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The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Item: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2017

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Open World, Puzzle and Logic, Single Player

AvailableMar 3, 2017

PlatformNintendo Switch

DeveloperNintendo

Overview

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the first 3D open-world game in the Zelda series. Link can travel anywhere and be equipped with weapons and armor found throughout the world to grant him various bonuses. Unlike many games in the series, Breath of the Wild does not impose a specific order in which quests or dungeons must be completed. While the game still has environmental obstacles such as weather effects, inhospitable lands, or powerful enemies, many of them can be overcome using the right method. A lot of critics ranked Breath of the Wild as one of the best video games of all time.

Elsewhere

9.4

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Critics are divided on the story of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Some praise its depth and emotional impact, while others criticize its lack of captivating writing and character development. Overall, opinions vary on whether the story adds depth to the game or falls short in comparison to previous entries in the franchise.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

86%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild are varied, with both positive and negative aspects being highlighted. Many critics praise the game for its deep and enthralling story, with Wired UK describing it as "surprisingly deep" and NZGamer stating that it is "bleaker and more enthralling" than previous Zelda games. Critics such as New York Daily News and Game Informer also commend the story, with the former calling it one of the franchise's best and the latter mentioning that it adds depth to the characters and their mission. These positive opinions highlight the originality, interest, and emotional depth of the story. However, there are also critics who express negative views about the story. DarkStation criticizes it for taking a backseat to exploration and lacking captivating writing and characters. The Washington Post mentions that the story is weak and does not move the narrative in games forward. Slant Magazine criticizes the story for being repetitive and lacking depth, with a tired formula and little variation in detail. These negative opinions point out the weaknesses in the storytelling and character development. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has both strengths and weaknesses. While some critics appreciate the deep and emotional aspects of the story, others find it lacking in terms of writing and character development. However, many critics acknowledge that the game takes risks and pays off within the context of its open-ended world. The minimalist storytelling approach is also praised by some critics for being easy to follow and not overwhelming. The general sentiment is that the story adds depth to the main characters and offers a unique and different experience compared to previous entries in the franchise.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Critics rave about The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild's open-world exploration, freedom of choice, and challenging gameplay mechanics. While some criticized frustrating controls and stamina management, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the game's immersive experience, polished mechanics, and engaging challenges.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

90%

Mixed (50-79)

10%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the majority of critics. Many critics praised the game for its open-world exploration and freedom of choice. Wired UK described it as experimental and even ridiculously difficult in places, highlighting the game's unique and challenging gameplay mechanics. IGN Spain commended the flexibility in player choices and activities, emphasizing the massive and explorable world. NZGamer appreciated the refreshing change of pace with its open-world exploration and survival mechanics. The Daily Dot praised the polished gameplay and relaxed approach to progression, with secrets and rewards to be found around every corner. Game Informer lauded the unprecedented levels of exploratory freedom, allowing players to climb and navigate the world in unique ways. These positive opinions highlight the game's immersive and engaging gameplay experience. However, there were a few criticisms regarding the gameplay of Breath of the Wild. DarkStation mentioned that while the game offers a challenging combat and survival experience, the controls can be frustrating and imprecise. Slant Magazine criticized the tutorial-like annoyance of constantly replacing equipment and the frustration of stamina management. Despite these criticisms, they were relatively minor compared to the overall positive reception of the gameplay. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the gameplay of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is exceptional. Critics praised the game for its open-world design, freedom of exploration, and polished mechanics. The Washington Post highlighted the varied gameplay and animated splendor of the world, while Cheat Code Central emphasized the engaging challenges and mechanics found in dungeons. The gameplay was commended for its tactical depth, clever puzzles, and multiple solutions by Time and App Trigger. The majority of critics agreed that the gameplay of Breath of the Wild offers a fresh and immersive experience, with a balance between freedom and encouragement to experiment. The positive reception from critics solidifies the game's status as a standout title in the gaming industry.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics overwhelmingly praised The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for its stunning graphics and visual design, describing it as breathtaking and beautiful. The game's expansive open-world, attention to detail, and Studio Ghibli-inspired visuals were particularly lauded. While some critics noted minor drawbacks like frame rate drops and pop-in issues, the consensus is that the graphics are a standout feature that greatly enhances the overall experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

