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. dontdothatmkay
    Mar 8, 2017
    10
    One of the best games I've played in a while! if you own a Wii U or Nintendo Switch, BUY THIS GAME! it has been the most fun I've had since I went to my friend's place as a kid and played N64 for hours. This game totally deserves a 10. Idk why people are so butt hurt about it.
  2. reviewbuddy
    Mar 8, 2017
    9
    I'm not about to say that this game is perfect, but it does not deserve the low scores it's being given by a) idiots that don't want the game's score to be higher than their favorite game, b) butthurt fanboys that are upset that they're not playing the exact same game as the last few Zelda games, or c) people that don't understand the game's mechanics and are trashing it for having them.I'm not about to say that this game is perfect, but it does not deserve the low scores it's being given by a) idiots that don't want the game's score to be higher than their favorite game, b) butthurt fanboys that are upset that they're not playing the exact same game as the last few Zelda games, or c) people that don't understand the game's mechanics and are trashing it for having them. Yes, it does have drops in the framerate, and yes, that occasionally irks you, but it isn't that infrequent and it isn't game-breaking. Overall, the game provides an interesting story, a world full of possibilities, a wonderful soundtrack, great graphics, memorable characters, a huge arsenal of abilities, weapons, and clothing, and overall one of my favorite gaming experiences of all time. This game deserves no less than a 9, and it's a shame that people are panning it because it's not like the other ones or because they've only been patient enough to play for a couple hours before making their way to the computers and spamming zeroes.… Expand
  3. chaos_storm
    Mar 8, 2017
    10
    skyrim and twilight princess had a baby and ts this game and its damn glorious!
    its pretty much what you'd want in a modern open world zelda
    my only tiny nitpick is the lack of heart pieces/containers mostly because I'm used to them
  4. JuanchoGDL
    Mar 8, 2017
    10
    Graphics are not everything that matters, this is by far the best nintendo game I have ever played, tyou can really feel how Link grows strong and the fact that there is no specific order just makes the game even more amazing since everyone will have their own experience playing this I STRONGLY RECOMMEND IT!!!
  5. Koroku92
    Mar 8, 2017
    10
    This is the best single player experience I have ever had in a game... This game is something special. It rewards creativity and curiosity like no other game before it. It's just a beast of a game. Nintendo should make AAA budget games more often. They've created an absolutely breath-taking masterpiece, and one we'll remember fondly among the same league in our minds as Ocarina of Time.
  6. Dracquiteur
    Mar 8, 2017
    10
    My first Zelda game was Ocarina of Time 3D. The original was released before I even was born, but it still blew me away as if I was present in '98. I taught no other game would ever give me that feeling again.

    I was wrong. Breath of the Wild is breathtaking and immersing. BotW has beaten OoT in my eyes as best Zelda game ever and is in my opinion the best game ever made. This game is    My first Zelda game was Ocarina of Time 3D. The original was released before I even was born, but it still blew me away as if I was present in '98. I taught no other game would ever give me that feeling again.

    I was wrong. Breath of the Wild is breathtaking and immersing. BotW has beaten OoT in my eyes as best Zelda game ever and is in my opinion the best game ever made. This game is totally worth your money and all the hours you'll put in it.
    Another positive thing is that this game is for the first time in the series available in Dutch and I am Dutch speaking. I, I just love this game.

    If you still reading this, what are you doing ? Go and play The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild !    … Expand
  7. bigsky154
    Mar 8, 2017
    10
    It has been a long time since I have played a game without being able to put it down. There is so much to this game. For Zelda fans looking for a game with the usual formula, you will be disappointed. This game take Zelda in a new direction but I believe it is for the better. It is a great game alone but the fact that it is part of one of the greatest franchises ever, makes it that much better.
  8. mnrART
    Mar 8, 2017
    10
    Breath of the Wild might just be one of the best games I've ever played, the freedom of the world and clever designed puzzle that sometimes just comes across as a feature of the world until you take a second look at it and realise it's a hidden thing that will reward you from looking closer.
    It's easily one of the finest designed games I've played in a long time.
    The game might not be    Breath of the Wild might just be one of the best games I've ever played, the freedom of the world and clever designed puzzle that sometimes just comes across as a feature of the world until you take a second look at it and realise it's a hidden thing that will reward you from looking closer.
    It's easily one of the finest designed games I've played in a long time.
    The game might not be for everyone but for me it hit the perfect spot!    … Expand
  9. Greering
    Mar 8, 2017
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is truly fantastic and rekindled a sense of awe, and adventure in me I haven't had in years! That said, I will not shower it with glowing praise, and instead point out the things that dragged the game down from being perfect for me, in the hopes it can be made to achieve its true potential if these issues get addressed in some way.

