I finally understand || ALL MEMORIES || Tears of the Kingdom

#twitch #gaming #zelda #nintendo #tearsofthekingdom
36:34 WATERWORKS
0:00 Memory 6 - Zelda and Sonia
3:13 Memory 8 - Birth of the Demon King
7:41 Memory 5 - A Show of Fealty
10:46 Memory 2 - An Unfamiliar World
13:33 Memory 10 - A King's Duty
17:02 Memory 4 - The Gerudo Assault
19:40 Memory 3 - Mineru's Counsel
23:05 I have a theory...
24:29 Memory 7 _ Sonia is Caught by Treachery
26:27 Memory 9 - The Sage's Vow
29:33 Memory 11 - A Master Sword in Time
33:55 The final memory
39:40 Some thoughts
40:29 My respect for Zelda
44:38 Never apologize for loving games
43:45 The power of good storytelling
47:16 I've never hated Ganon more
This is the order I found the memories and pieced everything together. I don't think a game has made me cry this much since Final Fantasy VII. What a frightening, noble, and painful sacrifice.
SIDE NOTE: I apologize for the random little videos that pop up a few times. I meant to disable those for my chat, and forgot.

[@AlexValadez]

The line that gets to me the most is "Link! Protect them all!" In her final moments her last thoughts are for the people of the land. Ive always loved every version of Zelda, she's always been such a strong character but this one hit me the hardest.

[@LinkAlmeida]

That was when the dam broke for me. I know some people that played TOTK too and were also in tears in this last memory

[@caderthatguy]

That line also got me

[@susiegrace]

Obviously that was where the dam broke for me, too. What a gut-wrenching scene. I don’t think I’ve ever cried quite this much in a game before.

[@LinkAlmeida]

@@susiegrace In that memory alone the game went from Tears of the Kingdom to Tears of the World

[@firerams_and_arisinglion]

@@ThatgirlL18 no. link is the hero plain and simple lol. thats why he holds the triforce of courage. lol.

[@inkpenavengerYT]

In Zonai architecture, they used certain creatures to depict the aspects of the Triforce. Power is a boar. Wisdom is an owl. And courage...is a dragon. Link's not the only one who embodies courage.

[@susiegrace]

I never noticed that! Thank you so much for pointing that out! I love what Nintendo did with this game so much, even if my heart is currently broken over Zelda’s sacrifice. I never dreamed they could top BOTW, but I was very, very wrong.

[@alioness-w-noregrets7471]

@@susiegraceThinking about this, for a long time the Triforce colors have been red for power, blue for wisdom and green for courage. I’m not sure if this has anything to do with the Triforce, but considering that Zelda’s eyes were green and Link’s eyes were blue in both BotW and TotK, makes me wonder if the colors are significant here where Link has wisdom in terms of survival and fighting, but Zelda has the courage to sacrifice herself in more ways than one for the sake of the kingdom…this is just me though…

[@jonson856]

@@alioness-w-noregrets7471Link has wisdom? Me looking at all those Zonai Korok torture contraptions….🤔 😂

[@p.r.1308]

I will watch so many lore videos after finishing the game. I dont want to get spoilert to much so i try to avoid content that i havent seen myself by now.

[@kacperwoch4368]

But the Zonai architecture never depicts the Triforce itself, nor is its symbol ever shown in in the memories. It means that during the founding of Hyrule Triforce was forgotten. It must heve existed back then.

[@ericplanas5734]

I was specially shocked by her face expression while she holds the master sword just before turning into a dragon. She seems just so... scared, without knowing what will happen to her and with the complete uncertainty of not knowing if her sacrifice will be worth it or not. As if she was prepared to "die", but her expression is just so human. It makes me want to hug her and tell her "everything is gonna be alright"

[@Jupiter9999]

Her last thought was of link protecting everyone 😢 she's amazing

[@susiegrace]

I felt the same way. I hated that she was alone when she did such a scary, frightening thing. No support whatsoever. Just blind faith that she could help Link in the future.

[@dorohime7001]

@@susiegraceyou can hear the shake in her voice when you saved her. She’s still recovering from having to make that decision Bcus putting yourself as a pawn for the great of the world Is a wild thing to have to rationalize It’s a wild thing to make yourself okay with. That shit shook her.

[@Daigon95]

This Zelda in the series does have the most developed character where she's more than just a princess or goddess. She is a history nerd with a bit of tech know how and archeologist. Shows really well developed leadership skills tht we hear alot in TotK. She built a school, she protected an endangered species, assisted in the rebuilding efforts across Hyrule, warned certain ppl of dangerous locations, helped ppl in cooking, etc.

[@susiegrace]

And I absolutely love her for all that! She's grown so much over the years and games

[@HeyNaniNani]

The fact that the last thought she has as she loses herself is "Link, you have to save our people." is always going to absolutely gut me. She is losing absolutely everything that makes her her, she is in excruciating pain, she can barely stand, she is just trying desperately to continue to keep her hands on the Master Sword as the transformation starts... And the last thing on her mind is the safety of the people of Hyrule 10,000 years in the future. 😭😭😭

[@susiegrace]

It was so hard to watch. I hated that she had to endure all that suffering alone.

[@StormsparkPegasus]

I didn't expect the title Tears of the Kingdom to be so literal.

[@ryanakers1372]

In your last video you asked if pulling the Master Sword out of the dragon was gonna kill the dragon. Good thing Nintendo didn't go that dark.

[@susiegrace]

Thank goodness. I had the exact same thought once I put all the story together

[@NewLink777]

NO NOT THAT, LIKE NEVER

[@Arthus850]

I actually got the Master Sword before I learned the light dragon was Zelda, so the thought never crossed my mind. At the time I thought Zelda must have entrusted the Master Sword to the dragon, not that she was the dragon. I wonder how I would have thought if I knew beforehand.

[@susiegrace]

@@Arthus850 I did the same thing, and had the same thoughts! I just thought the Light Dragon was another dragon they’d added for the game. If I’d known who the Light Dragon really was before getting the sword, I definitely would have be an absolutely wreck while getting it.

[@TheAtomoh]

This is Nintendo, not From Software.

[@godofmath1039]

I got all memories quite a while back and, honestly, the thought of Zelda being right there in front of you while retaining no knowledge about the world or even her own identity hit me like a truck.

