Now that the Nintendo Direct is over, the gravity of what’s coming from Tears of the Kingdom has only begun to sink in. Plenty of mystery still surrounds The Hero of the Wild’s latest adventure, but the new trailer is crammed with clues and callbacks from Breath of the Wild. Fans in the Zelda community are finding all sorts of goodies at the time of this writing. You can check out our own Tears of the Kingdom trailer analysis at Zelda Universe here.
All that green ethereal stuff happening in the first sneak-peek in 2019 lead some fans to believe Breath of the Wild’s ancient Sheikah technology theme wouldn’t return, but this may not be the case. In the new trailer we see a brief screenshot of a surprised Link being ambushed by mechanical arms, and the platform he is standing on is clearly Sheikah. What’s more curious is the translation of the Sheikah letters encircling the platform, which, according to Zelda theorist Zeltik, means “transport.” Could this be a new warp point for Link to navigate Hyrule’s ravaged landscape?
Speaking of warp points, fans are spotting more mysterious green swirls in Hyrule and are speculating that these may be warp points, too. They don’t look Sheikah like the platform Link stands on, but perhaps they are somehow connected. One dramatic shot shows Link riding a horse across Hyrule Field against a threatening stormy sky. The field looks different this time, however. Mysterious markings glow from the grass!
Next, the trailer’s gritty mood shifts into wonder as we see Link control and build a variety of objects with the help of his arm’s new ability. He slings bombs, rides in a hot air balloon, pilots aircraft, and even drives a tractor across the field. It’s not clear how these devices are powered, but it’s possible Sheikah technology is involved. Perhaps they are fruits of another ancient civilization cooperating with the Sheikah, or even the Zonai. In any case, the potential for creativity (and internet memes) is ripe for exploration. If nothing else, it’s a blast to think about.
Finally, Nintendo released more official art for Tears of the Kingdom via Twitter after the Direct. One piece shows the lovely short-haired Princess Zelda, but it’s what she’s holding in her left hand that commands our attention. This definitely looks like a Sheikah Slate!
Is this the same Sheikah Slate as Link’s from Breath of the Wild? Does it have any modifications? Does Zelda still have it after she falls in peril? Will it help her escape? So many questions race through our minds. But for now, we will have to wait and see what’s lurking around the next corner.
