A Breathtaking Experience

    Video games are a very ample subject since it has many variations and genres to pick and look through. It is so big that it could be its own blog, but today we are talking about one specific game. This game is a masterpiece in every way and many still praise it to this day, this game is called The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Breath of the wild or BOTW as some call it holds a very dear place in my heart since it was the first game I ever had for my Nintendo Switch. Today we will be commemorating it to celebrate the release of its sequel The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

    BOTW is a 2017 action-adventure game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch and Wii U consoles. Breath of the Wild is the 19th installment in the Legend of Zelda series and takes place in a massive open-world environment. The game follows Link, the hero of the Zelda series, as he wakes up after being in stasis for 100 years. Only to discover the once-rich and magical kingdom of Hyrule engulfed by the malice of Calamity Ganon. Not only that Princess Zelda has been imprisoned as well, so Link embarks on a journey to restore Hyrule to its former glory, while also meeting some peculiar figures along the way. To save Hyrule Link must regain his lost memories by going to key locations and defeating the divine beasts. One of the most unique features of Breath of the Wild is its vast open world. The game's world is divided into four main regions, each with its own distinct environment and ecosystem.

The game also features a dynamic weather system that can affect gameplay, such as rain making climbing difficult, and fires spreading faster on dry days. While exploring this expansive kingdom you are also treated to some amazing orchestral pieces the one that always stuck with me was the guardian theme it strikes fear into me whenever I hear it because I got destroyed by those guardians a lot. I've got to say the most iconic one will always be the main theme it hits you with a wave of nostalgia once you hear it.

    The combat system of the game is great and allows you to use weapons ranging from weapons and tools, such as bows, swords, spears, claymores, and bombs, to take down enemies. The game also brings a survival aspect to it with Link's need to eat and rest to maintain his health and stamina. The need for him to eat places a cooking system that is vast and entertaining, including cakes, soups, pies, etc. There are 118 recipes in the game. Other gameplay aspects in the game are the elemental effects such as if you hold a flame weapon your temperature gets higher or if you get electrocuted any metal weapon on you falls. These details truly show the dedication given to the game, for example when you get wet and then touch land your steps get darker and water droplets fall on the ground. This dedication to tiny intricate details rivals those of other games such as Grand Theft Auto V, Red Dead Redemption, and The Ghost of Tsushima. One of the most unique features the game provides is the shrines, these shrines have multiple uses such as a fast travel point and if you finish one you get a spirit orb that lets you increase your health or stamina. Another feature is the Korok seeds hidden across the map, these seeds increase your weapon inventory. Whilst exploring and defeating different enemies you may find different rare weapons and armor, each armor set has a different ability to help with a specific problem. My favorite thing to do in Breath of the Wild is sidequests since they add so much more to the experience, to the game, and link as a character, but more than that it is the game at its heart you truly cannot say you've played it if you didn't do some sidequests and explored these wilds.

     The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a masterpiece of gaming. Its expansive open world, innovative gameplay, and stunning visuals make it a must-play for any fan of the action-adventure genre. It has won numerous awards, including Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2017. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will undoubtedly be hailed as one of the greatest games of all time.