[@susiegrace]

Ugh. It’s just awful. I saw her a few weeks ago while exploring some sky islands, and I just thought “oh! They added a new dragon! That’s so cool!” And then I found all those memories. 😭😭😭

[@sqished]

​@susiegrace she's even present in the title cutscene at the beginning of the game when you take that leap, she is present throughout your time on the great sky islands, and she is the first thing you see after the master sword disappears which is especially painful

[@MrKevosmin]

Yeah they kinda threw it at you at the beginning of the game that she was right there all along

[@susiegrace]

@@sqished she is??? I don’t remember that!

[@milenaandrade5344]

I usually take a lot of screenshots in the beginning of the games. Did the same with toft. When I got all the tears I immediately looked and the dragon was there. I was devastated. Didn't play it for some time after that

[@Bethany_Bradley]

I’m glad I finally found someone who had the exact same reaction to the final memory as I did. I just remained in pure, stunned silence for probably literally 30 minutes before I put the game down, went to bed, and started weeping like a baby the more I thought about it. Being a Christian and hearing so many tales of noble sacrifices made by so many people, it’s so wonderful to see a rare and completely accurate depiction of something like that from Zelda’s character. Her story and her character gives me so much courage, and it’s crazy even being able to have such relatability with her. She’s absolutely one of my top favorite characters in media now. What an absolute overflow of emotions 😭❤

[@bluekinopio9390]

Christianity is a scam

[@daygon128]

THIS.

[@duckpwnd]

As soon as I found out Zelda became an immortal dragon, it the left me with a hollow and empty the feeling. Despite all the NPCs and settlements in this game, it immediately made the game's world feel isolating and empty again like it was Breath of the Wild.

[@emmamiller.]

I love Sonia so much and I love how she was like another mother figure to Zelda. I was so sad when she got killed on screen :( Also, when Zelda turned into a dragon- gosh I lost it. I was crying for a whole half hour, the music and everything about that cutscene got me so dang emotional.

[@fredtott4684]

Also Sonia is Voiced by Female V of Cyberpunk 2077 (Cherami Leigh) and her voice is kinda soothing.

[@zacbob07]

​@@fredtott4684N-NANI?!

[@Arzfx709]

I physically cried both memories and I never cry during movies or video games, the only 3 times iv ever cried in video games or movies was when link died botw and those memories 😭

[@craigskiff6500]

When I was searching the geoglyphs during my first playthrough of TotK, and I was finding the memories in numerical order to get the entire story from start to finish, the moment I heard Mineru talk about draconification had me think, "Oh no. Zelda's not gonna do what I think she will do, will she?" And then when I saw her transform into the Light Dragon, my first thought was, "Oh, that is IT. Ganondorf, when I get my hands on you I will make you PAY for forcing Zelda to make that decision!" That scene of Zelda's transformation may be the most gut-wrenching I have ever witnessed, and that includes the events of Twilight Princess and Skyward Sword. I felt SO satisfied after I destroyed Ganondorf.

[@susiegrace]

I. AM. READY. I’ve never hated him more than I do right now. I WILL take him down… Just not quite yet 😂 I have a lot to do!

[@craigskiff6500]

@@susiegrace Take as much time as you need to finish what you need to do, and have as much of a blast as I did on my first playthrough. But when you get to Mineru's arc in the main story, get ready for the most badass way I have ever seen Ganondorf be sealed away.

[@susiegrace]

@@craigskiff6500 💪🏼 I can’t wait!

[@wildbard4112]

I'm not sure anything can be more gut-wrenching than the ending of Twilight Princess.

[@susiegrace]

Ooh, that's a tough one. They're both gut wrenching in different ways to me, but both are heartbreaking.

[@BlazingPhoenixGames]

You are the greatest example of how much impact video games can have on a person. It’s amazing to see that just like myself, Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are games that have brought life to beloved characters. The Zelda in these games is actually my favourite version of the character. She’s already been through a lot, having to lose her mother at a young age of 6, forced to train for powers that never showed in time, losing her family, friends, and almost losing Link. Then having to hold back Calamity Ganon for 100 years only for it to mean nothing because Ganondorf was pulling the strings all along. Then making that decision that could permanently change you… it even made me cry when Zelda swallowed the stone…

[@susiegrace]

BOTW and TOTK Zelda is absolutely my favorite Zelda as well. She's grown and changed so much over the different games, and I love who she's become. I hope Nintendo continues on this path for her, because she's wonderful!

[@crashmatrix]

While never stated explicitly, I believe in Zelda's true love for Link in this iteration of the Legend. That alone would be more than enough for me to sacrifice 'me' in such a fashion, if only to give that one person a fighting chance in a distant future.

[@DunceInAwhile]

Yes. Zelda has always been a strong, selfless character but it shines through infinitely more in the last 2 games. The story in this game is definitely a high point in the stories throughout the franchise. The way they wrote Ganondorf in this game was genius also. By the time you get to the end, you feel like it's actually you that is fighting him. Because they made his character SO evil but without overdoing it. Nintendo knew what they were doing with this one...

[@susiegrace]

I think that’s one of the reasons I love playing games so much. I feel like I really am the one fighting for justice. I am Link. I am Cloud Strife. I am the vessel in Hollow Knight. I am Samus. A boss battle victory, especially a final boss battle, feels so victorious and incredible. So I can’t wait to take Ganon down this time. More so than ever before.

[@DanTheMan33088]

After playing BOTW, I said that this incarnation of Princess Zelda was one of my favorites. After playing TOTK, I can safely say she now my absolute favorite

[@ZackRuns]

I cried when I unlocked that memory and I cried watching your reaction. What a game, and what a beautiful, courageous sacrifice Zelda made for the good of her kingdom. We can all relate to doing something scary for the benefit of people we love. 💛🐉🧝‍♀️

[@susiegrace]

I hate that she was alone when she made that decision and swallowed the tear. I know it was technically forbidden, but to do something like that without any support whatsoever… it’s just awful she had to endure that all on her own.

[@taryth.]

@@susiegrace she did have mineru until the end at least. i dont think the two of them told the other sages about the whole plan, but at the end, you can see the 4 remaining sages watch her dragon form fly away.

