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. KreyGame
    May 15, 2023
    10
    Después de 40h al juego y no llevar ni un 10% de la aventura sin duda le puedo poner un 10 al juego, ya que pensándolo mucho no le veo ningún error típico o como los de muchos otros juegos que notas que no han sacado todo el provecho que se podía. En 2023 parece que sea el mejor videojuego que se pueda crear con las tecnologías actuales.
  2. JasperBe
    May 15, 2023
    10
    i love the new mechanics, the sky, the underground and also in general seeing how the world & civilization has evolved after BOTW
  3. tryvou
    May 15, 2023
    10
    A sequel that is worth playing. probably game of the year. I enjoyed every second of this game
  4. NotWorthIT
    May 15, 2023
    1
    Just wanted to let everyone know that this game is not very good. Open world is bland and boring, music is meh at best, characters are very childish. I regret buying it. If you really wanna try it, go ahead, but be warned, it's extremely boring and empty open world.
  5. empirius
    May 15, 2023
    10
    Absolute best in the entire series. This is such a huge improvement on everything BOTW accomplished and manages to outshine it at almost every opportunity. I continue to be impressed at how much variety and new gameplay there is to find since the prequel.
  6. Tearsofmyet
    May 15, 2023
    10
    The best Zelda game ever made!!! I’m so impressed. I never thought TOTK would be better then BOTW
  7. Garf12
    May 15, 2023
    8
    TL/DR: games good. Buy it if you have a switch, emulate it if you don't but Nintendos lawyers wont be merciful.

    A cornerstone of game design unfortunately held back by the Switch's hardware. The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom does gameplay beautifully. Mechanics have been deepened from Breath of the Wild replacing Links situational Sheikah runes with much more versatile alternatives    TL/DR: games good. Buy it if you have a switch, emulate it if you don't but Nintendos lawyers wont be merciful.

    A cornerstone of game design unfortunately held back by the Switch's hardware. The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom does gameplay beautifully. Mechanics have been deepened from Breath of the Wild replacing Links situational Sheikah runes with much more versatile alternatives allowing for greater use of the environment and objects you would've overlooked as an obstacle in BOTW. TOTK also adds things you can't believe weren't in it's predecessor like being able to throw any item for a myriad of effects none of which are unviable or redundant. This rings especially true when paired with the new devices allowing you to create whatever contraption you want with your toolset. To signify the depth of this within a day of release players were already crucifying koroks and carpet bombing the fields of Hyrule and posting the clips on TikTok.

    Another thing I particularly noticed and enjoyed was the lack of a intended path set out by the game in shrine puzzles and exploration. Imagine BOTW as a Lego set and TOTK as a big box of random Lego pieces. The Shrines in BOTW have an intended sequence of instructions set out by Nintendo whereas this was not a problem for me in TOTK as it gives you a set of tools and lets you figure it out yourself and the feeling of being allowed this level of autonomy keeps the open world and shrines from ever feeling repetitive or like a chore to complete.

    TOTK also adds an in my opinion much needed shift in vibe and atmosphere from BOTW which was too light and friendly to fit the narrative and the state of the world. This difference may be best exemplified in a spoiler free way by comparing the music played when you complete a shrine although finding them may prove difficult. Compared to BOTW TOTK feels like a world in peril.

    Personally I cannot yet comment on the complete story given I haven't done more than the first few introductory and establishing quests; I got enraptured by the world as soon as it was opened to me. What I have seen was subversive and well written as someone who's played most of the previous Legend of Zelda games. One thing in particular annihilated any preconceptions I had.

    Onto the negatives there's the obvious limits set by the Switch's hardware that are very apparent in the modern gaming landscape. The draw distance for landscape details in one of TOTK new maps can be egregious leading to pop in that takes you out of the immersion. Frame rates usually hover around ~30fps with short frame drops while moving very large objects of fighting a crowd of monsters which may be hard to adjust to for someone who's used to playing on 60 or above. I've been gaming mainly on a gaming PC for a while now and when I first loaded up the game it felt like a slideshow, almost like I could count the time between frames but in the first half hour or so my eyes adjusted and this stopped being a problem for me. It may not be a problem at all if you're someone who games primarily on an 8th gen console. Textures can also be a bit ugly in cases which is mitigated by the cell shaded artstyle. It's apparent that the dev team did what they could with the aging tablet-console but it does harm the experience for me which is what's dropped my review score. Your usage of the new devices is also heavily limited early on capping the feeling of autonomy I praised the game for earlier in this review. You can upgrade your "battery capacity" while you progress but it is an arduous and lengthy process to do so.

