TheHyrule is anyone's to explore in this bright and majestic open-world adventure, but what if one kingdom isn't enough?
For those wishing to further feed their appetites for exploration and wonder, have a look at these games if you enjoyed this epic fantasy.
Updated on August 12, 2020 by Zach Gass: Carl and Ellie had it right, adventure is out there. And one kingdom with a princess to be saved isn't enough for some gamers. While Breath of the Wild is one of the most expansive and beautiful adventure titles in the history of gaming, sometimes players just need something to scratch that extra itch. Fortunately, The Legend of Zelda series laid the foundation for a legion of other adventures that encourage fans to take up their swords and ride off into the sunset.
Oceanhorn
Oceanhorn isn't just a Zelda-like game, it's practically a simple and shameless hybrid of Link to the Past and Windwaker. That being said, it's still a fun and inexpensive way to feed the need for puzzles, dungeons, and monster-slaying. From the blue tunic to the heirloom sword, there's no question about what inspired the title. It might not be a substitute for the glorious realms of Hyrule, but that doesn't mean it can't be a good time.
Swords of Ditto
If one were to take The Legend of Zelda, Adventure Time, and Studio Ghibli together, throw them in a blender and hit frappe, Swords of Ditto would be the end result. The realms are huge, the dungeons are challenging and fun, and the art style is incredibly delightful.
Weapons are replaced with toys, powerups come in the form of stickers, and that pesky Navi is replaced by a talking dung beetle. Don't skip on this adventure.
Blossom Tales
Ever wonder what would happen if Princess Zelda took the reins of a game for a change? Thy wish is granted in this little ode to the 16-bit adventure games of yesteryear. Blossom Tales takes a familiar fairytale setting, a layout inspired by Link to the Past, and a pixel art style that deserves framing and turns it all into a fun and colorful action-adventure epic. It checks all the boxes for a retro throwback, but still maintains its own identity.
3-D Dot Game Heroes
What's this? A From Software title that doesn't make players want to destroy their controllers in anger and frustration? Because that's exactly what 3-D Dot Game Heroes is.
Think of it as a classic Zelda game but with 3-D graphics, but instead of using fully fleshed-out character models, each pixel that makes up every character, dungeon, and monster is given full depth and weight. If the chunky pixel art isn't enough, the satisfying gameplay, puzzles, and combat certainly will.
Effie
Effie is definitely a more dungeon-heavy title than Breath of the Wild, but it maintains a lot of elements that make both that game and several others in its vein great. Where Link uses his Master Sword, Galand of Effie uses a magic shield with technique and power that would make Captain America jealous. With the platforming of a 3-D Mario title and a deep realm of dungeons, monsters, and puzzles galore, this game will make any Zelda buff feel right at home.
Super Mario Odyssey
Why explore one world when there are over a dozen to explore in this Switch title featuring Nintendo's pudgy plumber, Mario? Although the maps aren't as wide and expansive as BotW's, Odyssey is perhaps Mario's most grand adventure to date.
Accompanied by his new friend, Cappy, Mario must once again save Princess Peach from Bowser while exploring different lands and even planets in this colorful 3D platformer.
God of War (2018)
While it's fantasy elements might be darker and more archaic compared to the Guardians of Hyrule, Kratos's Norse-inspired adventure has much to explore and experience in this hack-and-slash saga of a story.
Trade in the Master Sword for the Leviathan Ax and enter a new world of gods and monsters from the halls of Asgard with this lore-heavy reboot to the bloody and brutal Playstation series. The action alone is stupendously satisfying.
Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor
For those who prefer their fantasy with a more traditional flair, one can never go wrong with the realms of Middle Earth. Shadow of Mordor is what Arkham Asylum would be if you replaced Batman's rogues gallery with the forces of Sauron.
With an impressive open world and more than enough orcs, goblins, and other monsters to absolutely mutilate and maul with the skill of a Rohan Ranger, it's not about walking into Mordor, it's walking out.
Darksiders I and II
Darksiders is essentially what would happen if you combined the brutality of God of War with the exploration and puzzles of The Legend of Zelda. Currently, both the first, second, and spinoff titles are available for the Switch, and both still provide a unique action-adventure experience.
While the first game has that classic hack-and-slash feeling, its the sequel featuring the horseman of death that has the openness and freedom akin to BotW.
Hyper Light Drifter
For a more traditional Zelda-inspired experience, there are few games that recreate the adventurous atmosphere of A Link to the Past than Hyper Light Drifter. That being said, those expecting a grand and epic story akin to most Zelda titles might be a tad disappointed, but not for lack of narrative.
This game does the absolute minimum when it comes to guidance, leaving the player to make their own conclusions and decisions. Still, it's an excellent throwback to the days of fantastic 16-bit adventures.