[@cetaceous_rex]

Your reaction was so touching! Thank you for sharing your vulnerability.

[@PhantomsnowAlexa]

I am glad I am not alone with crying for Zelda. A story that can make just about everyone break into tears is game of year material.

[@susiegrace]

Absolutely. This game has wrecked me emotionally multiple times, now, and I haven’t even reached the end.

[@ravenlunatic8]

Too many who think video games like this are stupid or silly might want to check their own stupidity or ignorance of what is in the game. Stories have been used to teach since the beginning and by the most intelligent and honorable people.

[@gufu21]

Well said. Stories matter, and video games are another way of telling stories.

[@karstanpetschen1354]

Why are you coping. I love video games too and the only person I've even heard that from was from my Grandma. We play videogames cause they're fun and can have a story in them as well. We don't need to act like reading a book or listening to your Grandparents stories is the same as a video game. One has negative health benefits and the other doesn't. Just cause videogames are fun doesn't mean they're healthy and this is coming from a guy who stayed up all night for 3 nights to play Totk. That ain't healthy but it's fun, there's a huge difference.

[@ravenlunatic8]

@@karstanpetschen1354What are you saying? Not sure what point you are trying to make. Health had nothing to do with what was being said... and you seem to be showing more of how you are being unhealthy with it than how it can never be a good thing (which you seem to imply)... So what is your point?

[@karstanpetschen1354]

@@ravenlunatic8 Isn't it obvious bud, most people attack video games cause it's bad for your health, it's a waste of time and you're justifying you playing video games as "storytelling" when yes it is but there's a difference between books and stories through mouth than through a game. All I'm saying is that just because something is a story doesn't justify you playing video games as silly or the game itself being stupid. We just gotta accept that usually when people say video games are dumb, it's true, it is a waste of time. I love playing videogames still and they can be beneficial but saying there's a story in it doesn't remove the things people are attacking it for. If you wanted a story, go get a book at the library except we want stimulation and the legend of Zelda clouding our minds so we get the same. Nevermind, books at the library are mid af. Also how can you blame me for being unhealthy when I was playing such a banger game 😎

[@ravenlunatic8]

@@karstanpetschen1354I don't blame you. I just was trying to point ou the hypocrisy in that. But, I see what you are saying now, and I realize I did not get it because I was looking for reasoning. You are simply assuming it is the same for you as it is for everyone else. It is like someone with an addiction to any kind of food treating it as though no one else can ever eat it without it being an addiction for them as well. Even foods unhealthy to some can be healthy for others. Same thing here. It's a matter of how it is used.

[@thepackable]

What hit me the hardest about this was the princesses lullaby that played as it happened. With the royal adventurous legendary music in the background. It hit me as hard as fi's departure. I knew this was coming since I got the master sword before beating my first temple. I recognized that it was her before even watching dragon tear #4 where mineru talks about what happens if you eat a certain object. But it all happening exactly where you started the game as you started the game. These iconic memories will be with us forever just like Oot. Did you guys notice that it was fi who sent zelda back in time and the master sword too.

[@shiorilove9101]

We get attached to these characters. So when something traumatic like this happens. It hits hard.

[@delphidelion]

The entire time you collect the memories you are reversing time while doing it, using her power. I kinda took this all to mean that you were restoring the memories to Zelda, allowing her to shed the final memory leading to her remembering that she has the sword to offer to link.

[@greatgirl22302]

So I just wanted to say I'm new here but I greatly appreciate just how much the story impacted you. As someone that also gets heavily emotionally invested in games, but growing up around people who didn't really understand that, i really love finding people like you. ❤

[@susiegrace]

People like us have to stick together! A story is a story, no matter what kind of media it is. Don't let anyone make you feel insecure for being emotionally attached to video game characters and stories!

[@scifisyko]

Honestly the most crushing part of that last memory might have just been the shot of the four remaining Sages at the end silently watching the Light Dragon vanish into the sky… none of them ever saw Zelda again.

[@susiegrace]

I was so upset and emotional that I didn’t even realize those sages were there! Wow. That’s so, so sad

[@scifisyko]

@@susiegrace With the erhu version of Zelda’s Lullaby playing, no less. Rauru’s locked in the basement forever, Mineru is asleep in an iPad, and now Zelda’s gone too. Brings to mind the Light Dragon’s theme, which starts off with the first two notes of Zelda’s Lullaby, but then can’t seem to quite remember how, and just becomes the same as the original dragons’ theme.

[@ItchyNavel]

I was not a huge fan of the story in BOTW, not because the story itself was bad, but because it was so difficult to actually see the whole story; most people did not take the time to search out all the images and find all the memories. Not only is the story in TOTK better, but the tears system is also much better because it is a glaring signal saying "COME HERE TO GET MORE STORY!" as opposed to in BOTW where they gave you a picture of some trees and said "good luck finding that spot".

[@susiegrace]

I absolutely agree! I love BOTW, and will forever have some serious nostalgia attached to it. But TOTK is a better game by FAR. They took everything that did work in BOTW and just improved upon it, including the story. I loved finding the memories in BOTW, but I completely understand why many people didn’t. It was hard work, and could be frustrating at times. The glyphs were a brilliant way to drive the story, and make it easy to find. What a great experience! I’m still reeling for all my emotions yesterday.

[@ItchyNavel]

@@susiegrace Honestly, I'm most impressed you did all that yesterday and have a video up today. Can't wait to see you destroy Ganondorf and make him pay for all the pain he has caused. No spoilers here, but I finished the game last week, and the finale is really amazing, probably the coolest final battle in any LOZ game, IMHO.

[@susiegrace]

@@ItchyNavel oh, I am READY to take him down. I’ve never been more angry at him, and I can’t wait to tear him to pieces. And thank you for your kind words. I’m still navigating this YT/Twitch stuff, and that means a lot!

[@helmutbreneis8145]

Thank you for sharing your emotions with us! A few days ago I also found this last 2 memories and they touched me deeply (I'm a 55 year old father and artist)! I had already feared it after the memory with Mineru, but then actually seeing it was almost an emotional shock. So I'm totally with you: what a great story-telling, what an emotion-packed experience, and there's no shame in being touched like that! I'm curious like you how this all ends... Best wishes from Austria!

