User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 20981 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. Mar 8, 2017
    10
    This Zelda game defied all expectations. The art style is beautiful and there are so many stunning views available due to Links ability to climb almost anywhere you can see. Right out of the gate youre given everything you need to explore the world and take the game as you please. This game sprinkles puzzles everywhere instead of simply placing them in the dungeons. This brings one ofThis Zelda game defied all expectations. The art style is beautiful and there are so many stunning views available due to Links ability to climb almost anywhere you can see. Right out of the gate youre given everything you need to explore the world and take the game as you please. This game sprinkles puzzles everywhere instead of simply placing them in the dungeons. This brings one of Zelda's best aspects (puzzel solving) to the forefront of the entire game instead of dredging through tedious tasks in a race to get to the next dungeon. I often find it hard to complete my tasks quickly as the world is just so delightfully distracting and fun to explore.

    The new weapon system was a big bummer at first but it quickly became a non-factor as you constantly find newer and cooler weapons. In fact, I often have to discard a weapon from my inventory just to pick it up. I see many people complaining about the lack of "unique items" like the hookshot and so forth that are unique to solving a dungeon or allowing access to a new area. To me this was always one of the worst aspects of the Zelda series: locking you into a narrow path that can only be traversed via a *conveniently* placed item. Had the baddies only removed that item from the dungeon they had taken complete control of, you'd never be able to beat it - plot hole much? Not to mention you find WAY more unique weapons, shields, and other items throughout Breath of the Wild than all the other Zelda games combined. Do you really care that you don't get silly items that you use for 1 or 2 areas and generally don't need to use again? The old way made navigation through the world about what you couldn't do yet and having to come back when you can, the new way makes it so you can practically go anywhere and do anything as long as you can figure out the puzzle of how to do it - and that's why simply exploring is just so dang fun.

    The additional RPG elements are a great bonus. Crafting, upgrades, and cooking add a new layer to the game that creates additional goals and purpose to exploring every nook and crazy of the beautifully crafted world.

    This is without a doubt the best Zelda game ever made. It is a revolutionary change to the formula, one to rival the greatness of Ocarina of Time when it first broke the mold of the "traditional" Zelda games before it. Like Ocarina of Time, Breath of the Wild has those who will kick and scream at the changes, but history will show this game as the start of the new golden Era in the Zelda series just as OOT had done so many years ago.
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  2. 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.
  3. Mar 8, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. My only criticism for this game is that you can't burn enough things down. For example, there are Bokoblin treehouses that you can't burn down, but other than that small thing it is an amazing game that I would recommend to anyone who already is into Zelda and to people who want to get into Zelda or just games in general. Expand
  4. Mar 8, 2017
    10
    The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild is an open world marvel, the fact that it took 4 years to develop, and the number of developers that worked on this game shows how much dedication Nintendo have, to give us the best experience we can get from a video game. This game is perfect for RPG veterans because Nintendo finally decided to bring link's adventure back to it's root, but also veryThe Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild is an open world marvel, the fact that it took 4 years to develop, and the number of developers that worked on this game shows how much dedication Nintendo have, to give us the best experience we can get from a video game. This game is perfect for RPG veterans because Nintendo finally decided to bring link's adventure back to it's root, but also very suitable for beginners due to it's fresh and modern gameplay and features. The story is kinda deep in many ways, but in the same time, being so easy to understand. Expand
  5. Mar 8, 2017
    10
    Hands down most challenging and open world Zelda game. Very easy to get sucked into the game's world and atmosphere!