81%

Mixed (50-79)

19%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of the critics praised the graphics and visual design of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, with many describing it as visually stunning, breathtaking, and beautiful. Critics such as Wired UK, VideoGamer, IGN Spain, NZGamer, M3, New York Daily News, Washington Post, The Daily Dot, Post Arcade, Game Informer, Game Rant, Gamer.nl, Time, App Trigger, Game Revolution, GameCritics, God is a Geek, NintendoWorldReport, and Critical Hit all had positive opinions about the game's visuals. They highlighted the expansive open-world, the attention to detail, and the impressive art style. The Studio Ghibli-inspired visuals were particularly praised for their gorgeous presentation and small environmental details, as mentioned by The Daily Dot. The game's graphics were also compared to a painting-like quality, as noted by Post Arcade, and the naturalistic grandeur of a Studio Ghibli film, as mentioned by Time. The visuals were considered to be a standout feature, with beautiful scenery, well-designed environments, and dynamic elements like temperature and weather, as stated by Game Informer and Gamer.nl respectively. However, there were some criticisms regarding the graphics and visual design of the game. Critics such as DarkStation, GameGrin, Slant Magazine, DualShockers, and IGN pointed out some drawbacks. DarkStation mentioned that while the cel-shaded art style had beautiful scenes, the graphics could be limited and suffer from pop-in on TV. GameGrin mentioned occasional frame rate drops and aliasing issues, while Slant Magazine criticized the repetition of certain elements and lack of distinguishable features in the open world. DualShockers highlighted that the graphics and textures were not up to industry standards, although the art style attempted to bridge the gap. IGN also mentioned occasional framerate hiccups and object pop-in. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the graphics and visual design of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild are very good. The positive opinions far outweigh the negative ones, with critics praising the game's stunning visuals, breathtaking scenery, and beautiful art style. The game's attention to detail, expansive open-world, and dynamic elements were also highly regarded. While there were some criticisms regarding technical issues such as frame rate drops and pop-in, these were seen as minor drawbacks that did not significantly detract from the overall visual experience. The majority of the critics were impressed with the graphics and visual design of the game, making it one of the standout features of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics praise The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for its immersive sound design and music, enhancing the overall experience. Positive feedback on atmospheric soundscapes and full voice acting for major characters, while some criticize sub-par voice acting in cut scenes. Lack of voiced dialogue for side characters noted as a missed opportunity. Overall consensus is that sound design and music are strong, contributing to the game's immersive atmosphere and enhancing storytelling.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

77%

Mixed (50-79)

23%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild are generally positive. Many critics highlight the immersive and atmospheric sound design of the game, which enhances the overall experience. IGN Spain praises the game for constantly surprising players with new details and interactions, including elemental recipes and unexpected abilities for Zelda. This suggests that the sound design effectively immerses players in the game world and adds to the sense of discovery. The Daily Dot also commends the inclusion of spoken dialogue with full voice acting for important characters, which adds gravitas to the game's narrative. This indicates that the voice acting enhances the storytelling and brings the major characters to life. In terms of the negatives, ZTGD criticizes the voice acting in the cut scenes, describing it as sub-par. However, they do not mention anything about the music in their review. This suggests that the voice acting may not meet the expectations of some players, potentially detracting from the overall experience. Additionally, Game Rant mentions a lack of voiced dialogue for side characters, which could be seen as a missed opportunity to further immerse players in the game world. Overall, the critics' consensus is that the Sound Design and Music of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild are strong and contribute to the immersive experience of the game. VideoGamer notes the review's discussion of the sound design, including the lack of music and the specific sounds in the world, indicating that the game's sound design is notable and well-executed. Game Informer also highlights how the sound design and music enhance the atmosphere of the game and contribute to the overall experience. The positive opinions from App Trigger and Hardcore Gamer about the soundtrack further support the consensus that the music in the game is excellent. The inclusion of sweeping orchestral themes, as mentioned by God is a Geek, adds to the overall quality of the music. The overall sentiment is that the Sound Design and Music of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild are well-crafted and contribute positively to the game's immersive and atmospheric experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed feelings about the voice acting in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Some praise it for adding depth to the narrative and bringing characters to life, while others find it lacking in nuance and emotional connection. Overall, opinions vary on whether the voice acting enhances or detracts from the game's experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

