3 Adventure Games That Feel Like Zelda on Nintendo Switch

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The Legend of Zelda is one of the most influential adventure game series ever created. For decades, it has set the standard for the genre with its blend of exploration, puzzles, and action. Players often continue to seek out the feeling of discovering hidden secrets and steadily growing stronger, even after they’ve completed a Zelda game. It’s a series that rewards curiosity and independent discovery.

The popularity of The Legend of Zelda is huge, inspiring other developers to create similar games. With the recent Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom trying new things, many players are now especially hoping for a Zelda game that feels more like the classics. All three of these adventure games – The Legend of Zelda, Breath of the Wild, and Tears of the Kingdom – are available on Nintendo Switch.

3) Blossom Tales

The Blossom Tales games – The Sleeping King and The Minotaur Prince – are very clearly inspired by the classic top-down Zelda games. As soon as you start playing, the influence is obvious, though some might say it’s a bit too strong. The games feature familiar elements like sword fighting, bombs to blow up walls, collectible heart containers, and a focus on exploring dungeons to advance – all of which will feel instantly recognizable to Zelda fans.

The Blossom Tales games are special because of their delightful charm. They’re framed as a grandparent telling a story, which leads to fun narration and funny interruptions. This keeps the adventure light and entertaining while still feeling heroic. The dungeons are cleverly made, offering a good balance of puzzles and battles that challenge players without being frustrating.

These games both work great on Nintendo Switch and offer a classic Zelda feel. They don’t try to change the formula, but instead improve upon it with features like easy-to-use controls and a clear display. If you enjoyed A Link to the Past or Link’s Awakening, these are excellent choices.

2) Okami HD

While it doesn’t immediately appear similar to a traditional Zelda game, Okami HD offers a familiar structure and pace that fans of the series will appreciate. Originally released in the mid-2000s, the game still looks fantastic thanks to its unique ink-wash art style, which is even more vibrant in the HD version on Nintendo Switch. Whether a sequel, Okami 2, will come to Nintendo platforms is unknown, but this HD port of the original is definitely worth playing.

Okami HD is a vast action-adventure game where you’ll explore a large, connected world, solve puzzles, and gradually improve your character’s abilities. The world is designed like the one in Hyrule, with new areas opening up as you progress through the story and find new tools. The dungeons focus on smart, environmental puzzles, and the combat system is unique, letting you use a special painting mechanic called the Celestial Brush to fight enemies in creative ways.

What truly sets Okami HD apart is its beautiful blend of mythology and nature. Similar to The Legend of Zelda, you play as a hero working to heal a world plagued by darkness. This central idea, along with the game’s rhythm and unforgettable characters, creates a feeling reminiscent of Zelda, even though the gameplay is different in some ways.

If you’re a Nintendo Switch owner looking for a longer, story-focused game, Okami HD provides a really rewarding experience, especially if you enjoy taking your time and exploring.

1) Tunic

Tunic is a really clever and original adventure game on the Nintendo Switch, clearly inspired by the classic Zelda series. It looks simple at first – you play as a little fox that resembles Link, viewed from an overhead, angled perspective like older Zelda games. But don’t let that fool you; it’s one of the best-designed adventure games we’ve seen in a long time.

The core of Tunic is uncovering its secrets. The game intentionally avoids holding your hand, instead letting you figure things out by paying attention and trying different approaches. Even the in-game instruction manual is written in a made-up language that you gradually translate as you play. This design intentionally evokes the feeling of discovering hidden things in classic games – learning through experimentation, not just being told what to do.

The game’s combat is more challenging than in past Zelda titles, taking inspiration from games like Dark Souls. You’ll need to watch your stamina and learn how each enemy attacks. Puzzles are complex and designed for players who carefully explore their surroundings and study any hints they find. This approach aims to recreate the feeling of playing classic adventure games – a sense of wonder mixed with delightful confusion as you figure things out.

Tunic on Nintendo Switch is a brilliant example of a game that pays tribute to the classic Zelda series without simply imitating it. If you’re a Zelda fan looking for a new adventure, Tunic is an excellent option.

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2026-01-10 17:12