Franchise: The Legend of Zelda
Genre: Action-adventure
Release Date: 2015-10-22
Nintendo Systems: Nintendo 3DS
Copies Sold: 1.36 million
Publisher: Nintendo
Game Length: 15 hours
ESRB Rating: E10+
Art Style: Cel-shaded
MetaCritic Score: 73
"The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes" is a cooperative action-adventure game developed by Nintendo for the Nintendo 3DS. Released in 2015, the game stands out in the Zelda series due to its emphasis on multiplayer gameplay and lighthearted narrative. Set in the whimsical, fashion-forward kingdom of Hytopia, the game's story diverges from the traditional Zelda formula, focusing on a unique curse and the power of teamwork.
Hytopia is a vibrant and charming kingdom renowned for its citizens' obsession with fashion. The realm is ruled by King Tuft, who takes immense pride in his daughter's, Princess Styla's, sense of style. The kingdom's love for fashion is not just a cultural trait but also a significant element of the narrative, as clothing in Hytopia possesses magical properties that grant wearers various abilities.
The game's story begins with a disaster that befalls Princess Styla. A mysterious witch known as The Lady casts a dreadful curse on the princess, forcing her to wear an unsightly, irremovable brown jumpsuit. This curse not only embarrasses Princess Styla but also causes a wave of distress throughout the fashion-conscious kingdom.
To lift the curse and restore peace to Hytopia, King Tuft issues a decree seeking the help of heroes. The kingdom is in need of three champions, known as the Totem Heroes, who can work together to overcome the challenges set by The Lady. These heroes must venture into the Drablands, a perilous region where the witch's trials await.
Players assume the roles of the three heroes who are said to possess the power of the legendary Totem. These diminutive heroes must cooperate to solve puzzles, defeat enemies, and navigate through the Drablands' various regions. The Totem mechanic allows the heroes to stack on top of each other, reaching new heights and solving platforming challenges that require teamwork.
The Drablands are divided into multiple regions, each with distinct themes and challenges. These regions are filled with traps, monsters, and puzzles that test the heroes' ability to work together. Each area culminates in a boss battle that requires strategic collaboration among the heroes to defeat.
As the heroes progress through the Drablands, they gather materials to craft new outfits, each providing different abilities that aid in their quest. Eventually, they confront The Lady, who reveals her motivations. She seeks to spread chaos and disrupt the kingdom's harmony. The heroes must use all their skills and teamwork to defeat her and lift the curse placed on Princess Styla.
One of the central themes of "Tri Force Heroes" is the importance of cooperation and teamwork. The game emphasizes the necessity of working together to overcome obstacles, reflecting on the idea that unity and collaboration can conquer even the most daunting challenges.
The game's focus on fashion is more than surface-level aesthetics; it is deeply woven into the narrative and gameplay. The magical outfits that the heroes wear symbolize the idea that clothing can be a source of identity and empowerment. The restoration of Princess Styla’s ability to choose her attire mirrors the broader theme of personal freedom and self-expression.
"The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes" offers a unique twist on the Zelda formula by blending cooperative gameplay with a charming story centered around fashion and teamwork. The game invites players to experience the power of collaboration and the joy of overcoming adversity together, all while immersed in the whimsical world of Hytopia.
The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes is a unique installment in the beloved Zelda franchise, known for its cooperative multiplayer gameplay and distinct fashion-driven mechanics. Released in 2015 for the Nintendo 3DS, the game takes place in the whimsical kingdom of Hytopia, where players team up to save the land from a curse that has befallen the princess. However, for fans of the series, a crucial aspect of any Zelda game is its placement within the intricate Zelda timeline.
The Zelda timeline is a complex narrative tapestry that spans multiple games and storylines. Officially divided into three main branches following the events of "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time," the timeline consists of:
Each timeline branch leads to different game series, creating a multi-threaded narrative universe. Understanding where "Tri Force Heroes" fits requires an examination of its story and thematic elements.
"Tri Force Heroes" does not explicitly state its place within the timeline, leading to various theories and interpretations by fans and analysts. However, Nintendo's official timeline places it in the "Timeline A - The Decline Timeline", following the game "A Link Between Worlds."
Setting: The game is set in the kingdom of Hytopia, a location not previously featured in other Zelda games. This suggests a timeline placement where Hyrule is not the central focus, aligning with the Decline Timeline where Hyrule's traditional kingdom structure has fallen into chaos or obscurity.
Connection to "A Link Between Worlds": "Tri Force Heroes" follows the events of "A Link Between Worlds," which is part of the Decline Timeline. The art style and design elements, such as the use of 2D top-down graphics and a focus on puzzle-solving, are reminiscent of "A Link Between Worlds," reinforcing this connection.
Teamwork and Cooperation: Unlike other Zelda games, "Tri Force Heroes" emphasizes cooperative multiplayer gameplay. This thematic element of unity and collective effort could symbolically represent a world in need of rebuilding and cooperation—a hallmark of the Decline Timeline.
Fashion and Identity: The game's unique focus on outfits and fashion, where different costumes grant varied abilities, reflects a world that has moved beyond traditional heroism, instead embracing individuality and creativity. This aligns with a timeline where traditional heroics have failed (as seen with Link's defeat in the Decline Timeline).
While "The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes" may not explicitly outline its place in the Zelda timeline, official sources place it in the Decline Timeline following "A Link Between Worlds." Its unique setting in Hytopia, thematic focus on cooperation, and eccentric approach to heroism through fashion suggest a world that has evolved beyond the traditional epic battles of Hyrule. As with many games in the Zelda series, "Tri Force Heroes" enriches the tapestry of the Zelda universe, adding its own flair to the storied legend.
By exploring these elements, fans can appreciate the game's unique contribution to the timeline and enjoy its cooperative adventures within the larger context of Zelda lore.