The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

 Switch
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 20981 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17,830 out of 20981
  2. Mixed: 1,176 out of 20981
  3. Negative: 1,975 out of 20981
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  1. YassirX
    Mar 6, 2017
    10
    Countering all the haters who are giving this game a 0.
    I've watched about 18 hours of this game on twitch and in my eyes its a masterpiece.
    Its a true Open-World Zelda with a beautiful Design and nice Quests and Puzzles. The only thing I dislike is the durability, which means Weapons are short-lived. Durability is fine, but things degrade too fast and there is no way to repair or    Countering all the haters who are giving this game a 0.
    I've watched about 18 hours of this game on twitch and in my eyes its a masterpiece.
    Its a true Open-World Zelda with a beautiful Design and nice Quests and Puzzles.
    The only thing I dislike is the durability, which means Weapons are short-lived.
    Durability is fine, but things degrade too fast and there is no way to repair or strengthen the durability of a weapon.

    I would rate it 9.5, because its not perfect but I want to counter the Haters.    … Expand
  2. Camitic
    Apr 4, 2017
    7
    I am a huge Zelda fan make no mistake and Breath Of The Wild isn't a bad game but its not the best Zelda game either.
    The open world at first blew my mind i thought wow.........but after the alluring shine reality sunk in and I began to dislike certain aspects of the game.
    The weapon durability system is the biggest one and I wasn't quite sure what the aim was with that.I became    I am a huge Zelda fan make no mistake and Breath Of The Wild isn't a bad game but its not the best Zelda game either.
    The open world at first blew my mind i thought wow.........but after the alluring shine reality sunk in and I began to dislike certain aspects of the game.

    The weapon durability system is the biggest one and I wasn't quite sure what the aim was with that.I became increasing annoyed at having to change weapons mid-fight. The stamina wheel which made sense with climbing annoyed me when sprinting. The shrines......I get needing to make a system to upgrade our hearts/stamina but the shrines felt more of an annoyance then a challenge to overcome.

    However the story is fantastic. The climbing aspect is great I loved and with the rain causing climbing to be an issue it added a lovely dynamic to the game. The physics of the game overall are quite brilliant and work well in a open world game.

    Overall a good solid Zelda game that attempted to break from certain traditions which I respect.    … Expand
  3. RealMido
    Mar 5, 2017
    10
    What sets the open world of this game is that you look at horizon you will see a landmark so you can play without the mini-map. the climbing on every surface is very useful to explore the world. Game mechanics all open up in the first area in the game, so you can explore at your own pace. The game tends to reward you for exploration and at the same time I never felt overwhelmed by howWhat sets the open world of this game is that you look at horizon you will see a landmark so you can play without the mini-map. the climbing on every surface is very useful to explore the world. Game mechanics all open up in the first area in the game, so you can explore at your own pace. The game tends to reward you for exploration and at the same time I never felt overwhelmed by how large the world is. Must play for fans and a lovely introduction for first timers.… Expand
  4. dopehat
    Mar 7, 2017
    10
    As a big fan of the Zelda series, I really like what they did with this game. Sure they could have stuck with the classic liniear gameplay with 12 dungeons or so, but this feels new - and so far enjoying it. I've spend roughly 30 hours so far, and barely done much with the main story.
    I've seen people crying about the FPS drops and honestly, they aren't bad at all.. It happens when alot    As a big fan of the Zelda series, I really like what they did with this game. Sure they could have stuck with the classic liniear gameplay with 12 dungeons or so, but this feels new - and so far enjoying it. I've spend roughly 30 hours so far, and barely done much with the main story.
    I've seen people crying about the FPS drops and honestly, they aren't bad at all.. It happens when alot of stuff is happening all at once and only last for about 2-3 seconds. I think i've experienced 5 or 6 framedrops so far - so honestly it doesn't really bother me at all, and does not effect gameplay much.

    As for the other crying scrubs in the negative section, most of them seems to have given up on the game after less than 2 hours and have absolutely no clue what they are talking about.
    Thank you Nintendo for this gem, I was worried you wouldn't deliever a good game, but it seems you exceed my expectations.

