Debate – Should Companions Be Dropped In Zelda Wii U?

Companions are a controversial topic in regards to the Zelda franchise. Many believe that companions hold the gameplay back a lot, as they cause the game to be more focused on the story. Even more would agree that these companions are typically annoying and interrupt gameplay at inconvenient times.

For example, when I play skyward sword, I could be in the middle of a boss fight and then I hear that infamous call from Fi to tell me that my batteries or low or that she’s ready to give a full analysis of the enemy. Instances like these are extremely annoying and unnecessary, and it just makes people wonder how much better the game could have been if these companions weren’t around.

On the other hand, many believe that companions are always necessary for a great story, and some would even go as far as saying that sometimes the companions are what make the game great. The best example we have of this is Midna from Twilight Princess.

I think I speak for many (if not everyone) when I say that Midna was the best companion we’ve seen to date in the Zelda franchise. Those who have played Twilight Princess saw that Midna had outstanding character development that led to one of the most tragic departures we’ve seen in any Zelda game to date. People who see the greatness in these companions support the idea that Zelda Wii U should have a strong companion that plays a big role in the game’s story.

I, for one, believe that Zelda Wii U should absolutely have a companion. However, I think the producers need to do it right. If we get a companion that is anything remotely close to Fi from Skyward Sword, I won’t even buy the game. I don’t need anyone telling me when the Wii U gamepad is about to die.

Fi was so annoying that her departure at the end of the game didn’t phase me at all. The producers need someone more like Midna, who played a crucial role in the story and really touched my heart with her character development. Sure, Twilight Princess was very linear to accommodate its story, but I think it was really worth it. I like a companion that has a lot of involvement in the game, which is why I didn’t really like the King of Red Lions from Wind Waker (spoilers ahead).

Sure, you find out he’s the King of Hyrule and yes his departure was probably the darkest out of all the Zelda games, but I didn’t really grow on him at all. He was a boat – the only thing he could do was let you ride him, and once he was human, he didn’t do anything other than stay and protect Zelda. I feel like if he had a more crucial role in the story, his departure would’ve been more sad. This is what I don’t want Zelda Wii U to do. I don’t want Zelda Wii U to have a companion and just put them kind of on the side.

So, what do you think makes a good companion in Zelda games? Do you think Zelda Wii U should have a companion? Let us know in the comments.