[@lyricholmes1827]

One of the first things I did in TOTK was go to the Deku Tree. I resisted pulling out the master sword because I was told I needed to complete the Dragon Tears quest to give context and so I could experience the game in (sort of) chronological order. I didn’t get why it was so important at first but the final memory destroyed me. I was in tears. With Sonia dead, Raru sealed away with Ganondorf and Mineru most likely gravely injured (and separating her spirit from her body) Zelda had no help or guidance. She made such a selfless sacrifice. Not only was the music incredible but I was struck by how painful the transformation looked and how Zelda’s last thought was to protect everyone. She isn’t just a princess protecting her kingdom, she’s a woman who loves her kingdom and everyone in it. She seemed so human. Literally had never been so distraught and angry because Ganondorf forced her to lose herself. Link’s main quest isn’t to kill Ganondorf in TOTK. His main quest is to find Princess Zelda. And my god, we found her and it was gut wrenching.

[@susiegrace]

So you’re saying you found out where the Master Sword was, but you resisted going to get it until you collected all the tears, correct? I had ZERO direction regarding the sword or the memories, although someone told me they felt like finding the tears and watching the memories was sort of spoilery until you had them all. So I waited to find them all and watched them one after another. That way, even if I got them out of order, I’d still get the whole story relatively quickly. My gosh, it wrecked me. People kept telling me to have tissues ready, but I was NOT prepared for how sad it would be. I agree that Zelda’s transformation looked painful, and she just seemed so frightened. I hate that she had to do it all alone, and then exist for years and years all by herself until Link could come get the Master Sword.

[@lyricholmes1827]

@@susiegrace Haha yeah! Because you can find the Master Sword in Korok Forest in BOTW, I just assumed it’d point me towards it in TOTK. I WASN’T prepared for those gloom hands, however. I kind of wish I watched all the memories at once, seems like a good idea. I tried my best to stay on course when I decided to hunt down all the geoglyphs but this game had me distracted every five seconds.

[@susiegrace]

@@lyricholmes1827 amen to that. I’ve clocked so many hours, and still haven’t found the fourth sage! There’s just SO much to do!

[@DonnieReno]

Whenever I go back to the Light Dragon I feel very emotional. It’s a game, it’s not real! But I can’t help it… just thinking of her sacrifice.

[@softsounds8453]

I always sit with her for about 20 minutes 😭

[@dillonshepherd]

I was very touched by your reaction and especially by your reflection. I love that stories can make us question things about ourselves.

[@Rapandreas]

You too have shown great courage recording yourself watching these cutscenes. I certainly don't think I could have done it. I cried watching these again. It was even more, when I watched them by myself. Thanks for your perspective.

[@user-kj7pm1yh5l]

The Legend of Zelda is a beautiful franchise.

[@monstermash1571]

So I thought I was going to swing by for a quick reaction, but I stayed and listened to the whole thing. Your words were deeply profound and as abstract as the story is, there is something about it that really connected with all of us. I was so sleep deprived playing Tears of the Kingdom, cause I was laid off from my Job, just before the Game came out. I stayed up so many nights getting through the story. When I got the final memory and everything clicked, I couldn't stop crying. I've been playing Zelda since 1998, and I've always apprecaited how the story in all games is "The Legend of Zelda" and the decision she makes in this story is so noble and powerful. Fictional or not...Abstract as it might be. Seeing such virtue is moving in any form it comes in. To be inspired by it, speaks to our empathy as people, and thats a great thing.

[@DarkManser]

The final tear was so soul crushing and then what does Nintendo do, put Silent Princess' all around you when you come out of the cut scene. :(

[@susiegrace]

I KNOW. It was all too much. I was such a wreck

[@carblueblue]

Two acts really got me are the last words Zelda said “Protect them all” instead of any thing for herself. And Link didn’t swing the sword to act cool like he didn’t in Botw, he just closed his eyes and bow his head twice to salute and answer Zelda when he picked up the sword from the dragon this time.

[@Lord_Procrastinator]

This is easily the best reaction video I've ever watched on KZbin. Not only is your reaction authentic, but you had such great insight about the story and its themes and storytelling in general. I instantly subscribed!

[@susiegrace]

Wow, thank you so much for your kind words, and your support! I’ve been trying to figure this KZbin thing out for a while, now, so that really means a lot. I’ve got plenty more to do in TOTK, and I’m especially excited to reach the end of the game! I have my box of tissues ready in my office.

[@sikkhimm]

Save your tears for the final fight and the ending. Nintendo really means it when they name this sequal Tears of the Kingdom :)

[@xavier_03]

I don't get what you mean, knowing how it ends. Does "Tears of the kingdom" evoke you anything positive ? Anything other than the people of hyrule crying about their lost princess ? That title definitely didn't cheer me up after that quest.

[@dumazroy3462]

@@xavier_03Don’t worry. Finish the final boss and you may find tears of joy.

[@xavier_03]

*spoiler* @@dumazroy3462 Yeah, I know, I did. A relief for sure. But that's probably not what the title means (tears of joy). I even wonder if nintendo didn't call the game that to make us think the outcome was a sad one until the very end. It made me pretty depressed.

[@dumazroy3462]

@@xavier_03 Perhaps, the title would be better as “tears all around”.

[@xavier_03]

@@dumazroy3462 "Tears of the Dragon" maybe ? I don't know. I'm fine with the actual title, but it is misleading.

[@patricknilsson4360]

Well we did tell you to bring tissues. People talk about the awesome mechanics, the physics, the scope and size, and the quests of the game all the time. Imagine how good the game is when the story is not the main focus, and yet is this good. Knew it would hit you the right way.

[@susiegrace]

I was definitely ready with tissues, and I’m so glad because I was WRECKED. I tried to be prepared given everyone’s warnings, but I just had no idea. It was definitely the most emotional live stream I’ve ever done in my life. I just couldn’t keep it together.

[@wally2909]

It was a journey watching you play and discover this, almost as if I could relive it again. The story of Zelda in this game was so very well written and heartbreaking. I felt exactly what you described. Been living in a haze for a week. Next time you swing the Master Sword will have a different meaning

[@susiegrace]

She absolutely did, and I love her all the more for it. I don't know if I could do something like that, even if it meant saving the kingdom.