    Only downside is ... I miss Midna from TP...    … Expand
  5. Vamphaery
    Mar 5, 2017
    9
    Taking off my very heavily rose tinted Zelda fandom glasses and trying to describe the game simply for what it is, I'll say it's an open world action RPG with simple but profoundly satisfying mechanics, a heavy emphasis on exploration and discovery, and some of the most brilliant and *satisfying* physics and logic puzzles I've ever seen in a game. (Any game. Honestly, it gives the PortalTaking off my very heavily rose tinted Zelda fandom glasses and trying to describe the game simply for what it is, I'll say it's an open world action RPG with simple but profoundly satisfying mechanics, a heavy emphasis on exploration and discovery, and some of the most brilliant and *satisfying* physics and logic puzzles I've ever seen in a game. (Any game. Honestly, it gives the Portal series and others a very strong run for their money in terms of trying to figure out what to do, and then making use of the game's myriad abilities and its physics engine and timing to solve certain areas.)

    Some caveats, of course. If you've never enjoyed past Zelda games because of the simplistic story, silliness/humor, or general themes, this game isn't likely to change your mind. It does give the world and its history a much greater sense of lore than past installments, and there is voice acting in cut scenes now, but this is still a Zelda game. It still feels like Zelda, it still looks like Zelda, NPCs are still silly/humorous at times like Zelda, most dialogue is still text-based, and mechanically, despite a great many additions that transform the way you play and explore (for the better by far imho,) it still feels - largely, at least - like Zelda.

    Where it differs, and where its genius lies, is both in its constant sense of challenge, and the total freedom it provides to choose how best to overcome its many obstacles. While the save system is extremely generous so as to avoid tedium, even well into the game with lots of health and stamina increases under your belt, you'll encounter enemies that can easily one-hit annihilate you. And every time you acclimate to an enemy or an area and its particular challenges, the game throws something new at you.

    You'll spend a lot of time moving the camera around to get a good view of where you're trying to go, and then trying to decide where to climb/jump/glide so as to reach your intended goal (this free form ability to pick a destination and then try to formulate a tactic for reaching it is one of the game's strengths - maybe its greatest imo) without running out of stamina - which means falling.

    There is *something* to be found everywhere you climb or explore. Shrines (which contain the aforementioned puzzles,) NPCs, Koroks, overworld mini-bosses, enemy forts, or simply chests containing money, ammunition, weapons, armor, or other goodies (sometimes even rare weapons,) abound. But there are still occasional areas that are devoid of any major world content. This lends the game a slow, methodical, lonely feeling at times. (Though some would instead call it boring. Pick your adjective depending upon personal taste. I love it.)

    The physics engine in the game means you can push boulders down hills into enemies, set fires (which spread) to create updrafts to lift your paraglider higher into the air, chop down trees and send them floating down rivers to create makeshift bridges, freeze water to create pillars that alter the path of moving objects in creative ways, or build ad hoc catapults. And much more. Experimenting is rewarding.

    It's going to be very difficult for me to go back to only being able to ride/walk/drive/jump everywhere in games like GTA, Bethesda's titles, or Red Dead, unless they include some form of climbing. The sense of real freedom - and thoughtful effort - it imparts is just too profound to ever go without again imo. And that challenge (can I get up here or should I try another side of the cliff that might be easier? And if I do, will I fall and lose my opportunity to get up there? Do I need stamina elixirs first? Where's the nearest fire to make them?) is the best part of the game for me.

    The first two shrines I did were already the most satisfying puzzles I've ever completed in a game, despite their brevity... and that's just the tip of the ice berg. The game's design and mechanics are, frankly, ingeniously implemented. Perhaps best of all, challenge level seems commensurate with payoff (abilities, powerful items, etc.) which is great. Discovery always leads to some degree of advancement.

    What Ocarina of Time did for Zelda and games in general for its time, with the huge shock and awe of seeing the 2D to 3D transition still in full effect, Breath of the Wild likewise does in its own time for design and freedom... without having to rely on that sense of awe that the industry transitioning to 3D gave us. It doesn't surpass it, but for me, it DOES equal it. (Which in and of itself is astounding.)

    The game is a high 9 for me rather than a 10. There are some muddy textures, some aliasing, and some frame rate issues. Those are the only technical blemishes I've encountered, and that seems to be the consensus so far.

    In short, it's just plain fun, and beautifully implemented. But as with all games, it won't be for everyone. Use the above information to formulate where you're likely to fall. The quantity and variety of content is vast.    … Expand
  6. SJile
    Mar 8, 2017
    10
    This is far and away the best Zelda game to date, and will be remembered as one of the greatest games ever made. It's almost too good to be true--but over 40 hours in, it's still really that good.

    It takes the groundbreaking innovation of the very first Zelda game and Ocarina of Time, and basically asks: what did people love about these games? What do people love about games in general?    This is far and away the best Zelda game to date, and will be remembered as one of the greatest games ever made. It's almost too good to be true--but over 40 hours in, it's still really that good.