    First of all, although I appreciate the weapon durability mechanic, I think that it is a little too harsh in some cases, mid to high level weapons in particular ought to have longer usability than they currently do.

    Second, I feel that the final phase of the Calamity Ganon boss fight was lackluster. I know it was meant to be somewhat cinematic, but at the same time, coming out of the first phase there really should have either been a third, or the second made more involved.

    Third, is a big one for me, but I feel that overall enemy variety, and lack of visually distinct dungeons hurts the game somewhat, due to the repetitiveness of the shrines. Even the Divine Beasts, are small levels compared to dungeons in previous entries.

    Fourth is the lopsided attention the major races received. It's very clear to those that play, that the Rito and Goron races had the last amount of content and overall effort put into their storylines and characters.

    Fifth is very big for me, and I hope it can be remedied in some way either through DLC, or tie-in media like comics/short movie/cartoons, etc. The four Champions were paraded around and teased quite a lot before release, but in the end despite being apparently important characters, they each receive less than around 5 minutes of total screentime in the game to develop. This is very disappointing given their great designs and concept. You don't really get enough material to truly feel for them, or get to know their full relationship with Link and Zelda. Revali for example, seemed like he could be an interesting rival type character for Link, but the lack of screentime makes him just come off as kind of a jerk, and way too similar to Star Fox's Falco, rather than entirely his own character.    … Expand
  10. SierraNevada
    Mar 8, 2017
    10
    A new bar has been set for not only the Zelda franchise, but for open world games as a whole.
    A few frame rate dips here and there is about the only blemish on this extremely polished masterpiece.
  11. HowItIs
    Mar 8, 2017
    10
    Sum it all up, best game launch title next to Halo for original Xbox. Beautiful graphics, intriguing design, fun mechanics, engrossing story. Now, if the other systems could learn that performance power isn't everything. Make content that is captivating. Stop worrying about teraflops.
  12. DeadlyKenny
    Mar 8, 2017
    9
    Breath of the wild is a masterpiece, yes it has a few frame drops, but not too much that it'll make you stop playing. 99% of negative comments are salty Sony and Xbox fanboys, do not listen to them. Jealousy makes you do idiotic things.
  13. BestMMChz
    Mar 8, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. beautiful game, amazing mechanics, innovative, smart and a huge step up for the series. The haters are all salty, the game is better Than Ocarina of Time. Do not listen to the jealous Sony Microsoft fanboys, they are purposely creating alt accounts to bash this game because Horizon didn't do better.… Expand
  14. superresistant
    Mar 8, 2017
    10
    I'm playing Zelda since 1993. This is the best episode ever made so far. It is exactly what I always wanted a Zelda game to be. Focused on exploration and survival. Extremely immersive.
  15. Zlobo
    Mar 8, 2017
    10
    Great game so far. Love how you can interact with the world in numerous ways. Changing weather makes the game feel more realistic. A ton of little things make this a great game all together!
  16. mrg590
    Mar 8, 2017
    10
    The shrines are a big improvement over old style large dungeons/temples. I had to contact my doctor because the erection this game caused lasted longer than four hours.
  17. mattyjay11
    Mar 8, 2017
    10
    This game is amazing, massive step up for Zelda and Nintendo, true open world with very little hand holding and a solid Zelda story. I really like that there in no order you are required to do things in because all your core abilities are given to you within the first 30 mins, to me this game is the only reason I bought a Switch, I'm like 40 hours in and still have stuff to do. If you areThis game is amazing, massive step up for Zelda and Nintendo, true open world with very little hand holding and a solid Zelda story. I really like that there in no order you are required to do things in because all your core abilities are given to you within the first 30 mins, to me this game is the only reason I bought a Switch, I'm like 40 hours in and still have stuff to do. If you are a fun of Zelda, you really need to play this game. Don't buy into the hate train, this game is near perfect and surprisingly challenging.… Expand
  18. peteraff1
    Mar 8, 2017
    10
    9.5
    Despite some technical problems, glitches and boring gameplay moments, BotW is one of the best Zelda, but it's still not good as OoT. I do recommend to everyone who has a Wii U or Switch. BtW, don't buy the Switch only for this game if you already have Wii U. Wait to buy it on Holidays for a better price. Not worth it!
  19. Truenid
    Mar 8, 2017
    10
    Una demostracion de que nintendo aun tiene mucho que dar y un llamado a otras compañias para tomar riesgos y llegar mas alla de la zona de comfort, esperemos que nintendo switch tenga mas juegos asi de buenos
  20. Bendashcash
    Mar 8, 2017
    10
