The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Review

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is, in my opinion, one of the greatest video games of all time. From its breathtaking art style to its incredibly rewarding exploration, the game consistently delivers an unforgettable experience.

The game begins with Link awakening after a 100-year slumber, having narrowly survived a devastating battle and lost all of his memories. As you explore the world, you slowly uncover what happened in the past and learn that Princess Zelda has been trapped in Hyrule Castle, using all her strength to hold back Calamity Ganon. While the story itself isn’t the strongest part of the game, it doesn’t need to be. Breath of the Wild is much more about the journey than the destination. The sense of discovery and freedom completely overshadows the need for a deep, linear narrative.

One of the game’s greatest strengths is the freedom it gives the player. You can explore Hyrule in any way you want—climb mountains, wander through forests, or head straight for the final boss if you choose. You can follow the intended path or completely ignore it, and the game never punishes you for doing so. In many open-world games, this level of freedom can feel empty or repetitive, but Breath of the Wild avoids this problem entirely. There is always something interesting to discover, whether it’s a hidden location, an enemy encounter, or a new challenge.

As you explore Hyrule, you’ll come across Shrines, which are cleverly designed puzzle rooms that test both your creativity and problem-solving skills. Completing them is consistently fun and rewarding. In addition to Shrines, the game features four massive Divine Beasts, which function like large-scale dungeons. While completing them is optional, freeing all four makes the final battle against Ganon significantly easier, giving players meaningful choices about how they want to approach the game.

Progression in Breath of the Wild feels natural and satisfying. Along the way, you find stronger weapons, better armor, and learn to cook dishes that improve your survivability. Weapons have unique abilities—some freeze enemies, others electrocute them—forcing you to think strategically about which tools are best for each situation. The Sheikah Slate adds even more depth, granting special powers that can be used both in combat and to solve environmental puzzles.

What truly sets Breath of the Wild apart is how polished everything feels. The world never feels empty, exploration is always rewarding, and experimentation is encouraged at every turn. There is an incredible amount to do, and nearly all of it feels thoughtfully designed.

Overall, the game has very few flaws that impact gameplay in any meaningful way. Exploring the vast land of Hyrule is endlessly enjoyable, and every moment feels purposeful. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild truly deserves its reputation and is, in my opinion, one of the best video games ever made.