    It takes the groundbreaking innovation of the very first Zelda game and Ocarina of Time, and basically asks: what did people love about these games? What do people love about games in general?

    It's impossible not to think sometimes about Elder Scrolls when you're out scaling mountains and picking flowers. As someone who grew up on Ocarina of Time and Morrowind, this is the game I've spent my whole life waiting for.    … Expand
  7. easterfields
    Mar 6, 2017
    10
    This is one of those rare games that bring back the nostalgic feelings of wanting to stay at home from school (or work now that I'm an adult) all day and play! I really can't articulate well enough how much of a treasure this game truly is. The Switch has received some criticism for not having a more robust launch line up, but the fact of the matter is that Zelda: BOTW is a Game of theThis is one of those rare games that bring back the nostalgic feelings of wanting to stay at home from school (or work now that I'm an adult) all day and play! I really can't articulate well enough how much of a treasure this game truly is. The Switch has received some criticism for not having a more robust launch line up, but the fact of the matter is that Zelda: BOTW is a Game of the Year title and is pure gold for the launch of a new system. Yeah, yeah, the PS4 and Xbox One both had dozens of games available out the door, however do you still own any of them? I guarantee that every person who purchased a Switch at launch (or is about to) will still have Zelda years down the road. Beautiful graphics, music, gameplay and story and best of all, it was all stitched together with the love that Nintendo pours into it's games. This is really feels more like the sequel to Ocarina of Time that we had been hoping for, for such a long time. Do yourself a favor and buy this now. Oh and did I mention how incredibly amazing it is being able to play this Zelda ANYWHERE-thanks to the smooth as silk transition from large screen TV to handheld device? The Switch has me convinced!… Expand
  8. bagszi
    Mar 8, 2017
    10
    Over 40 hours in the game and I still have many places to discover, learning new things with every play session, the BotW seriously set my expectation high for open world adventure(and rpg) games. Do yourself a favor and play this game.
  9. Grafeaux1
    Mar 6, 2017
    10
    Freedom...superbly balanced...always somewhere to go...always something to do...the sounds are familiar and distinguishable...the music matches the environmental moods...all levels of difficulty are found in a single game...puzzles are puzzling yet offer a multitude of ways to solve...never bored...never feel as though I don't know what to do...interface is wonderful...most intriguingFreedom...superbly balanced...always somewhere to go...always something to do...the sounds are familiar and distinguishable...the music matches the environmental moods...all levels of difficulty are found in a single game...puzzles are puzzling yet offer a multitude of ways to solve...never bored...never feel as though I don't know what to do...interface is wonderful...most intriguing adventure game. It plays beautifully on the Wii U as much as on the Switch. I think the amiibo functionality is absolutely wonderful as well; they add to the game and do not take anything away. It is truly an honor to play this game. Replay-ability is what all gaming comes down to and without a doubt Zelda: Breath of the Wild makes this happen. You could have 100 people play it at the same time and they will all have had different adventures despite the one common story.… Expand
  10. ifritforce
    Mar 5, 2017
    10
    Dfantasstico realmente suave y entretenido, la tematica medio cultura ancestra y tecnologia alienigena hace un zelda novedoso, cambiar el orden de como ci+onsigues los items y el undo abierto lo hace un gran jueoçgo
  11. seynie
    Mar 6, 2017
    10
    Amazing game!
    the sense of exploration is insane and unseen!
    at first i thought it looked quite empty but once you have a closer look it is so alive!
  12. KurtisThorne
    Mar 6, 2017
    10
    Bought a switch for this, knowing that it would be a while until there were more games available. Not disappointed! This game is simply awesome.

    Keep up the good work Nintendo!
  13. erpekechana26
    Mar 5, 2017
    10
    Soy jugador de ps4 pero he jugado a este juego y me ha parecido una obra maestra un candidato a goty este año que lastima la reacción que tienen los usuarios de ps4 porque salga un bueno tan juego en una plataforma que no es ps4, esto es bueno para la industria de los videojuegos y para sus usuarios este Zelda un juegazo de 10! Y no hay mas
  14. XmartoX
    Mar 8, 2017
    10
    sin duda el mejor juego desde hace generaciones, juego indispensable para cualquier poseedor de una Wii U o una Nintendo Switch
    El único punto negativo que le veo són sus bajones de frames
  15. samuslink
    Mar 6, 2017
    10
    If you are a veteran Zelda gamer you are gonna find trouble getting used to it. Great intro game for new zelda gamers.

