If You Could Only Pick One, Would You Keep Zelda or Mario?
Whether you’re considering playing “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” or you’re looking to pick up “Super Mario,” the decision can be tough.
Both of the games are iconic and come from the Golden era of Nintendo gaming.
However, by performing a deep comparative analysis, it reveals that both of these titles follow a different approach; they both have their appeal & a gameplay that stands the test of time.
Feeling unsure which game should you play first? Want to make a more informed decision when you choose either one?
In this article, we are going to explore how they are different from one another.
So without further ado, let’s read about it.
Game World & Exploration
If you’ve played “Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” then you must be aware of how the interconnected environment of the game revolutionizes open-world exploration.
The game not only encourages experimentation, but it also polishes up a player’s problem-solving.
The world itself is massive. It feels alive and with the dynamic weather system and the engaging environmental puzzles, and the unique creatures, it just immerses oneself deeply.
As Zelda, you’re not only rewarded for completing the story, but you can simply explore the expansive world and have a more fulfilling experience overall.
On the other hand, Super Mario’s latest installment, Super Mario Odyssey, gives you a more fulfilling environment. In Odyssey, your protege “Mario” can roam freely around kingdoms.
Each sandbox is designed well equipped with specific challenges.
The game is more linear in nature and in its progression. There are a lot of secrets and mini-games which one can enjoy.
If you’re seeking a good adventure, Mario’s world is dense with interactive elements. You can experience the perfect joy, almost around every corner of the game.
The World of Hyrule vs The Kingdom
Zelda is renowned for its open world.
Every player who has experienced it shares the same feeling of running through the vast world of Hyrule, where the beauty of the landscape engulfs them and ignites the desire to explore every inch of it.
Zelda presents a world that not only excites but also reveals itself as an enormous set piece that, in any other context, might seem dull. In Zelda, each moment of discovery feels more rewarding than the last.
On the other hand, Mario’s incredible kingdom is both similar to and very different from Hyrule. The kingdom is much smaller than Link’s expansive home world, but its density more than makes up for that difference.
Players often find themselves running and jumping through different parts of the story with Mario, experiencing the same joy they felt when climbing mountains or riding horses as Link.
Without a doubt, the Kingdom’s world is stunning, with its vibrant colors, interesting design, and unique gameplay options. For Mario, it’s nearly perfect.
Player Freedom – Wide-Open vs Multiple-Paths
When it comes to playthroughs, Zelda offers a bit more freedom then what Mario does.
Since the world of Hyrule is big, it offers a well structured story with shifting levels.
However, Link can jump into any level at any time because of the vastness and openness of the world. In fact, Link can challenge and fight Ganon, almost immediately after he takes the jump. Although, he can lose the battle because of inexperience but he has the liberty to play at any level.
Whereas, in Mario, the game requires you to progress through every level before you reach the end. With Zelda, once the story completes, the game opens up adding more to Link’s freedom.
The fact that how much a player must depend on the freedom of the open-world design is completely subjective. For instance, we have played games like Uncharted or The Last of Us and both franchises offered extremely linear gameplay. Yet, the game offered a playthrough that’s not only exciting but also action-packed and fun-filled. For every game, the requirement for satisfaction is different but since games like Zelda: Breath of the Wild market Player’s Freedom, it’s something that I believe is worth bringing up when comparing the two.
Gameplay – Aerial & Ground Movement
Imagine throwing your hat around to capture nearly any NPC on screen.
Now, this is one of those experiences which you can experience only in Mario. It’s a central new gameplay mechanic in Mario which allows Mario to capture NPC and gain new skills.
It makes Mario truly amazing, and what’s more fun than throwing a hat around the screen.
Each level of Mario feels like a new experience and with the large number of characters, it becomes nearly impossible otherwise.
On the contrary, this feature is sort of missing in the Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Link never captures anything but instead, movement and gameplay in Zelda are built around moving freely.
Link can climb on any surface, and you will need a high level of stamina to jump from heights! Link can also glide from atop giant towers and land easily on any of the surfaces.
Gliding & climbing just gives you that nostalgic feel, all the while taking you back to the good old days! So without a doubt, Zelda gains an edge over Mario in this sense.
Legend of Zelda vs Mario – Which One’s the Best Option?
While both “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” and “Super Mario Odyssey” are iconic in their own right, Zelda undeniably takes the crown for an overall richer experience. The expansive world of Hyrule, filled with mysteries to uncover, offers players a sense of freedom and immersion that Mario’s charming but smaller Kingdom can’t quite match. Zelda pushes boundaries with its dynamic gameplay, open-world exploration, and deep sense of discovery. Mario may deliver joy with its precision-platforming and creative mechanics, but when it comes to sheer depth, adventure, and player freedom, Zelda reigns supreme. If you’re searching for a game that will challenge, excite, and reward you with every step, then Zelda is the clear winner.
