Written by Lunar_95

Developed by Nintendo and published by the same, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was released in March 2017. Set in the vast kingdom of Hyrule, the game offers one of the most expansive and precisely designed open worlds ever seen in gaming. The world is filled with multiple landscapes, from grassy plains to snow-covered mountains, dense forests, and ancient ruins. Hyrule feels alive, with dynamic weather, wildlife, and a sense of history embedded in every corner, making exploration truly magical.

In Breath of the Wild, you play as Link, a hero who awakens from a deep slumber in a ruined world. Your goal is to defeat the ancient evil, Calamity Ganon, who threatens the very existence of Hyrule. To do this, you must reclaim your lost memories, gather allies, and strengthen yourself for the final confrontation. It is a story of heroism, perseverance, and the rediscovery of the world and yourself.

Breath of the Wild's gameplay is incredibly fluid and emphasizes player freedom. You can climb any surface, glide through the air, and even solve puzzles in multiple ways, which separates it from most other games. Combat is a blend of strategic weapon and item usage, and the game's physics engine adds creativity, allowing for experiments with the environment (such as using fire, wind, or even gravity to outsmart enemies). The sheer freedom of exploration and the ability to tackle objectives in any order makes each playthrough feel unique.

The game uses a unique progression system where you can upgrade Link's health and stamina by completing Shrines/mini-dungeons scattered across the world. Rather than a typical level-up system, progress comes through resource management, exploration, and puzzle-solving. Another unique feature is the game's durability system, where weapons and shields break with use, forcing you to constantly adapt your combat strategies. Additionally, the minimal use of traditional markers on the map encourages players to rely on their instincts and observations.

Breath of the Wild is a monumental achievement in game design, offering players a sense of true adventure and freedom rarely found in the genre. Its world feels organic and reactive, and the many ways to approach challenges keep it engaging from start to finish. With its breathtaking visuals, emotionally resonant story, and innovative gameplay systems, it stands out as one of the best games of its generation. I rate this game as Excellent on the five-tiered scale (Bad, Below Average, Average, Above Average, Excellent).