    I love every aspect of the game. It kind of breaks apart in small ways from the norms of the series and they do it in a Fallout 2 transition into Fallout 3 way. Just like the following the original Fallout games have, Zelda is no different. Some people aren't going to like it, just because they aren't. If you love Zelda, and you love games, you'll love Breath of The Wild. There will beI love every aspect of the game. It kind of breaks apart in small ways from the norms of the series and they do it in a Fallout 2 transition into Fallout 3 way. Just like the following the original Fallout games have, Zelda is no different. Some people aren't going to like it, just because they aren't. If you love Zelda, and you love games, you'll love Breath of The Wild. There will be those who oppose it, but they know the true feelings they have for it. This game is worth every penny, and I'd even buy it twice.… Expand
  21. ThatFlint
    Mar 8, 2017
    10
    Right now I feel like this is my favourite Zelda game to date and that's saying a whole lot. I never imagined a game to overtake Majora's Mask's number one spot. While that game's dark atmosphere and characters will always hold a special place in my heart, this game's amount of freedom to explore and its huge world, while still being accessible and not causing choice fatigue completelyRight now I feel like this is my favourite Zelda game to date and that's saying a whole lot. I never imagined a game to overtake Majora's Mask's number one spot. While that game's dark atmosphere and characters will always hold a special place in my heart, this game's amount of freedom to explore and its huge world, while still being accessible and not causing choice fatigue completely blew me away. The visuals look amazing (while the performance is somwhat unstable sometimes, though it did not hamper the experience), and the gameplay is really addicting, all of it, combat, puzzles and exploration. I simply can't get enough of it. I'm wondering what the next step for the Zelda franchise will be. ^^… Expand
  22. TheGreatEds
    Mar 8, 2017
    10
    This game is one of the best games i have played in years. I really loved this game and had so much fun exploring all the different areas, filled with monsters, shrines, and towers. What I liked most about this game is that it is VERY difficult, however it didn't get to the point of frustration, this was very refreshing from Nintendo since they tend to make their games easier as timeThis game is one of the best games i have played in years. I really loved this game and had so much fun exploring all the different areas, filled with monsters, shrines, and towers. What I liked most about this game is that it is VERY difficult, however it didn't get to the point of frustration, this was very refreshing from Nintendo since they tend to make their games easier as time passes. The combat system is also very fun, although I do have to say that the inventory of swords is very small, maybe if they didn't break so easily I would get it, but it is a bit frustrating since some times I ran out of swords when fighting a boss. The story, while a bit bland, is pretty good compared to other Zelda games. The open world also doesn't feel empty like other games *cough* *cough* and is pretty fun to explore. In conclusion, this game is great and is definitely worth the price, and this comes from a guy who doesn't like the other Zelda games.… Expand
  23. Astorgh
    Mar 8, 2017
    10
    I will be the first to admit that Aonuma and his team were pretty lost in the direction of where the Zelda series should go. Wind Waker was the first game where they 100% did what they wanted to do, buy due to back lash on the art style they decided to take a more serious graphical style with Twilight Princess, this being a game only made because of the criticisms that Wind Waker received.I will be the first to admit that Aonuma and his team were pretty lost in the direction of where the Zelda series should go. Wind Waker was the first game where they 100% did what they wanted to do, buy due to back lash on the art style they decided to take a more serious graphical style with Twilight Princess, this being a game only made because of the criticisms that Wind Waker received.
    Skyward Sword was another attempt at doing something entirely of their own, but they ended up doing the most linear and gameplay frustrating game of the series.
    All of those missteps lead up to this gem of a game. Breath of the Wild is finally taking serious notes and learning from other games, including western games like The Witcher and Shadow of Mordor.
    This game treats you like every game should treat the player, like a person capable of doing things of their own.
    Taking all the Zelda elements aside, this is really open world perfection. Any enemy can represent a threat at any point of the game. Anything that happens, whether is a success of a failure, you have no one else to blame but yourself. All the enemies, all the scenarios are designed to overtake them in many ways. By 25 minutes into the game, you may have already 10 different ways of killing a Moblin. When you fight a boss, there's so many combinations of fighting it and not just one weakness.
    The story elements may be a little overused, but it is done in the best way possible. All the characters react different to different situations. There's lots of side quests to do. It's just a grand enjoyable time.
