Of these elements, exploration is my favourite. The quest should also look good, and not too square or too simple, there should be a sense of adventure when you play the game.
Though, I always say that story is the most important element. If you don't have a good story, everything else in your quest won't have substance. A story ties together all the elements.
Think about what a Zelda game would be like with no Hero of Time, no Princess Zelda, no Hylia. These words have meaning because of the story that is built around them, they are what people called the "lore" of a world. Without a story, Ganon would never take power, Link would never go on his quest, and Zelda would never grow into her powers. Hyrule would be just a place, not a land of adventure and danger.
Work on building a great story, then support that story with your other elements.
Though, I always say that story is the most important element. If you don't have a good story, everything else in your quest won't have substance. A story ties together all the elements.
Think about what a Zelda game would be like with no Hero of Time, no Princess Zelda, no Hylia. These words have meaning because of the story that is built around them, they are what people called the "lore" of a world. Without a story, Ganon would never take power, Link would never go on his quest, and Zelda would never grow into her powers. Hyrule would be just a place, not a land of adventure and danger.
Work on building a great story, then support that story with your other elements.
