There are plenty of minigames found inThe Legend of Zelda, but one recurring classic that has been effectively missing for over a decade could provide the basis for an entire spin-off game. Minigames are often valuable diversions from the main plots ofZeldagames, offering tests of both skill and luck that can come with impressive prizes. Of course, most of these minigames have no real way to expand, but the core concept of one could easily be resized to a much larger format.
The history ofminigames inThe Legend of Zeldais extensive, with one even appearing in the original title of the same name; a gambling minigame presented by an old man offers Link a chance to earn an incredible amount of rupees by making lucky choices to increase his prize money. Gambling is itself a common theme in the franchise’s minigames, most often in the form of the Treasure-Chest Game. Of course, it is also worth noting thatsomeZeldaminigames are simply terrible, unlike the few that have withstood the test of time.
The Legend Of Zelda Deserves a Fishing Spin-Off
The Classic Minigame Should Be Revived As A Full Title
Fishing is arguably one of the most popularZeldaminigames, and has appeared in various forms throughout the franchise. For example,Twilight Princess’ version of the minigame arguably features some of thebest fishing mechanics in non-fishing-based games. It is easy to spend hours in the peaceful environment offered by this and other fishing minigames inThe Legend of Zelda. However, there have been no new incarnations of this minigame since 2007’sPhantom Hourglass, although it is worth noting that the Nintendo Switch remake ofLink’s Awakeningdoes include the same simplistic fishing minigame found in the original version.
Why A New Zelda Game Is So Important To The Switch 2’s Launch Success
The Nintendo Switch 2 has many first-party games that could launch for it. However, for it to succeed, it might need a new Zelda game.
With this in mind,it is easy to see the appeal of a full game based around fishing in Hyruleinstead of battling the forces of darkness. Given the popularity of the previous minigames, there is clearly great potential for an expansiveZeldafishing game, with some engaging mechanics already perfectly demonstrated by previous titles. A side game like this would also benefit immensely from developments in both Nintendo’s consoles, particularly the upcoming release of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its updated capabilities, as well as the franchise itself.
TOTK Provides Perfect Material For a Fishing Adventure
A Variety Of Environments and Fish Are Already Provided By the Game
The incredible amount of worldbuilding presented inBreath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdomalone offers a perfect setting for a new fishing game. As ofTOTK, there are dozens of species of fish known to be living in various environments across Hyrule, presenting plenty of variety for a fishing spin-off even without any new additions. Moreover, although Link can still collect fish in both games, it was a notable disappointment for the Fishing Rod to be anitem missing fromBOTWandTOTK, and a side game would more than make up for this.
There are 15 varieties of fish found inTears of the Kingdom, ranging from the common Hyrule Bass to the skyborne Ancient Arowana. OlderZeldatitles likewise have their own lists of fish, which are full of unique specimens that could be reintroduced in a future fishing game.
The world presented byTOTKwould also be perfectly suited for framing a fishing game. Mechanically speaking, it would be all but expected for different rods and lures to be unlocked as gameplay progresses, and the differing capabilities of such equipment could be easily justified by one or more of the Sheikah scientists being responsible for the new gear. Similarly, the entire game could be framed as an ecological survey for Zelda, giving the player goals to catch different sizes and species of fish to study (and perhaps even to cook and eat in some missions).
A Fishing Spin-Off Could Explore Hyrule In New Ways
Hyrule Has Never Been Given Such A Relaxed Atmosphere
A fishing game would also give people a chance to view Hyrule in a more relaxed light. For example, it could place special emphasis of the beauty of the world’s environments, and encourage attention to details like the depths of various pools and streams. Other NPCs could also be shown engaging with fishing in various ways, offering an insight into their lives outside the preset routines ofTOTK. Of course, a game like this could still expand Hyrule’s bestiary, such as reintroducingThe Legend of Zelda’s recurring legendary fishas an end-game goal.
The Legend Of Zelda Should Revive And Improve Its Most Trivial Spin-Off Title
One fun but lesser-known Legend of Zelda spin-off title could still become an incredible game if it receives a well-deserved full remake.
A fishing side game would be a refreshing change of pace forZelda, offering a more relaxed experience in contrast to the typical action of the franchise’s main games.Tears of the Kingdomin particular offers a perfect setting for a game like this, although expanding Hyrule’s available fish further would undoubtedly be a positive development as well. Ultimately, with it being such a long time since a new version of the classic minigame was introduced toThe Legend of Zelda, there has arguably never been a better time for Link to take up a fishing rod once more.
