I like that they went with the Breath of the Wild approach of "Let's just give the players everything and let them figure it out." I hope that wand is just the cornerstone of gameplay though, I don't think it can carry an entire game. I am a little worried that it's all they showed, especially for combat.
Their Zelda team has been solid. It looks like the core will be around duping objects and enemies, but I imagine we'll get some other magic items to play with. Link uses a lot more than his sword in every game, so a Zelda using only Garry's Mod would be out of character for the series.
Still, even if literally every challenge is tied to it, there is a lot you can do, from summoning items to attack/block with, minions, things to ride on (the blade trap), special items for specific puzzles... As long as there's easy ways to use your favorites, it could certainly carry the game.
I wish they would cut this stuff out. I want to go into a big temple, receive one new tool, solve a bunch of puzzles featuring that tool, and then beat the hell out of a large monster using that tool (and a sword).
I found Tunic to be a bit obtuse, but I'm usually a wiki gamer and that game really seemed like one where I should not do that. As a result I really didn't know what I was doing for a good while. I've never had a game make me work so hard to learn to read before, and even that I only learned by cheating...
All that said though, fantastic game, 10/10, it feels like classic Zelda bred together with Hollow Knight. I do recommend it. If you're going in blind though, be prepared to use your head and maybe also a pad of paper.
I agree with you 100%. Especially in the early game it can be quite hard to figure out what to do next until you learn how the game does hints and explanations. It's very rewarding when you do figure it out though, and the dopamine hit when you have the many "eureka" moments in the game is unmatched in my opinion.
I also think that the obtuseness didn't bother me as much because I found the original legend of Zelda to be quite obtuse as well. That being said I also agree you should keep a pen and paper nearby. I actually made a digital journal while I was playing the game and it turned out to be really fun to look back on! Such a unique experience!
Thank you! I've never heard of this one but it does look like it fits the bill. Certainly have to take it seriously when you get a classic Zelda recommendation from someone named Hyrulian.