    The lack of linearity is sometimes overwhelming, but no other games capture this same sense of adventure. Totally worth buying a Switch just for this game! I can see myself putting in more than 100 hours into it.
  6. Mar 8, 2017
    10
    Its an amazing game no doubt there are some issues with framerate but that is only on the starting section of the game after that its running smoothly. The story is also very well developed and after beating just one duengon you feel like just going to the final boss and fight it out even though you know you are not ready that is how engaging the story is you dont even need to know theIts an amazing game no doubt there are some issues with framerate but that is only on the starting section of the game after that its running smoothly. The story is also very well developed and after beating just one duengon you feel like just going to the final boss and fight it out even though you know you are not ready that is how engaging the story is you dont even need to know the full story to get sucked into the game and all the negitive rewiews that say the story is not mature there are deaths of important characters that you shoulder in game and as for music its amazing the overworld has a very slow tune as you roam through it and the towns and villages have their own themes the best themes belong to the duengon and its bosses and there are also tons of other themes its zelda alright back to its origns and better to those who say it not a zelda game hence give it 0 and just being unreasonable. The gameplay is also engaging granted the inventory get maxed out quickly and it becomes hindarance when collecting weapons but it a minor flaw in the game whith many ways around it dont like small space expand it want to take a weapon but no space throw the one in your hand honestly that the whole point of limited space here you try out new stuff and see what works for you close combat just take swords and throw every thing else want to keep distance use spear or bows want to do more damage in less hits use axes or hammer i dont get why people fuss about it sure it get a bit annoying but all you need is use your brains and figure stuff out just because you dont get a weapon to just hack and slash without worying about durabilty you give the game a 0 based on that is stupid and lame even for internet it like saying horizon has no god of war style gameplay so 0 stop being salty and enjoy the game if you didnot play it dont rewiew how would you feel is people just gave a game 0 just because they feel like giving it 0 without evenplaying it or giving reasonable explaintion respect the developers of the game at least even if you dont like nintendo if you really want to complain try building your own game and see how it goes. Expand
  7. Mar 8, 2017
    10
    Desde el diseño artístico del juego, hasta las físicas de cada elemento, se cuidó de manera increible, es un mundo basto con mucha libertad, lo cual, es bastante nuevo para un título de esta saga, la inclusión de voces y dialogos es algo nuevo y que ha caido muy bien a la saga, sin duda, un juego que ofrece una verdadera aventura con muchas posibilidades.
  8. Apr 2, 2017
    10
    Solid open world adventure with many things to do. Even though I have completed the story, I have only completed 22 percent of the game and there are so much more left for me to do. I would give it a 9.5 because it lacks hd rumble and i would certainly love to have a durability checker on weapons and shields.
  9. Mar 8, 2017
    10
    DO NOT LISTEN TO ALL THE HATE SURROUNDING THIS GAME. All of these are just from the haters and well...what can you do? All they complain is about the graphics (great for a nintendo game), framerate (I admit it gets annoying at first but you get used to it), resolution blah blah blah not to their liking or just comparing to other games which are different when I'm sure they have not playedDO NOT LISTEN TO ALL THE HATE SURROUNDING THIS GAME. All of these are just from the haters and well...what can you do? All they complain is about the graphics (great for a nintendo game), framerate (I admit it gets annoying at first but you get used to it), resolution blah blah blah not to their liking or just comparing to other games which are different when I'm sure they have not played or fully understood this game themselves. These things are not an issue to me. JUST ENJOY THE GAME!!! Now on to the review...(no spoilers). Note: Not a total nintendo fanboy, I also love playstation and my pc so no bias here although am a huge zelda fan.

