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. SasKP
    Aug 21, 2023
    3
    It's frustrating as hell, BotW was a struggle as well but I pushed through it because everyone liked it. Won't do the same with TotK, played it for like 11 hours and I'm done, this is not for me.

    They took BotW and cranked up the bullsh*t tenfold with the Zonai devices and mandatory weapon fusing. I played it on a Switch emulator with unlimited weapon durability (with 60fps on 2K) so I    It's frustrating as hell, BotW was a struggle as well but I pushed through it because everyone liked it. Won't do the same with TotK, played it for like 11 hours and I'm done, this is not for me.

    They took BotW and cranked up the bullsh*t tenfold with the Zonai devices and mandatory weapon fusing. I played it on a Switch emulator with unlimited weapon durability (with 60fps on 2K) so I can't even imagine the tedium normal players have to endure.

    My main issue with the latest Zelda games is a lack of direction (even though I absolutely love Elden Ring where I was constantly lost). Yes, the game throws some objective markers at you but it's still overwhelming. That combined with it's lack-luster combat, unrewarding gameplay loop, boatload of puzzles and ungodly amount of walking make this a dreadful experience, the cumbersome mechanics of the Ultra-Hand and Zonai devices just added to my frustration.

    It is what it is, I don't like Baldur's Gate 3 either, it's too slow. My ADHD brain needs quick and constant stimulation otherwise I'm out, no matter how highly praised it is by critics and the general populace.
    Give me a weapon, some enemies to kill (with a good combat system) and I'm good. Leave the "wandering around aimlessly" and "finding what to do next" parts to real-life, or at least make it worth my while. None of the places look interesting or memorable.

    In conclusion, for me this game is boring, frustrating and tedious.

    If you relate to how I feel:

    Don't let the internet make you play a game you don't like, just accept that you're different and move on.
    There is something for everyone.    … Expand
  2. papa_zebra
    Jul 1, 2023
    0
    I can't recommend this game. The combat is some of the worse I've played in a long time, especially compared to other Zelda games. The companions constantly get in the way and activating their powers is an absolute chore. The controls feel clunky and good luck having a smooth experience at all when throwing stuff or using your powers. Sure, the Zonai tech is cool, but there is so muchI can't recommend this game. The combat is some of the worse I've played in a long time, especially compared to other Zelda games. The companions constantly get in the way and activating their powers is an absolute chore. The controls feel clunky and good luck having a smooth experience at all when throwing stuff or using your powers. Sure, the Zonai tech is cool, but there is so much combat in this game that it's a slog to get anything done without feeling incredibly frustrated.