    The freedom of the gme gives you a sense of doing nothing, but as you progress you will find immerse into the game.

    the music sucks.
  16. KenZelda
    Mar 4, 2017
    10
    Simply one of the best games I've ever played in my life. I didn't even play Skyward Sword. The last Zelda I played was OoT and I can say -- this is unlike any Zelda I can remember. It's a completely different game but awesome in it's own way. An amazing, survival-like adventure that is dazzling and simply a masterpiece.
  17. Opal54
    Mar 6, 2017
    10
    This game is truly a masterpiece, no doubt about it. This game will win game of the year. I know it has gotten 7.6 by User score but then again, how many of the ones who's rated it negative have actually played the game?
  18. maxsonlee2
    Mar 6, 2017
    10
    This is one of the best games this year. The graphics are amazing because of the wonderful art style. The gameplay is fun and also quite challenging. The world is massive, there is so much to explore. Those that are giving this game a 0/10 are clearly trolls and haters. The haters are just jealous and butt hurt because the game is just amazing. Everything about Breath of the Wild isThis is one of the best games this year. The graphics are amazing because of the wonderful art style. The gameplay is fun and also quite challenging. The world is massive, there is so much to explore. Those that are giving this game a 0/10 are clearly trolls and haters. The haters are just jealous and butt hurt because the game is just amazing. Everything about Breath of the Wild is beautiful, and it's hilarious to see the jealous fanboys from other consoles hating on this game.… Expand
  19. Hooliganeyes
    Mar 7, 2017
    9
    Don't listen to the negative reviews. I'm a pretty big Zelda fan, and have to say this could be one of the best. The game looks amazing, and every time I am about to go do something else, it just sucks you back in. I would of given it a 10, but the frame rate drop is the only thing keeping this from a 10. Hopefully Nintendo will be able to patch this, and if they do its a 10. There are fewDon't listen to the negative reviews. I'm a pretty big Zelda fan, and have to say this could be one of the best. The game looks amazing, and every time I am about to go do something else, it just sucks you back in. I would of given it a 10, but the frame rate drop is the only thing keeping this from a 10. Hopefully Nintendo will be able to patch this, and if they do its a 10. There are few games I would even give a 9 to, but this game deserves it. If you have a Wii U, buy this. I don't have the Switch, so I can't comment on whether its worth spending 300 just to play this game.… Expand
  20. Tomo910
    Mar 7, 2017
    10
    Mind you giving a 10 doesn't mean I think its a perfect game. But so far there isn't anything majorly wrong with the game. I wish haters would stop putting a review out on games. Anyone who scores this game anything less than a 9 feels wrong to me. But the ones scoring 0 and 1 are just sad lonely people with nothing better to do. If they even said the game has ps2 graphics, low resolution,Mind you giving a 10 doesn't mean I think its a perfect game. But so far there isn't anything majorly wrong with the game. I wish haters would stop putting a review out on games. Anyone who scores this game anything less than a 9 feels wrong to me. But the ones scoring 0 and 1 are just sad lonely people with nothing better to do. If they even said the game has ps2 graphics, low resolution, poor graphics, bad gameplay, someone even called it short????? low frame rate??? There is a lot more but I would love to know why hate something especially when you have never played it.… Expand
  21. Vingadero
    Mar 7, 2017
    10
    One of the best games ever made.
    It can beat The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time

