The wait is finally over for the Zelda title that was promised to be on the Wii U and the world just can't stop playing it. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has been an epic experience from the first minute. I'm still reeling from the first hour and the strong statement and tone it sets. I won't reveal much of the story except this. You assume the role of Link once more who awakens from 100 years sleeping and without his memories of the time before sleep. You venture out into Hyrule and a beautiful, wide and sweeping landscape is before you. My jaw dropped and I stepped forward into the adventure awaiting me. Not much is said about what to do next or where to go and the game merely says to make your own path.
The launch weekend found me ignoring other responsibilities and sinking every waking moment into Zelda. I can't put it down save to eat or sleep and every single thing I do within the game feels and looks good. This is by far the most beautiful Zelda game I have seen and the controls are tight and responsive. I have to say one of my favorite parts of this game is just the ambient sound. There is very little music in the game except for battles and bosses and everything else you'd expect to have music. Exploring the overworld is silent and intimate, it makes you really take in what you're doing. I appreciate it a lot for doing that and my experience is much more memorable for that.
One other thing to know is that there is a lack of temples. These have been replaced with shrines, a sort of miniature version of temples that have puzzles to solve, enemies to defeat or a riddle to solve. Completing these rewards you with Spirit Orbs that can be used to increase your health or stamina. There are quite a lot of shrines, I don't know the exact count but finding them all will definitely take some time.
Combat is definitely the most interesting that I've seen in a Zelda game. Link has access to every weapon type like spears, battle axes, swords, clubs etc. Each has their own benefits and abilities and surprisingly durability. Yes. Weapons can break and be destroyed so if you're left defenseless during a fight, things can go south. This goes for shields as well. This might be a unwelcome change for some but I like it and makes for decisive battles. Link can also wear different types of clothing and armor to get different effects and each has their own defense values that can also be upgraded.
There's a lot to unpack with Breath of the Wild. This is easily taking the spot for my favorite Zelda game to date. I've spent so much more time in this game than any other one and its the perfect representation of what exploring Hyrule should feel like. I implore you to play this game. I feel this is one of the games in life that you absolutely must play. Breath of the Wild is an experience that can't be missed.
