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The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Switch & Wii U)

The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild

Developer(s) – Nintendo EPD

Publisher(s) – Nintendo

Director – Hidemaro Fujibayashi

Producer – Eiji Aonuma

PEGI – 12

Four years in development, and released as a launch title for the Nintendo Switch, as well as being the last game to be produced by Nintendo for the Wii U. And met with an overwhelming amount of critical acclaim, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the wild retains some conventions of the Zelda series. But gives players a much more open-world and open-ended experience than ever before.

It also incorporates elements new to the series. Such as breakable weapons, cooking food, brewing elixirs, using a variety of different armor sets, and a massive variety of things to do and quests to complete. Which puts many open-world games to shame. Whilst this isn’t my favorite Zelda title (that honor would go to Ocarina of Time), Breath of the Wild has unanimously cemented itself as, in my opinion, one of the greatest video games ever developed. And most certainly worth the amount of praise it has been given worldwide.

Graphics – 10/10

Incorporating cel-shaded visuals reminiscent of games in the Wind Waker series, as well as Skyward Sword, Breath of the Wild takes place in a post-apocalyptic Hyrule. Which is mostly abandoned countryside with the exception of a few small settlements and towns, including Gerudo Town, Rito Village, Goron City, Zora’s Domain. And both Kakariko and Hateno Village. Despite the devastation that ravaged Hyrule a century prior to the start of the story, the in-game world looks captivating, to say the least. Hyrule still retains a staggering level of natural beauty. As well as curious ruins and additional places to explore.

It’s also interesting as a Zelda fan to be able to identify the many different buildings that have appeared throughout the series that now lie in ruins. Such as Lon Lon Ranch, the Temple of Time, and the Bridge of Hylia. The game’s soundtrack also does extremely well to add to the atmosphere of this new Hyrule. As well as fit in with each respective situation the player may find themselves in. Be that either simply traveling throughout the land in peace, or when battling monsters or mini-bosses. It’s also refreshing to see that the conceptual design of the series, in general, has undergone some dramatic changes. Concerning elements like Link and Zelda’s conceptual design. As well as the elements of futuristic technology that existed in mass before the events of the game. Such as the Guardians, the shrines, and the watchtowers scattered throughout Hyrule.

Gameplay – 10/10

The gameplay has also been dramatically changed to give players a Zelda experience like no other since. The main objective is of course to defeat Ganon. But players may choose to either put this off for as long as possible and go off and do many other things there are to do in the game. Or they can even choose to go straight ahead to the final boss from the get-go. Either way, players will not be at a loss for how best they wish to approach the game.

Players will also not find themselves with a lack of things to do. Since there is a wide range of different side quests and collectible items to find. Such as building your own house, completing all 120 shrines, finding all 900 Korok seeds, finding Link’s lost memories, and filling the Hyrule Compendium. And conquering the four divine beasts to name but a few. As far as gameplay goes, it is unanimously the most extensive Zelda game in terms of things to do, and I was thoroughly impressed from start to finish.

Controls – 10/10

In terms of controls, I also didn’t come across any unnecessary complications. The climbing system is actually reminiscent of what a lot of people tend to do when playing games such as Skyrim and Oblivion. Trying to find the best route to climb up mountains despite how steep they may be. In Skyrim and Oblivion, for example, players do this without the game encouraging them to do so. But in Breath of the Wild, this is actually an integral part of the gameplay and is widely encouraged. The combat system can also present a welcome level of challenge in my opinion; especially against multiple enemies.

Lifespan – 10/10

With a massive amount of activity to engage in, Breath of the Wild can easily be made to last over the 100-hour mark. This dwarfs the lifespan of every other major entry in the Zelda series. As well as a vast majority of video games in general. Zelda games would generally last a long time prior. But the sheer scale of this game puts every one of them to shame in this respect.

Storyline – 10/10

The place of Breath of the Wild in the Zelda timeline is uncertain. As Nintendo has not revealed that. But the game takes place in the land of Hyrule 10,000 years after Calamity Ganon had attempted to invade the land. But was thwarted by Link and Zelda, with the aid of four divine beasts and futuristic technology developed by the Sheikah race. A century prior to the start of the story, Princess Zelda conducted further research on Sheikah technology. And chose four champions to pilot the divine beast in case Ganon were ever to return.

Upon Ganon’s return, he turned the divine beasts and the Sheikah technology against Hyrule, using it to ravage the land, while he remained confined to Hyrule Castle. After fighting the menace, Zelda returns to Hyrule Castle in order to ensure that Ganon is kept confined there. Whilst Link is taken to the Shrine of Resurrection to awake 100 years after Ganon’s return when he is then tasked with freeing the divine beasts. And to finally defeat Ganon, and drive him out of Hyrule once again.

Cont…

Being the first main entry in the Zelda series to include voice acting, the story is a lot more emotionally charged than ever before. And it offers a much newer perspective on each character. Excluding Link, who is still the same silent protagonist. Although the voice acting is a little below par, the game’s story is a welcome departure from many conventions of past Zelda titles. The portrayal of Princess Zelda herself, for me, is the best feature. Players are sternly reminded of the reason why the series is named The Legend of Zelda since she carries an aura of mystery and beauty. And to a much greater extent than before. A great depth to her character that Shigeru Miyamoto was inspired by in the first place when naming her after Zelda Fitzgerald. The wife of the American novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Originality – 9.5/10

Breath of the Wild is definitely much more evolutionary than it is revolutionary in my opinion. Which is why I would personally place it beneath Ocarina of Time. Regardless, the game takes the concept of open-world gameplay. And introduces a wide range of new ideas and gameplay elements. Making it one of the most unique titles of the eighth generation. It seems Nintendo has looked at a lot of limitations in open-world gaming and developed them. Such as in the case of climbing mountains compared to The Elder Scrolls games.

I’ve heard people complaining that there isn’t enough in Breath of the Wild to make it seem like a Zelda game. But to me, that’s a reason that makes the game stand out so much in a positive way since Nintendo has become accused by critics of merely recycling the games. And giving them a new coat of paint; particularly where games for the Wii U are concerned. But to me personally, the departures that this game seems to have taken from the rest of the series are positive ones. And it makes for the best Nintendo gaming experience in a very long time.

Deliirious

Overall, Breath of the Wild is most certainly one of the best games Nintendo has ever developed. As well as one of the best games ever developed in general. There are a lot of things to do, the world of Hyrule has never looked so compelling. And layers will be engaged in the story on an entirely different level from anything seen in the series before.

Score

59.5/60

9.5/10 (Outstanding)