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. molkom
    Apr 17, 2017
    10
    I started playing games in 1986 and still remember my feelings of awe when seeing The Legend of Zelda for the first time at a friend's place. I would nag at my parents and after almost a year finally got that beloved golden cartridge myself. I remember drawing maps, talking with my friends to share secrets of where to burn bushes and blow up walls. The sense of adventure was palpable. (TheI started playing games in 1986 and still remember my feelings of awe when seeing The Legend of Zelda for the first time at a friend's place. I would nag at my parents and after almost a year finally got that beloved golden cartridge myself. I remember drawing maps, talking with my friends to share secrets of where to burn bushes and blow up walls. The sense of adventure was palpable. (The only experience that came close back then was possibly Metroid.)

    Since then I've rarely had the same feeling of wonder and discovery again, if ever. Until now.

    FYI, I really liked Final Fantasy VII & IX, Pro Evolution Soccer, Wipeout 2097 and many versions of Assassin's Creed so you know a bit more about my game taste. I never finished Majora's Mask (loved the town with its quests but didn't really fall for the rest) or Skyward Sword (too little time on my hands). So my full Zelda experiences have been LoZ, AoL, LttP, OoT, WW and TP plus the handheld versions. I've never been in the camp of "OoT is the best game ever". In fact, my opinion - after LttP - has been that Zelda games are good to great games but not outstanding (while outstanding in their craft, not outstanding for my enjoyment). With BotW I expected more of the same. Boy was I wrong.

    This game captures that childhood sense of wonder once more. That sense of adventure, exploring the unknown, along with trepidation for what might be around the next corner or mountain top has kept me on my toes. Many say the story is not good, but I love the story and how its pieces fit together like those of a great puzzle. From finding clues about main characters' feelings in books to flashbacks from the past, it all becomes a coherent whole. Of course, if you don't go exploring you will miss out. But to me the whole meaning of the game is exploration so well done.

    I am now 100+ hours in and have done almost all I can do in this game and must commend the devs on how they have built learning and stronger weapon drops and enemies cleverly into the game. However, I would like to point out the following things that I really would have liked to see in the season pass expansion and that were lacking from this game:

    - somewhere to train your combat skills to upgrade them. I've always loved the feeling of meeting a master somewhere and getting to learn special combat moves throughout the game. (Btw, please include the super cool wind waker move of jumping over an enemy and attacking while doing so ;) Just because it's a semirealistic world you've put us in please don't deprive us of cool combat moves, though kudos on bow slow motion move - love that)
    - more hard to beat human-like enemies like those cool knights in other 3D Zeldas (I think in the end of both OoT and Wind Waker you meet knights in armour that are tougher to beat without special moves.)
    - a city filled with throngs of people and stuff to do - maybe set the season pass to play out some years after BotW (where you can go all Majora's Mask and Assassin's Creed on missions ;) - minus the over the top violence to fit the Zelda series)
    - maybe above all, more/cooler bosses. Might just me my preference, but I much prefer "non-scifi" bosses like big dodongos, three-headed dragons, spiders that look like spiders, all human forms of Ganon (Ganondorf), Shadow Link and such that require well timed moves and skills.

    With that said, this game has given me more enjoyment from a game than I've had since those childhood days. I can't give it bigger praise than that. Thank you for this experience.    … Expand
  2. Charizard420
    Apr 14, 2017
    10
    My time with Breath of the Wild has shown me endless fun with endless adventure. Sometimes I'm not even doing a quest or shrines, I'm just climbing, killing, shooting, cutting, and dying. Its hours of fun without feeling like its a chore like past Zelda games. Frame rate issues are definitely bad, but are also not frequent, and are only in certain areas with too many particles or objectsMy time with Breath of the Wild has shown me endless fun with endless adventure. Sometimes I'm not even doing a quest or shrines, I'm just climbing, killing, shooting, cutting, and dying. Its hours of fun without feeling like its a chore like past Zelda games. Frame rate issues are definitely bad, but are also not frequent, and are only in certain areas with too many particles or objects on screen. Mostly its just the grass.… Expand
  3. Mario_007
    Apr 14, 2017
    10
    No doubt one of the best games I ever played, really amazing world with full of details, hope this game could work as a Standard to new upcoming open-world games, the develop of this game is amazing, it looks how much love and dedication it haves.
  4. msommer
    Apr 14, 2017
    10
    This is by far the best video game I have ever played. I am more of a retro-gamer than a hardcore gamer, and before I had the switch, my last two systems were a PS3 and the Wii, so I don't have as much experience with PS4 level games, but everything about BotW was simply incredible.

    The game does drop frames from time to time but the world is just all encompassing. You get lost in the    This is by far the best video game I have ever played. I am more of a retro-gamer than a hardcore gamer, and before I had the switch, my last two systems were a PS3 and the Wii, so I don't have as much experience with PS4 level games, but everything about BotW was simply incredible.