[@Rhyz-1]

Same with power actually. She nit only turned dragon to return to the future. But also because she needed more light power to restore the sword. She gave herself up for power. She gave herself up through courage and the decision and preparation for the future made it the only hard but logical choice. Meaning wisdom.

[@alinsavix]

TIL I can't even *watch* someone go through this part of the game without breaking down in tears. What an incredibly powerful piece of work.

[@susiegrace]

That's why I haven't watched anyone else experience this. I know it'll open the floodgates all over again

[@TheJeffge]

You just earned a new subscriber. What a beautiful reaction and gameplay. I'm someone who played almost every Zelda Game, and I cried A LOT with this amazing story being telled through this masterpiece game. And your reaction (as you said, you'd sacrifice everything for your children - As Zelda did because of her role) is amazing and so emotional. I cried with you. Keep sharing this love pure moments with us. That was so beautiful. Shout out from Brazil. 😊

[@susiegrace]

Thank you so much for your kind words, and your support! I've played almost every Zelda game, but I've never had as much respect for her as I do now. I've always liked Zelda, but now I adore her. What an incredibly terrifying and painful decision to face. I've cried in a few games over the years, but never quite like this one. It really is a masterpiece, and I can't wait to see what happens at the end!

[@TheJeffge]

@@susiegrace I love the way Tears of the Kingdom really is a LEGEND of ZELDA. She is the legend. The Goddess reincarnated. The main reason Hyrule and the whole world never faced pure darkness. Link is the hero, but Zelda is a legendary spirit. We must remember that even the Master Sword and the reason we have a chosen one to raise it is Goddess Hylia - with the same soul of our beloved princess. Also: I think it's so beautiful the new meaning for the flowers name "Silent Princess", since she was a dragon through thousands of years - being silent. So great to share this emotions with people like you. Keep going with your amazing job!

[@Daftex]

can't wait to see her reacting to the ending👀

[@CatlordCalamity]

I just realized that, just like the other sages, Zelda also gift her vow, but since her soul is sleeping in the Light Dragon, she merely held out her hand to give Link Rewind before she disappears.

[@AndreasC81]

If someone can’t be touched or feel something playing a videogame, reading a book or whatever, I suspect they simply don’t have any connection with their emotions. Either that or they simply don’t want to admit that they do get emotional for fear of other people thinking they are silly. Love your honest reaction. Thank you. As you said, never apologize for what you feel. It’s just honest and real and it should really inspire people to not be afraid for showing their true emotions. What Zelda did is something I can only feel respect for. Just the thought of her being gone, if there is no way of coming back or getting the whole draconification thing undone or reversed, is incredibly sad but she became immortal in the process. A person who would do such a thing can never truly die cause they live on in peoples minds and hearts and through all of history. We should all try to not just make the most out of our own lives but also mean something for other people. We all die in the end but regardless of when or how, we should make sure that our lives was not wasted or meaningless. I think Zelda reminded us what that means. She sacrificed herself but it was never wasted or meaningless. She did what was right. Not what other people expected from her but from her own decision.

[@Pheicou]

I've noticed in most reactions that the exact moment people cry the hardest is right when they hear Zelda's Lullaby while she's glowing and trying to hold the broken sword, it's interesting how effective music is to this day.

[@susiegrace]

Oh, these scenes wouldn’t be nearly as emotionally charged without the music. This game’s soundtrack is gorgeous, and really adds of the overall feel of the story.

[@Pheicou]

@@susiegrace The soundtrack is incredible.

[@TheDevastator619]

Thank you for sharing your reactions! I love your talking about if you were in Zelda’s place. I’m of the mind that she only choose to become a dragon then and there was because of her faith in Link and knowing he was safe. If that were not the case, I think she would have explored all other options first.

[@bluemoon3043]

You can still see Zelda and collect things from her after this. I'm not sure if you've gone to the Great Deku Tree yet because I haven't seen your other videos, but once you help him, she actually starts flying closer to the ground so it's easier to reach her. As for what happens to Zelda in the end, I won't spoil anything, but if Zelda's draconification made you cry, then the way the ending of the game parallels the opening will definitely make you weep. And on the subject of how the musical scoring in this game can amplify the emotions, they did a fantastic job with Yunobo's theme when he accepts a secret stone. He went from being afraid of his own shadow in Breath of the Wild to proudly accepting his role as the new Sage of Fire and all the risk and responsibility that entails for him, and the music that plays when he takes the stone is the most triumphant-sounding out of the four in my opinion.

[@susiegrace]

Ah, that makes sense! I saw her early on, but she was so high up on the sky I could barely even get a picture of her. I just thought they’d added another cool dragon for the sky areas, but… 😭 Also, the Deku Tree sequence was really fun! Definitely a surprise. This whole game is just one surprise after another, and I love it.

[@theironicmonster]

also, your reaction was so heartwarming as well as relatabley heartbeaking. thank you for sharing it.

[@Nathyk3]

That... was beautiful! I had the exact same reaction (well it took longer for me to cry because at first I was in full shock-awe when I understood the White Dragon was Zelda) and just cried again watching you. Masterpiece is not even strong enough a word to describe this story. I haven't finished the game yet (have done 2 of the 4 regional quests) but if this isn't Game of the Year, Game of the Decade, Game of the Century, Best Game of All Time, I don't know what to say.

[@petemiller2920]

Thank you so much for sharing your reactions. These games mean a lot to me, too. I remember playing when the very first Zelda game came out in the 1980s.

[@wesleylatham3913]

I'm really glad I'm not the only one who cried. Even now, rewatching this moment knowing full well what happens I'm brought to tears. The moment is so very touching, and I love that TOTK builds on the already built potential that was released years ago now in BOTW. This beautiful reveal was well worth that wait.

[@susiegrace]

Uploading this video, and reading everyone's comments has taught me that you and I are DEFINITELY not alone. And I love that so much. I've never felt more connected to a gaming community than I do right now through TOTK. You are not alone!

[@alejandrotamay5719]

I felt just like you!, man you made me tear again, i couldn't play for two days after that part :(

[@joesepu]

It's hard to put into words what you experienced. i cried with your reaction. This story has been particularly strong from me, and seeing your reaction in this part really moved me. than you for sharing this game play. it really moved me.

