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The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Review Thread

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balohna

Member
Am I missing something or are these motion control ball mazes just incredibly stupid nonsense

I have played one,
I accidentally just popped the ball into the air and it landed near where it needed to go. Not sure if that will always help, but it's neat you don't have to do it "right".
 

MTC100

Banned
As someone who is probably never going to play this I'm salty as hell.

I understand your feels, but take a moment and listen. to Review No. 65 and No. 66:

"The experience is so phenomenal, it deserves to be in the conversation about the best Zelda game of all-time, if not the best games of all-time. When I say Breath of the Wild is a must-play title, it's not hyperbole, you simply must play this game." GameCrate 9.75/10

"Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a sort of mythical experience, that kind of trip where you end up asking yourself if the God of videogames truly exists, and if it does, it may have the face of Shigeru Miyamoto. A huge open world that keeps enchanting the player every step of the way, well beyond the end of the game. Breath of the Wild is the best Zelda ever made, and one of the best videogames of all time." -The Games Machine 9.7/10
 

spock

Member
Lives up to the hype...at least for me. I'm a lapsed gamer who just got back into things. Ive spent more time playing BOTW yesterday and today more than I have any other game in at least 7 years.

That has to do with not just the game but the consoles portability as well. I normally am not a fan of portables at all, but this is different quality experience for sure.

As for the game it self, the felling and the way it pulls you in is organic and very subtle. What I mean is the way the games structure and mechanics are built around freedom+curiosity (that's rewarded almost every time in some way) you are naturally compelled to explore, and you find your self pulled into the game and time passing without really noticing. Its weird because you have this curiosity+excitement thing happening but you also end up in a flow/zen state (best way I can describe it) at the same time.

The more I play the more I realize how much effort was put into crafting each inch of the world and the possible encounters, general interactions with everything on the screen at the time along with the users experiences both emotion/physical.

The sound design and effects are phenomenal and add a crazy amount to the experience.

I can say BOTW is worth the cost of entry (IMO). It is a Mario64 moment for me. Watching my kids play and seeing how it connects with their curiosity and sense of wonder is very cool. They both came up with some cool and unique ideas to try out while playing. I can see the minecraft elements in there in relation to freedom and how it encourages creativity in thinking.

I do wonder how nintendo is/will ever top it. But cants wait to see them try. :)
 

Malus

Member
67th review, 10/10 from Let's Play Video Games. Looks like we're starting to get rollin again after a brief pause.
 

KooopaKid

Banned
Lives up to the hype...at least for me. I'm a lapsed gamer who just got back into things. Ive spent more time playing BOTW yesterday and today more than I have any other game in at least 7 years.

That has to do with not just the game but the consoles portability as well. I normally am not a fan of portables at all, but this is different quality experience for sure.

As for the game it self, the felling and the way it pulls you in is organic and very subtle. What I mean is the way the games structure and mechanics are built around freedom+curiosity (that's rewarded almost every time in some way) you are naturally compelled to explore, and you find your self pulled into the game and time passing without really noticing. Its weird because you have this curiosity+excitement thing happening but you also end up in a flow/zen state (best way I can describe it) at the same time.

The more I play the more I realize how much effort was put into crafting each inch of the world and the possible encounters, general interactions with everything on the screen at the time along with the users experiences both emotion/physical.

The sound design and effects are phenomenal and add a crazy amount to the experience.

I can say BOTW is worth the cost of entry (IMO). It is a Mario64 moment for me. Watching my kids play and seeing how it connects with their curiosity and sense of wonder is very cool. They both came up with some cool and unique ideas to try out while playing. I can see the minecraft elements in there in relation to freedom and how it encourages creativity in thinking.

I do wonder how nintendo is/will ever top it. But cants wait to see them try. :)

Yeah I really don't know how they did it. You are constantly rewarded with meaningful stuff. It's a miracle of a game. The game systems are so layered that it's feeling like magic. It makes this virtual reality very convincing and immersive.
 
When you complete the first Shrine:

The look on Link's face when the Spirit Orb absorbs into his chest is priceless and very cool. I also like it that he only reacts that way the first time, because after that he's used to what happens and he just expects it.
 
I can't get over how good this game looks. Fucking incredible presentation and art direction. Music is amazing too (when it actually plays). Spent almost five hours just exploring the first zone. <3

Reviews seem accurate so far.
 