    Getting really tired of people giving games with a mainstream title a great review just because it's called Zelda.    … Expand
  3. Sleckers
    Jul 2, 2023
    0
    I understand some people love this game which is great for them, but to me I don’t understand how a major franchise can bring out something as dull and boring as this in 2023. The game is just a bland walking and climbing experience with little guidance and a dull story, I could barely finish the tutorial as I kept falling asleep with the switch in my hand, took me 3 attempts before II understand some people love this game which is great for them, but to me I don’t understand how a major franchise can bring out something as dull and boring as this in 2023. The game is just a bland walking and climbing experience with little guidance and a dull story, I could barely finish the tutorial as I kept falling asleep with the switch in my hand, took me 3 attempts before I managed to stay awake long enough just to be dumped into the main game which is no different, no guidance and all I do is walk around and climb stuff.… Expand
  4. googleli
    Jul 8, 2023
    0
    1 Shrines improved but rewards still feel grossly dispropotionate
    2 Horrible graphics at the Depths and all indoor areas, even for Switch's standards
    3 Generally bad graphics in 2023 4 Virtually non-existent story compared with any decent RPGs or action RPGs out there 5 Build system is fun at the beginning but becomes a chore when you have to build a bridge from 10 tree trunks 6    1 Shrines improved but rewards still feel grossly dispropotionate
    2 Horrible graphics at the Depths and all indoor areas, even for Switch's standards
    3 Generally bad graphics in 2023
    4 Virtually non-existent story compared with any decent RPGs or action RPGs out there
    5 Build system is fun at the beginning but becomes a chore when you have to build a bridge from 10 tree trunks
    6 Depths feel like an afterthought
    7 Basic systems (e.g. armor upgrades) locked behind tedious quests and tedious collection chores
    8
    Very basic combat system that makes all the chores for gear not worth the while    … Expand
  5. Anarkroft
    May 21, 2023
    7
    ça se caresse beaucoup sur cet opus "parce que c'est le prochain Zelda". Ce n'est ni une excuse, ni un argument !
    Si je dois juger ce jeu en tant que jeu, et OBJECTIVEMENT, je ne peux pas m’empêcher de me dire "ok, c'est un bon jeu, mais il a plusieurs défauts !" Ce n'est ni le jeu de la vie, ni le jeu ultra parfait.
    On est sur le même moteur que BOTW. Alors en 2017 ça allait, remis dans    ça se caresse beaucoup sur cet opus "parce que c'est le prochain Zelda". Ce n'est ni une excuse, ni un argument !
    Si je dois juger ce jeu en tant que jeu, et OBJECTIVEMENT, je ne peux pas m’empêcher de me dire "ok, c'est un bon jeu, mais il a plusieurs défauts !" Ce n'est ni le jeu de la vie, ni le jeu ultra parfait.
    On est sur le même moteur que BOTW. Alors en 2017 ça allait, remis dans le contexte c'était honnête. Par contre, la même en 2023 sur la même console qui était déjà un peu fatiguée à l'époque, je vous laisse imaginer la cata : 1080P 30fps en regardant le ciel, sinon c'est définition dynamique et framerate dynamique aussi. L'aliasing est absolument horrible pour les yeux.
    Oui, y'a un moteur physique un peu plus évolué que BOTW, on peut construire des chose en assemblant des éléments, c'est sympa mais ça fait pas du 26/20 en note quoi. Impossible de changer les touches, touche X et B pour courir et sauter c'est a se demander si les dev ont tenu une manette switch entre les mains? (au pire, pourquoi ne pas pouvoir changer les touches ? on est en 2023 les gars !)
    Les doublages... parlons-en ! Les cinématiques sont doublées (vocalement) dans la langue de Molière, mais 95% des dialogues dans le jeu (typiquement avec un PNJ) ne sont pas doublés en vocal. Pas DU TOUT, quelque soit la langue. C'est assez fou en 2023, toujours.
    Intrinsèquement, le jeu c'est un BOTW++ : la zone de jeu est plus grande, c'est tout. Les combats ne sont pas spécialement passionnants : une arme par ennemi, arme qui casse toujours très rapidement, et ennemi qui te bute en deux coups : mouaif.
    Bon jeu, en étant honnête pas de quoi se pignoler en se disant que c'est le jeu de la vie. Pour ceux qui n'ont jamais fait BOTW, bon jeu. Pour ceux qui ont fait BOTW : TOTK est une redite de BOTW en mode "plus plus"    … Expand
  6. CiceroSez
    May 25, 2023
    2
    In a realm where Wind Waker's artistry stood,
    Tears of the Expansion (of BotW) emerged, misunderstood.
    With hope in my heart and nostalgia's embrace, I ventured forth, a jester, to jest this Zelda space. The open world beckoned, vast and so wide, But lacking enchantment, it made me deride. Wind Waker's seas, a sight full of grand, While Tears of the Expansion, a lackluster land. Dungeons    In a realm where Wind Waker's artistry stood,
    Tears of the Expansion (of BotW) emerged, misunderstood.
    With hope in my heart and nostalgia's embrace,
    I ventured forth, a jester, to jest this Zelda space.

    The open world beckoned, vast and so wide,
    But lacking enchantment, it made me deride.
    Wind Waker's seas, a sight full of grand,
    While Tears of the Expansion, a lackluster land.

    Dungeons once grand, puzzles crafted with care,
    Now pale shadows, a tedious affair.
    Rooms and puzzles skippable, immersion defaced,
    No treasures to find, no challenges to embrace.

    Maps, compasses, keys, they've faded, it's true,
    Took an arrow to the knee, a sad adieu.
    Replaced by simplicity, devoid of true zest,
    Puzzles forsaken, immersion put to the test.

    Breakable weapons, tools that won't last,
    Zelda's essence faded, a relic from the past.
    The Blood Moon, tired and worn, in its repeat,
    Rehashed memory cleaning, a cycle so fleet.

    A lengthy two-hour tutorial, a burden to bear,
    Tears of the Expansion, time wasted in despair.
    An identity crisis, lost in its lore,
    Assassin's Creed's shadow, knocking at the door.

    "Ubitowers" once more, an intrusion so odd,
    Zelda's spirit diluted, a fusion so flawed.
    Minecraft's influence joining this melee,
    Challenges diminished, immersion in disarray.

