Videogame Review: ‘The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom’

The saga of a princess and her brave swordsman that began almost 40 years ago continues with “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom” (Nintendo). This 19th mainline entry in the series — one of its distributor’s most popular franchises — fosters imaginative creativity in a way that gamers will likely find irresistible.

While this chapter of Zelda’s story includes little in the way of inappropriate content, the challenges within it are too taxing for little kids. Teens and grown-ups, by contrast, will relish them.

This direct sequel to 2017’s “Breath of the Wild” finds warrior Link (voice of Kengo Takanashi) and the royal lass he champions (voice of Patricia Summersett) separated following an attack by the Demon King, Ganondorf (voice of Matthew Mercer). So Link embarks on a quest to reunite with Zelda and defeat their enemy.

Along the way, Link encounters old friends, including Prince Sidon (voice of James D. Mortellaro), and makes new ones as well. These interactions reinforce one of the constant themes in the ongoing tale, the idea that friendship and love are integral components in any successful struggle against evil.

The game features a pleasant blend of puzzles, action and exploration. The variety of environments through which Link travels, such as snowy plains and volcanic mountains, require him to manage his armor and food properly in order to survive and stay safe.

Players, meanwhile, can take advantage of Link’s many abilities to come up with new and unexpected methods of clearing the obstacles along his path.

Combat doesn’t involve any blood — defeated enemies simply disappear in a puff of smoke or run off to fight another day. Although the backstory of Zelda’s realm, Hyrule, involves entities such as goddesses, they’re kept in the background and presented within a context of fantasy far removed from anything concrete.

Link is a classic chivalrous hero. He is loyal to his allies and compassionate to strangers, always willing to aid those in need.

While Link is a skilled fighter, moreover, he doesn’t always use force to solve problems. Instead, he often relies on perseverance and ingenuity to carry him through, making him an admirable role model.

Playable on Nintendo Switch.

The game contains thoroughly stylized violence and nonscriptural religious ideas. The OSV News classification is A-II — adults and adolescents. The Entertainment Software Rating Board rating is E10+ — everyone 10 and older.

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