Christian Review of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on PC

Breath of the Wild takes the Zelda formula and turns it on its head faster than a Goron rolling downhill. Gone are the days of linear progression and item-gated areas. Instead, players are given all the tools they need within the first hour and set loose upon a sprawling open world. The freedom is exhilarating and, at times, overwhelming.

Exploration and Survival

The game's true star is its world. Hyrule is a living, breathing entity that begs to be explored. I found myself constantly distracted by distant landmarks, mysterious glows, or the simple desire to see what's on the other side of a mountain. The climbing mechanic is a game-changer, allowing players to scale virtually any surface (stamina permitting). This vertical freedom, combined with the paraglider, makes traversal a joy. I've spent embarrassing amounts of time just finding the highest point I can and gliding off into the sunset – only to realize I've completely forgotten what I was supposed to be doing.

Survival elements add depth to exploration. Link must contend with:

• Weather conditions (including deadly lightning storms that turn metal gear into a shocking fashion faux pas)
• Temperature extremes (because frostbite and heatstroke are now part of the hero's job description)
• Limited stamina for climbing and swimming (farewell, infinite rolling)
• The need to hunt, gather, and cook food for health and buffs (Gordon Ramsay would be proud)

These systems create a satisfying loop of preparation, exploration, and adaptation. You haven't lived until you've panic-cooked a dozen dubious meals while a Lynel bears down on you.

Combat and Weapons

Combat in Breath of the Wild is fluid and challenging, a far cry from the "Z-target and slash" of yesteryear. The variety of weapons, from swords and spears to boomerangs and elemental rods, keeps encounters fresh. However, the controversial weapon durability system means you'll be constantly cycling through your arsenal as weapons break. While frustrating at first (RIP my precious Royal Claymore), I grew to appreciate how it forced me to adapt and experiment with different combat styles. It's like a never-ending game of deadly musical chairs.

The rune abilities from your Sheikah Slate add another layer of strategy to combat and puzzle-solving. Magnesis lets you manipulate metal objects (great for dropping heavy things on unsuspecting enemies), Stasis freezes objects or enemies in time (perfect for impromptu golf with boulders), Cryonis creates ice pillars in water (instant bridges or barriers), and the Remote Bomb is... well, it's a bomb. These abilities are essential for solving shrine puzzles and can lead to some hilarious "I can't believe that worked" moments in combat.

The ability to use the environment in combat adds another layer of strategy. I've shocked enemies by dropping metal objects during thunderstorms, crushed them with boulders, and even used Stasis to turn their own attacks against them. These "eureka" moments of creative problem-solving are some of the most satisfying in the game. It's like being MacGyver, if MacGyver had a magic tablet and fought giant pig monsters.

Shrines and Puzzles

Replacing traditional dungeons are 120 bite-sized shrines scattered across Hyrule. These clever puzzle rooms test your mastery of Link's Sheikah Slate abilities. While some shrines can be solved in minutes, others are deviously challenging, requiring out-of-the-box thinking that'll have you questioning your sanity. The four Divine Beasts serve as larger dungeon-like experiences, each with a unique mechanic that alters the entire structure. Think Inception, but with more lasers and less Leonardo DiCaprio.

Cooking and Crafting

The cooking system in Breath of the Wild is a game unto itself. Combining ingredients at a cooking pot can create dishes that restore health, boost stats, or provide elemental resistance. It's surprisingly deep, with each ingredient having its own properties that contribute to the final dish. I've spent far too much time experimenting with recipes, from practical healing meals to monstrosities that would make a Bokoblin lose its appetite. Pro tip: Just because you can cook wood doesn't mean you should.

With the main story clocking in at around 50 hours and completionist runs easily surpassing 100 hours, Breath of the Wild offers tremendous value. The sheer number of secrets, side quests, and collectibles ensures there's always something new to discover, even after the credits roll. I'm pretty sure I'll be finding new shrines when I'm old and grey.

Breath of the Wild is a visual feast that would make even the Great Fairies jealous. The cel-shaded art style creates a world that's both beautiful and timeless. From sun-drenched fields to snow-capped mountains, each region of Hyrule has its own distinct personality. The attention to detail is staggering – grass sways in the wind, water ripples realistically, and distant vistas are always enticing. I've lost count of the number of times I've stopped to use the in-game camera just to capture a perfect sunset.

Character designs are equally impressive. Link's various outfits are all distinct and stylish (fashion souls is alive and well in Hyrule), while enemies range from adorably goofy Bokoblins to imposing Lynels. The game's few cutscenes are gorgeously animated, bringing key story moments to life.

However, this visual splendour comes at a cost. The game occasionally struggles to maintain a steady frame rate, especially in densely forested areas or when there's a lot of action on screen. While not game-breaking, these dips can be noticeable and slightly jarring. There's also some pop-in of distant objects, though it's generally not too distracting given the game's art style. It's like the world is playing peek-a-boo with you sometimes.