    VERY MILD SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT
    (I just have to include it sorry)
    The fusion magic rune thing is spectacular. Haven't had this level of variation and adaptability ever god knows how Nintendo pulled it off every item you find, weapon you pick up, feature of the landscape even can be utilized. Need to smash down rubble blocking your path? Slap a boulder onto the end of a stick you found and annihilate that wall. Need to cross a river or lake? Slap a 4x4 on your greatsword and create gusts of wind. Your greatswords blade is damaged? Replace it with the horn of a **** lynel or even a lightning hydra if you feel like it. Need to reach a higher place? Rocket shield. Shield surf further? Rocket shield. It's obscene. Uncouth even and in the best ways imaginable.    … Expand
  8. fraaaa
    May 15, 2023
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. If you liked Breath of the Wild, you’re gonna like this game; just, don’t jump into this expecting the game to not be a sequel to BotW, because it has been said since the start that it was like this. With that said, the complaints about the world are many times exaggerated: while it is the same Hyrule, lots and lots of stuff have changed, giving the world a new, fresh look. They could’ve added a few more sky islands, but the aesthetic of it is awesome, especially the equivalent of the Great Plateau here (which-in BotW you don’t return to the great plateau, I don’t understand the problem with the sky islands). Weapons breaking has returned, but honestly I don’t see a problem with it - it’s partially solved with a creative way (which is easy to use - open the quick menu, select your weapon, drop it, then fuse. Takes far less than one minute), and weapons breaking add a challenge element to smth that would be stale. Given the immense amount of weapon that are here, it incentivises you to use different kinds of weapons, rather than always using the Master Sword.
    The other abilities are fun, just taking a bit use to. Ultrahand is super useful, especially given the fact it has no cool-down. The ability to build stuff is even more useful - while you need to get used to the rotation mechanic, after you get used to it’s extremely flexible, and almost anything you can think about would work. Sad to see the runes gone, since some were really useful, especially the bomb rune, but it makes sense. The new ability wheel is also faster to use than the old runes menu.

