The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

 Switch
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9840 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7,514 out of 9840
  2. Mixed: 734 out of 9840
  3. Negative: 1,592 out of 9840
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  1. Mastralan
    May 19, 2023
    9
    The game is very cool , more harder than the first game but very ,very cool . The principal default is the graphisms , they
    aren’t very good in 2023 but good in 2016
  2. wallacq
    May 19, 2023
    10
    As much as they say it's a copy of BOTW, I completely disagree.
    A new game, new dynamics, new skills and despite being the same map, the locations and structures have changed a lot.
    I am particularly delighted, playing TOTK has been very pleasurable and I have enjoyed every second of the game.
  3. Destroythemoon
    May 19, 2023
    4
    Just so dissapointed in this whole fiasco. If you played BOTW you can literally skip this. I have plenty games I still haven't tried, I will not be sinking my time into something that feels too familiar.
  4. Goose69
    May 18, 2023
    10
    I’m not giving this game a perfect 20 because it’s flawless , because it isn’t. It lags and jitters, but really… that’s it.

    How did they Jam Pack all of this into a switch game I’ll never know. There are side adventures that last longer than some games main quest lines. Everything is more engaging and alive and progresses as you do. I can’t praise it enough People who are rating it low    I’m not giving this game a perfect 20 because it’s flawless , because it isn’t. It lags and jitters, but really… that’s it.

    How did they Jam Pack all of this into a switch game I’ll never know. There are side adventures that last longer than some games main quest lines. Everything is more engaging and alive and progresses as you do. I can’t praise it enough

    People who are rating it low are extremely missing the point of the game and haven’t actually played it to play it , but played it to rate it    … Expand
  5. ElonMusks
    May 19, 2023
    9
    I personally am not the type for story heavy non-user choice based games. However, when I heard that link gained the ability to build creations I was instantly hooked. The controls are very fluid and familliar, and the mechanics are incredible. The game itself doesn't have that many bugs that make the game unplayable on launch, which is unusual for Nintendo, but its a great thing. It runsI personally am not the type for story heavy non-user choice based games. However, when I heard that link gained the ability to build creations I was instantly hooked. The controls are very fluid and familliar, and the mechanics are incredible. The game itself doesn't have that many bugs that make the game unplayable on launch, which is unusual for Nintendo, but its a great thing. It runs off of BOTW's engine, and starts where BOTW ends. The fact that they added not 1, but TWO NEW AREAS to explore is CRAZY! The fact that we get all that AND THE ABILITY TO MAKE OUR OWN CREATIONS IS INSANE! Ultrahand (the main ability used to build) can replace all of your weapons alone, and then when you get autobuild, weapons become tools to get more materials. The only reason I don't want to give it a 10/10 is the price of 70$, but if you have Nintendo online you can get it for 50$ by buying the 2 game vouchers for 100$, which is 100% worth it for this game. I can't wait to see what speedrunners do with this game.… Expand
  6. SkishyB
    May 19, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This Will be the game of the year. People who are hating on this game clearly haven’t played it. The creativity of this game is unmatched. Name another game that lets you build a Custom Vehicle to explore the Sky, Underground, and a Map that feels completely different from BotW. I’ll wait. This will no doubt, be Game of the Year if not all time.… Expand
  7. Creeperjam
    May 19, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Beautiful game, the best of history of adventure.
    Beautiful game, the best of history of adventure    … Expand
  8. MENSCH69
    May 19, 2023
    8
    As an avid fan of botw, I played this game with some expectations of criticism fixes from botw. First off this game is stunning, I love the loz series and wish nintendo would stop the on and off neglectof the series. With thus game being a sequel to botw, it falls into the usual trope of adding more. And good god its too big, unlock sky, ground and depths plus fight the culprits causingAs an avid fan of botw, I played this game with some expectations of criticism fixes from botw. First off this game is stunning, I love the loz series and wish nintendo would stop the on and off neglectof the series. With thus game being a sequel to botw, it falls into the usual trope of adding more. And good god its too big, unlock sky, ground and depths plus fight the culprits causing chaos to the four races. Its obvious this game is going to take a long time to finish. I’m also not a giant fan of the abilities, seems a bit lazy and all the stuff in botw is gone. There’s no mention of what happened to the sheikah tech, like the big divine beasts are gone and that’s why this to me isn’t a sequel. Its a new game that’s been stapled with too many ideas, and to think they wanted this as a botw dlc?