25%

Mixed (50-79)

63%

Negative (0-49)

13%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has received mixed reviews from critics. Some critics, such as The Daily Dot and Game Rant, appreciate the inclusion of full voice acting for important characters, noting that it adds gravitas to the game's hefty narrative and brings major characters to life. The voice performances, particularly for Zelda and the supporting cast, are praised by IBTimes UK, who describes them as odd but largely effective. NintendoWorldReport also commends the voice acting, stating that it fits with the series, even if it can be a little cheesy. These positive opinions highlight the successful portrayal of key characters and the overall fittingness of the voice acting within the game's universe. However, not all critics were as impressed with the voice acting in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The Washington Post criticizes the lack of nuance and empathy in the voice acting, suggesting that it falls short in evoking emotional connections with the players. Game Informer also finds the voice performances, particularly for Zelda and the supporting cast, to be underwhelming. ZTGD goes as far as to describe the voice acting in cut scenes as sub-par at best. These negative opinions indicate that the voice acting may lack the depth and quality expected from a game of this caliber. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the voice acting in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is mixed. While some critics appreciate the inclusion of full voice acting for important characters and find it effective in bringing the game's narrative to life, others criticize its lack of nuance, underwhelming performances, and sub-par quality in certain scenes. Despite the differing opinions, it is evident that the voice acting plays a significant role in shaping the overall experience of the game, with both positive and negative aspects contributing to the players' immersion.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Critics had mixed opinions on the technical performance of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the Nintendo Switch. Some praised its smooth performance with minor hiccups, while others criticized occasional framerate issues, especially in docked mode. Overall, technical flaws did not majorly affect gameplay, but there were noticeable frame rate drops.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

91%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance on the Nintendo Switch, the critics had mixed opinions. Some critics, such as Game Informer and App Trigger, praised the game for its smooth performance and lack of major technical issues. They mentioned that while there were occasional framerate issues, they did not significantly affect the overall gameplay experience. Additionally, God is a Geek highlighted that the minor frame drops and texture fade-ins were not enough to ruin the overall experience. These positive comments suggest that the game generally runs well on the Nintendo Switch, with only minor technical hiccups. However, there were also several negative comments regarding the technical performance on the Switch. Critics like New York Daily News and ZTGD mentioned framerate issues, particularly when playing the game on a television screen. Game Revolution and Critical Hit also noted occasional performance issues in docked mode. These criticisms indicate that the game's technical performance on the Switch is not without its flaws, with frame rate drops and hitches being the primary concerns. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the technical performance of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the Nintendo Switch is that while there are some issues, they are not significant enough to detract from the overall enjoyment of the game. The positive comments from Game Informer, App Trigger, and God is a Geek highlight that the game generally runs smoothly and retains Nintendo's polish. However, the negative comments from New York Daily News, ZTGD, Game Revolution, and Critical Hit suggest that there are occasional framerate issues, particularly when playing on a television or in docked mode. Despite these technical hiccups, the overall sentiment is that the technical performance on the Switch is acceptable and does not significantly impact the overall gameplay experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics unanimously praise The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for its exceptional replay value, with its vast open world, surprises, and hidden content providing endless hours of gameplay. The game's depth, flexibility in quest completion, and constant discovery of new elements make it a highly replayable experience, according to various critics. No specific criticisms about replay value were mentioned, solidifying the consensus that the game offers a truly captivating and enduring gameplay experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