Thanks alot 90-98 reviews. You killed the dream you praised

Yeah the most recent 67th review literally says that not only is BOTW the best game in the Zelda series - but also that it's one of the best games of all time - and they gave it a 98 lol

Superb score, nonetheless.

Based on the number of reviews and their accompanying scores, "The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild" is not only a resounding global success, but it's also the highest rated and critically-acclaimed video game made yet!

In the immortal words of Keanu Reeves: "Whoa!"
 
Are all these reviews for the switch version? I really want to play the game but I'd prefer to not buy the switch right now ...

How does the Wii u version hold up?
 

MTC100

Banned
Are we 99 Metacritic yet?

Don't think this is even possible. But I guess we won't see Zelda drop to 97 as I feared some time ago, the newest three reviews clock in at 100, 98 and 97, meaning they add 98,33% to the score that already is 98%... (if they are weighted the same of course)
 

Rebel Leader

THE POWER OF BUTTERSCOTCH BOTTOMS
Yeah the most recent 67th review literally says that not only is BOTW the best game in the Zelda series - but also that it's one of the best games of all time - and they gave it a 98 lol

Superb score, nonetheless.

Based on the number of reviews and their accompanying scores, "The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild" is not only a resounding global success, but it's also the highest rated and critically-acclaimed video game made yet!

In the immortal words of Keanu Reeves: "Whoa!"


I was kidding :)
 

MTC100

Banned
Are all these reviews for the switch version? I really want to play the game but I'd prefer to not buy the switch right now ...

How does the Wii u version hold up?

I don't own a WiiU but I've read impressions from someone that does and he said that the gamepad experience wasn't that great and that it's okay on the TV with the 720p, however aliasing is pretty strong and less evident on the WiiU Pad due to the downsampling. -though you also lose out on much fine detail with the lower resolution of the Screen.

I guess you get the best experience with the Switch Version, played in portable Mode.
 
A lot of the 0 reviews are written obviously in a joking manner to mock the other 0 reviews, or more so to mock the concept of legit user reviews in general.

The original hope was that the troll reviews would get drowned out by honest user reviews, but this is a hell of a gulf to work with over the next few months. Likely a lot of those 0's will have to be deleted.
 

spock

Member
I can't get over how good this game looks. Fucking incredible presentation and art direction. Music is amazing too (when it actually plays). Spent almost five hours just exploring the first zone. <3

Reviews seem accurate so far.

Indeed, for me though I like the sound effects more than music. The convey a layer of happenings in your environment and can act as a trigger for directing your curiosity. Pretty sure this is why there isnt much music, the devs are trying to use the sound in very particular ways.
 

Realeza

Banned
A lot of the 0 reviews are written obviously in a joking manner to mock the other 0 reviews, or more so to mock the concept of legit user reviews in general.

The original hope was that the troll reviews would get drowned out by honest user reviews, but this is a hell of a gulf to work with over the next few months. Likely a lot of those 0's will have to be deleted.

Metacritic does delete troll reviews.
 

Zedark

Member
Are all these reviews for the switch version? I really want to play the game but I'd prefer to not buy the switch right now ...

How does the Wii u version hold up?
Check digital foundry, they have a comparison video between the two systems on their youtube Channel.
 

Zips

Member
Got it yesterday. My experience lines up with the reviews so far. The game is glorious.

This thing is the ultimate in "OK so I should go this way I guess...Oh, what's that over there? *several hours later* Phew! OK. Now what was I going to do again before?"

Every time. I never planned on going to Hyrule castle so early on, but there I was sneaking around and trying to avoid all the things that would one-shot me, looking for some special armor and equipment.

I have the WiiU version. Some slowdowns, and occasional stuttering (though that was mainly when I was sniping a guy who would one shot me by hitting him from outside the room that he couldn't leave from). Villages have iffy frame rate, but nothing really bothersome or inhibiting gameplay. Most of the time the frame rate is fine with only some slight slowdowns.

The game is damn fun.
 
Don't think this is even possible. But I guess we won't see Zelda drop to 97 as I feared some time ago, the newest three reviews clock in at 100, 98 and 97, meaning they add 98,33% to the score that already is 98%... (if they are weighted the same of course)

I think in the end it's going to drop to a 97 or even a 96 in the end. Most games these days have 90 or so reviews. More will come in and someone will give it a low score, just like what happened with Uncharted 4. I'll laugh, because people will get upset about numbers.
 
