SomeZeldafans are longing for Nintendo to return to the artstyle of one of the franchise’s most beloved games, requesting a comeback for the style ofTwilight Princess. Throughout the storied history of theLegend of Zeldafranchise, Nintendo has taken plenty of creative and unique approaches to its premier adventure series throughout its nearly 40-year-long life. From the Capcom-developedOracle of SeasonsandOracle of Agesto the full motion controls ofSkyward Sword, Nintendo has never been afraid to experiment with theZeldaformula. Now, fans are asking for a beloved style ofZeldato be revived.
First released in late 2006,The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princesswas a groundbreaking game for the franchise in more ways than one.Twilight Princesswas the first 3DZeldagameto feature a more realistic artstyle, shedding the vibrant colors ofThe Wind Wakerfor grittier, washed-out hues. The game was also the firstZeldagame to launch simultaneously on two different consoles, with the GameCube version releasing just two weeks after the Wii version. Now, one fan wants Nintendo to return toTwilight Princess’s Hyrule.
A post shared by Reddit user Ok-Possession-322 is lamenting Nintendo’s departure from the realistic style portrayed inTwilight Princess. The fan offered praise forBreath of the WildandTears of the Kingdom’s cel-shaded styles, but expressed a longing for Nintendo toreturn toTwilight Princess’s unique visuals. While many modernZeldagames have shared artstyle across multiple games, likeWind WakerandPhantom Hourglass, the only game to shareTwilight Princess’s style was shooter spinoffLink’s Crossbow Training.
Fans Want Zelda to Bring Back Twilight Princess Artstyle
Other fans in the replies offered some potential reasons why Nintendo has shied away from returning toTwilight Princess’s style. Many fans citedTwilight Princessas following in the trend of many other big-name games of the time, with realistic visuals being a major trend in gaming throughout the mid-to-late 2000s. Some also referred to the historical context followingTwilight Princess, seen by many as an answer from Nintendo to the backlash surroundingWind Waker’s more “cartoony” graphics.
WhileThe Legend of Zeldamay never see a full return toTwilight Princess’s style, Nintendo may still have something in store for fans of the GameCube and WiiZeldagame. Rumors have floated around for years about potential ports ornew remasters ofTwilight PrincessandThe Wind Wakercoming to Switch, similar to the Wii U remasters. The introduction of GameCube games to Nintendo Switch Online has also reignited hope ofTwilight Princessbecoming playable on Switch 2.Twilight Princessfans may not have to wait much longer for the game to make a triumphant return to Nintendo’s newest console.