[@TheChazzyC]

Best reaction so far. I can tell right away when someone understands the use of myth and symbolism in fiction and how we see ourselves through it.

[@susiegrace]

Thank you for your kind words. The storytelling is excellent in this game, which definitely makes it quite the emotional roller coaster

[@fedepolo2]

Thanks for this. Greattings from Colombia.. This Game ...this kind of sacrifice was so hard.

[@nanstey]

40:40 just stumbled onto your channel. When I got to this scene, I was flabbergasted. It drove me to get to the end for sure. And yes, it definitely makes you respect her a lot more. Truly The Legend of Zelda, this one.

[@susiegrace]

I’m so glad you found my channel! And I agree, I can’t WAIT to take Ganon down. I have a lot to do before then, but it will definitely be a pleasure to make him pay for what he did.

[@nanstey]

@@susiegrace understandable. Speaking of what he did, are you familiar with the idea/theory that he was responsible for the death of Zelda’s mother in Breath of the Wild?

[@susiegrace]

@@nanstey I’ve heard a lot of theories, but not that one!

[@nanstey]

@@susiegrace ok, basically it’s like this. I’ll admit there’s no direct smoking gun, but the basic idea is the sudden death of Zelda’s mother wasn’t just something that happened. It was orchestrated by Calamity Ganon, possibly with the help of the Yiga, to keep her from being able to learn how to use her sealing power. I won’t go into detail here, I’d be here all day lol

[@kimerodrigues1507]

I completely understand your feelings because mine are the same. A beautiful story comes from any media and I adore The Legend of Zelda and their characters. We are touched because we have empathy and we allow ourselves to get involved. And what a joy it is! Makes us grow as humans. Looking forward to see you playing more of Tears of the Kingdom!

[@sophieamandaleitontoomey9343]

I have never cried in the Legend of Zelda series. I’ve gotten very close at points but never full tears… Until this game. Zelda’s sacrifice absolutely destroyed me. Especially when the Dragon started shedding tears and I saw immediately why the game has the name it does. And to top it off with us waking up from the memory surrounded by Silent Princesses? I had to stop playing for a few moments. I was so upset.

[@susiegrace]

That was probably one of the most emotional scenes I have ever, EVER experienced while playing a game. It was done so beautifully, but it absolutely broke my heart. I feel like each time I swing the master sword now, it feels so different. I want every baddie to pay for what Zelda had to do.

[@kayemm_86]

TotK really tells an additional story to that effect: Although she has not been formally crowned, she is the de-facto queen after BotW. 7 or 8 years have since passed. She has applied herself to the rebuilding of Hyrule. And she makes that sacrifice for her kingdom, to save it. And maybe Rauru's example has strengthened her resolve in doing whatever it takes, too?

[@Ocarinafan1991]

First the final memory of the Champions' Ballad from Breath of the Wild made me cry, and now the memory of Zelda turning into a dragon also made me cry just as hard. I had a similar reaction you did Susiegrace.

[@daygon128]

I had EXTREMELY LOW expectations for this game and was pissed about the $70 price and the underwhelming previews. I wasn't going to buy the game at all and my fiance got me the TOTK OLED Switch for my birthday since she knew how much I've loved this franchise over the years. I'm about a third of the way through the game and have just completed this memory quest and my jaw can't be picked up from the floor. I have never been more wrong about anything in my life and I'm so thankful I was. This game is the polar opposite of BOTW. It actually has a story with characters you care about and a villain you absolutely loathe. With all these games and movies nowadays struggling with the role of women due to the modern western culture war, I am shocked at how well they have managed to keep Zelda a soft spoken, modest, humble, and understated character that carries so much weight on her shoulders. The developers respect her. Instead of being a selfish feminist girl boss or a damsel in distress, she transcends those tropes with actions over words and considers everyone else over herself while making the ultimate sacrifice to save her people. She is a true hero and someone I hope young women gain inspiration from. As someone who has enjoyed these games since 1986 I can say this is the definitive version of her that is truly deserving of the name of this franchise. What an amazing game.

[@susiegrace]

It is absolutely possible to be a strong and courageous woman without being a "#girlboss", and I agree with every single thing you've said about our girl Zelda. She is the perfect example of quiet courage, and I love her for it. After she swallowed her tear, she looked so frightened and scared as she frantically reached for the Master Sword, and my heart shattered. She is the hero of this story just as much as Link is. Neither of them can do what needs to be done alone, and they trust one another whole heartedly. Also, I, too, felt a little underwhelmed by the first two trailers, but the third trailer changed everything for me. But I'm so glad you played the game, and that you loved it!

[@joshuahobe7191]

Very amazing to see your reaction. Thank you for sharing. P.s i cried with you at the end

[@adrianrennie5153]

just watching your video and seeing you cry.😢😢 you made me cry too😢😢 and i totally get where you coming from.. also this game is so powerful with treas and feeling. i always wanted to be Link as he just there to save the day and save his princess. i think that wht the game was called tears of the kingdom because it bring soo many TEARS!! xx

[@MadX8]

Beautiful reaction

[@susiegrace]

None of us were ready. You aren't alone, my friend.

[@velvetbaguette]

You almost made me cry!! When i got that last memory i had to take several minutes to realize what had just happened, they truly nailed the emotional aspect of this part of the story, it slaps you out of nowhere and the leitmotif in the music... truly amazing. Now i absolutely want to see the end of your journey 😢

[@susiegrace]

I still have some things to do before I make it to the end, but I am VERY excited to see how this all plays out!

[@velvetbaguette]

@susiegrace So am I on your behalf! Hopefully I'll be able to catch your future streams :)

[@susiegrace]

@@velvetbaguette by the way, I love your user name ❤️ hope to see you in my chat one of these days!

[@Leishtek]

I don't know how they did it but these final scenes with Zelda are just so moving. It's not like they have a whole novel to develop her or anything. She got what, 20 minutes of screen time? But watching this stuff is just SO HEAVY. There really is a brilliance here in the storytelling beyond that as well, because it all still works no matter how/if/when you find the dragon tears. Some players knew who the light dragon was and where the sword was WELL before they had the ability to pull it and went on a 50 hour journey to gain the strength to do it. Some players pieced it together over time as they explored the land. Some players went through the game for 50 hours, somehow found the sword, and THEN discovered the significance of it all afterwards, like you. Still others somehow found the sword on their own and went on playing without ever knowing... just like in our daily lives how sometimes we never really know how all the pieces come together behind the scenes to make things the way they are. Then there are all the little details like the silent princess flowers, the fact that Zelda fights you at first but then just lets go of the sword, and the events that happen at the end. It's fantastic.