    The music in this game is just... I don't think there's words to describe it. The transition that music takes from one place to another just fits so well. The audio design is incredible. Just amazing. You can hear the Moblins that are close to you, as you approach a Fox and hear it walking through the grass, while hearing the wind blowing, etc. I could go on and on.
    This is just a masterpiece of a game. Best Zelda ever. Probably best game of the decade.    … Expand
  24. smw119
    Mar 8, 2017
    10
    The only question that remains in my mind is, "How can a game be this good?" I didn't think anything could live up to the hyper surrounding this title. After playing it for many hours, all I want to do is keep combing the staggeringly huge world for every single secret it has to offer. I've already made a few memories that I will never forget, and the game's only getting started. WithThe only question that remains in my mind is, "How can a game be this good?" I didn't think anything could live up to the hyper surrounding this title. After playing it for many hours, all I want to do is keep combing the staggeringly huge world for every single secret it has to offer. I've already made a few memories that I will never forget, and the game's only getting started. With hundreds of hours of content here, you need this game. Go and get it. I almost don't think it's possible to dislike this game, it's got everything a video game player could ever want. It sets the bar in almost every aspect of game design known. It truly is a masterpiece.… Expand
  25. kirby2049
    Mar 8, 2017
    10
    Be warned that the Negative reviews for this game are just Nintendo haters trying to tear down an amazing game. Let me start with the nid-picky stuff to get it over with. The motion controls for some of the shrines may be off putting (you can turn off the motion controls for the bow), if you are looking carefully you can see pop in but since the game is rendering mountains across theBe warned that the Negative reviews for this game are just Nintendo haters trying to tear down an amazing game. Let me start with the nid-picky stuff to get it over with. The motion controls for some of the shrines may be off putting (you can turn off the motion controls for the bow), if you are looking carefully you can see pop in but since the game is rendering mountains across the massive map it's expected and anyone complain about this, especially since you don't notice it much if you aren't looking for it, are making too big a deal about it. And finally the lack of customizing controls, I noticed this right away when the run a jump button were not next to each other. Non of these things should cause a drop in score, especially when the rest of the game makes up for it. Now to list off the pros: The game is beautiful, it's like an art piece you play in. It doesn't hold your hand with anything, It will tell you some basic stuff but other than that you must figure out things on your own, and you will based on the direction you take. The platauo are is the tutorial but doesn't feel like one, as soon as you get the paraglider you can go anywere you want, even if it means getting yourself killed. Leading to my next point, this is the hardest mainline Zelda game to date, there are enemies in the starting area that can one shot you. It is a survival game so you have to hunt and gather to get your harts back, and it's very rewarding. In fact everything you do in this game feels rewarding because you are the one who choses to do it without anyone forcing you to. Want to climb a mountain? Bam you go climb it, when you reach the top you look around and bask in the beauty. Or maybe it's rain and thunder that you are basking in, the realism and new physics engine are amazing, you can actually be struck by lightning if you are carrying metal, and not just you but enemies as well. Fires spread and the rain can put out fires too. Weapons, Bows and Shields can break now so you must manage your inventory, but not to worry because you can increase that space with those korok seeds if you find the right person. Speaking of shields, you can shield surf down slopes, and wow is it fun. There are lots of side quests to do and tons of hidden things to find. Breath of the wild brings back horses in a big way, not only can you tame and register multiple horses to use but you can name them and change their manes (including some colors), bridals and saddles. Breath of The Wild feels like Nintendo took lots of great aspects of every Zelda game, crammed them into one and made it better. 10/10 this game is going to truly be a legend among games.… Expand
  26. odisseu1
    Mar 8, 2017
    10
    Worth the wait. The massive world is awesome, the graphics are beaultiful and the cool gameplay of zelda. Now
    i have to explore the intire world to post more. really the best game i played since the witcher 3.
  27. Surpex
    Mar 8, 2017
    10
    The best Zelda game I have ever played. It is a completely new direction for the series, with a truly open world, akin to Skyrim or GTA. The quest system is outstanding, as well as the map system. It surpasses expectations in every single way, and this is from someone who has been hyping the game since Skyward Sword.
  28. J4TV
    Mar 8, 2017
    10
    Great game, first Zelda I have played since ocarina of time. Lives up to the hype if your looking for a skyrimish twist on Zelda.

