The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
★★★★☆ (4.9/5)
- Release Date : March 3, 2017
- Developer / Publisher: Nintendo EPD / Nintendo
- Genre: Action-Adventure, Open World, RPG
- Director: Hidemaro Fujibayashi
- Producer: Eiji Aonuma
Quick Verdict
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a transformative masterwork that completely redefined the open-world genre. By replacing rigid waypoint checklists with true physics-driven player freedom and systemic discovery, Nintendo created an unparalleled sense of wonder and agency. While its brittle weapon durability system initially divides some players, the game’s bold reinvention of franchise conventions stands as one of the greatest achievements in gaming history.
Story
Awakening from a century-long slumber inside the Shrine of Resurrection with no memories of his past, Link steps into the wild remnants of a ruined kingdom. Guided by a mysterious voice, he learns that one hundred years prior, Calamity Ganon seized control of Hyrule’s mechanical Guardians and Divine Beasts, devastating the realm. Armed only with the versatile Sheikah Slate, Link must reawaken the spirits of the fallen Champions and reclaim the kingdom before the seal holding Ganon collapses entirely.
Performances & Gameplay Systems
Emergent Chemistry Engine: Fire spreads with wind currents, metal attracts lightning during storms, and freezing water chills Link to the bone, making the world an active puzzle sandbox.
Sheikah Slate Runes: Tools like Remote Bombs, Magnesis, Stasis, and Cryonis offer boundless problem-solving utility inside both open combat and dungeon shrines.
Unrestricted Traversal: The ability to scale any surface paired with the Paraglider gives players absolute freedom to approach objectives from any angle.
Environmental Combat: Encourages tactical creativity, rewarding players for rolling boulders down cliffs, triggering bushfires, or using enemy weaponry against them.
Visual Design & Audio Direction
Breathtaking draw distances and vibrant, cel-shaded environmental lighting that make every vista feel alive.
Atmospheric, minimalist piano arrangements by Manaka Kataoka and Yasuaki Iwata that dynamically react to quiet wilderness travel and sudden danger.
Tactile, immersive ambient audio—from the gentle rustle of tall prairie grass to the chilling mechanical click of an active Guardian laser.
Striking, distinct biome transitions ranging from the humid Faron jungles to the scorching Death Mountain caldera.
What Works
- Unmatched player freedom and emergent gameplay driven by responsive physics.
- Brilliant, minimalist audio design that emphasizes isolation, nature, and discovery.
- Over 100 inventive Shrines that turn puzzle-solving into bite-sized, rewarding triumphs.
- A painterly, enduring visual aesthetic that pushes hardware to its absolute artistic limits.
- Complete non-linear structural design that allows players to tackle the final boss whenever they choose.
What Doesn't
- Rain mechanics completely halt vertical rock-climbing, occasionally stalling exploration flow.
- Weapon durability degradation can feel frustrating during intense, drawn-out enemy encounters.
- Traditional dungeon enthusiasts may find the Divine Beasts less complex than classic labyrinthine Zelda temples.
Final Verdict
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a landmark milestone in interactive entertainment. By stripping away convention and trusting player curiosity above all else, Nintendo delivered a timeless adventure that captures the pure, untamed essence of exploration.
RATING BOX
Gameplay
(5/5)
World Design
(5/5)
Visuals & Art
(5/5)
Sound & Music
(5/5)
Replayability
(5/5)
OVERALL SCORE
4.9/5
Masterpiece
RELATED REVIEWS
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Elden Ring
Immortals Fenyx Rising
Genshin Impact
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
BEST GAME QUOTES
- “It was 100 years ago… It has been my fate to watch you wander, but I have been eager to guide you at every turn.” (When revealing his true identity to Link).
- “Courage need not be remembered, for it is never forgotten.” (Encouraging Link to face the trials ahead).
- “The future of Hyrule rests on your shoulders, and yours alone.” (Placing the burden of hope on Link).
- “Go, my boy. Prove your strength, and save my daughter… save Hyrule.” (His final, emotional charge to Link).
- “Link… open your eyes. Wake up, Link. You must… save Hyrule.” (The very first line, echoing throughout the game).
- “It has been so long… I wondered if I would ever see you again.” (The emotional reunion at the end).
- “Was it… all for nothing?” (Her despairing question about the futility of her efforts).
- “The prophecy… did I… did I fulfill it?” (Seeking reassurance at the end).
- “I know I must… face this. For everyone. Especially for… Link.” (Her resolve in the face of the final battle).
- “You’ve got to be strong. For her. For Hyrule. For yourself.” – Daruk (Encouraging Link).
- “Courage without wisdom… it is a fleeting flame.” – Revali (Offering insight on bravery).
- “The silence… it’s deafening.” – Mipha (Reflecting on the emptiness of loss).
- “Do not underestimate the power of Hyrule.” – Urbosa (Declaring the strength of their land).
- “We will be with you. Always.” – The Champions (Their shared vow of support).
- “May the goddess smile upon you.” – Various Sheikah monks and residents (A common blessing).