    Because I knew this game was gonna take me ages to see the story, I saw the cutscenes online as that is the strength of these games since oot.
    Speaking of which this game they were really trying to make this like oot, but open world and on botw engine. So hardcore oot fans can calm down but it makes botw fans feel a bit lost. The mechanics from botw have got a tweak but I cannot stand the fuse ability. I miss the elemental arrows, and the prices of everything from botw have greatly increased here. Like I swear games are escapism from real world but the inflation jesus christ. Which brings me into this, because there’s so much to do in this game I am doing it at my own pace. I have a feeling dlc isn’t coming until next year and the next game is not going to be out on the switch.

    This game yes is fun but its very overwhelming whereas botw was pretty calm and felt like you were out taking a walk. Totk feels like I’m in the military and have to kill lots of enemies and get troops along the way. Seriously I’m going out irl to calm my head as its essentially pandoras box.    … Expand
  9. Azy1e
    May 19, 2023
    10
    While it might not have the same impact BotW did, TotK is a better game is basically every way and a game that really lets players be as creative and free as they want for the most part. The bottom line is the game is fun to play and explore through and was clearly up to the challenge of surpassing the incredibly high bar BotW left it. We live in a good time-line where we get these gamesWhile it might not have the same impact BotW did, TotK is a better game is basically every way and a game that really lets players be as creative and free as they want for the most part. The bottom line is the game is fun to play and explore through and was clearly up to the challenge of surpassing the incredibly high bar BotW left it. We live in a good time-line where we get these games and others like Elden Ring.… Expand
  10. PizzaBaratheon
    May 19, 2023
    7
    I'm now totally convinced the reason Nintendo delayed the release of Tears of the Kingdom a full year was because they knew Elden Ring was a superior game in every way.

    Where Elden Ring shines in exploration, traversal, and rewards, TOFK misses the mark. Getting around this massive world feels extremely tedious and the rewards for discovering a new cave, defeating an enemy camp, or    I'm now totally convinced the reason Nintendo delayed the release of Tears of the Kingdom a full year was because they knew Elden Ring was a superior game in every way.

    Where Elden Ring shines in exploration, traversal, and rewards, TOFK misses the mark. Getting around this massive world feels extremely tedious and the rewards for discovering a new cave, defeating an enemy camp, or unlocking a hidden chest in one of the many shrines just doesn't feel worth it. Players should feel rewarded for spending 15 minutes climbing a mountain or solving a puzzle and this game really fails at it.

    Resource management in this game is a chore. You'll find yourself constantly scrolling through the item menu to create space for new weapons or shields that are going to break ten minutes later. It was annoying in BOTW but for some reason Nintendo made it 10X worse in TOTK.

    The new abilities don't feel flushed out. Mechanics for the new "ultra hand" ability are clunky and at times infuriating. Lining up the parts of a vehicle you're trying to craft is extremely tedious and aggravating. The worst part about the new vehicle system is that you constantly have to manage energy supply levels or the thing you just spent a half hour making will break. It's basically like a more aggravating version of breakable weapons.

    I could look alot of these problems aside if the story was compelling, but 40 hours in, there just isn't enough here to make me care about what i'm doing. Nobody in this world seems to be too worried that their capital got blown up and all this crazy **** is happening. All the NPCs do is hammer you over the head with repetitive dialogue and silly side quests. It's like Nintendo completely overlooked giving context to the people of apocalyptic Hyrule while making this Frankenstein of a game.

