88
MONSTER
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.
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
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87
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
87
Positive (80-100)
86%
Mixed (50-79)
9%
Negative (0-49)
5%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
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.
Gameplay Mechanics
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97
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
97
Positive (80-100)
90%
Mixed (50-79)
10%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
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.
Graphics and Visual Design
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93
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
93
Positive (80-100)
81%
Mixed (50-79)
19%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
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.
Music and Sound Design
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89
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
89
Positive (80-100)
77%
Mixed (50-79)
23%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
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.
Voice Acting
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75
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
75
Positive (80-100)
25%
Mixed (50-79)
63%
Negative (0-49)
13%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
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.
Technical Performance
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76
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
76
Positive (80-100)
9%
Mixed (50-79)
91%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
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.
Replay Value
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96
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
96
Positive (80-100)
94%
Mixed (50-79)
6%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
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.
Overall Verdict
88
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
88
Positive (80-100)
97%
Mixed (50-79)
3%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
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.
88
MONSTER
Reviews
199 reviews found100
Post Arcade (National Post)
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
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
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
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
Mar 3, 2017
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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
Mar 2, 2017
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The game is highly praised and given a 5 out of 5 rating.
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100
Gamer.nl
Mar 2, 2017
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The game is considered a milestone for the Legend of Zelda series and the entire game industry.
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100
Wired UK
Aug 30, 2017
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Spectacular and brilliant
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100
New York Daily News
Mar 7, 2017
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The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the Zelda game fans have been waiting for and is well worth the wait.
100
M3
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.