Summary
For decades,The Legend of Zeldatimeline has constructed its entire narrative on the foundation of one of the messiest and most intriguing concepts in all of gaming: its broken yet interconnected timeline, where different incarnations of Link, Zelda, and Ganon are all brought to life across parallel histories. Since the release ofZelda: Ocarina of Time, Nintendo has consistently provided fans with the truth regarding each game’s placement in the official timeline, making it a bit easier for players to follow. However, the timeline is ultimately the mess that it is due toThe Legend of Zelda’s persistent willingness to flirt with the idea of a multiverse without fully committing to it.
To this day, it is only assumed thateach iteration of Hyruleand its inhabitants inThe Legend of Zeldaare held together by a much larger multiverse, as the mainline series outright refuses to embrace the idea.Hyrule Warriorsis the only game in the series to openly suggest the presence of a multiverse, but it is a spin-off in the series and therefore holds little credibility in comparison to what a mainline entry could certify. With all of this considered, it’s safe to say that it’s high-time for a mainlineZeldamultiverse game, as it would not only be the ultimate love letter to fans and confirm their theories, but it would also be a chance for the series to reinvent itself from a gameplay standpoint.
What Zelda Could Do With a Mainline Multiverse Game
A Zelda Multiverse Game Would Be the Ultimate Love Letter to Fans
It goes without saying that a mainlineLegend of Zeldamultiverse gamewould be the ultimate love letter to fans. A game like this would potentially appeal to both veterans and newcomers alike, effectively bridging the gap between what was and what is by bringing together every version of Link, Zelda, and other major franchise characters for one of the most climactic and explosive narratives in the series' history. It would be a great way to introduceZeldanewcomers who might have hopped on board during the franchise’sBreath of the Wildera a firsthand glimpse into the series' past, all while honoring those who have remained committed toThe Legend of Zeldasince it began nearly four decades ago.
The timeline is ultimately the mess that it is due toThe Legend of Zelda’s persistent willingness to flirt with the idea of a multiverse without fully committing to it.
A great way to bring all of these different iterations together would be to utilizeThe Legend of Zelda’s different art styles. This would help distinguish between theZelda"universes" that fans have come to know and love, all while adding a healthy dose of nostalgic flair to the overall experience. The thought of Toon Link fromZelda: The Wind Wakercoming into direct contact withTwilight Princess' more mature and seasoned Link is an exhilarating one, without a doubt, and it’s moments like these that wouldn’t have to work hard to force a smile on players' faces.
The Zelda Franchise Could Reinvent Gameplay With a Mainline Multiverse Game
A mainlineZeldamultiverse game would also be a great excuse for the series to reinvent its gameplay. A multiversalZeldagame could therefore unify the franchise’s long history while allowing for unprecedented creativity in world design, mechanics, and character dynamics. Things like reality-shifting mechanics, abranching narrative with multiple outcomes, and giving players the ability to swap between different versions of Link in order to change their playstyle would all be a great way forThe Legend of Zeldato express itself in a way it has never had the proper excuse for.
By finally embracing the multiverse concept that has lingered in the background for decades,The Legend of Zeldacould transform what is currently seen as a convoluted timeline into one of its greatest storytelling strengths. A game like this would allow for unparalleled innovation in gameplay, a thrilling convergence of past and present, and a love letter toevery era ofZeldathat has shaped the series into what it is today. With modern gaming increasingly leaning into expansive, interconnected worlds, there is arguably no better time for a mainlineZeldamultiverse game than now.