The soundscape of Breath of the Wild is a masterclass in subtlety and atmosphere. Unlike previous Zelda titles with their bombastic orchestral scores, this game opts for a more minimalist approach. Piano melodies drift in and out, perfectly complementing the sense of isolation and discovery. The music swells at just the right moments, making victories feel all the more triumphant. It's the kind of soundtrack that'll have you humming long after you've put down the controller.

Environmental sounds are equally impressive. The rustling of leaves, the patter of rain, and the distant roars of monsters all contribute to a living, breathing world. Combat sounds are satisfyingly crunchy, with each weapon type having its own distinct audio signature. The 'ping' of a perfect parry is music to my ears (and the bane of Guardians everywhere).

Voice acting makes its Zelda debut here, and the results are... mixed. While some performances are solid (Zelda herself stands out), others feel a bit flat or overly exaggerated. Thankfully, the majority of dialogue remains text-based, preserving the classic Zelda feel.

Breath of the Wild offers a decent range of accessibility options, though there's room for improvement. Players can adjust text size and enable button remapping for most controls. The game also features a "Pro HUD" mode that removes on-screen elements for a more immersive experience (or for those who like to live dangerously).

For players who struggle with precise movements, the game's forgiving nature in exploration and varied combat options allows for multiple approaches to challenges. The ability to pause and plan during combat is also helpful for those who need more time to react. It's like having a "time out" button for life-or-death situations.

However, the game lacks some modern accessibility features. There are no colourblind modes, no options to increase contrast or enemy highlighting, and no way to adjust the difficulty of combat or puzzles. The reliance on audio cues for certain mechanics (like stealth) may also pose challenges for hearing-impaired players. Nintendo has some homework to do in this department for future installments.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild carries a PEGI 12 rating, which feels appropriate given its content. However, Christian parents and players should be aware of several elements that may require discussion or consideration.

The game's fantasy setting includes magical elements and mystical creatures that some may find at odds with Christian beliefs. While not overtly occult, the presence of spirits, magical powers, and resurrection could be seen as promoting non-Christian spiritual ideas.

Violence is present throughout the game, though it's generally fantastical in nature. Enemies disappear in puffs of smoke when defeated, with minimal blood or gore. However, one scene does depict a battlefield with fallen enemies, including some impaled by spears. This imagery, while not graphic, might be disturbing for younger players. Boss defeats can be more intense, with enemies showing distress and spraying a purple substance.

Some character designs, particularly certain female characters like the Great Fairies, feature revealing outfits and exaggerated physical proportions. While not overtly sexual, these designs may be considered immodest by some families. There are also instances of mild sexual innuendo in dialogue, such as "I get to see a young hunk draw a bow again?" and "If I have to have something pounce on me, why couldn't it be a lady?" Link can also be required to dress in feminine clothing for certain quests, which some may find uncomfortable.

The game includes a few instances of mild profanity, including "damn" and one use of "G--forsaken," which some may consider taking the Lord's name in vain. Parents should be aware of this language if allowing younger children to play.

Alcohol use is depicted through some non-playable characters appearing drunk, though the game doesn't promote or glorify this behaviour.

Some enemies and boss designs, particularly the robotic Guardians and later bosses, may be frightening for younger or sensitive players. The game's overall tone is darker than previous Zelda titles, which could be intense for some.

On a positive note, the game promotes problem-solving, resourcefulness, and perseverance. Link's quest to save Hyrule, while fantastical, does embody themes of self-sacrifice and standing up against evil that align with Christian values.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a landmark achievement in open-world game design. Its emphasis on exploration, discovery, and player freedom creates an experience that's truly magical. The sheer depth of interactivity within its systems allows for creative problem-solving that few other games can match. It's like Nintendo took everything we love about Zelda, threw it in a blender with a dash of Skyrim and a pinch of Minecraft, and somehow created gaming ambrosia.

While not without its flaws – occasional performance issues, weapon durability frustrations, and some mature content considerations – the overall package is genuinely fun. For adult gamers, it offers a rich, engaging experience that will likely spark both joy and thoughtful discussion.

Parents of younger children should carefully consider the game's content and themes before allowing play. While not overtly objectionable, some elements may require guidance or family conversations about how they align with Christian values.

Ultimately, Breath of the Wild is a game that rekindled my sense of wonder and adventure. It's a testament to the power of interactive storytelling and a new high-water mark for the Zelda series. For those willing to lose themselves in its vast world, it offers an unforgettable journey. Just be prepared to lose track of time – and possibly your sanity when you're trying to solve that one stubborn shrine puzzle at 3 AM.