    In summary, I think Nintendo would've been much better off creating an entirely new game based around the archipelago sky islands instead of making people pay $70 for a Breath of the Wild DLC, which is ultimately what Tears of the Kingdom is.    … Expand
  11. MasterChickn
    May 19, 2023
    10
    This game is amazing, legit can't get off it. Fast combat, great mechanics, not just a dlc because it is a huge step from being a dlc because it has brand new mechanics, a sky map, a underworld map, completely brand new armor sets, a bunch of more shrines, a brand new story that's like 40 hours long, and the regular ground map has completely changed with the same geography (duh) butThis game is amazing, legit can't get off it. Fast combat, great mechanics, not just a dlc because it is a huge step from being a dlc because it has brand new mechanics, a sky map, a underworld map, completely brand new armor sets, a bunch of more shrines, a brand new story that's like 40 hours long, and the regular ground map has completely changed with the same geography (duh) but different structures and building all around. I you buy you won't regret, I highly recommend.… Expand
  12. baolaoshi
    May 19, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Perfect sequel to The lengend of Zelda breath of the wild,which is one of the best games all time.
    But I think the totk is beyond the botw.    … Expand
  13. K3Vz0
    May 19, 2023
    10
    After just completing the game i can say that it is as good if not better than BOTW. GOTY!!
  14. Dlolg
    May 19, 2023
    10
    Amazing I don't have more words for that game. the new abilities have infinite uses. if you like adventure and exploration it is a game of 10
  15. Koesi
    May 14, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Just perfection.
    Can‘t put it away anymore.
    The sky islands: amazing The underground: too big (in a good way)
    The plot: 8/10
    The gameplay: 10/10.you have to try it yourself.
    Overall:10/10    … Expand
  16. ROCKAMANIAC
    May 19, 2023
    10
    Do not trust the reviewees who are review-bombing this game. This game is the best Zelda game ever! It is amazing how this is possible on the switch and the best game on the switch to date. Sony fanboys are reviewing bombing this game but its the best Zelda game you will ever play absolutely breath-taking
  17. ChuddNelson
    May 17, 2023
    5
    I would have given this game a 6 but almost everything in the game is recycled from BOTW. Same map, same graphics, same enemies, same weapons, and pretty much the same mechanics other than crafting, which gets old very quick. On top of that the game suffers from major framerate issues. This all wouldn't be as bad if they fixed a lot of the problems with BOTW, but alas they did not. TheI would have given this game a 6 but almost everything in the game is recycled from BOTW. Same map, same graphics, same enemies, same weapons, and pretty much the same mechanics other than crafting, which gets old very quick. On top of that the game suffers from major framerate issues. This all wouldn't be as bad if they fixed a lot of the problems with BOTW, but alas they did not. The open world still feels empty, there are still too many shrines with a lack of real dungeons, and weapons still feel like they are made of glass and break after just a few uses. To make matters worse crafting is now a huge part of this game, and it's clear they only did this to appeal to the younger Minecraft crowd. BOTW really didn't feel like a Zelda game, and TOTK feels even less like one. To add insult to injury they had the nerve to charge $70 for this recycled garbage, and the fact that I spent $70 on it is the only thing keeping me playing it. Nintendo, you can do better.… Expand
  18. Benjef8
    May 19, 2023
    10
    C'est tout simplement le meilleur jeux zelda au quel j'ai jamais joué ! Il est parfaitement optimisé pour la switch oled, avec des couleurs parfaitement nuancé. Rien que la mécanique de jeu m'oblige à lui mettre mettre 10/10. Un Best seller à ne pas manquer.
  19. Eboy123
    May 19, 2023
    10
    Its a great game,if you didn't play breathe of the the wild like me its alot more fun
  20. SisiLeS
    May 19, 2023
    10
    Masterclass le jeu tout est parfait, des milliers de fois mieux que le prequel, seul point faible trop fort.
  21. Liplo
    May 19, 2023
    10
    The best game EVER! Zelda TOTK is the best game when you need a open world game.
  22. gyana
    May 19, 2023
    10
    This is a Game. Not sony sgi video, not microsoft grind bulls""t, not EA and Actibliz donation grow... its a video game what interesting to adventure and explore. Brawo Nintendo. Game of the year.
  23. jadjur
    May 19, 2023
    10
    A legendary masterpiece that gives you freedom, challenges you to think differently, and constantly surprises you with creative ideas!
  24. VeteranAnon
    May 19, 2023
    1
    The construction of this game isn't at all innovative or revolutionary as everyone is saying, it really is very simple, boring, and the game can be played completely in a traditional way, since the more complex you make your creations, the more the game punishes you for wasting time. Being able to achieve the same things with less effort. Which contradicts its premise and main dynamic.The construction of this game isn't at all innovative or revolutionary as everyone is saying, it really is very simple, boring, and the game can be played completely in a traditional way, since the more complex you make your creations, the more the game punishes you for wasting time. Being able to achieve the same things with less effort. Which contradicts its premise and main dynamic.

    In terms of story and characters, I really had a great expectation that it would improve compared to BotW, but it becomes even worse, I'm not lying, it's amazing that this game feels less epic overall.    … Expand
  25. SL36
    May 19, 2023
    10
    Just a brilliant and innovative game that is still a blast to play. Can't recommend it enough.
  26. Metaforo
    May 19, 2023
    10
    Dieses Spiel ist großartig die ganze neue Sonau Technik und alles drumm und drann ist einfach nur wow!
  27. BigCums
    May 19, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I love this game. There is just so much to do even if i have played BoTW for hundreds of hours this game still makes me go WOW. It is a clear 10/10

