Two simple tests help to judge a game’s immersive potential – can the player sit down, and can they pet the dog.Breath of the Wildhas one of these features, but unfortunately it isn’t petting the dog. While they can be fed, wag their tails, and follow Link around for a bit, being unable to pet them was a sacrilege. While its currently unknown ifTears of the Kingdomwill change this, the fuss that the community made about it might have been enough to get through to Nintendo. Players should be allowed to pet the dogs inThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomand, to make up for the first game’s missed opportunity, it should add cats too.
It’s no secret that players have been longing to petBreath of the Wild’s dogssince the game came out, and there really isn’t a good reason for it not to be a feature. While animals will show their affection for Link after he feeds them, the only animal he can actually pet is his horse. This is doubly tragic considering Wolf Link, who can be summoned to the game by amiibo. Link can feed him, and he will be a loyal companion as long as he’s there, but it really feels like a missed opportunity not to give him a scratch.
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Breath of the Wild - Missed Opportunities
Dogs have played an important part of the 3DZeldagames sinceOcarina of Time,but cats didn’t make their 3D debut untilTwilight Princess– though inTwilight Princess, players were spoiled for choice when it came to cute animals. Link could play fetch with dogs, and cats would follow him around, but the real treat was being able to pick them up and carry them. This feature was forgotten about afterSkyward Sword, but asTears of the Kingdomappears to be bringing back monsters, mechanics, and items from the past, being able to pet and pick up cute animals should make a comeback too.
WhileTears of the Kingdommay be taking on a darker tone than its predecessor, that shouldn’t be a reason to stop players from petting animals. EvenHogwarts Legacylets players pet the cats, and that game has school children killing poachers. The best games have a balance between the dark moments and the light, and that’s whereTwilight Princessgets it right. While the tone of the story was overall melancholic and dark, the cute and happy moments were just as memorable.
Tears of the Kingdom Needs Cats
Part of what gaveBreath of the Wildits replay value was taking pictures of the flora and fauna of Hyrule. While it’s currently unknown whether theShiekah Slate will return inTears of the Kingdom, the Hyrule Compendium should still be expanded upon. Even thoughBreath of the Wildfeatured creatures like foxes, squirrels, and 18 species of birds, cats didn’t make the cut. It’s easy to imagine the places they would be, like lounging around by the fish market in Lurelin Village, or curled up on the comfy pillows in Kakariko Village.
If for some reason cats don’t work, maybeSkyward Sword’s Remlitscan make a comeback. These cuddly, bat-eared gremlins haven’t been seen in anyZeldagames sinceSkyward Sword, but they look like they would be right at home inTears of the Kingdom.If they do make a return, perhaps they should stay indoors during the blood moon. Only time will tell if more cute and cuddly creatures are added toTears of the Kingdom, and if Link will finally be able to pet them.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomis set to release onMay 12, 2023, on the Nintendo Switch.
