Link's Shield

Many people have been saying that zelda games are too easy. Well, I propose a solution.

In LoZ and LTTP, the shield did not do very much at all. It's only use was to block projectiles. However, in the 3D games it basically turns Link into a one man army.

In OOT this wasn't so bad, since the shield was useless against a good many enemies. But in WW, and moreso in TP, the shield made link practically invincible. Case in point, darknuts.

I really enjoyed fighting the darknuts in TP, but the shield made it a tad too easy. I just find it slightly ridiculous that a darknut can smash link with a sword twice his height, only to have link remain standing and unscathed. You could also block puppet zelda's dives simply by targeting. The fact that the shield was raised by default when targeting also removed quite a bit of the challenge as well.

So, the solution. Here are a few options I think could be used:

1) Make the shield only reduce the amount of damage taken from powerful attacks (such as darknut swords). For example, if a strike would normally take of 3 hearts, let it take off 1 heart.

2) Let the shield break after a set amount of strikes. This could lead to shield upgrades.

3) Encourage the player to parry sword strikes with motionplus. A parry could destabalise an enemy, for instance.

4) Let powerful strikes knock the shield from link's hand.

Anyway, these are my thoughts. How about yours?

In real life, the direction the shield is facing relative to the attack can be important; rather than take the full force of a thrust attack it would be better to hit it at an angle to deflect it to the side. If you took too much force from a strong attack rather than deflecting it it would still hurt the **** out of your arm and shoulder.
Also, sharp weapons like spears and swords and arrows could pierce a wooden shield and chopping weapons like axes (or swords again) can split them, and powerful strikes can dent metal. Regardless of the condition of the shield, these are things that could severely injure one's arm.

I say have perma-blocking like TP used, but use the nun-chuck tilt sensing to angle the shield all the while. Keep then emphasis on dodging that's been present since Ocarina of Time but let well-placed blocks and deflects throw an enemy off balance for a second (like in Soul Calibur).

Originally Posted by Mandrag

In real life, the direction the shield is facing relative to the attack can be important; rather than take the full force of a thrust attack it would be better to hit it at an angle to deflect it to the side. If you took too much force from a strong attack rather than deflecting it it would still hurt the **** out of your arm and shoulder.
Also, sharp weapons like spears and swords and arrows could pierce a wooden shield and chopping weapons like axes (or swords again) can split them, and powerful strikes can dent metal. Regardless of the condition of the shield, these are things that could severely injure one's arm.

I say have perma-blocking like TP used, but use the nun-chuck tilt sensing to angle the shield all the while. Keep then emphasis on dodging that's been present since Ocarina of Time but let well-placed blocks and deflects throw an enemy off balance for a second (like in Soul Calibur).

That's a great idea. Would make fights more tactical.

I also like the thought of the wooden shield being easily dented by an axe or sword. In most 3D zelda games, the Hylian shield is no different to the wooden shield other than being able to withstand fire. The wooden shield should be more easily broken by tougher enemies.

It would also be nice if a strong blow threw Link off balance, if defended by the shield, making him vulnerable for an attack... However, it wouldn't make the game substantially harder, as it's too easy to just dodge blows... I can probrably finish all 3D Zeldas without the shield (aside from moments where you really need it, like Twinrova)...

Originally Posted by ahaha

It would also be nice if a strong blow threw Link off balance, if defended by the shield, making him vulnerable for an attack... However, it wouldn't make the game substantially harder, as it's too easy to just dodge blows... I can probrably finish all 3D Zeldas without the shield (aside from moments where you really need it, like Twinrova)...

I'd very much like to know how to not get a shield in Wind Waker.

ditto

nice topic i have actually thought about this too i also thought that the shield should be incorporated into the swordplay more i dont know exactly how but i just think it needs to be in there