    The game does drop frames from time to time but the world is just all encompassing. You get lost in the universe and want to do nothing but explore, everything draws you in. The combat is thrilling and is both simplistic in its controls but complex in strategy. The puzzles are fantastic. The final boss was a bit too easy.

    As I started the review, this is the best game I have ever played and it deserves a perfect score.    … Expand
  5. NidoNido
    Apr 15, 2017
    10
    Revolutionary game with an endless amount of things to do. Customisation is not the key here, but to be able to change character's clothes and have boosts with them definitely is, the game may not have the best graphics, but it has an absolutely beautiful arts style that I will never forget.
  6. faceless_pudge
    Apr 15, 2017
    10
    El mejor juego de mundo abierto creado. No te aburres de estar invadido de misiones secundarias como ocurre con otros. Excelente visuales, gameplay e historia.
  7. pdaz
    Apr 15, 2017
    10
    This is a game that above all else rewards Zelda fans. It receives a 10/10 not for being a flawless game, but for being everything I could have conceivably asked for in a Zelda game. I still play the original Zelda games from time to time, I have sunk more hours in Link to the Past than most games I've played in the last few years combined. I am not even going to go into Ocarina. ForThis is a game that above all else rewards Zelda fans. It receives a 10/10 not for being a flawless game, but for being everything I could have conceivably asked for in a Zelda game. I still play the original Zelda games from time to time, I have sunk more hours in Link to the Past than most games I've played in the last few years combined. I am not even going to go into Ocarina. For people like me atmosphere is everything, gameplay is important in-so-far as it helps me stay immersed. Gameplay shouldn't be the end all and be all of a game, it should be responsive and smooth and enjoyable enough so as not to detract from the real reason I play games: to feel like I am in a different world. With Breath of the Wild Nintendo nailed what nostalgic gamers loved about sitting up til 4 am playing a SNES or N64 classic. They really listened to their fans and gave them a game that will transport you to a different world for dozens of hours. I lost track of time playing this and cannot recommend it more.… Expand
  8. mauricio28
    Apr 16, 2017
    10
    this is the best game i`ve played in mi life, the map is so big, the game looks so good and theres a lot of funny puzzles. the only thing that i dont like of this game is tha the principal bosses are very easy but the game is addictive and the exploration is very funny
  9. chepecarlos
    Apr 16, 2017
    10
    Since it was announced I was very scared, buy the nintendo Switch mainly for this game and the best game that has been played for a long time, there is so much to do and I feel with so much power simply buy it. I take more than 140 hours and I do not finish the game.
    This is the new zelda
  10. monkey_spice
    Apr 19, 2017
    10
    Exploration at it's very best. Full of mystery & intrigue. Fantastic combat. Cooking is a blast, and so is interacting with intersting NPC's. Being able to climb anything is an open world game changer. Difficult yet not too diffcult. The greatest puzzles of the series. The physic system is exceptional. And you can play it anywhere. Quests and side quests actually interesting. ingenious mapExploration at it's very best. Full of mystery & intrigue. Fantastic combat. Cooking is a blast, and so is interacting with intersting NPC's. Being able to climb anything is an open world game changer. Difficult yet not too diffcult. The greatest puzzles of the series. The physic system is exceptional. And you can play it anywhere. Quests and side quests actually interesting. ingenious map system with the use of easy to place beacons. Can't say enough good things about this game.… Expand
  11. Ankanspelar
    Apr 17, 2017
    10
    One of the best games i ever played! At first i didn't understand how to leave the "great plateau" and that was really boring, but the fun starts once you leave the plateau. Exploring such a open world Zelda game is fantastic! the story could be be longer though. this is one of the best games ever made!
  12. NadavFreedman
    Apr 17, 2017
    10
    simply a masterpiece! haven't played a game this good in a long while. The world is so big I can't even describe how many things there are to do. Even though I have a few minor issues with the game such as the constant weather changes and the inventory system, but this game is so great this hardly affected my overall gameplay experience. This game is the only one I got with my Nintendosimply a masterpiece! haven't played a game this good in a long while. The world is so big I can't even describe how many things there are to do. Even though I have a few minor issues with the game such as the constant weather changes and the inventory system, but this game is so great this hardly affected my overall gameplay experience. This game is the only one I got with my Nintendo Switch and I believe it will keep me busy for a while until the next great game will be released!… Expand
  13. marlick25
    Apr 17, 2017
    10
    I never played any Zelda games before, in fact I never had any of Nintendo consoles. I bought Switch because I think it would suit me as I rarely have the time to play games in front of a TV (had a PS4 before switching -- pun intended -- to Switch).