    Holy mother of pineapples! This game is so amazing. Just the feel of the game, gameplay, graphics (for a nintendo game), and story are so well done. I have been a huge zelda fan since oot and can definitely say this game can really go toe to toe with the perfect game that was oot. How the game puts you in a huge world like in this game and basically just tells you to have fun is just what makes it so fun for me. You make the decisions on what you want to do in this game compared to the past games that were more linear and forced you to follow a smaller path. There are so many mechanics in this game and I still think I haven't learned all of them. This game is all about exploration, discovery, adventure, and of course being an awesome hero that will save Hyrule. Story is not totally up there but is understandable to how this game is with its gameplay and open world to explore, do love seeing all the well done cutscenes when they pop in though.. So many barriers were broken with this game in the Zelda franchise which makes me have hope in Nintendo again to bring more great experiences in the future instead of always using the same old same old with some of their other franchises. The game is hard to put down after playing it...sadly my body needs sleep, food, and bathroom needs. Bravo to Nintendo. GOTY 2017 contender for me personally.
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  10. Mar 8, 2017
    10
    Better than any PS game out there right now. Beautiful game, amazing open world experience. The best Zelda game ever made. Nintendo did a great job with this one
  11. Mar 8, 2017
    10
    To everyone who rated this 0 I know you are just hating on this game because whatever reason but ignoring that for a second this game is amazing! Huge world full of fun, Incredible systems with breaking weapons and shields, and Surprisingly realistic with its temperature feature, Thunderstorm lightning, boomerangs ( yes boomerangs) and weather. It also has an amazing cooking feature and itTo everyone who rated this 0 I know you are just hating on this game because whatever reason but ignoring that for a second this game is amazing! Huge world full of fun, Incredible systems with breaking weapons and shields, and Surprisingly realistic with its temperature feature, Thunderstorm lightning, boomerangs ( yes boomerangs) and weather. It also has an amazing cooking feature and it is personally one of my favorite parts for some reason. This game is a must buy for Switch or Wii U owners and if you have a PS4, Xbox One, or PC I really wish you guys had this game. Expand
  12. Mar 8, 2017
    10
    The developers took a big risk with this game, but it payed off big time. For once Nintendo listened to fans who wanted a more "modern" gaming experience, instead of sticking to the OoT formula. (Fans who cited games like Dark Souls, Dragon's Dogma, etc as ways to evolve the Zelda franchise)

    But they didn't just copy those games and call it a day. They put their own spin on the
    The developers took a big risk with this game, but it payed off big time. For once Nintendo listened to fans who wanted a more "modern" gaming experience, instead of sticking to the OoT formula. (Fans who cited games like Dark Souls, Dragon's Dogma, etc as ways to evolve the Zelda franchise)

    But they didn't just copy those games and call it a day. They put their own spin on the open-world adventure genre, while keeping Zelda traditions in all the right ways. After about 5 years of spin-offs and remakes on Wii U, Nintendo seems like they;re finally finding their footing again.
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  13. Mar 8, 2017
    10
    The amount of people giving negative reviews just because they are mad at the fact that the game has such a high score is sickening, I thought games were about fun but clearly there are people who like to ruin it.

    I picked up the Switch and Breath of the Wild during launch and I am currently still playing after 6 days, The game is fantastic, one of the best I've ever played. The console
    The amount of people giving negative reviews just because they are mad at the fact that the game has such a high score is sickening, I thought games were about fun but clearly there are people who like to ruin it.

    I picked up the Switch and Breath of the Wild during launch and I am currently still playing after 6 days, The game is fantastic, one of the best I've ever played. The console itself isn't my favorite but it is still a lot of fun.

    Breath of the Wild has a wide range of things to do that will keep you busy for probably way over 100 hours considering how long I've been playing. It's open world boasts a large play area for players to test mechanics in the game and learn things that can be helpful to them later on. Shrines dotted around the world give the players a goal to try and conquer each one, including the shrine quests which make them much more interesting trying to solve riddles that are given to you from NPCs scattered around in different towns and towers. The sheer amount of detail that Nintendo have packed into this little cartridge is mind blowing with the realistic mechanics that you need to use. Overall for the world it will keep you occupied for a while making it hard to get bored whether it be cooking, horse riding, shield surfing, exploring, collecting and the list goes on and on.

    The story line is good, not the best but it is good. I think they are saving the story for the DLC packages that are being released later on throughout the year, I'm not a huge fan of DLC but I'm interested in how Nintendo will deliver the new story line. The character development is nice as the game dives into the history of important characters in the game through very good story lines in quests which will all add up to the end game. Memories are also a great part of the game, as Link has no memory he must regain it by searching around the massive world learning new and old things which pieces the puzzle together after many, many hours of exploration and quests.

    Performance wise, the game is OK for the majority of the game although SOME areas challenge the Switch it doesn't ruin the overall experience although I can understand why some people are annoyed by it but it is very short bursts that occur rarely. The patch fixed most of these issues.

