Different endings depending on the player's actions?

What if a future Zelda had different endings or paths depending on Link's actions?

For example, depending on which actions you take, you could fight different final bosses.

Or depending on the interactions with different characters, you could have character1 or character2 or character3 helping you in different parts of the game. Or even, depending on your interactions with the female characters in the game, Link could end with one girl or the other.

More freedom in a Zelda game is pretty much what you're talking about. I sure like the idea, it would be awesome.

definately with side quests
no in the main story

The Zelda series is not an RPG. No one said it would be a bad idea though.

thatd make for some intresting timelines thats for sure

Instead of actions changing the ending I suggest the amount of completed sidequests determine the ending. Lets say for example Link does absolutley no side quests in the game. He beats the boss but at great cost. Perhaps someone important (like Zelda) dies in the process. If Link does every sidequest in the game then he would get the best ending in which he kills the boss and everyone lives happily ever after. Something like that would be more original than making good or bad choices.

The main points of the story should remain the same regardless of what action you take...but the way they come about could be different.
Sort of like the Oracle games where you can get the MS in different ways.
Variations would be great, and create more replay value, but the main points should remain the same for continuity purposes.

Originally Posted by Erimgard

The main points of the story should remain the same regardless of what action you take...but the way they come about could be different.
Sort of like the Oracle games where you can get the MS in different ways.
Variations would be great, and create more replay value, but the main points should remain the same for continuity purposes.

No. Every single ending should make a new timeline branch with a whole new set of games going on each one.

Originally Posted by Shark Boy

No. Every single ending should make a new timeline branch with a whole new set of games going on each one.

Please Din, no!

We don't need more timelines, we have trouble enough with the ones we have as it is.

Originally Posted by McDad CoBar

Please Din, no!

Originally Posted by Shark Boy

No. Every single ending should make a new timeline branch with a whole new set of games going on each one.

Smallville would eat that up...

Originally Posted by Erimgard

Smallville would eat that up...

And we all know this to be true.

It'd surely give a greater sense of feedom and depth to the game. Facing multiple crossroads is something that should be implemented onto games to the give the player more of a choice. How you end the game may also be connected to your personality and actually make you feel like you are linked to the character as opposed to the previous titles that have failed to fulfill that concept, IMO.
You could also try to give Link/ the character a different personality on the next round and experience something new. That means replay value.

You shouldn't have it affect the story as a whole, but it you decide not to help so and so village at a certain time it could be destroyed or something like that, but don't have it change the plot line, just make a few bumps in it.

And didn't Majora's Mask allow you to explore messing with people's lives however you want already?