[@lambdadelta6140]

I love to see that there are more people who get that emotional from stories like this. I'm generally a big fan of this franchise and I always loved princess Zelda. And to me, this version of her is the best ever. When I realized she was that dragon I shot arrows at to get those pieces for the armor, I was crying. And I had the same thoughts about this. I hoped so much that Zelda can be saved and turn back. Impa said something about studying old books to find a way to save her but never did anything after that. I was nearly desperate. Thank you for being like this too :) Stay as you are and best wishes

[@susiegrace]

I don't think getting emotional over a video game story is any different than crying while reading a book, or watching a movie or TV show. They're all stories, and the ones that matter really do affect us deeply.

[@lambdadelta6140]

I agree. When I play a game and enjoy it, getting attached to the characters and their fate etc, I'm off course sad when something bad happens to them or anything like that. But there are lots of people who don't seem to understand this. Unfortunately I know too many of those who rather laugh at me and saying "it's just a game" or something. Well I'm crying a lot while reading, watching or playing. But that's how I am I guess. That's why I was glad to see your video and your emotions. I feel understood :)

[@Prodigy865]

this was a fun reaction thanks for posting

[@aaronnstein]

I think all true zelda fans broke down crying at that special moment of the game. I did on my 2nd play through as well. maybe that climatic zelda scene might just be "the legend of zelda"

[@supplepaws]

This had hit me so hard too, I sobbed like a baby. It was just that thought of how strong she was and how alone she was. There's a really big impact when you are standing in this exact moment with that final memory, realizing that Link *almost* caught her, he reached and barely grazed her fingertip, and you go through this journey to try and make up for it. You didn't catch her, but everything you're doing is to somehow save her, just to find out, you lost your chance. That attempt to catch her, WAS your last chance. It sits inside of you very heavy until the ending.

[@SolarinDay]

I hope there's a video of your reaction to the ending. The ending is in a word, epic.

[@susiegrace]

Oh, it’ll happen. I promise. I’m still have a lot to do before the end of the game, but I am really looking forward to the end!

[@thecawsomeone1471]

I like how you can see the head of Mineru's construct in the memory we see with her. The fact that she had been working on the construct at that time means she was already studying a way to live for a much longer period that she could, probably for a reason that occurs later.

[@hochialiang]

so much regrateful that u show us the emotions its touching

[@popskar]

Man, I still to this day can’t stop thinking of the way Rauru said to her she was sent there for a reason, it has to mean something… Such a powerful delivery…

[@foureyedsnake244]

The fact they hinted at this twist since the second trailer, whe Zeldas Lullaby was played on an ehru, which in botw and totk is purely used for the dragons music, is massive.

[@CordyBrush]

2:00 I love the "Hyrule Family Liedmotif", it sounds so mysterious and almost ominous!

[@justjustin5241]

I had the same reaction. I cried my heart out

[@inanutshell2924]

I did not find them in order, so seeing the story unfold in context makes all the difference to the depth of story telling. That said it is still best to see it unfold like this as so much happens while searching for the next one's memory skips a little on events. :)

[@susiegrace]

My viewers voted on whether I should find the memories, skip them all, and then watch them in order, or watch them as I found them. And everyone voted for me to watch them as I found them. I was really worried I was going to completely screw up the magic of it all, but I got really lucky. It worked out just fine for me. And they save the VERY last ending for when you collect all the glyphs anyway.

[@inanutshell2924]

@@susiegrace Thanks Susiegrace, it was much appreciated seeing it all unfold in order :)

[@oliverjohansson548]

Beautiful reaction

[@kriscynical]

The animators did such a wonderful job on Zelda's face while telling Rauru and Sonia about Link... It's hard to deny her feelings with how she looked while saying all of that. ❤

[@lili-ls1je]

You make me cry.

[@karnotik]

That main theme is so powerful

[@codyfreeman4651]

I'm a 21 year old dude who's pretty tough when it comes to not showing emotion. But this game and a few others have broken me really bad and I don't feel bad one bit for crying about it. The fact they have created a story to put people into this kind of state shows their talent and understanding of what makes a good story.

[@susiegrace]

Can I ask what other games have made you feel emotional? I’m so glad you don’t feel bad about that. There’s nothing wrong with becoming emotionally invested in a story!

[@codyfreeman4651]

@@susiegrace Most notable games were the two Ori games Zelda twilight princess I got a bit emotional and a little bit in god of war ragnaroks ending. Shadow of the colossus. All moved me in some way and it's a nice reminder im still human 😌

[@susiegrace]

@@codyfreeman4651 Oh man, I sobbed like a baby in the second Ori game. I forgot about that! You clearly have great taste in games, and it makes me happy that you connect with those characters so deeply. TP has been my all-time favorite Zelda game so far, but... TOTK just might top it. Jury is still out since I haven't actually finished it yet, so we'll see!

[@GamerGirls-cx8bs]

You just earned yourself a new sub! Keep up the good work! Also, I LOVE FINAL FANTASY 7 TOO!!!

[@susiegrace]

Thank you for the sub! It’s always lovely to find someone else who shares your same taste in games! I am SO excited for the second remake. I loved the first one, despite some of the choices they made regarding the story, so I am pumped for the next part!

[@GamerGirls-cx8bs]

@@susiegrace I haven't played the remake yet, but I'm going to get it. Very excited!

[@susiegrace]

I had a blast playing it, but be prepared: they definitely made some weird storyline choices that I found very odd. It stays PRETTY close to the OG, though. And the crown jewel is the soundtrack. Hearing the way they remastered all those amazing songs with a full orchestra was mind-blowing. Ultimately, I highly recommend it!

[@GamerGirls-cx8bs]

@@susiegrace I've heard some of the new songs. The new version of Jenova sounds so epic!