    Speaking of performance, my game seemed to run most of the time at 30FPS, dipping only in dense areas with ultrahand, so perfectly on par with what BotW had. I haven’t gotten to the temples yet, but from what I’ve seen - they’re an upgrade from the Divine Beasts. Cool the new companion mechanism, the new thing of learning combat abilities from other characters, and - they’re not like OoT dungeons but, did really anyone expect those? I’ve played some of the sanctuaries though, and in my opinion they’re far better than BotW: more thoughtful puzzles that incentivise the use of ultrahand, brand new mechanics, etc etc. Worth noting all the quality of life changes which do really improve a lot over BotW: the new menus are far more useful, the new recipe book is useful, batteries are a good addition, and overall are just nice.
    Overall really, I don’t see the points presented by the overly negative reviews: “the game is just like BotW” (it’s a sequel, it uses the same engine, it uses some of its mechanics - MM had this too, sooo…?), “weapons breaking is bad” (so challenge is bad?), “the game should fill all the map at once” (so you already know what there is everywhere? It’s part of the fun of the game going around and exploring as if you were on a real adventure), “stamina should be removed” (isn’t that a challenge too, so you’re incentivised to explore more for shrines to get light orbs?), “this is just a dlc” (perhaps you haven’t seen a BotW dlc, those are 1/20th of what this game is. A DLC should never, ever do as much as what TotK did to BotW, it would simply break continuity, consistency, and be confusing to every people), “the game is easy” (wouldn’t say so, BotW was far far easier. TotK gives you hoarders of improved enemies with new mechanics, new enemy types, the new demonic miasm challenge, like - at the start of the game which is where I am now, you die far far more often in this than BotW), “it doesn’t have the quality” (in a sea of unfinished, rushed, buggy releases by everybody, just to cite one Redfall among the hundreds, TotK runs like a charm on outdated handheld hardware, having great art direction, improved resolution with post processing, while having zero bugs/glitches, unlike those others which do have bugs the moment you boot up the game. Remarkable to have such a polished experience in 2023), “theres no replay value” (let’s forget about - the entirety of the map then? Exploring it, collecting resources, testing your boundaries, etc). Many people do mention many mechanics being the same while not even having the audacity to look at the rest of the game apart from the tutorial game: there aren’t the same armour sets (might be worth taking a look at the Discord server, there’s an entire channel dedicated to new armour, not to mention also all the new paraglider fabrics and new abilities attached to those), there are more combat techniques (you can learn some from scrolls, for example the Yiga earthquake), you don’t gather the champions to just beat ganondorf (they help you through all bosses and through the overworld, far more fetched than BotW), the story is entirely different.    … Expand
  9. Chickennugget65
    May 15, 2023
    9
    This game has so many contents to offer and discover. It preforms decently enough and feels very polished. It doesn't even feel like you're playing Breath of The Wild anymore. Highly recommend to those who enjoyed Breath of The Wild and the Legend of Zelda series as a whole.
  10. Kiera07
    May 15, 2023
    10
    Can't believe it!! It's like Nintendo read our minds with this one. All the complains we had for Breath of the wild was effectively addressed with this sequel. Dungeons, more music, new grand environments to explore, we can even take to the skies and depths. Speaking of depth, there's so much more use to majority of the materials this time too. Well designed bosses and such memorableCan't believe it!! It's like Nintendo read our minds with this one. All the complains we had for Breath of the wild was effectively addressed with this sequel. Dungeons, more music, new grand environments to explore, we can even take to the skies and depths. Speaking of depth, there's so much more use to majority of the materials this time too. Well designed bosses and such memorable characters. It's hard to find flaws in any Zelda game, but tears of the kingdom is pretty much at the very top of the Franchises masterpiece. You don't want to miss this one.… Expand
  11. Andybody
    May 15, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The best open World game ever. BETTER and LARGER than Breath of the Wild AND Elden Ring. Must play for all fans of this type of game. It continues were Breath of the wild ended. Warning! It's a bit harder than Breath of the wild which was too easy in my opinion … Expand
  12. honestreviewsss
    May 15, 2023
    2
    Another boring Assassins Creed clone. These types of games were already outdated 3 years ago. Thankfully it wont win GOTY because even Zelda fans are saying, that its not THAT good. Also there have already been better games in 2023.
  13. Phillanaconda
    May 15, 2023
    10
    Este juego hace llorar a todos los piperos y ponys por igual, haciedo bombing mientras lloran chupando la polla de sony
  14. AleBoo82
    May 15, 2023
    10
    Zelda è Zelda. Musica bellissima, ambientazioni favolose, gioco gigante. Solo la frustrazione di pochi detrattori può portare a offendere un lavoro del genere. Come alcune recensioni fatte senza finirlo e altre senza nemmeno giocarci.
  15. Sr_Puny
    May 15, 2023
    10
    El millor joc del que portem de segle. No hi ha res igual al mercat. Si voleu una AVENTURA que vos dure més de 100 hores (o 400) deixeu de buscar, aquest és el vostre joc. Espectacular
  16. paulmasterio
    May 15, 2023
    10
    This is GOTY material, its hard to think that can top it these years.
    Personally, I like that the game holds the same mechanics of exploring the world and added even more new features.
    While playing, I keep dreaming of how this game would look on the next gen console...
  17. Dafuzz
    May 15, 2023
    1
    Terrible game. It is literally Breath of the Wild version 1.5, but with a few new cutscenes, a lamer story and magic to glue items together. This is not Zelda anymore, this is Zeldacraft. It doesn't even have any real dungeons, which were a mainstake of the series since day one.
  18. Tehemai
    May 15, 2023
    5
    Sadly, this game feels like more of an expansive overhaul mod of botw than it does a sequel. And it still suffers performance issues, which is pretty unacceptable from the very people that also designed the console that struggles to run it.

    This overhaul also doesn't really rectify most of the issues fans highlighted with the first, resorting instead to band-aids at best: - The music    Sadly, this game feels like more of an expansive overhaul mod of botw than it does a sequel. And it still suffers performance issues, which is pretty unacceptable from the very people that also designed the console that struggles to run it.

    This overhaul also doesn't really rectify most of the issues fans highlighted with the first, resorting instead to band-aids at best:

    - The music is again sparse, largely reused and still not comparable to Koji Kondo's classic work.
    - The "dungeons" are little more than texture and gimmick swapped divine beasts.
    - The weapon breakage system while modified is still abrasive & disincentivizes exploration and combat.
    - The obnoxious koroks are back, often reusing the same already overused puzzles from the last game.
    - The barebones story is delivered again through the poorly received memories system.

    The pattern seems to be minimizing development costs. But that's not to say there is no new content. There's still new enemies, new features such as vehicle crafting and dark treacherous caves. Fine additions to be sure. Just not really groundbreaking enough to make it feel like a new experience. It also comes at a ridiculously high menuing cost that makes you miss the convenience of Ocarina of Time's iron boots.

    That said the original was still very fun for all its flaws. So I'd say it may be worth the pick up if you've either never played botw or if you're already in the mood to play it again. Though even then, I'd consider maybe waiting for Nintendo's next console in the hopes of experiencing this without the performance issues.    … Expand
  19. xoy
    May 15, 2023
    10
    this game is absolutely better than botw in every aspect. better than perfection
  20. Dgas1992
    May 15, 2023
    10
    O melhor jogo desse ano 10/10, simplesmente uma obra-prima da Nintendo que nunca decepciona!
  21. Procrustes
    May 15, 2023
    0
    20fps check
    Horrible graphics check
    Boring puzzles all over the place check
    Overpriced check
    This game does not deserve, by any means, the 10s which, by majority, are fake, because this game has crucial issues as far as gaming is concerned.