To me is just funny that while we're playing and enjoying one of the best games ever made some people are wasting their time talking shit about it or complaining about the technical issues instead of trying to get their hands on it. Sad really.

The fact that some people see something being this well received and then proceed to look for flaws in it or trying to uncover reasons why it's being overrated instead of, you know, actually playing the fucking game is just sad.
 

spock

Member
Got it yesterday. My experience lines up with the reviews so far. The game is glorious.

This thing is the ultimate in "OK so I should go this way I guess...Oh, what's that over there? *several hours later* Phew! OK. Now what was I going to do again before?"

This is my continual experience, I've spent hours exploring and trying things in just plateau area. Think this aspect is what many devs are going to study. The implementation of various mechanics and systems to create and trigger a "timeless seeking" behavior loop in the player. There is no grind, yet technically your grinding, lol. The game has the addictive quality of an MMO, yet its just you and the world.
 

Coxy100

Banned
I think in the end it's going to drop to a 97 or even a 96 in the end. Most games these days have 90 or so reviews. More will come in and someone will give it a low score, just like what happened with Uncharted 4. I'll laugh, because people will get upset about numbers.
What's so funny about it?

Personally I hope it stays at 98. Will it affect me if it drops? Hell no. But I'm a gamer and I like seeing success of games. It would just be damned cool for a game to hit 98
 
I don't own a WiiU but I've read impressions from someone that does and he said that the gamepad experience wasn't that great and that it's okay on the TV with the 720p, however aliasing is pretty strong and less evident on the WiiU Pad due to the downsampling. -though you also lose out on much fine detail with the lower resolution of the Screen.

I guess you get the best experience with the Switch Version, played in portable Mode.

Check digital foundry, they have a comparison video between the two systems on their youtube Channel.


Thanks for the responses, I just saw the thread with the DF video and they say, at least for the opening area, that the Wii u version is not an interior experience for the most part

Although others in the thread say the frame rate can get pretty bad, but I've also been hearing that about the switch version...

Still conflicted , going to wait for DFs follow up video before I make a final decision, but I will probably end up going with the Wii u version regardless BC k really don't want to wait a few months to play this lol
 

spock

Member
The fact that some people see something being this well received and then proceed to look for flaws in it or trying to uncover reasons why it's being overrated instead of, you know, actually playing the fucking game is just sad.

The thing is, some of the criticisms of the game (*framerate) and the beta'ness of the hardware are legit. But when it comes to the actual game and gameplay, Zelda is honestly that good that all those concern's get minimized into the background and fade out of your focus and attention because your having such a good gaming experience.
 

Zips

Member
Thanks for the responses, I just saw the thread with the DF video and they say, at least for the opening area, that the Wii u version is not an interior experience for the most part

Although others in the thread say the frame rate can get pretty bad, but I've also been hearing that about the switch version...

Still conflicted , going to wait for DFs follow up video before I make a final decision, but I will probably end up going with the Wii u version regardless BC k really don't want to wait a few months to play this lol

Unless you're someone who is particularly bothered by slowdowns, the WiiU version is fine. Slowdowns do happen and can be noticeable, but it doesn't hurt gameplay even when it does happen. All the fears people have been having over frame rate made me worry it was going to be bad, but when I started playing I was like "That's it?".

The most consistent slowdown I've encountered so far has been in the villages. The rate can often be choppy there, but you aren't fighting anything so it's not really bothersome. Watch a video of WiiU in a village, and see if that bothers you. If not, you should be fine as that's the worst of it I think.
 
The fact that some people see something being this well received and then proceed to look for flaws in it or trying to uncover reasons why it's being overrated instead of, you know, actually playing the fucking game is just sad.

Crticisms from people who aren't playing the game naturally dont hold much weight. Same should be true for any game.

That said I'm about 3 hours in, and the praise is pretty hyperbolic in my opinion. I have some issues with the game (getting around/climbing is slow), and some things that others seem to find amazing I think are pretty average (graphics, sound effects and presentation in general).

My mind could change further into the game, but some people talk about it like it's "perfect".
 
Just left my brothers place. Played the game for a couple hours today and man is it great. So many small details that make it a great game. Also I'm amazed at how different mine and my brothers experiences were

Example:
After the third shrine I noticed I could climb a cliff into the icy area unprotected but I had spicy food with me so I ate some of it and continued climbing the cliff out of curiosity. At the top of the cliff I could see the shrine just barely in my reach so I snowboarded off the cliff I was on to the one the shrine was on and made it inside right before my food ran out.

