**Title: “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Ends with a Return to the Status Quo”**
**Subtitle: Fans Disappointed as the Franchise Fails to Break Out of Its Repetitive Cycle**
*By Jay Castello*
*Published on July 22, 2023 at 12:00 pm*
The much-anticipated ending of “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom” has left fans disappointed as the game concludes with a return to the status quo. The defeat of Ganondorf, the restoration of Zelda to the throne, and Link regaining his arm appear to be triumphant moments, yet they perpetuate a cycle that has become all too familiar within the franchise.
In a franchise known for its reincarnation and divine forces, it is no surprise that a new Legend of Zelda game is inevitable. The recurring themes of Ganon threatening the princess and the world, ultimately stopped by Link, have become canonized within the game’s fiction itself. This cycle is deemed the great tragedy beneath the entire narrative of The Legend of Zelda.
While “Tears of the Kingdom” may present the preservation of the status quo as a grand victory, the game fails to address the fact that the series’ status quo is becoming increasingly thin. Fans were eager to see a playable princess introduced in this sequel, as suggested by the short-haired Zelda in the trailer. However, the game falls back on the same old story for Zelda, denying the opportunity for character and narrative progression.
Furthermore, “Tears of the Kingdom” introduces interesting themes such as the significance of bodies, as seen through Link losing his arm and gaining a prosthetic, Zelda’s transformation, and Mineru’s utilization of a robot construct. Despite the potential for these changes to have lasting impacts and thematic implications, the writers choose to erase them, favoring a neat conclusion that dismisses the importance of change.
The game’s portrayal of Zelda as an unquestioned ruler highlights a lack of critical examination within the franchise. Zelda is presented as a benevolent dictator, aiming for peace without acknowledging the complexities inherent in wielding power. The narrative conveniently sidesteps racist tropes that underpin Ganon’s story and the gendered aspects of Zelda’s repetitive role.
Critics argue that a bolder and more honest ending would have left Zelda trapped in her draconic form, symbolizing a sacrifice that cannot be erased with convenient magical abilities. Such an ending would have reflected the sacrifices necessary for evil to be defeated, rather than reverting to a blissful status quo.
Overall, “Tears of the Kingdom” fails to be a story for our current times. Instead, it embodies a narrative that celebrates maintaining the status quo as a victory. This sentiment is reflected in various aspects of today’s society, from oppressive governmental policies to regressive laws and corporate media’s reliance on remakes and sequels.
The Legend of Zelda franchise, once known for its innovative and surprising elements, has fallen into a repetitive cycle. With “Tears of the Kingdom,” Nintendo missed the opportunity to break free from this pattern and deliver a game that resonates with its audience on a deeper level. Until these cycles are broken, the apparent victory remains its own kind of tragedy.
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