called them "gimmicks" as a negative. Apparently having new ideas didn't count if these were a one-off addition. That was when people started to say the Zelda series was stagnant and in desperate need of a major shake up. Something that I NEVER agreed with. And although I really love BotW, after TotK and EoW, now it looks to me that the Zelda I grew up loving is on its way out in favor of crafting mechanics for creating TikTok videos. Maybe videos like these would help people to at least learn to not take things for granted and appreciate one-off ideas more.
Skyward Sword’s motion controls is lacking one feature that other games with that level of motion controls have: dexterity options. That issue is worsened due to the form factor of the joycon controllers for the HD version.
Kinda weird to not mention how much creative the puzzles, items and drawing on maps were because of touch controls. On top of that sailing was kinda better in PH because every island has a tons of content and you can customize your ship.
My takeaway from this video is different from what I assumed most people’s is PLEASE FOR THELOVE OF GOD i really hope they add practically any other Zelda game to Nintendo music, oot and botw have great soundtracks don’t get me wrong but so many Zelda games have just… far better soundtracks. As good as the champions themes are I’d throw them off the app in a heartbeat if it meant bird flying, great sea, or realm overworld would come on in the car
If I counted right, the only game in the series that didn’t get repped is Link’s Awakening. Though what would count as a gimmick for that game? Mario characters? The plot twist?
The thing that made the touchscreen mechanic suck the most was the times you needed to use the microphone in combination with it. Looking at you, Spirit Tracks. The pipes were so obnoxious.
I can understand the wolf form feeling underutilized, the first three dungeon you don’t have free access to wolf link, the lost woods and chasing skull kid is downright one of my least favorite parts of the games and dungeon 5-9 isn’t built with wolf link in mind. The only dungeon that puts the effort into making wolf link usable is arbitrars grounds. I also think the wolf form should’ve been given more utility outside of what they have done with it. But I also feel that way for most things in the game including links tool set this game. Hidden moves 4-7 aren’t really well utilized either, not even in the cave of ordeals
My personal favorite gimmicks are:
Clock Cycle
Mask Transformation
Time Travel (Oracle of Ages)
Wall Merging
Season Changes
Not sure how to rank them tbh, but I might love the Clock Cycle gimmick the most.
Oracle of ages did time travel better than Ocarina of time. You can travel whenever you want.
As someone who did grow up with the ds games,
How? How can no one else get used to the touchscreen controls?! I'm not saying the game won't work with an analog stick, but the touch screen has never been an issue for me.
I was expecting then to be at the bottom of this list, and you did not disappoint. I never did think of that growing up with the game aspect though. I had never used a stick before, so I was likely able to adapt as I had nothing to overide in my muscle memory. Just a theory though.
As a musician myself, I love when my video game characters are as well. In ocarina of time I always listen to the warp songs the whole way thru before clicking ok, and the Minish cap is my favorite bc of the beautiful sound track
Pretty agreeable ranking, overall! This was a nice little trip down memory lane as well, nice work!
Guys wake up NintendoHero is back
The king has returned
You took the words out of my mouth
Who agree's that both Nintendo Hero and PG Reviews make some of the best Nintendo content on RUclips?
also tgd
Who? @@EhodgettYT-jp1fn
Better than mr breast?
I kind of love how unique this. I wasn't able to predict number one from process of eliminating like normally 😂
Just re-played ALBW and yes, the wall merge is terrific.
One that I think should have been on the list is the password linking from the oracle games. This basically turns the two games into one big, overarching story, and also gives you some really fun and powerful items
I'm conflicted on Rauru's abilties in TOTK. In a plain field, the abilities are in depth and cool, but are SO poorly utilized by the games "puzzles," dungeons, and shrines. When nearly every part of the game is most efficiently completed by using either an air bike or a platform+ascend+recall, it gets stale FAST. The gimmick itself is cool and presented very well, but nearly every part of the game fails to make the player meaningfully engage with the gimmick, and it's incredibly unsatisfying.
This was such a fun watch. While I might not agree with your ranking of some gimmicks, I can see where you’re coming for your decisions. Watching this made me nostalgic to go play all the games lol
Love the minish gimmick and I’ve truly enjoyed playing as Zelda problem solving with my own echo combinations. You’re totally right that sailing in windwaker was such a soothing vibe!
Man this whole video was just one awesome trip down nostalgia drive👍
I can understand the wolf form feeling underutilized, the first three dungeon you don’t have free access to wolf link, the lost woods and chasing skull kid is downright one of my least favorite parts of the games and dungeon 5-9 isn’t built with wolf link in mind. The only dungeon that puts the effort into making wolf link usable is arbitrars grounds. I also think the wolf form should’ve been given more utility outside of what they have done with it. But I also feel that way for most things in the game including links tool set this game. Hidden moves 4-7 aren’t really well utilized either, not even in the cave of ordeals
Amazing ranking! Zelda 2D or 3D gimmicks are fun!
I really enjoy this channel
Totally agree on #1! Just beautifully implemented
in my opinion, i think rauru’s abilities are really fun but they might be my least favorite. but really because they’re TOO good. call me no fun, but i’m not a huge fan of being able to cheese your way through a puzzle or boss fight, and i think ultrahand and the like give way too much freedom. i think they’re fun in the overworld but i wish they limited their use a little in temples. but that’s just me.