- “The Master Sword awaits its true master.” – Fi’s voice (Echoing through the sword).
- “It has been said that the legendary hero, who wields the sword that seals the darkness, will one day appear.” – Legend of the Hero narration (The underlying prophecy).
- “Even the smallest light can pierce the deepest shadow.” – Common saying (A powerful reminder of hope).
- “The journey itself is the reward.” – Various characters and experiences (Emphasizing the value of adventure).
BEHIND THE SCENES
On-Set Stories & Production Secrets
Kyoto, Japan (Nintendo Headquarters)
The birthplace of this legendary adventure. The concept of “breaking conventions” for Zelda was forged here, establishing a sprawling open-world design philosophy the team dubbed “open air.” Every system, from the physics of temperature and fire to the AI of wild animals, was crafted in this central hub.
Mount Fuji & Japanese Alps (Terrain & Elevation)
To define the fundamental flow of the world, the development team studied real-world elevations and vistas. They famously analyzed the terrain and sightlines from Mount Fuji and other massive Japanese peaks, using that physical data to place landmarks that naturally guide player exploration, ensuring you can see an objective from nearly anywhere.
Ancient Japanese Ruins (Architectural References)
The unique look of the 10,000-year-old ancient technology—the Shrines, Towers, and Guardians—was directly inspired by real Japanese history. The designs draw heavily from prehistoric Jōmon pottery, incorporating distinctive cord-like patterns and ceramic-like textures into the futuristic-yet-ancient machinery that defines the game’s aesthetic.
GAME LOCATION
GLOBE-SPANNING PRODUCTION
Key In-Game Locations
Kyoto, Japan
Nintendo Headquarters
The creative heart and central hub where Breath of the Wild was fully conceptualized, built, and rendered. Every system, from the fundamental redesign of the Zelda open-world structure (the “open air” philosophy) to the dynamic, real-time lighting and weather, was meticulously crafted here by the internal development team.
The Japanese Alps & Mount Fuji
References & Terrain
To achieve the critical feeling of scale, elevation, and vast, traversable vistas, the development team studied the Japanese Alps, particularly looking at the terrain, sightlines, and natural composition of iconic Japanese peaks like Mount Fuji. This research directly influenced the placement of massive landmarks that are always visible, guiding player exploration and natural pathfinding.
Ancient Japanese History
Jōmon Period Art
The definitive architectural aesthetic of the ancient Shrines, Towers, and Guardians was not found on a map, but in Japanese history. The intricate, ceramic-like, and ancient-yet-futuristic look of all Shinto-inspired machinery was directly inspired by real Japanese Jōmon pottery, known for its distinctive cord-like patterns and deep connection to prehistoric Japanese life.
Dynamic Physics & Chemistry Engine
Simulation & Systems
The entire world of Hyrule functions on a revolutionary, simulated framework that is as dynamic as any real location. The team developed a proprietary “chemistry engine” that governs interactions: rain can extinguish fires and makes surfaces slippery, wind spreads flames and causes objects to rustle, and metal can conduct electricity from lightning storms. This core technology created the unpredictable, systemic nature of the world, making it a living location that players must learn to navigate and exploit.
TIPS & TRICKS
“Master the combat, improve your style, and get more out of every battle with these essential The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild tips.”
Watch The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild tips. Gameplay Guide
Combat Tips | Parry & Flurry Rush
Master your moves and watch enemy patterns for a perfect dodge counter (Flurry Rush) or shield parry to deflect powerful attacks, like Guardian beams.
Exploration | Vertical Ascent
Use terraced fields, rock faces, and Stamina-boosting items to explore massive peaks and find hidden treasures. A sense of scale is key to vertical climbs.
Survival Strategies | Cooking & Effects
Experiment with combinations of ingredients to create status-boosting meals and elixirs. Vital for environmental hazards and difficult battles.
Gears Management | Durability & Upgrades
Manage weapon durability and upgrade key items. Collect rare materials to enhance your equipment for better defense.
WHERE TO BUY THE GAME?
AVAILABILITY & PLATFORMS
Where to Buy The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
AVAILABILITY & PLATFORMS
Where to Buy The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
NEXT-GEN DEFINITIVE
Nintendo Switch - Definitive
Performance: 1080p resolution docked (max), dynamic resolution in handheld mode, stable performance with all patches.
Complete Experience: Includes the base game and all content from the Expansion Pass DLC, including ‘The Master Trials’ and ‘The Champions’ Ballad’.
PC GAMING
PC via Emulation & Performance Patches
Compatibility: Requires legal ownership of the game nd powerful PC hardware. Full support for uncapped framerates (using Community Performance Patches), ultrawide monitors, and 4K+ resolution.
Visual Enhancements: Access to texture packs, graphical reshades, and performance mods via active community tools.
CLOUD & SUB SERVICES
No Cloud or Subscription (Native Play Only)
Catalog Availability: The game is not available on any PlayStation Plus catalog or Xbox digital service. Native purchase and download required.
Subscription & Streaming: Not compatible with instant cloud streaming or regular subscription services. Purchase required on Nintendo platforms.
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