My brother on the other had made the right food for the old man and got the warm dublet and planned his trip up the icy mountain. Fought his way up and it inside the shrine without needed spicy food.

I swear this game is amazing.
 

Ricky 7

Member
Played this game for a couple of hours and the reviews are accurate. The game just doesn't get boring, can't remember the last time I played a game like that.
 

LotusHD

Banned
Crticisms from people who aren't playing the game naturally dont hold much weight. Same should be true for any game.

That said I'm about 3 hours in, and the praise is pretty hyperbolic in my opinion. I have some issues with the game (getting around/climbing is slow), and some things that others seem to find amazing I think are pretty average (graphics, sound effects and presentation in general).

My mind could change further into the game, but some people talk about it like it's "perfect".

You still in the plateau?
 

daxy

Member
Holy shit, I just found out that this game does the Witcher 3 thing where your horse will just 'steer' automatically if you're on a road. SO GOOD.
 

Zips

Member
One thing that impressed me was how many different ways they designed to approach Hyrule castle. Really exemplifies the open variety of choice they went for.
 
Unless you're someone who is particularly bothered by slowdowns, the WiiU version is fine. Slowdowns do happen and can be noticeable, but it doesn't hurt gameplay even when it does happen. All the fears people have been having over frame rate made me worry it was going to be bad, but when I started playing I was like "That's it?".

The most consistent slowdown I've encountered so far has been in the villages. The rate can often be choppy there, but you aren't fighting anything so it's not really bothersome. Watch a video of WiiU in a village, and see if that bothers you. If not, you should be fine as that's the worst of it I think.

Thanks for this, I will most likely but it for Wii u and gets switch later on if there are a lot of other interesting games announced
 

Gaminar

Banned
Alright after reading some actual user reviews. I want to play this (a friend has to but I won't ask until he finishes it). But the only problem is... Zelda has been the only franchise I have ever played with interest. Whether it's the older games to N64 to Wii... I have finished them all.

The catch... it's always been through borrowing from friends since I've never found a justification to buy a Nintendo console since things usually end up on emulation anyway. What other games can be interesting besides LOZ and Smash Bros. on the switch? I don't like Mario games.

I can't justify buying a switch for 1 game. And I already have a Pro.
 

Madouu

Member
Crticisms from people who aren't playing the game naturally dont hold much weight. Same should be true for any game.

That said I'm about 3 hours in, and the praise is pretty hyperbolic in my opinion. I have some issues with the game (getting around/climbing is slow), and some things that others seem to find amazing I think are pretty average (graphics, sound effects and presentation in general).

My mind could change further into the game, but some people talk about it like it's "perfect".

I think even a hypothetical 100 metascore average game will have people that hate it, don't like it much or just think it's decent, this variety is what defines us but I just wanted to let you know that even if I think an excellently reviewed game is not deserving of its great scores, I would not call the large consensus "hyperbolic praise" based on what I feel exclusively. I would be the outlier. Else, It comes off as egocentric.

Not to mention your possible confirmation bias. From reading your posts before playing the game, I noticed that you had already formed a certain opinion that the game is good but nothing amazing. Not to discredit your opinion, on the contrary, we all have our biases, it just helps to be aware of them.

Hope you enjoy the rest of the game more! And if not, that is also perfectly fine, looking forward to hearing your thoughts on it after playing more than the starting tutorial area.
 

Axass

Member
So far, if I could review it at an official outlet, I'd give it a 110 out of 100.

I'm perpetually smiling. I've played for like 15 hours and I've still barely reached the third zone.
 

Grassy

Member
Crticisms from people who aren't playing the game naturally dont hold much weight. Same should be true for any game.

That said I'm about 3 hours in, and the praise is pretty hyperbolic in my opinion. I have some issues with the game (getting around/climbing is slow), and some things that others seem to find amazing I think are pretty average (graphics, sound effects and presentation in general).

My mind could change further into the game, but some people talk about it like it's "perfect".

I've been wondering how this game is going to hold-up after the honeymoon period is over, when the hype of a new Zelda game and the Switch launch wears off. I guess we'll have to wait and see.
 
I think even a hypothetical 100 metascore average game will have people that hate it, don't like it much or just think it's decent, this variety is what defines us but I just wanted to let you know that even if I think an excellently reviewed game is not deserving of its great scores, I would not call the large consensus "hyperbolic praise" based on what I feel exclusively. I would be the outlier. Else, It comes off as egocentric.

