Is Link’s Arm Replacing the Sheikah Slate in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom?

Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has bid farewell to the Sheikah Slate and instead presents the all-new Purah Pad, which serves as a crucial gameplay mechanic. As the story shifts its focus from the Sheikah to the Zonai, the Purah Pad emerges as a fitting substitute, maintaining many of the Sheikah Slate’s previous functions. Let’s explore how this transition impacts the gameplay experience.

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Did Link’s Gear and Abilities Keep Pace With Gameplay in Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

In Breath of the Wild, Link’s abilities were primarily granted through the Sheikah Slate, a key element of the game’s focus on ancient technology. However, after the defeat of Calamity Ganon and Hyrule returning to a state of normalcy, the Sheikah Slate and its abilities were no longer necessary for Link. 

The challenge for the sequel, Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, was to introduce and expand upon these abilities without being hindered by technical or narrative difficulties. The solution was to create a lite version of the Sheikah Slate, removing its advanced features and utilising Link’s new arm as a replacement.

The Zonai and Gloom narratives within Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom provided an opportunity to introduce new abilities that bypassed the shadow of the Sheikah Slate, empowering Link’s abilities with the palm of his hand. By doing so, the Purah Pad could effectively bridge the gap between the two games without needing to outpace its predecessor. This decision allowed the game to maintain essential mechanics while progressing the story in a meaningful way.

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Does the Absence of Sheikah Slate Present a Challenge in Tears of the Kingdom

The absence of the Sheikah Slate in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom presented players with significant challenges. Mechanics that were once easily resolved with the Sheikah Slate, such as crossing bodies of water using Cryonis or employing infinite bombs, now required a different approach. 

With the Purah Pad assuming control of key functions, players had to refine their gameplay strategies by leveraging Fuse for weapons and vehicles, emphasising resource collection, and mastering the art of time manipulation.

Despite these changes, Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom managed to maintain a natural progression from Breath of the Wild. Notably, Link’s new Ultrahand ability appears like an upgrade to the former Magnesis, seamlessly blending familiar mechanics with new features. The Purah Pad plays a vital role in this progression, serving as a one-to-one parallel to the Sheikah Slate in all aspects except for Link’s abilities. 

This delicate balance between Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom’s mechanics and Link’s new arm contributes to the game’s lore as it shifts its focus from the Sheikah to the Zonai.

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Conclusion

The introduction of the Purah Pad as a replacement for the Sheikah Slate in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has successfully addressed the need for continued gameplay mechanics while navigating the narrative constraints of the sequel. By offering a slightly downgraded version of the Sheikah Slate’s functionality, the Purah Pad maintains a delicate balance between catering to player expectations and propelling the story forward. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Purah Pad the Same as the Sheikah Slate?

The Purah Pad operates with a striking similarity to the Sheikah Slate but with a significant change — the control of abilities now resides within Rauru’s arm rather than the traditional slate.

How Does the Transition From the Sheikah Slate to the Purah Pad Affect the Puzzle-Solving in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom?

The transition from the Sheikah Slate to the Purah Pad introduces a shift in puzzle-solving mechanics in Tears of the Kingdom. While the Sheikah Slate offers various abilities like Magnesis, Stasis, and Cryonis, the Purah Pad focuses on Link’s new arm abilities. Players will need to adapt their problem-solving strategies, utilising the unique features of Link’s arm to overcome obstacles and manipulate the environment. 

Are There Any Significant Narrative Implications Behind the Replacement of the Sheikah Slate With the Purah Pad in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom?

Replacing the Sheikah Slate with the Purah Pad holds narrative significance in Tears of the Kingdom. The story of Tears of the Kingdom centres around the Zonai rather than the Sheikah, and this shift is reflected in the game’s mechanics. By introducing the Purah Pad as a modified version of the Sheikah Slate, the game aligns with the narrative progression, emphasising the evolving lore and world-building.