Everything You Need to Know About “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild”

By Ryan Hassell

While running through lush, picturesque fields, a slow, calming melody begins to play as a pearly white horse mane catches my wandering eye. Creeping my way to the horse, a swift breeze rustles the tall grass I’m hiding in, revealing my position to the unsuspecting steed. As soon as he spots me, the stallion becomes spooked and begins to dash away. I immediately start sprinting after him, managing to hop on his back in the nick of time. After calming the horse down, I ride him to the nearest stable, register him as mine, and name him Theodore...

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the perfect escape from reality. You play as Link, legendary hero, decorated soldier, and the princess’s personal bodyguard who was killed 100 years ago in the cataclysmic battle that brought the downfall of his kingdom, Hyrule. After dying, Link is placed in the Shrine of Resurrection, which brings the dead back to life. However, when Link awakens from his slumber—his 100-year long resurrection process—he doesn’t remember a single thing from his past.

You are tasked with restoring the kingdom of Hyrule to its glory by the spirit of the former king, Rhoam, and the princess, Zelda, who has been holding off the game’s biggest threat inside of the kingdom’s castle. Restoring the kingdom involves slaying five malicious beasts who brought your closest and strongest allies to their deaths a century ago, all while recovering from your amnesia. As you recover your long forgotten memories, you can make new ones by taking pictures of the beautiful landscape you roam as you track down these beasts, or by cataloging all of the different creatures and wildlife you may find on your journey. 

While exploring, you’ll sometimes hear a melody play, which can range from delicate to intense depending what situation you’re in. If you’re fighting an enemy, you’ll hear a fast-paced battle theme, but if you’re riding your horse while the sun is setting, you’ll hear a gentle tune that fits the mood.

What makes The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild so enjoyable is the mysterious storyline and vast world building. The story is given to you in the form of exploring ruins, playing the main arc, and recollecting your old memories. Even after you complete the game, your journey is not over, as a direct sequel will be released in a few years. Along with this, Nintendo announced that prequel called Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity will be released in November. Since the game takes place 100 years before the main storyline, players will get to experience Hyrule in all its former glory!