The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017)

Written by UkNO

Mentioned it before in the article I’ve previously wrote entitled “EA Star Wars: ‘A New Hope'” how E3 is the event where the video game industry well yesterday Nintendo unveiled their plans for the cluster of video games ready to be released to the Wii U and the planned NX. After years of waiting for Nintendo to reveal gameplay, the highly anticipated ‘Untitled Legend of Zelda’ game as announced with some visually beautiful gameplay. Now known as ‘The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’ the release date has also been revealed for March 2017 for the Wii U and Nintendo NX.

Link wakes up in a strange contraption in a chamber called The Shrine of Resurrection (more on this later). The area features strange sci-fi like equipment that differs from the sort of thing we’ve seen in previous Legend of Zelda games. Link is beckoned by a female voice, introducing us to the first full voice acting we can remember in a Zelda title.

Link receives a device called the “Sheikah Slate” (which bears a fleeting resemblance to a stylized Wii U tablet controller). It acts as your inventory management system, map, and quest tracker in the game. Breath of the Wild’s minimal HUD is a departure from recent titles in the series, especially Skyward Sword, which bombarded the player with information, cluttering the screen, and explained exactly where to go and what to see.

Breath of the Wild immerses yourself into the wild surroundings as Link. For example you must pay attention to the change in climate, as a shift in weather or temperature can affect the environment and the abilities to survive in it. A sudden downpoue might douse a roaring campfire or lighting storm might be attracted to Link’s weapons.

The Amiibos have a very interesting role in this game with pre-existing amiibos along with new ones specifically for this game. By using the Wolf Link Amiibo, Link can summon a Wolf Link partner character to aide in his adventure by combating enemies and hunting animals. The progress from your saved material on Twilight Princes will reflect in Breath of the Wild. The Wolf Link will remain your companion as long as his heart container is filled. Other new Amiibos, such as the newly revealed Archer Link Amiibo, Rider Link, and Guardian Amiibo, will all be compatible with Breath of the Wild. These new Amiibo figures will launch alongside Breath of the Wild next year.

Despite the story being less of a focus this time around, we can’t help but think Breath of the Wild will have an important impact on the greater Zelda lore. That’s not all — musical themes, sound effects, and various items fans recognize will be in the game. If the gameplay changes sound sweeping, the aesthetic and sound of Breath of the Wild are still very much what you have come to expect from the Zelda series.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will expand your mind on March 2017