Not to mention your possible confirmation bias. From reading your posts before playing the game, I noticed that you had already formed a certain opinion that the game is good but nothing amazing. Not to discredit your opinion, on the contrary, we all have our biases, it just helps to be aware of them.

Hope you enjoy the rest of the game more! And if not, that is also perfectly fine, looking forward to hearing your thoughts on it after playing more than the starting tutorial area.

These are fair points for sure. It sometimes feels like the more something is praised, the more likely I am to push against it. On the other hand, I'll often go in to bat for something that I feel is under rated.

This applies to movies, music, food etc as well. Basically I'm just a bit grumpy and feel like people throw around words like "amazing" far too liberally for my tastes. It's really in my best interests to go into things without reading too many reviews etc, but I just can't stay away from the talk back.

Anyway, I am enjoying the game a lot so far and I look forward to getting into new areas. Im totally open to falling in love with the game if it wins me over. The best example I can think of is Dark Souls. I thought it was super overrated for the first 10 hours or so (I was far more negative than I am here) but it ultimately went on to become one of my all time favourites so it certainly wouldn't be the first time!
 
Am I missing something or are these motion control ball mazes just incredibly stupid nonsense
They're stupid as hell. Especially if you're playing with a Pro controller and then need to switch to the Gamepad just to do them. Didn't know there was more than one on top of it &#128532;And yes I know about the "trick" but doesn't seem to be any easier for me or my friends who tried it. Wii U version don't know it controls any smoother on the Switch. Definitely one of my least favorite aspects of the game.
 

jariw

Member
Alright after reading some actual user reviews. I want to play this (a friend has to but I won't ask until he finishes it). But the only problem is... Zelda has been the only franchise I have ever played with interest. Whether it's the older games to N64 to Wii... I have finished them all.

The catch... it's always been through borrowing from friends since I've never found a justification to buy a Nintendo console since things usually end up on emulation anyway. What other games can be interesting besides LOZ and Smash Bros. on the switch? I don't like Mario games.

I can't justify buying a switch for 1 game. And I already have a Pro.

"Mario Games" is a pretty broad statement. Mario is in Smash. Mario is in MK8 DX.

I'm playing Snipperclips right now, fantastic little game which is a perfect multi-player balance to the almost-overwhelming BotW. (I will probably play BotW for quite some time, I'm in no rush to finish the story. More interesting for me to discover "everything".)

Fast RMX is another game that I intend to get very soon. You might also want to look at this list of known indie releases for 2017:
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1348490

Regarding first/second party, ARMS is a game I'm personally very interested in. Then there is Splatoon 2, Xenoblade 2, a Fire Emblem, probably a Pikmin, probably a Animal Crossing, probably a Pokemon.

Then there are are some 3rd party titles. I'm pretty sure there was some thread of known 3rd party software during the time of the announcement event.
 

foxuzamaki

Doesn't read OPs, especially not his own
Alright after reading some actual user reviews. I want to play this (a friend has to but I won't ask until he finishes it). But the only problem is... Zelda has been the only franchise I have ever played with interest. Whether it's the older games to N64 to Wii... I have finished them all.

The catch... it's always been through borrowing from friends since I've never found a justification to buy a Nintendo console since things usually end up on emulation anyway. What other games can be interesting besides LOZ and Smash Bros. on the switch? I don't like Mario games.

I can't justify buying a switch for 1 game. And I already have a Pro.

I mean, there are tons and tons of nintendo franchises, and mario isnt just a platformer anymore, mario has been in many games, so just saying you dont like mario games dont tell us anything either.
 

faridmon

Member
Alright after reading some actual user reviews. I want to play this (a friend has to but I won't ask until he finishes it). But the only problem is... Zelda has been the only franchise I have ever played with interest. Whether it's the older games to N64 to Wii... I have finished them all.

The catch... it's always been through borrowing from friends since I've never found a justification to buy a Nintendo console since things usually end up on emulation anyway. What other games can be interesting besides LOZ and Smash Bros. on the switch? I don't like Mario games.

I can't justify buying a switch for 1 game. And I already have a Pro.

Honestly? Don't buy a Switch if you don't like Nintendo games

Luckily for me, I enjoy them quite a bit. and Zelda is fucking fantastic.
 
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