    I love it!    … Expand
  28. Today1870
    May 19, 2023
    10
    Nothing to add, it's perfect game, maybe just i wished it to be released on Nintendo next generation console. This game deserves 10/10 it's exceptional, I don't know who these two rated this game low.
    They underestimate the credibility of this site, how can metacritic allow critics like them to do such things with something so idealistic?
  29. Bash-ton
    May 19, 2023
    0
    It’s a giant world but with no content. I would not mind the quality of the graphics if the gameplay and story was good but since there is no content here the bad graphics sticks out even more. It’s insane to me that they could just copy the previous game’s map and barely do any improvements. What did you do during all this time? Also the idea of being able to go wherever you want since itIt’s a giant world but with no content. I would not mind the quality of the graphics if the gameplay and story was good but since there is no content here the bad graphics sticks out even more. It’s insane to me that they could just copy the previous game’s map and barely do any improvements. What did you do during all this time? Also the idea of being able to go wherever you want since it is an open world game is not utilized well at all. Other good open world games let’s you actually choose your own experience this way, in this game it usually just means that you can skip parts of the game. Fun…

    There is no loot in this game just like the previous game. Why would I care about this new cool weapon if it’s going to break very soon. If I have a full weapon inventory I’m not going to bother opening the chest and see if the weapon inside it is stronger than what I currently have since it does not really matter. What matters is how many weapons you have not how strong it is since it will break during combat. Why not have fewer weapons but make sure that they actually matters and feel distinct from each other. That way I’ll actually care about what I find. This does though match the rest of the game very well in that sense that it prioritizes quantity over quality. Skip this one    … Expand
  30. Fevix
    May 19, 2023
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Queen Gibdo absolutely feels like nobody playtested this boss. I went in with ~30 arrows, thinking I'd be picking a bunch up during the fight, or that Riju would resupply me as the fight went on, but.... no. I ran out of arrows before even passing the 3/4 mark, and then I was stuck running around, unable to do anything. Now I have to go farm rupees, buy all the arrows from all across hyrule, then come back and MAYBE pass the halfway point before having to do it all again.

    Speaking of rupees, there is virtually no passive gain like in other zelda games. Much like BOTW, enemies drop no rupees. You can't get rupees by cutting grass, either. The only way to get rupees is by doing quests and various activities, or by collecting valuable items to sell. In other words, you have to INTEND to get rupees, you have to take a break from the rest of the game to get rupees. A quest might give you about 100 rupees, which can buy 25 arrows, but most shops only stock 15, meaning you're going to go to two different shops to get your arrows. And for the amount of arrows that you have to stockpile before attempting Queen Gibdo? Prepare to retrace your steps through every single town you've visited so far to clean out their whole stock, while also taking breaks from that to farm for stuff to sell.

    This game only built on the story of the previous, and none of the mechanics. Cooking is still the same slog of "Open inventory. Select ingredients. Exit inventory. Drop ingredients in pot. Watch 5 second cutscene. Get result. Open inventory. Select ingre-" You get the idea. Yeah the new powers are interesting, but probably like 90% of the map can be explored just by using Ultra Hand to build a long enough bridge out of whatever random stuff you find.

    They kept virtually the same exact inventory/loot system, but now weapons degrade faster because they've all been 'decayed' by the Demon King. The sky islands and the Depths are probably the most interesting parts of the game, because they're the only truly NEW parts. I have so much more fun up/down there than I've ever had on the surface, which is a shame because the surface is where 99% of the story takes place.

    Also, the final boss is always available to just... go fight. You just need to jump down into the hole under Hyrule Castle, which you can do as soon as you first make it to the surface, and there he is, welcome to the end of the game! Speedrunners are going to love this, they don't even have to trick their way through a maze of a castle, Nintendo literally gave them a hole straight to the end boss.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best Switch Game of 2023
1
#1 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2023

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
96

Universal acclaim - based on 150 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 145 out of 150
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 150
  3. Negative: 0 out of 150
  1. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Mar 18, 2024
    100
    I wasn't sure how Nintendo would find a way to top their work in Breath of the Wild back when it came out, but I feel they have here – with years of more polish applied and refined exploration. [Issue #66 – July/August 2023, p. 71]
  2. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Jan 22, 2024
    100
    The good thing is that, thanks to the limited possibilities, the creators couldn't go crazy and swing for hundreds of game miles. Instead, they created what could be called Elden Ring in a travel pack. [Issue#328]
  3. Shacknews
    Dec 28, 2023
    100
    The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has lived up to the high expectations created by the success of Breath of the Wild with its exquisitely intertwined gameplay systems, outstanding music, and a legendary story culminating in a magnificent denouement. It's not every day that such a special video game like this comes around. Truly the stuff of legend.
    Read full review
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