    Link to the Past, a standard so high,
    Minish Cap and Ocarina of Time, oh my!
    They set the bar for what Zelda should be,
    A rich tapestry of lore and adventure for thee.

    A sequel awaits, skepticism in hand,
    Will Call of Duty gameplay next invade this land?
    Firing at Moblins with a Model Deku slide-action grand!    … Expand
  7. Keyity
    May 30, 2023
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The game did not live up to the hype.
    Some disappointments:
    - A lot of recycled game mechanics from botw. It feels more like a DLC than a whole new game.
    - The introduction is too long, linear and tedious. This ruins replay-ability.
    - The construction-type game mechanic feels a lot like actual work, with a poor interface. If you do 3D modeling as a day-time job, playing this game is not relaxing nor entertaining. Much rather get back to work. It feels very off in a Zelda game.
    - The game is nearly unplayable for people with limited spatial awareness.
    - Storyline doesn't provoke progression.
    - Deviating from the storyline is unrewarding.
    - The vast spectrum of weapons and abilities makes for an overcomplicated play-style.
    - Seems to target a very young audience.    … Expand
  8. idolovegaming
    Jul 8, 2023
    2
    i have to honest, i wasn't really impressed. Maybe it's just not my type of game, but as a reviewer (and gamer) i try to play pretty much all the new games. Graphics didn't impress me at all, they weren't awful, but more like indie game, rather than AAA. Story didn't impress me either, i honestly think this series needs some kind of innovation. And i don't mean some minor addition, i meani have to honest, i wasn't really impressed. Maybe it's just not my type of game, but as a reviewer (and gamer) i try to play pretty much all the new games. Graphics didn't impress me at all, they weren't awful, but more like indie game, rather than AAA. Story didn't impress me either, i honestly think this series needs some kind of innovation. And i don't mean some minor addition, i mean complete overhaul, because in my opinion this style is getting old. But that's just my opinion. I personally didn't like it, but obviously try it for yourself and draw your own conclusions.… Expand
  9. funkjaw
    May 26, 2023
    0
    Unfortunately like BOTW, this game falls short of everything that makes Zelda magical; it's all hype and fluff, with no substance. If you just want to play a sandbox game on hardware from 7 years ago with graphics to match, sure get this game. But if you are looking for an epic Zelda adventure this is not it.
  10. NickP04
    Jun 4, 2023
    0
    It's so bad there's nothing to do, there is no clear objective and also the graphics are very bad
  11. taxxjp
    May 13, 2023
    10
    Good, ta muito bom o games, ja estou com algumas horas e estou amando.
    Com certeza ele ganha o Game do Ano
  12. Tequilae
    May 14, 2023
    10
    I really can’t find any flaws. It’s a perfect execution for what the developers were trying to achieve. Another home run for Nintendo and for us gamers that get to experience this masterpiece. So happy to be alive to play Zelda !
  13. Lokia987
    May 17, 2023
    10
    This is the best open world game ever made. Period! I escape in hyrule and forgetting all my real life problems for few hours. Perfect!
  14. VoxLuden
    Jun 26, 2023
    7
    An evolved emphasis on the world and it's progression through time, Tears of the Kingdom is the direct sequel to Breath of the Wild, but I couldn't help but feel it fell short of what I expected given six years of development polish. Something about it is lacking the magic that Breath of the Wild had, be that because Breath of the Wild exists or because it's hardly a completely unique gameAn evolved emphasis on the world and it's progression through time, Tears of the Kingdom is the direct sequel to Breath of the Wild, but I couldn't help but feel it fell short of what I expected given six years of development polish. Something about it is lacking the magic that Breath of the Wild had, be that because Breath of the Wild exists or because it's hardly a completely unique game in it's own right, Tears of the Kingdom doesn't come close to justifying the cost of it's development time in my opinion.

    Breath of the Wild's approach, while lacking in some areas of the overworld, kept you grounded and involved in navigating the world itself. Tears of the Kingdom wants you to skip it by creating any amount of vehicles to navigate over those some obstacles. Because of this, and the quality of other entries in the Zelda franchise, I don't feel that Tears of the Kingdom is necessarily better than Breath of the Wild, it's just more of it.