    Overall, Breath of the Wild boasts the true creativity that the team behind Nintendo hold, I have to say that Nintendo have many talented developers that are loyal workers considering the dark age they went through during the Wii U's lifetime they still have the ambition and motivation to deliver greatness. After 5 long years waiting for the game it was definitely worth every penny and yet still there are many side quests and shrine quests that I still need to do.

    This is in my top 5 games I've ever played, considering I've never played a Zelda game before this I was surprised as to how much I loved it and understood some references that they sneaked in making the world of Hyrule a wonderful place to delve into.
    10/10.
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  14. Mar 8, 2017
    10
    This new Zelda takes everything good in today's video games and add the Nintendo touch that a lot of us are found of. The gameplay and and the sense of adventure are great ! The game design is stunning even if obviously the graphics do not compete with PS4's or xBox one's. I can't compare it to previous Zelda games because lots of mechanics are drastically different from previousThis new Zelda takes everything good in today's video games and add the Nintendo touch that a lot of us are found of. The gameplay and and the sense of adventure are great ! The game design is stunning even if obviously the graphics do not compete with PS4's or xBox one's. I can't compare it to previous Zelda games because lots of mechanics are drastically different from previous episodes, but this game is one of the best Zelda game I ever played.. one of the best video game I ever played ! Expand
  15. Mar 8, 2017
    10
    This game is amazing. Here to fight the 1/10 onslaught. Play the game!! You will change your mind about it. It is amazing, better than Ocarina of Time and every other game.
  16. Mar 8, 2017
    10
    32 años jugando y no doy crédito
    el mejor videojuego jugado jamás
    llevo 40h y sigo sorprendido y abrumado
    esta es una nueva forma de hacer videojuegos
    y si. es mejor que ocarina. mucho mejor
    algo que nunca pensé que iba suceder
    desde ya el nuevo referente
    desde ya algo insuperable
  17. Mar 8, 2017
    10
    I love this game. The style is beautiful, the gameplay is nice, the story so far is interesting, etc. One common complaint is minor framerate issues, but it is really not bad. I haven't had many problems with the framerate. I have found it plays ever so-slightly better on the little screen, and not on the television. Other than that, this game beats out some of my favorite game of allI love this game. The style is beautiful, the gameplay is nice, the story so far is interesting, etc. One common complaint is minor framerate issues, but it is really not bad. I haven't had many problems with the framerate. I have found it plays ever so-slightly better on the little screen, and not on the television. Other than that, this game beats out some of my favorite game of all time, I highly recommend it to anyone, whether you're new to the series, or a Zelda veteran. Expand
  18. Mar 8, 2017
    10
    Love, love, love this game! It's beautiful and packed full of things to. I've put in about 30 hours now and I haven't even done half of the main storyline. I keep getting too distracted by fun things! I know people have complained about the frame rate etc but I really didn't feel like it distracted from the game at all. If you're expecting photo realistic graphics then you might beLove, love, love this game! It's beautiful and packed full of things to. I've put in about 30 hours now and I haven't even done half of the main storyline. I keep getting too distracted by fun things! I know people have complained about the frame rate etc but I really didn't feel like it distracted from the game at all. If you're expecting photo realistic graphics then you might be disappointed with BotW, but I personally loved the graphics, I felt like I was in a Miyazaki movie. BotWs mastery of the sunsets and sunrises are breathtaking! I would definitely recommend you play this game!! Expand
  19. Mar 8, 2017
    10
    Excelente, brillante, no existen palabras para describirlo. Nintendo siempre cuidando sus franquicias no ha decepcionado para nada con este juego. La formula de Zelda es muy buena sin embargo este cambio le da una nueva perspectiva a la saga, realmente te sientes en una aventura, no te sientes obligado de ninguna manera. El juego respeta tu inteligencia.
  20. Mar 8, 2017
    10
    I believe this is what Shigeru Miyamoto originally imagined only could not deliver with previous games.
    Best game yet. Cant put the game down. The world size is huge!!! and lots to do. Love it.
  21. Mar 9, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Surprisingly fantastic, despite fairly basic combat. The exploration aspect is far better than just about any open world game available, especially recently. The lack of a postgame after beating the final boss is a complaint of mine, however. Expand
  22. Mar 9, 2017
    10
    I had very high expectations for this game, and it still managed to surpass them. I have been a massive Zelda fan for 15 years - and this game stands tall amongst the best.