[@susiegrace]

@@GamerGirls-cx8bs oh my gosh, one of my biggest gaming regrets is not streaming that game so I could record me reactions. I lost my MIND when that song dropped. The game is great and fun, but that soundtrack is to die for

[@spacejambo9506]

That's a like and a Subscribe from me, your views and emotion you show after the "some thoughts" were absolutely spot on, I love this game so much, I think it has to go down as, for me the best Zelda game of all time and previously it had been Ocarina of Time for the longest time, and this is coming from someone who is a die hard Ocarina of Time fan, I've played it many times and I've been in a refusal to say otherwise mode for almost 3 decade's since the 1st time I played it and one of the best games of any genre, for me Tears of the Kingdom blows Ocarina of Time and any other Zelda game for that matter out of the park and another matter has to be one of the all time greatest sequels to a video game ever, I don't know maybe my Zelda fanboyism is biased but that's just my views on this incredible game.

[@CamixKx]

Between the pain Zelda went through in this version and the champions in BOTW passing was really saddening. I got teary eyed for both. The creators know how to write a good game story.

[@_TheDoctor]

Bro if this was your reaction to the memories I cannot WAIT to see your reaction to the ending.

[@susiegrace]

I still have a lot to do before that happens, but I have my box of tissues ready on my desk. I can't WAIT to see how it all comes together in the end!

[@raghuscsa316]

Don't worry, you are not alone. The final memory hit me pretty hard too. I couldn't play for the next two days.

[@ChronoSapien815]

I was very much invested in the Dragon's Tears quests that I feel like I rushed it a little bit. The only thing that kept me from seeing the last two memories was that I could not find one, so I was forced to follow the main quests for as bit. When I finally did find the last geoglyph, I was not emotionally prepared for what the final memory would reveal. Easily the most impactful story they've told thus far, makes me excited to see where they go next in the series. Good luck on beating the game, try to avoid spoilers if you can!

[@fromtheart26]

When I got 1/3 of the way through the game, I guessed the dragon was Zelda. But it was merely a guess until I had been proven right when mineru expressed about the stone

[@susiegrace]

I had the same feeling when I got the Master Sword! I was so struck by the colors and the aesthetic of the dragon, I kept trying to figure out how that could possibly be her. And then I got my answer, and it broke me.

[@fromtheart26]

@susiegrace I broke down too. I'm not a big Princess Zelda fan but this got me. Though Twilight Princess Zelda was my favorite.

[@jonson856]

In BOTW even though (almost) all the memories were about Zelda and Link, I wasnt so interested in her. I mean I liked that we saw how Zelda started to develop feelings for Link and all, and her crying scene was amazing. But ultimately I was more interested in the 4 champions, since it was them who lost their lives. Zelda, though she spend 100 years holding Calamity Ganon at bay, didnt die. But in TOTK, after the memories 15, 17 and 18, seeing Zelda‘s conviction, faith, hope (and presumably love for Link), especially in the last memory (after pulling the sword) this moved my heart so much, I kind of fell in love with her. Her self-sacrifice in TOTK was so much greater than that of the 4 champions in BOTW. Not only was she gonna sacrifice her life, she also would never find rest. What an amazingly beautiful character Nintendo wrote with one of the most tragic storylines.

[@susiegrace]

I agree! I thought the loss of the champions was sad in BOTW, but this game flipped all that on it's head. Absolutely brilliant storytelling, and I can't wait to see the end!

[@conabot]

Man I cried like a little boy, when I played the game and encountered the last dragon tear.. this is so sad! 10000 years.. and then you go out of the cutscene and stand there with her flying in the sky, silent. And you're surrounded by silent pricesses, her fucking flower 😭.. man one of the best experiences I had in any game ever and I'm a grown up man, who has been into games his entire life. They really made another true master piece! "Link, protect them all!" - oh my god!! 😭

[@shawntraub7249]

After this event when I came back to the game, I remember feeling more at ease whenever I saw any of the other 3 dragons, Naydra, Farosh, and Dinrel. Having zero knowledge of what the dragons felt or thought, they were all at least THERE. So none of them were completely alone. I even started talking about them by name as if I were on a more personal level with them. But this was also the point where I both wanted to rush to the end of the game to see what happens, but also wanted to take my time and finish up everything else. Quite the conundrum.

[@kazoo-chew]

Ikr 😢 I had literally the same reaction

[@jasminemaya3186]

Im granny...i love so much this game...and im cryng again ...greetings from indonesia❤

[@HUDJ0679790]

After i learned the true identity of the light dragon, i would sometimes take any opportunity to spend like half an hour taking a stroll on her head, enjoying the view... Link way of spending time with her when ever he can...

[@susiegrace]

That's actually really beautiful. I'd probably just cry the whole time

[@HUDJ0679790]

@@susiegrace i would almost imagine link at this point being like *hey there !! (Draw his sword) yeah im sorry... i'll make this painless but i need something from you unfortunately... (farming dragon scale). There... wasnt too terrible hey?!?! Then again, you were alway very resilient hey!? *tears building up in his eyes* *stroking her hair * i will end all this i swear....

[@theironicmonster]

her dragon theme makes mew sad. it is like she has dementia, remembering the lullaby that is her theme that her mother would apparently sing to her as well as the song of the royal family, but she only can recall 2 or 3 spaced out notes, only for it to break back down to the dragon theme.

[@Deathery]

Never apologize for having Feelings. How could anybody bei offended by that? A fellow Zelda Fan

[@Jupiter9999]

She's our silent princess now

[@susiegrace]

😭😭😭

[@user-jq6ry8yq4y]

The title means It was everyone's tears

[@susiegrace]

100%. They knew what they were doing.

[@karnotik]

A game hasnt made me this emotional since Xenosaga- nearly 20 years ago now.

[@susiegrace]

Oh man, I tried Xenosaga and just couldn’t get into it. But my older brother loved it! And older brother has great taste, so… clearly you do, too!

[@karnotik]

@@susiegrace it is a VERY slow burn, but I really resonated with Shion (the female protagonist). Her arc in that series is so amazing - she confronts her trauma and really becomes this incredible person.

[@susiegrace]

@@karnotik that’s wonderful! I think what got me was the fighting. I just couldn’t get the hang of it. But honestly, it’s been a very long time since I tried it, so it’s hard to remember

[@alogicasefoi2539]

Every Zelda need Link in her life.