    Some people here are just jealous, let they be happy writing negative stuff, just don't let it influence you.
  22. Carlokus
    Mar 7, 2017
    9
    This is the best game ever created. It's massive, wonderful, with spectacular physics...Everything that The Legend of Zelda fans had been waiting for years.
  23. castletime
    Mar 7, 2017
    10
    It is a magical game that you won't want to put down, one that will keep you playing long after you finish the main story. Just exploring the world feels amazingly fun. And it keeps you constantly observing your surroundings and constantly thinking of strategic moves to solve problems
  24. Quazor
    Mar 7, 2017
    10
    Best Zelda game so far in my opinion. This people giving this fantastic game a 0 can not be trusted, who gives a game a zero that they haven't played? I highly recommend this game for the switch :)
  25. Tjbiker
    Mar 8, 2017
    10
    Game is just perfect, large open world, endless puzzles and dungeons, you're free to do anything you can imagine. Cooking is a bit confusing at first, but again, it's because you're not limited to specific recipes, anything you throw together results in an entirely new dish, combat is smooth and effortless but still challenging. Overall 10/10.
  26. alesro
    Mar 8, 2017
    10
    JAJAJAJAJA hay que ver la cantidad de 0 que se está llevando este juegazo por parte de envidiosos, está claro que algo pasa cuando la mayoría son 10, y comentarios absurdos son 0.
  27. Deibiddo
    Mar 8, 2017
    10
    Okay everybody ignore the hate this is one of the if not the greatest video game of all time definitely worth it and a extraordinary time. The controls are smooth, Combat is fun, the puzzles are always fresh and creative, and the story is emotional but also uplifting with many more emotions. 10/10.
  28. Lilpain97
    Mar 16, 2017
    10
    Ok, I played this for about 5 to 10 minutes and all im saying is GOTY. I climbed a mountain and failed tryed to re climb it and failed again did it a 3rd time and failed... I also nearly got **** by a goat. Best 5 or 10 minutes of my life.
    Ps this is to piss off everyone giving it a **** score without actually playing it.
  29. Dronewolf
    Apr 10, 2018
    5
    If people want to rate this game 7, 8, 9 or even 10 out of 10, that's fine. It's their opinion, but people who claim this game is "perfect"? No. Sorry, but you are wrong. This game is far from perfect.

    Breath of the Wild is an example of Nintendo trying to cash in on the success of Skyrim and Dark Souls, but they handle it all wrong. What's weird is that Skyrim is mainly caves to    If people want to rate this game 7, 8, 9 or even 10 out of 10, that's fine. It's their opinion, but people who claim this game is "perfect"? No. Sorry, but you are wrong. This game is far from perfect.

    Breath of the Wild is an example of Nintendo trying to cash in on the success of Skyrim and Dark Souls, but they handle it all wrong. What's weird is that Skyrim is mainly caves to explore, yet I e
    njoy that. BotW is the same now with the shrines, but some take very little time to complete, but I don't enjoy it. Mainly, because I play Zelda for the Zelda mechanics, but honestly...There are none. Well, none may be harsh, but there is a huge lack of the "Zelda formula". You get all the abilities right at the start and weapons, you just pick up along the way. Everything is accessible form the start, which means you can't use tools like the hookshot to reach new places later in the game "Yes, there is no hookshot...Or any other tools the past Zelda games have).

    Some of the battles can be very unbalanced against your favour, but then combat as a whole (excluding mandatory battles like boss battles) can just be avoided. There's really no need to fight anything in this game. The game offers a stealth mechanic, and this is seems to be broken too as enemies just know where you are. Buffs never seem to give you much of a boost.

    And if you really want to spoil a game, add a stamina gauge!. Dark Souls uses a stamina gauge, but it's far less hindering than the one in this game. Why? Because Nintendo decided what uses your stamina in a stupid way. Swimming up a waterfall doesn't deplete your stamina, yet swimming normally in a small pond does?

    And another take on Dark Souls, is that the lore is scattered around. Not in items, but in randomly placed books around Hyrule.

    The "dungeons" if you want to call them that are more puzzle based, very short with no rewarding items.

    I get Nintendo wants to evolve the series, which I'm open to. I'm not saying it's a massively bad game, but it needs work. A lot of work. It could still be a Metroidvania and still play as BotW. But the focus need to be more on dungeon exploring and combat. In truth, I haven't even mentioned all the gripes I have with this game. But, I enjoyed the game, but it's not one what I will replay again. Not right away anyway if ever.    … Expand
  30. Replicante
    Mar 4, 2017
    10
    This game was part of my childhood. Today, Zelda is part of my life. I no longer live in this world. I now live in Hyrule. It is not perfect, nothing is. However, it is in line with my expectations. Thanks to Nintendo
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best Switch Game of 2017
1
#1 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2017
1
#1 Most Shared Switch Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
97

Universal acclaim - based on 109 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 106 out of 109
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 109
  3. Negative: 0 out of 109
  1. GameGrin
    Dec 12, 2017
    100
    Where it takes mechanics from others in the industry, it improves upon them; where it introduces new ones, you slap your forehead in amazement that it hasn’t been done before. Breath of the Wild is development done right, and damn near the best game you’ll play all year.
    Read full review
  2. Wired UK
    Aug 30, 2017
    100
    Breath of the Wild is a masterpiece.
    Read full review
  3. Games Master UK
    May 19, 2017
    96
    Up there with the finest Zelda games, Breath of the Wild is bold, liberating, and utterly astonishing. [Apr 2017, p.60]
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