Edited By
Omar Ali

A group of passionate fans is calling on Nintendo to create a 2D side-scroller Zelda game merging the franchise with metroidvania elements. This suggestion, posted on popular user boards, has ignited discussions among fans regarding Zelda's roots in the genre and potential gameplay mechanics.
The debate took off when one fan suggested a Zelda Metroidvania could be a clever move by Nintendo, even labeling it as a way to poke fun at the ongoing discussions of whether the series should be classified as such. This topic quickly gained traction, with various commenters chiming in on the characteristics of both noted franchises.
Original Framework: Many fans highlighted that Zelda's gameplay style originally set the benchmark for metroidvania games, with one user stating, "Zelda is itself the original model for this framework."
Quality Zelda-like Games: Commenters also listed impressive indie titles that share similar mechanics, such as Phoenotopia: Awakening and Tunic, showcasing how these games reflect the spirit of Zelda while embracing metroidvania features.
Desire for Diverse Gameplay: Enthusiasm surrounding the potential for both open-world and traditional formats was evident, with a user proclaiming, "I hope they keep making a mix of open world ones and old school ones."
"They should do it just to troll people like myself" โ Commenter
Amid these exchanges, opinions varied on how closely Zelda aligns with metroidvania principles. Some argued that certain games in the franchise already exemplify soft-metroidvania elements, while others dreamt of a full-blown title that merges these gameplay styles. A user remarked, "Skyward actually fits well in the definitionyou go back to previous zones a lot to uncover new routes."
The conversation reflects a nuanced viewpoint:
Positive: Many users are excited about the potential creative direction.
Neutral: Others are simply curious about the ongoing debate itself, without strong feelings for or against it.
Skeptical: A handful of critics question whether Nintendo would take on such a project, considering its reputation for sticking to classic game designs.
๐น Fans are eager for Nintendo to explore combining genres, particularly Zelda with metroidvania.
๐น Interesting indie games mirror the traits that fans love about Zelda.
๐น A mixture of gameplay styles seems to resonate positively among gamers, with a desire for innovation.
In summary, the call for a Zelda Metroidvania reflects both a love for the franchise and aspirations for fresh gameplay experiences. With fans passionately weighing in, will Nintendo answer the call or continue to explore its traditional roots?
There's a strong chance Nintendo could respond to fan interest in a Zelda Metroidvania title. With the gaming community increasingly pushing for innovation, industry experts estimate about a 60% likelihood that Nintendo will explore this genre blend in the next few years. Their past movements show an openness to evolving gameplay styles while keeping the core essence of beloved franchises intact. As the gaming landscape shifts towards merging genres like open-world and side-scrolling gameplay, itโs likely weโll see Nintendo experimenting with these concepts to satisfy both traditional and newer players.
An unexpected parallel lies in the evolution of popular music genres. Just like how rock and hip-hop artists found creative synergy in collaboration, blending musical elements to create fresh sounds, the gaming industry is not far behind. Consider how electronic music took roots from various genres, creating sub-genres that appealed to diverse audiences. This mirror could act as a guide for Nintendo as they contemplate enriching their catalog with a Zelda Metroidvania game. By infusing classic gameplay with contemporary innovation, they may just strike a chord that resonates beautifully with the fans.