Launching alongside Nintendo’s newest hybrid console, the Switch, “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” is Nintendo’s attempt to go back to their roots with the series. But the key component of exploring an unknown land makes “Breath of the Wild” one of the most fascinating and exciting new Zelda games to come out within the last decade. The game is truly a masterpiece.

The game is unlike any other Zelda game, as it doesn’t tell you anything right away. The open world lets the player decide which path you are going to take. The player does not have to do anything in order, and even has the ability to go straight to the boss, Ganon. The items in the player’s inventory are diverse, as one is able to collect weapons from defeated enemies. Some enemies have parts that can be used to concoct an elixir. The wild game and food collected replenishes the player’s lives. But this reviewer’s favorite part is the ability to cook dishes that give one extra hearts and repel against lightning or stamina for a certain amount of time.

Another way to obtain items is through amiibos. Nintendo did a huge favor for amiibo collectors in giving them unique items through chests that fall from the sky when used. Rare weapons, clothing, Epona and Wolf Link can be obtained. Nintendo has also made the player think about the environment he or she puts the main character Link in. If it is too hot, Link has to be equipped with the right clothing. Something as innocent as rain can lead to Link’s death through lightning or slipping on rocks.

All the gameplay inspires how the game looks. “Breath of the Wild” has a beautiful world. The colors are vibrant and the design is full of little details; one can see grass blades blowing in the wind, snow falling down in high mountains, lava oozing out of Death Mountain and sand kicking up in the desert. Extra little details like that make this game believable and real.

“Breath of the Wild” is an amazing game. The experiences that come from playing the game and exploring its open world are reminiscent of the original 1987 game. Nintendo has successfully created an open world Zelda game that doesn’t feel like a follower of a trend. Nintendo single-handedly created a new standard when making open world games.

FINAL VERDICT: 10/10