    Oh boy did I not regret the decision at all! This game is superb! I wouldn't consider myself an avid gamer, because most of the time I only    I never played any Zelda games before, in fact I never had any of Nintendo consoles. I bought Switch because I think it would suit me as I rarely have the time to play games in front of a TV (had a PS4 before switching -- pun intended -- to Switch).

    Oh boy did I not regret the decision at all! This game is superb! I wouldn't consider myself an avid gamer, because most of the time I only play Fifa. I dont enjoy another types of games as much as Fifa. The final game I played on PS4 was Digimon World Next Order, and I didn't even want to play games like GTA5 or Uncharted 4 or even Bloodborne despite most of them being on sale on PS Store.

    But this Zelda game is different, at least to me. First time I played it, I couldnt stop playing and I tried to find time (even 1 minute will do) to play it whenever I can, be it on a train, waiting for meals or even in toilette! (not recommended to do this)

    Too many people have said what is needed to say, and I just want to say this: this is a game that suits almost all type of people. You can go slow, spend all your time exploring the world and not be bothered by the main story, or you can just go straight up face Ganon after you finish the first 4 Shrines. There isn't wrong or right, you can just do anything that you want to do. Personally, I relish fighting Lynels, though it have been a little boring to me because I know too well their attacks and how to deal with every single one of them.

    Conclusion: a must game for Switch, and may the Switch have more games like this!    … Expand
  14. Jurassic16
    Apr 17, 2017
    10
    Breath of the wild is my first zelda game ever. Although as already become a game to remember. The story is immerseful and one of the best stories that has ever been told in a game. Finding your memories is the best part. You learn about Link's past through memories. The combat mechanics in this game are on point. The dodging, flurry rush, combos and blocking. 9.5/10
  15. Danz0r77
    Apr 19, 2017
    10
    Anyone who has given a < 10 score for Breath of the Wild has either not played it - or has only played it for a few hours. The sheer size of the game and amount of content is staggering. Almost beyond words.

    I've been playing for roughly 75 hours now and I still feel there are large areas of the map I've not even scratched the surface of yet. I've found around 100 korok seeds out of a    Anyone who has given a < 10 score for Breath of the Wild has either not played it - or has only played it for a few hours. The sheer size of the game and amount of content is staggering. Almost beyond words.

    I've been playing for roughly 75 hours now and I still feel there are large areas of the map I've not even scratched the surface of yet. I've found around 100 korok seeds out of a total of 900. i can't even begin to imagine where the other 800 are hidden.

    I can climb a random mountain or swim to the middle of an anonymous looking lake and I'll be given a new side quest to take on. I set out on the side quest and, 3 hours later, after being sidetracked by who knows what... I may get around to completing it.

    I just cannot quite get my head around the insane weight of unique, interesting and challenging content in this game. I've played many open world games over the last 10 years or so and none of them come close to the variety and sense of wonder that BOTW provides.

    If I was forced to say something negative about the game, it would probably be the soundtrack. It's OK, but it doesn't blow you away.

    That small negative isn't enough to affect the overall experience. It is quite simply the best game I have ever played.    … Expand
  16. gustavoloops
    Apr 18, 2017
    10
    I've never played any Zelda game before so I didn't know what to expect, and what I have discovered is a game that will remain as one of the best I have played in my entire life. The possibilities are endless, the characters incredible, the graphics superb, music is incredible, puzzles are very attractive and clever. Variety of enemies, weapons, situations, landscapes....What can i say?I've never played any Zelda game before so I didn't know what to expect, and what I have discovered is a game that will remain as one of the best I have played in my entire life. The possibilities are endless, the characters incredible, the graphics superb, music is incredible, puzzles are very attractive and clever. Variety of enemies, weapons, situations, landscapes....What can i say? Much , much better that I was expecting. Highly recommended for everyone.

