In 2017, Nintendo released The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (BotW) for the Nintendo Switch and Wii U systems, which became extremely popular instantly. Players noted that the environment was quite open, the plot was rather exciting, and the number of possibilities was almost infinite.
But why is it still so enchanting long after its launch? It can all be boiled down to design, freedom, and a sense of wonder. Bizzo Casino is the same, except it’s an online gaming provider where fans of classics like baccarat, roulette, and slots come together to celebrate their passions!
A New Kind of Zelda Game
Most earlier Zelda titles followed a familiar pattern. You would explore dungeons, solve puzzles, and slowly unlock new areas. While these were still great, they had clear limits. Participants were often guided on where to go and what to do next.
In Breath of the Wild, the creators broke this mold. They gave users a huge, open world where they could go anywhere from the start. No invisible barriers are stopping you.
If you see a mountain, you can climb it. If there’s a lake, you can swim across or build a raft. The freedom to explore is nearly unlimited. This set it miles apart from its predecessors.
Freedom of Exploration
The in-game world isn’t just big; it feels alive. It’s packed with beautiful landscapes, dangerous enemies, and obscure secrets. Each time you explore, you discover something new, whether it’s a hidden shrine, a rare weapon, or a breathtaking view.
You can spend hours just wandering the land, fighting monsters, or finding Korok seeds. There’s no right or wrong way to play. Every playthrough feels fresh, even after multiple attempts.
A Simple Yet Deep Story
The story is straightforward but powerful. Link is the protagonist, and he begins in a state of slumber to be awakened only to find that the entire kingdom of Hyrule is in shambles. Princess Zelda is locked in eternal combat with the vile Calamity Ganon and only he can free her and the realm.
What makes things unique is the extent to which you have choices. You can stick with the objective and or speedrun through, killing Ganon at the end. But, you can also choose to savor and explore everything there is to see in the world of Hyrule.
The storytelling is also full of small, subtle scenes and moments. The world is full of ruins and broken structures that hint at a tragic past. You piece together the history of the area through memories, diaries, and NPCs.
Creative Combat and Problem-Solving
Even combat and puzzles offer a lot of leeway. You get tools like bombs, a glider, and a magnet to help you fight enemies and solve puzzles. But how you use them is entirely up to you.
Instead of fighting an enemy head-on, you could try setting up a trap using the environment. Or, if a puzzle seems too hard, you can often come up with a clever workaround. You’re not punished for thinking outside the box. It rewards creativity, making each challenge feel fresh and exciting.
Other Media Inspired by Breath of the Wild
The success of Breath of the Wild has influenced many other media. Below is a list of other media inspired by its open-world design and creative freedom:
- Genshin Impact (2020): This action RPG features a similar open world. It is filled with cool puzzles and climbing methods.
- Immortals Fenyx Rising (2020): Ubisoft’s mythological adventure draws a lot of inspiration from it for its combat and puzzle-solving mechanics.
- Horizon Forbidden West (2022): The sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn includes an open-world design and free movement similar to BotW.
- Phoenix Point (2020): While focusing mainly on strategy, its sandbox design and ability to approach problems creatively were also a result of the famous title.
- Sable (2021): This indie name also emphasizes exploration, with a focus on self-discovery in a beautiful open world.
Endless Replayability
It has remained popular over the years because it can be replayed several times. Even when the main story is completed, it still is not the end; there are so many things that can still be done. This could be things like searching for all the 120 shrines, tracking all the 900 Korok seeds and many more. There are also paid DLCs which provide new challenges and additional items.
Many also enjoy trying out different playstyles. Some focus on stealth, while others prefer powerful weapons. This variety keeps things interesting, even after completing it once or twice.