    Love the new systems and that finding a way to save the kingdom is a heartfelt struggle. The intro of the game brought me to tears.
  29. Grubhead
    Mar 8, 2017
    10
    Excellent game! No, it may not be perfect for everyone, but what game is? It saddens me to see that there are now many 0-3 scores by users who, instead of giving their honest score value, seem to be rating it very low on purpose just to throw off the high score reviews.

    To quote a TIME Magazie article: "...Exploring its expansive collage of verdant, gelid and sun-scorched zones is akin    Excellent game! No, it may not be perfect for everyone, but what game is? It saddens me to see that there are now many 0-3 scores by users who, instead of giving their honest score value, seem to be rating it very low on purpose just to throw off the high score reviews.

    To quote a TIME Magazie article: "...Exploring its expansive collage of verdant, gelid and sun-scorched zones is akin to tromping onto the set of a painterly Studio Ghibli film. It's like nothing else Nintendo has made, an experience so simultaneously prodigious and accomplished that it feels like a mind-blowing mic drop to the sort of "open world" games (Grand Theft Auto V, The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim, The Witcher 3) the industry seems bent on proliferating...." - http://time.com/4683122/zelda-breath-of-the-wild-review/

    I have played games on many systems since my Vectrex back in the early 80's...plenty of genres and more time than I should have. I definitely give this a 10/10 rating. I really have no complaints other than wanting to play it every chance I get. :) I have played most of the Zelda games and they have kept many recognizable elements from the series.

    Just when I think this game has shown me all it can, I am surprised again. This has happened numerous times and I am not yet half way through exploring the world.

    For those who are rating it a 0 or 1 just because of one or two things, please stop skewing the stats just because you want to spite other people. I am giving an honest 10/10 because this game truly has blown my expectations away, from the epic battles to the subtle environmental background sounds...this is truly an immersive experience allowing me to create my customized journey through Nintendo's epic story.    … Expand
  30. lewdsiayan
    Mar 8, 2017
    10
    freaking awesome. open world mastery. Such an impelling story.! What a breath of fresh air. I have only played a little of my friends game since i don't have a switch yet; and the little i played and watched him play has urged me to believe that this could very well be 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]
See all critic reviews »