    Overall, Genshin impact does everything better and its free.
  22. TornadoII
    May 15, 2023
    6
    Reused assets. Music is the same, sound effects are the same, the menu is the same, combat is the same, enemies are mostly the same, the map is the same, graphics are the same, and the core game is the same (Shrines for hearts, towers to unlock the map, the weather system, cooking, stamina, the horrendous breaking weapons system, etc)

    People saying the map is super fresh and new are    Reused assets. Music is the same, sound effects are the same, the menu is the same, combat is the same, enemies are mostly the same, the map is the same, graphics are the same, and the core game is the same (Shrines for hearts, towers to unlock the map, the weather system, cooking, stamina, the horrendous breaking weapons system, etc)

    People saying the map is super fresh and new are delusional.
    It is the exact same Hyrule field with some debris and new stuff here and there. The underground sector is a significant area of nothingness, with little to do, and only for grinding materials.

    The sky Islands are just rocks scattered and all look more or less the same. At least going there or diving to the ground is fun and fresh.

    Same world, exploration was replaced with new mechanics and gameplay gimmicks. I know this world, I've been here 6 years ago, and I don't feel it new at all, the sense of awe and exploration is mostly gone, is way too familiar.

    The weapon system is the worst mechanic of the botw game and persists here, the fusing mechanic doesn't really help to improve things.
    Having nice weapons is meaningless, they brake with a couple of swings, and you spend half of the time browsing the menu disrupting constantly the flow of the battle, then you fuse stuff and the cycle begins again.
    Honestly, I avoid engaging with many enemies because I found the mechanic so annoying and meaningless, which is a huge red flag for me.

    You spend half of this game browsing the menu, cooking, and grinding materials constantly, which I feel is a chore and has terrible pacing.

    720-900p with fps around 25-30 and sometimes less is terrible, Nintendo really needs to bring in some new hardware, this game is too big for this outdated console.

    The story is nice, I love the art direction, outfit design etc. Nintendo improved the dungeons too. Which is a good thing.

    By any means this game is bad, is not just straight out 10 and the best game ever created as many people say.    … Expand
  23. Amaro923
    May 15, 2023
    10
    the game is beautiful with excellent settings and good details but lacks the graphic component which in some cases worsens the playability of the title still excellent game
  24. Saselin
    May 15, 2023
    10
    Es emocionante cuando encuentras un juego y te enganchas. Dan muchas ganas de pasear por todo el mapa y apreciar cada detalle. No es un juego perfecto, pero tiene mucha magia y eso lo hace especial.
  25. IvoMD
    May 15, 2023
    10
    One of the best games of all times. Super addictive and simple mechanics, huge environments, beautiful music and sound effects. A masterpiece.
  26. ThatVeggie218
    May 15, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Very Fun Game, good graphics, good story, buy it! You can do many things, like crucifying a korok! Must Play!… Expand
  27. Ja_Klar
    May 15, 2023
    10
    Das beste Spiel aller Zeiten.
    Das beste was ich jemals gespielt habe. Die Möglichkeiten, die riesige Welt und die Story ist einfach genial
  28. Bassism87
    May 15, 2023
    10
    Amazing. Tops BotW in many ways. The mechanics introduced are limitless in possibilities and a bigger focus on story and character development make this a game all around worth playing.
  29. QqRising
    May 15, 2023
    10
    "At first, I thought this game had no chance of surpassing its predecessor, as even if it was fantastic, it could still be limited by its mechanics. However, after playing it for just two hours, my perspective completely changed. The newly introduced abilities sparked my imagination, and the size of the newly added sky and underground mazes doubled compared to before. Most importantly, as"At first, I thought this game had no chance of surpassing its predecessor, as even if it was fantastic, it could still be limited by its mechanics. However, after playing it for just two hours, my perspective completely changed. The newly introduced abilities sparked my imagination, and the size of the newly added sky and underground mazes doubled compared to before. Most importantly, as an open-world game, its innovativeness left me with boundless possibilities."… Expand
  30. LS_Lucky
    May 15, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Its amazing, the dungeons are hard, the bosses are hard, the story is also great, exploration managed to get upgraded from botw into totk, same with combat, it doesnt feel boring to have the same enemies anymore, im ab 25 hours in now and i dont have any complaints… 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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