1. Strong Core Narrative
NintendoWhile Skyrim gets touted for being an awesome sandbox-style game, it does suffer from a weak narrative; many similar games, too, are sparsely plotted and occasionally unfocused, a pitfall that Zelda U should avoid at all costs. The Legend of Zelda series isnt as wildly popular as it is without reason, and an inevitable part of this reason is the engaging array of stories it has told over the years. While all of the aforementioned are strategies to improve and expand upon the series gameplay and the world of Hyrule, they shouldnt come at the cost of overshadowing or overlooking the strong, cohesive core narratives for which The Legend of Zelda is loved. For Zelda U, while the Hero of Time arc is well-loved and oft-repeated for a reason, it would be interesting to have a Wind-Waker-style departure from it that tells a story that is new but not ignorant of its roots. Obviously however, the open world has a direct and impactful effect on how the story is told, so it would only be expected to have a narrative that spins a more personal tale based on our choices and decisions, making it fluid but not weak. Overall, a balance is important to maintain between both a wider Hyrule to explore, and a fresh, exciting story in which to frame this brave new world.
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