Great video to close out the year with
I love how Zelda games all could be different franchises but are bundled together by using the same IP. There aren't any two consecutive Zelda games that are alike, like most other franchises.
I'm so happy that wall merge was number 1. LBW is very nostalgic and precious to me and probably my favourite zeldo
I'd be tempted to include the Timeshift Stones from Skyward Sword as a gimmick in this list just because it's used so much and is so great, but I understand not including it too. If it was included it'd probably make the top of my list.
Definitely agree about the wall merging though. I think it's kind of slept on. It's an excellent gimmick that completely transforms how you think about the world, is exploited to its full potential, is satisfying and simple to execute, and never gets old. Good pick for number one.
My personal favorite’s gotta be Ultra-Hand. I’ve always wanted a game where I can go wherever, and DO whatever I want. And Tears of the Kingdom supplies me with this granted wish.
Same ultrahand really feels like the limitless potential.
They really just looked at magneses and said "What if you could use it on anything?"
I don’t feel like the touchscreen controls should be placed so low, they can be a pain but they’re quite intuitive. I also feel like the for the most part make these games work well, link feels light footed and in ph it makes the whole speed run aspect of temple of the ocean king fast, it also makes controlling Zelda or other characters a lot easier in some ways
A lot of it might just be unfamiliarity on my part, as I hadn't played the DS Zelda games until a few months ago. I'm open to going back and giving them another shot for sure
@ give it a try, funfact if you’re bold enough you can get maps 3 and 4 in the same run on ph. It’s a close call and much harder since you don’t have bombchus or grappling hook. Admittedly I don’t use the halfway warp anymore since I’m no longer a scared child anymore who needs there brother to get through the temple, although no shame if the phantoms scare the life out of you, since even now close calls can be quite scary.
I completely understand if someone says they don’t like the temple of the ocean king I hated it as a kid, but now as an adult I really enjoy running through the temple
@ spirit tracks is a lot of fun and I think the addition of controlling phantom zelda makes the puzzles legitimately more difficult, I don’t think I’ve ever had more trouble with a puzzles in zelda games
Thank you for this, although I really hate calling these "gimmicks".
I always was aware of these new elements and game mechanics as the way Nintendo had to make every game unique from all other entries, but whenever I brought them up, people called them "gimmicks" as a negative. Apparently having new ideas didn't count if these were a one-off addition.
That was when people started to say the Zelda series was stagnant and in desperate need of a major shake up. Something that I NEVER agreed with. And although I really love BotW, after TotK and EoW, now it looks to me that the Zelda I grew up loving is on its way out in favor of crafting mechanics for creating TikTok videos.
Maybe videos like these would help people to at least learn to not take things for granted and appreciate one-off ideas more.
you lost me by putting wolf link so low... but made up with it by using the lake hylia theme from four swords
Skyward Sword’s motion controls is lacking one feature that other games with that level of motion controls have: dexterity options. That issue is worsened due to the form factor of the joycon controllers for the HD version.
Kinda weird to not mention how much creative the puzzles, items and drawing on maps were because of touch controls.
On top of that sailing was kinda better in PH because every island has a tons of content and you can customize your ship.
I would have to say as someone who mastered the combat of Zelda 2 enough to beat the game, you really aren't missing much
We’re so back guys
Ah a fellow gimmick enjoyer
First ever ranking that's been 100% correct.
11:43 no it’s not. They’re very different.
0:05 before the watch…. I’m praying you don’t do MM an phantoms hourglass dirty
My takeaway from this video is different from what I assumed most people’s is
PLEASE FOR THELOVE OF GOD i really hope they add practically any other Zelda game to Nintendo music, oot and botw have great soundtracks don’t get me wrong but so many Zelda games have just… far better soundtracks. As good as the champions themes are I’d throw them off the app in a heartbeat if it meant bird flying, great sea, or realm overworld would come on in the car
If I counted right, the only game in the series that didn’t get repped is Link’s Awakening. Though what would count as a gimmick for that game? Mario characters? The plot twist?
Platforming maybe? It wasn't focal in zelda 2
You should do another Wii U month, I NEED AMORE WII U CONTENT, NOBODY MAKES ANYMORR
2:38 1 out of 2 RiP 🪦
I can see where you're coming from for most of these, but time travel is really not that interesting or fun
The thing that made the touchscreen mechanic suck the most was the times you needed to use the microphone in combination with it. Looking at you, Spirit Tracks. The pipes were so obnoxious.
I can understand the wolf form feeling underutilized, the first three dungeon you don’t have free access to wolf link, the lost woods and chasing skull kid is downright one of my least favorite parts of the games and dungeon 5-9 isn’t built with wolf link in mind. The only dungeon that puts the effort into making wolf link usable is arbitrars grounds. I also think the wolf form should’ve been given more utility outside of what they have done with it. But I also feel that way for most things in the game including links tool set this game. Hidden moves 4-7 aren’t really well utilized either, not even in the cave of ordeals