94%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics highlight the game's depth and surprises even after hours of gameplay, such as IGN Spain and Game Informer. NZGamer and Game Rant mention the side quests and hidden content that encourage exploration and multiple playthroughs. The Daily Dot emphasizes the constant discovery of new things at your own pace, which completely changes expectations for the series. Post Arcade and DualShockers mention the presence of hidden areas and objectives, indicating potential replay value. Game Revolution praises the distinctness of each playthrough and the ability to play on the go with the Switch. NintendoWorldReport mentions the wealth of options and flexibility in completing quests. On the negative side, there are no specific criticisms mentioned by the critics regarding the replay value of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has exceptional replay value. The game offers a vast open world with countless hours of gameplay, numerous activities to discover, and a wealth of options for completing quests. Critics like New York Daily News and Game Rant mention the potential for secrets even after 100 hours of gameplay. The game's depth, surprises, and constant discovery of new things are highlighted by IGN Spain, The Daily Dot, and Game Informer. The presence of side quests, hidden content, and the encouragement of exploration further enhance the replay value, as mentioned by NZGamer, DualShockers, and App Trigger. The distinctness of each playthrough and the ability to play on the go with the Switch add to the game's replayability, as emphasized by Game Revolution. Overall, the majority of the critics agree that The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild offers a highly replayable experience.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

97%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics, with the majority considering it a masterpiece. The game is praised for its spectacular and brilliant gameplay, innovative open-world design, and its ability to redefine what a Zelda game can be. Critics such as Wired UK, NZGamer, and Game Informer highlight how the game successfully combines elements from the series with new features, creating a new high point for the franchise. The game is also commended for capturing the sense of wonder and awe of the original game, as mentioned by NZGamer and Digital Spy. The captivating story, polished gameplay, and gorgeous visuals are also mentioned as positives by critics like The Daily Dot and Post Arcade. While the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, there are some minor criticisms mentioned by a few critics. Slant Magazine criticizes the game for being a conflicted combination of marketing logic and staggering artistry, while DarkStation points out flaws in the story and controls. However, these criticisms are overshadowed by the game's numerous strengths and do not significantly detract from the overall experience. In summary, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is widely regarded as a masterpiece and a groundbreaking game that offers a unique and open-ended experience. Critics praise its innovative gameplay, stunning visuals, captivating story, and its ability to redefine the franchise. The game's minor flaws are overshadowed by its numerous strengths, making it one of the best Zelda games ever made. The overwhelmingly positive consensus from critics, as well as the high praise from individual reviewers such as Game Revolution and GameCritics, solidify the game's status as a must-play title and a once-in-a-generation experience.

TL;DR

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild redefines the franchise with innovative gameplay, stunning visuals, and a captivating story, earning it widespread acclaim as a masterpiece. While some critics mention minor flaws, the game's strengths shine through, making it a must-play and one of the best Zelda games ever created.

MONSTER

Reviews

199 reviews found

100

Post Arcade (National Post)

Nintendo Switch

Mar 24, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game receives a perfect score and is highly praised for its beauty, scope, innovation, playability, and sense of joy and wonder.

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100

GameCritics

Nintendo Switch

Mar 14, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer considers The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild to be the best Zelda game ever made and a staggering accomplishment. They praise the player agency and the game's ability to offer what any given player wants.

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100

ZTGD

Nintendo Switch

Mar 10, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is described as one of the best games the reviewer has ever played, and a once-a-generation title that no one should miss out on.

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100

Game Revolution

Nintendo Switch

Mar 2, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Breath of the Wild is the best launch title the reviewer has ever played and will single-handedly validate the purchase of the Switch for many people. The game captures your interest for more than a month and presents more things to do within its world than ever before.

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100

Digital Spy

Nintendo Switch

Mar 3, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild as a masterpiece that will forever influence the interactive medium.

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100

Time

Nintendo Switch

Mar 2, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is highly praised and given a 5 out of 5 rating.

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100

Gamer.nl

Nintendo Switch

Mar 2, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is considered a milestone for the Legend of Zelda series and the entire game industry.

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100

Wired UK

Nintendo Switch

Aug 30, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Spectacular and brilliant

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100

New York Daily News

Nintendo Switch

Mar 7, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the Zelda game fans have been waiting for and is well worth the wait.

100

Nintendo Switch

Mar 7, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a game that redefines open-world games and successfully combines elements from the series with new features.