    That said, it's deeply enjoyable if you cast aside your experience with Breath of the Wild, the cast, voice acting, story implication and gameplay still chalk up to be the new standard for what Zelda games and open world games should aspire to. I just hoped for something more unique.    … Expand
  15. zachtgray
    May 14, 2023
    10
    No game has ever been more deserving of a 10 out of 10. Hats off to the devs
  16. SaschaAM
    Jul 4, 2023
    7
    Can't put a finger on it, but I got bored fast. The visual quality is good. The story felt boring compared with breath of the wild. If I should describe what this full price game feels like, like a collection of mods, including cheating mods.
    It does not feel balanced and I have to limit myself on which tools I am allowed to use, without robbing me myself of any challenge/fun. The sky    Can't put a finger on it, but I got bored fast. The visual quality is good. The story felt boring compared with breath of the wild. If I should describe what this full price game feels like, like a collection of mods, including cheating mods.
    It does not feel balanced and I have to limit myself on which tools I am allowed to use, without robbing me myself of any challenge/fun. The sky islands feel like simple puzzles, while the underworld feels like unbalanced copy pasta. First Zelda game I probably will never finish.    … Expand
  17. Xenomorph_kills
    May 14, 2023
    9
    The Abilities are way more fun to play with than in BOTW. The story revolves around an exciting mystery. Simple user friendly changes make this better than BOTW in almost all aspects. It’s a must get for any switch owner.
  18. gl00ck
    May 20, 2023
    10
    This game is a great example that the modern graphics and all these stuff like ray tracing is nothing. So many game studios are wasting years making a so called high end graphics but their games so often are boring, faulty, stupidly designed, makes no sense and doesn't worth the time and money. Faulty releases of modern games is a mainstream now and most of the games are released in a veryThis game is a great example that the modern graphics and all these stuff like ray tracing is nothing. So many game studios are wasting years making a so called high end graphics but their games so often are boring, faulty, stupidly designed, makes no sense and doesn't worth the time and money. Faulty releases of modern games is a mainstream now and most of the games are released in a very bad technical condition, even no point to say about other aspects...

    Fortunately at least some game makers still can make a good quality game and it is not only about the graphics but overall. In my opinion "The Tears of The Kingdom" is a great sequel of a great game, the quality of the game is very good and I love attention to details , this is rare thing in modern games.

    The rest of the game makers should take Zelda BOTW/TOTK as an example and finally understand that the gameplay is the most important thing in a game, just a cool picture is not enough, it should be interesting to play first of all and a game must work well on release!

    To be honest, I don't understand the outrage of people who say that this game has old graphics. Did you expect that Switch will magically get an additional graphics card with the release of the new Zelda?
    Considering the size of this game, the developers have done an incredible work to make make it so well.

    I agree that not everything is absolutely perfect in this game but I'll put the highest score as some little issues doesn't make any troubles and most likely will be fixed soon.

    This game is not a DLC, there is a plenty of a new interesting content, new features and ideas, it is huge and awesome. Don't listen anyone who is moaning that it is a full price DLC, it is not true, If you are the BOTW fan you will love this game!    … Expand
  19. GUCCIpotato
    May 14, 2023
    10
    I am roughly 12 hours into the game and I gotta say. This is one of the BEST games I have ever played. So much detail is packed into this world and everything about it from the people to music, art to gameplay is just stunning. Even with the slight drawbacks this game is still EASILY a 10/10
  20. ferolajr
    May 22, 2023
    8
    It's essentially BOTW all over again, with new and better gameplay mechanics, but the same issues and some reused map and enemies. For every new thing added, there's an old thing coming back, which makes TOTK a better and bigger game than BOTW, but kind of disappointing for a $70 sequel.

    Still, the story is better, the open world is richer, and overall the gameplay is much more    It's essentially BOTW all over again, with new and better gameplay mechanics, but the same issues and some reused map and enemies. For every new thing added, there's an old thing coming back, which makes TOTK a better and bigger game than BOTW, but kind of disappointing for a $70 sequel.

    Still, the story is better, the open world is richer, and overall the gameplay is much more interesting and engaging (the new abilities are much more fun than BOTW's).

