The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is an incredible game and often regarded as the one of the best entries in the series. While the praise is undoubtedly well-deserved, there is one element that feels completely overlooked when the end credits start rolling: Link and Zelda's relationship. Left open-ended in BOTW, a romance between the champions of Hyrule could immensely benefit Breath of the Wild 2.
Though it's not a traditional aspect in The Legend of Zelda games, a romance between Link and Zelda is not a new concept. In the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword's sky world, one of the most notable depictions of the pairs' love interest takes place. Because the goddess and hero cycle through reincarnation, fated to meet, a relationship between the two seems inevitable - practically imminent. Despite this, romance rarely is expressed in the series; however, it's highly arguable that Nintendo intended Link and Zelda to be in love in BOTW.
The memories in BOTW are crucial in deciphering the sentiment between Link and Zelda. When viewed chronologically, the scenes illustrate a growth in the pair as the events of the Calamity transpire. Zelda, doubting her own ability to fulfill her prophecy and release her sealing power, is resentful toward the hero chosen by the sword. After Link saves Zelda from the Yiga Clan, the princess begins to appreciate him. As the Calamity unleashes upon Hyrule, the princess risks her life to save Link, and her powers awaken.
Confirming Link & Zelda's Relationship Could Enhance BOTW 2
When Zelda thinks she has lost the hero, she holds Link in her arms, weeping over him. Link's body is placed in the Shrine of Ressurection, and Zelda returns the Master Sword to the Lost Woods. The princess asks the Great Deku Tree to relay a message to Link. She manages "Tell him I - " before the Great Deku cuts her off, saying the words would sound better coming from her. Many interpret that Zelda wanted to confess her love to Link, but the insinuation is never confirmed at the end of the game, leaving the relationship frustratingly unanswered. This unconfirmed love is BOTW's biggest flaw, and BOTW2 has the potential to explore a full-fledged romance - enriching the game for the better.
Nintendo has a habit of insinuating romance inadvertently, never fully committing to the possibility. Because Nintendo includes detailed growth between Princess Zelda and Link, the silent protagonist in BOTW, it's hard to imagine the relationship has no romantic implication. And, after a solid build-up to a potential romance, the uncertainty of what the relationship means is frustrating. If the intent was not to indicate feelings between the pair, the memories were misleading and confusing. For those invested in what Link and Zelda's relationship meant, the ending was a major disappointment.
People often want romance in their stories because it enhances the narrative greatly. In Final Fantasy 10, Tidus and Yuna's relationship intensified the tale massively and worked in cohesion with the tone to make it one of the best in gaming history. From The Elder Scrolls to Pioneers of Olive Town, romance is always present. Love is a sensation that humans understand on a deep, intimate level, and it amplifies emotions and reactions. The pinnacle moment where two people admit their feelings for one another is an experience viewers crave to witness. Fans of The Legend of Zelda are waiting to see their favorite duo fall madly in love, taking on Hyrule together because it makes sense. And while BOTW developed a more intricate relationship, it fell flat without addressing it fully.
Nintendo chose to include sentiment between Link and Zelda without any substantial resolutions, leaving questions and disappointment. If Nintendo wanted to imply romance, fans deserve the full impact of an explored love story. Clarifying the Hylians' feelings in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 will add depth and relatability to the characters and enhance the narrative of the story immensely.