Zelda Might Only Have Another Ocarina Of Time Moment If It Leaves Hyrule Behind

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was a defining moment for the franchise and fans. It showcased a whole new style of game that would later be expanded upon in ways no one could have imagined. Today, the series boasts nearly 30 games across its original titles and remakes, all of which have become beloved classics that still hold up. Much of this love for both the individual experiences and the series itself comes from their ability to completely immerse players in a world and journey unlike any other.

However, the longer the series goes on, the more it stagnates, at least in certain areas. It's resulted in players calling for remakes of the classics, for a return to a more nostalgic time, rather than looking forward to what the series could become. For a while, it has felt like and represent the apex of what the franchise feels capable of. Fortunately, that isn't strictly true, as still has a lot left to offer the world, especially if it makes one key change to its iconic setting.

series has remained largely iterative across its many entries, at least when it comes to its setting. Hyrule, while a diverse and richly detailed location, has remained at the center of the franchise for decades, undergoing minor changes and iterations with each entry, but always maintaining a sense of familiarity. This has meant that fans have grown as accustomed to Hyrule as they have to Earth itself, now having great respect and understanding of its cultures, landmarks, history, and even topography.

However, there have been a few exceptions where Hyrule was completely renewed, giving players a new perspective on it and making it feel altogether new, despite sharing the same landmarks as it always has. The two notable examples are, the first 3D game that came to establish what Hyrule looked like, and, the game that revolutionized the entire franchise as well as Hyrule as a location. Both games offered fans something completely new without merely altering the landscape slightly.

The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time was