    The vastness and beauty of the open-world, and the constant exploration through the wilderness is a feeling I have not had before from a video game. The freedom this game gives you is almost overwhelming. There are
    I had very high expectations for this game, and it still managed to surpass them. I have been a massive Zelda fan for 15 years - and this game stands tall amongst the best.

    The vastness and beauty of the open-world, and the constant exploration through the wilderness is a feeling I have not had before from a video game. The freedom this game gives you is almost overwhelming. There are distinct Zelda elements throughout - familiar items, races, mechanics etc - but there are also complete fresh reinventions to the series that have not been done before, and it is here, I feel, that lots of the negative reviews are coming from. Don't get me wrong - everyone is entitled to their own opinion - but I personally feel that doing a few things differently is not a bad thing - every Zelda game has brought something different to the table - why not this one too?

    People have complained about the music - whilst I agree there aren't as many catchy melodies as there have been previously, the new, gorgeous piano driven music trades "catchyness" that for an incredible atmosphere - and I feel sorry for those who can't enjoy what this style of music is bringing to the game. People have also complained about the exploration being slow - but for me, I find it enormously satisfying, turning over every leaf and finding all the secrets the game has to offer. Another complaint people make is that the weapons break - whilst frustrating at times, it adds an entirely new survival mechanic to the game.

    I suppose what I'm saying is - depending on your personality and patience - if you take the things that make this game different from other Zelda games and embrace them (rather than complain about them) - then this game stands to be Zelda perfection alongside the great Ocarina of Time.

    I would also like to praise the storyline and voice-acting which is brilliant and completely fresh, yet fits perfectly into the Zelda universe.

    My only complaint would perhaps be the lack of classically colourful, unique-looking, sometimes claustrophobic Zelda dungeons (though I do really enjoy the new shrines!). I still give the game a 10, because taking this into account, I'd give it a 9.6 which is still rounds to 10.

    Really take caution with the negative reviews, they are very subjective - I feel you get from this game what you want to. I am so happy with this game, it is a true epic.
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  23. Mar 9, 2017
    10
    Unlike most people, I have actually beat the game. And wow, what a game. I'll be honest and admit that I'm a huge Zelda dork and have been my entire life. However, I really did not care for Twilight Princess and Skyward Sword. I feel that this game is a return to form for Nintendo. It's brilliant in its own Nintendo way. I've played the other recent big titles. Loved Horizon Dawn.Unlike most people, I have actually beat the game. And wow, what a game. I'll be honest and admit that I'm a huge Zelda dork and have been my entire life. However, I really did not care for Twilight Princess and Skyward Sword. I feel that this game is a return to form for Nintendo. It's brilliant in its own Nintendo way. I've played the other recent big titles. Loved Horizon Dawn. Fantastic game. But I'm absolutely enamored with Breath of the Wild. I'd probably give it a 9.5/10 due to the frame rate issues. But hey, if I have to choose between 9 and 10, I'll definitely give it a 10. I feel like this is a game that everyone can enjoy. I know many younger gamers grew up with a dislike for Nintendo. I say, give them a try. The gameplay mechanics are nothing like what you'll find on a Sony/Xbox title. People are nostalgic for this series, because it is a phenomenal series. And this game just made that much more apparent. Bravo Nintendo. Well done. I'll be exploring the wilderness for years to come. Expand
  24. Apr 18, 2017
    10
    Awwww some of the Sony/PC/Xbox police are acting like Trump with their "0 review scores". It's actually a testament to how great this game actually is. I love any game that's innovative on any platform. I play games on all of the systems and find elements of beauty in them all. It's freeing to not be held down by how powerful a system is or how perfect everything should be. It seemsAwwww some of the Sony/PC/Xbox police are acting like Trump with their "0 review scores". It's actually a testament to how great this game actually is. I love any game that's innovative on any platform. I play games on all of the systems and find elements of beauty in them all. It's freeing to not be held down by how powerful a system is or how perfect everything should be. It seems natural to enjoy every game that is as creative and timeless as Breath of the Wild. Here's one for all of you true gamers and endless imagineers. It's a huge world worth exploring, just like many games over the last 30 years. Expand
  25. Mar 9, 2017
    10
    This game is just magical. Gives you the same feeling that Ocarina of Time does. Hyrule in this game really does feel alive, and really adds to the experience.
  26. Mar 9, 2017
    10
    What a game ! Every session of this game is an incredible adventure in itself. The world is huge, magical, logical, beautiful, interactive, coherent, poetic, dangerous, smart, mysterious and so many other things. As a player, you are free to explore this world in your own way which is really rewarding.
  27. Mar 20, 2017
    10
    If you have time to invest, this is the game for you. Having spent 80+ hours into it so far, completing the main story around 60+ hours, I can assure you, this game will engulf you. The vast world is vibrant and beautiful. The amount of quests, items, weapons and armor at your disposal is impressive, and not only for a Zelda game.