    If you've never played a zelda game, Tears of the Kingdom is a really good entry point, but I expected more from a sequel to 2017's GOTY, and this game got me thinking that maybe Nintendo should abandon the open world trend and make The Legend of Zelda linear again.    … Expand
  21. Loki669
    May 19, 2023
    10
    Awesome game building up frome the foundations of BOTW and refining it love all the new mechanics tons of fun
  22. Marcelo649
    Jul 24, 2023
    1
    Es un juego muy aburrido y sobrevalorado es evidente que la mayoría se está dejando llevar por la nostalgia.
  23. fandezelda12345
    May 13, 2023
    10
    Goty porfavor es breath of the wild pero mejorado simplemente es el mejor juego que e jugado pero con aún más contenido
  24. Mvector
    May 13, 2023
    10
    Good good very good and zelda good good and very famous funny and and very interesting
  25. psyducklvr
    May 13, 2023
    10
    I waited so long for this and it didn’t disappoint !! It’s so good. It’s different and it took me a while to get used to all the new mechanics but it’s a breath of fresh air, something that I have come to associate with Zelda games!
  26. Gamermutt
    May 17, 2023
    10
    I loved BotW, and TotK is proving to be even more fun! So much to do and explore. Despite it being the same world, it feels very new. New enemies are really fun! I've throughly enjoyed playing and can absolutely see myself picking this back up to play around often! Exciting game, excellent sequel! Its a definite upgrade from BotW! Looks great! No issues with frames dropping for me. TheI loved BotW, and TotK is proving to be even more fun! So much to do and explore. Despite it being the same world, it feels very new. New enemies are really fun! I've throughly enjoyed playing and can absolutely see myself picking this back up to play around often! Exciting game, excellent sequel! Its a definite upgrade from BotW! Looks great! No issues with frames dropping for me. The music is lovely as well really adds to everything. I highly reccomend it! Looking forward to more like this!!… Expand
  27. Whiplash6548
    May 14, 2023
    10
    Oh. My. Goodness. This game is so good. The depths might just be the coolest thing ever, the bosses are awesome, the characters are incredible and have grown so much, all the towns feel so alive and have their own goals, the seamless transition from sky to land to underground is just... is just... undescribable. I love this game so much and i cannot wait to pour hundreds of hours in it. ItOh. My. Goodness. This game is so good. The depths might just be the coolest thing ever, the bosses are awesome, the characters are incredible and have grown so much, all the towns feel so alive and have their own goals, the seamless transition from sky to land to underground is just... is just... undescribable. I love this game so much and i cannot wait to pour hundreds of hours in it. It was a little hard to get the paraglider though … Expand
  28. Vero46
    May 14, 2023
    10
    A beautiful game from the Zelda franchise in terms of graphics, I think it's very calm since the hardware of the Nintendo Switch is not very powerful, but the game does not drop in other quality such as gameplay history
  29. David_Ji
    May 17, 2023
    10
    As a player who is familiar with most of the series from Nintendo’s previous console based Zelda till the long waited enhanced version of 2017, it has everything I waited for. No matter is the plot or the mechanism attached to, or the details, scorning experience from, it balance not only needs for theatrical but also open world feelings.

    The users experience of when can skip,    As a player who is familiar with most of the series from Nintendo’s previous console based Zelda till the long waited enhanced version of 2017, it has everything I waited for. No matter is the plot or the mechanism attached to, or the details, scorning experience from, it balance not only needs for theatrical but also open world feelings.

    The users experience of when can skip, especially for second play, connection between dialogue and character voice are kinda subjective feelings. The rhythmic of the game is almost perfect. Can not ask for no more.

    Hope can adjust some lighting effects for following adds up.    … Expand
  30. Omegabrain
    May 17, 2023
    10
    As someone who loved Botw I have to say this game improves on it in every single way possible.

    There’s a lot more to do with a revamped over world as well as the sky islands and the underground to explore, so much creativity with the Ultrahand allowing for insane creations, there is also like the Botw practically never only one to play the game and you can complete the puzzles in any    As someone who loved Botw I have to say this game improves on it in every single way possible.

    There’s a lot more to do with a revamped over world as well as the sky islands and the underground to explore, so much creativity with the Ultrahand allowing for insane creations, there is also like the Botw practically never only one to play the game and you can complete the puzzles in any fashion you want so let your creativity flow.

    Also something I’m glad to see is a lot more unique enemies and bosses as that was one complaint I had with Botw. Another complaint I had with Botw was weapon durability which fusing has somewhat helped to Negate and it also allows for some really cool weapons.

    Overall yes Botw layered the ground work and this game couldn’t happen without it but this game took that open world masterpiece of a formula and damn near perfected it so I’m glad to say this is easily in my top 5 favourite games of all time and the best Zelda game.

    PS hope it gets game of the year as I see nothing trumping it.    … Expand
Page:

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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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