The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is an action-adventure game developed and published by Nintendo. Released for the Nintendo Switch and Wii U consoles on March 3, 2017, it is the nineteenth installment in the The Legend of Zelda series. The game departs from many conventions of the series, featuring an open-world environment and a physics-based engine that allows for a high degree of player freedom and interaction with the game world.
Development
The development of Breath of the Wild began in 2013, following the release of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. The game was directed by Hidemaro Fujibayashi, who had previously directed Skyward Sword. The development team aimed to rethink the conventions of the series, focusing on creating a more immersive and interactive world. The game's physics engine was designed to allow for a wide range of interactions and emergent gameplay, where players could solve puzzles and challenges in multiple ways.
The art style of Breath of the Wild was inspired by Japanese animation and the landscape paintings of the 19th-century European art movement, the Hudson River School. The game's soundtrack, composed by Manaka Kataoka, Yasuaki Iwata, and Hajime Wakai, features a mix of ambient and orchestral music that dynamically changes based on the player's actions and surroundings.
Gameplay
Breath of the Wild features an open-world environment that players can explore freely. The game world, known as Hyrule, is divided into various regions, each with its own unique geography, climate, and wildlife. Players control Link, who awakens from a long slumber to find Hyrule in ruins and must defeat the evil Calamity Ganon to save the kingdom.
Exploration and Interaction
The game emphasizes exploration and interaction with the environment. Players can climb almost any surface, glide through the air using a paraglider, and swim across bodies of water. The game's physics engine allows for creative problem-solving, such as using metal objects to conduct electricity or creating makeshift bridges using fallen trees.
Combat and Weapons
Combat in Breath of the Wild is dynamic and requires strategic thinking. Players can use a variety of weapons, including swords, bows, and shields, each with its own durability and attributes. Weapons can break after repeated use, encouraging players to constantly seek out new equipment. The game also features a variety of enemies, each with its own attack patterns and weaknesses.
Shrines and Puzzles
Scattered throughout Hyrule are over 120 Shrines of Trials, which are mini-dungeons that contain puzzles and challenges. Completing these shrines rewards players with Spirit Orbs, which can be used to increase Link's health or stamina. The puzzles often require the use of runes, special abilities granted by the Sheikah Slate, a mystical tablet-like device that Link carries.
Story
The story of Breath of the Wild is set in a post-apocalyptic version of Hyrule, 100 years after a great calamity caused by Calamity Ganon. Link awakens in the Shrine of Resurrection with no memory of the past and is guided by a mysterious voice to defeat Ganon and save Princess Zelda.
Characters
- Link: The protagonist, a knight who served Princess Zelda and was put into a deep sleep to recover from his injuries.
- Zelda: The princess of Hyrule, who has been using her powers to contain Calamity Ganon for 100 years.
- Calamity Ganon: The primary antagonist, a malevolent force that has taken over Hyrule Castle and threatens to destroy the kingdom.
Divine Beasts
To defeat Ganon, Link must free the four Divine Beasts, giant mechanical constructs that were created to combat Ganon. Each Divine Beast is controlled by the spirit of a fallen Champion, who aids Link in his quest.
Reception
Breath of the Wild received critical acclaim for its open-world design, gameplay mechanics, and attention to detail. It won numerous awards, including several Game of the Year awards, and is considered one of the greatest video games of all time. Critics praised the game's ability to encourage exploration and experimentation, as well as its rich and immersive world.