LogFAQs > #949957616

#53. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Wii U, 2017)
I think I've been a bit inconsistent with this game as far as ranking it against the other Zeldas. I remember my very initial reaction was thinking it was a good game, but maybe not "quite for me". Reflecting back on that I have no idea why I thought that. I am definitely more of a fan of a traditional style of Zelda, but I think once in a while it's good to try something a little different, as long as you're gonna do it well and it makes sense. And it absolutely does and did.

Firstly, I like the concept of do pretty much whatever you want whenever you want, as it specifically applies to a Zelda game since it's pretty opposite of what you're used to. You CAN play it more traditionally and visit your 4 "dungeons" in whatever order. But its up to you and the stuff you collect from around the world to dictate what you're able to do as far as the "dungeons" or the shrines. There's a ton to do, and it's one of those things where its more about the feeling of accomplishment in solving a puzzle, than the reward. And since finding those shrines and solving them generally feels good, (when they don't get repetitive), that keeps it fun. The shrines are sort of a more macro version of Mario Odyssey in finding and accessing them, but perhaps more micro in actually doing them, if that makes any sense. I guess the Koroks are more like the Odyssey Moons, but with less guidance on how to get them. So I wasn't really enjoying those as much as the temples. I love the giant Korok though (and the fact that Koroks have by now become a Zelda universe staple).

Getting around is fun, you can do it your style (or, if you've seen a speedrun, you know the drill), though I still find running/stamina systems to be a little detrimental to gameplay and that's still a point I don't really like here. Weapon breaking didn't quite bother me as much, but I had to fight the urge to not use stronger weapons because I might need to save them. I did ok with that. Still, the universe is vast, and its good to see Gorons, Gerudos, Ritos, and Zoras in this environment. The story framing of the warriors is fun and well done too. I do sort of wish there was a bit more music, though I get why they did what they did.

Anyway, I want to revisit this game at some point and try to find all the shrines and do all the secrets. I'm sure there's a ton I have missed, but in general, I liked its narrative, getting around, the open-world tone shift being a good fit, while still keeping a lot of the big Zelda style gameplay hits. Climbing those towers had nice payoffs too! Oh and also Zelda voice acting!!! And the game is beautiful. Coolest part of the game was definitely finding the Master Sword.



Next up: This game does not actually feature a character from Rugrats and their coworker, sadly.


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