    The best game in years!    … Expand
  17. KoFChamp42
    Apr 18, 2017
    10
    Best open world game EVER, just perfect, very well done, runs great even on the switch which is only a bit bigger then a phone, and has an amazing open world.
  18. M1N1B34R
    Apr 19, 2017
    10
    To be honest i am not a Zelda fans, and at first a bit hesitant to try this game as my first game on switch, and glad to be find that i am wrong, this game is absolutely fantastic and could keep me to spend hours with the new console. The most captivating with this game, it let you experiment the various physic within the game. From the start it let you experiment with the various mechanicTo be honest i am not a Zelda fans, and at first a bit hesitant to try this game as my first game on switch, and glad to be find that i am wrong, this game is absolutely fantastic and could keep me to spend hours with the new console. The most captivating with this game, it let you experiment the various physic within the game. From the start it let you experiment with the various mechanic of the game, if you love open world games like elder scroll series, this is one game that you should try. After the tutorial area, you basically could go anywhere and do anything. To have a greater experience, do not look the Internet for walk-through, hints or tips, rather find it your self, this will keep your experience to the maximal satisfaction, as the game basically force you to think creatively and open to new idea. I hope that Nintendo will continue to create game with the same experience like this.… Expand
  19. Flyinryan
    Apr 19, 2017
    10
    This is the best game I've played in a long time. Going back to the exploration principles of the original Zelda was a great decision. Beautiful! Fun! Peaceful! Exciting!
  20. starceph
    Apr 20, 2017
    10
    Muy fácil es dar un 0 para bajar la media, cuanto crío anda suelto. No existe juego que se merezca un 0 y si existe, este desde luego no es. Anda, volveos al LOL que no ahí os quieren.
  21. GranP
    Sep 30, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Most people knows the great things on this game, and it´s a 10 to me, but instead of saying the goods and greats, I wanna say like to say fixes/improvements in a sequel. 1 - Enemy variety: I want more kind of enemies, between 3 or 5 more enemies, would be wonderful. 2 - More interesting dungeons: I don´t know how to do it better mechanically, but visually can be enough, they looked all the same, and it was kinda sad. 3 - Difficult scaling bosses: Normal enemies had that, as you defeat the main dungeons you find buffed weapons and stronger enemies with more ease, now back to the bosses, they are easy, so how about making them stronger and have more strategies as you defeat them, after all wasn´t ganon supposed to be gathering strenght? 4 - More animal interactions: I wanted to mount on ostriches, cows, domesticate wolves like the amiibo, but couldn´t. 5 - Important weapons: wasn´t the champions ballad supposed to be great? their weapon break so fast to the point it´s almost pointless to make them again, how about giving a quest to make them unbreakable like the master sword. 6 - Minor things: Maybe a book for recipes, a fast cook option if you just wanna cook 10000 apples at once.… Expand
  22. Machobacho1
    Apr 20, 2017
    10
    I love this game with it's massive world and unforgettable characters,the side quests, and the good luck trying to find all the shrines and all korok seeds. The final boss fight is so good. I am still hooked to this good even after 40 hours of play. I would highly recommend this game to an one who loves adventure.
  23. s7aven
    Apr 20, 2017
    10
    This game is awesome brings a total new experience for the zelda fans having a true open world with few limitations making you do whatever you want the story and the world is massive one of the best games of these year
  24. renmazuoh
    Apr 21, 2017
    10
    Absolutely newcomer about great N RPGs,having played the most important ones on PS.x platform and ..after almost 3 weeks playing this masterpiece cannot say anything but UNIQUE.This game is catching me more deeply than I thought possible.So lovely to loose myself into this huge open world and interact with every object on the way.Felt really the difference with everyting I've played before
  25. sasukgan
    Apr 21, 2017
    10
    Since the witcher 3 release, I never have played at a gorgeous game like that. It's an awensome game without true limits and the universe is just wonderful.
  26. KostasNotKolsas
    Apr 21, 2017
    10
    100/10 game of the decade
    j    100/10 game of the decade
    j jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj    … Expand
  27. sebstefano
    Apr 21, 2017
    10
    a differenza della maggior parte dei videogiochi già dall'inizio vieni buttato nell'esperienza di gioco senza lunghi tutorial e tutto farete tranne che procedere direttamente la storia, dal cucinare al cacciare o semplicemente esplorare. La grafica non è naturalmente delle migliori (anche se visivamente è bellissimo), la storia non è profonda ed a volte ci sono dei cali di frame rate maa differenza della maggior parte dei videogiochi già dall'inizio vieni buttato nell'esperienza di gioco senza lunghi tutorial e tutto farete tranne che procedere direttamente la storia, dal cucinare al cacciare o semplicemente esplorare. La grafica non è naturalmente delle migliori (anche se visivamente è bellissimo), la storia non è profonda ed a volte ci sono dei cali di frame rate ma l'esperienza di gioco è semplicemente perfetta. Un open world vero, un vasto mondo, nessuna missione che ti costringe a prendere un percorso forzato, cura nei dettagli intensa, rebus da risolvere e missioni secondarie senza continui suggerimenti da parte del gioco (brutta usanza che sta rovinando i videogiochi ultimamente)… Expand
  28. DatTrollGamer
    Apr 22, 2017
    10
    The game is amazing. I just finished it and i enjoyed every second of it. It's the best game i ever played and i hope that Nintendo makes more Zelda games like this one.
  29. PossiblyAFridge
    Apr 22, 2017
    10
    An excellent game , with so much to do in it. 150 + Hours in and I'm still enjoying it , searching for shrines and korok seeds and even still discovering places i haven't been to before. Extremely hard to put down and deserves all the praise it gets.
  30. rashestnickle19
    Apr 22, 2017
    10
    Legend of zelda breath of the wild is a master peace. Yes there may be some miner glitches but its so great that those don't madder. And the memories are so amazing I just love to go back though them all the time. This wonderful game is truly the best game I have ever played.
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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

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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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