    The user reviews on here pushing a 0/10 are laughable
    If you have time to invest, this is the game for you. Having spent 80+ hours into it so far, completing the main story around 60+ hours, I can assure you, this game will engulf you. The vast world is vibrant and beautiful. The amount of quests, items, weapons and armor at your disposal is impressive, and not only for a Zelda game.

    The user reviews on here pushing a 0/10 are laughable and really childish. This game is brilliant and should be played in its entirety.
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  28. Mar 9, 2017
    10
    Near perfection, as a fan since 87, ive played and beat every game in the series. This beats out majoras mask as my favorite 3D zelda. Of course link to past favorite 2D zelda
  29. Mar 9, 2017
    10
    The story is pretty good as expected from a Zelda game but pretty much every other Zelda has a great story.
    Gameplay and everything I believe it's really good frame drops happen yes and not as good graphics as like Horizon zero dawn. But the interaction in the game, between characters and everything is almost perfect.
    Why I gave it a ten when I think It's flawed, well I cannot describe
    The story is pretty good as expected from a Zelda game but pretty much every other Zelda has a great story.
    Gameplay and everything I believe it's really good frame drops happen yes and not as good graphics as like Horizon zero dawn. But the interaction in the game, between characters and everything is almost perfect.
    Why I gave it a ten when I think It's flawed, well I cannot describe how much I enjoy playing this game, just the feeling I have when playing this game, and all the experience I had with it so far are totally worth a 10.
    So go play the game and just find out what I'm talking about. And 0s for it having a "bad" graphic and low framerate are hilarious just like the "the world doesn't have enough to do" ones, please just for story and mechanics I'd give it a 7, but then combined with me having so much fun just exploring makes it a 10
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  30. Mar 9, 2017
    10
    First time a game causes users of metacritic to rate 0's just out of pure envy.
    If you are completely honest it's the best game of the current console generation. Astonishing Physics of the environment never seen before, exquisite and extremely detailed animation. First game to give the player TRUE freedom on what to do ( you can choose to end the story whenever you feel like). The use of
    First time a game causes users of metacritic to rate 0's just out of pure envy.
    If you are completely honest it's the best game of the current console generation. Astonishing Physics of the environment never seen before, exquisite and extremely detailed animation. First game to give the player TRUE freedom on what to do ( you can choose to end the story whenever you feel like). The use of "paint" textures would usually mean a downfall but here, the use of lights and shadows are so well executed anywhere you look pure beauty is behold your eyes.
    This is NOT the GOTY
    This game ( for now) should be GOTC ( Game of the Century)
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Metascore
97

Universal acclaim - based on 109 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Negative: 0 out of 109
  1. 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.
  2. Aug 30, 2017
    100
    Breath of the Wild is a masterpiece.
  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]