Camila Long's review of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Date last edited: 12-06-2024 at 04:50PM

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Rating: Everyone 10+

Review:
Developer/Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: Action-adventure
My Rating: (5/5)
Primary Audience: Teens and adults who love immersive storytelling, expansive open worlds, and challenging gameplay.
Year of Release: 2017
Platform: Nintendo Switch, Wii U

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (BotW) is not just a game, but a complete reimagining of the open-world gaming genre. It's an experience that invites players to immerse themselves in the world of Hyrule, a vast kingdom filled with rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and a story rooted in themes of resilience and hope. BotW excels at blending a rich, interactive world with thought-provoking themes that connect deeply with the seven Media Keys.

Media Key 1 | Balance
At the heart of Breath of the Wild lies its open-world design, which strikes a remarkable balance between freedom and structure. Unlike many games that rely on quest-driven narratives, BotW lets players decide how they want to experience the world, while simultaneously giving them the freedom to explore Hyrule at their own pace, uncovering hidden shrines, discovering treasures, and experiencing its many environments. The game is a true sandbox, allowing players to go wherever they want, climb whatever they see, and interact with the environment in ways that feel completely organic. At the same time, the overarching goal of defeating Calamity Ganon gives purpose to the journey. This balance ensures the game never feels overwhelming, yet always keeps players engaged.

The world itself is incredibly dynamic. The time of day affects how you experience the environment: sunrise brings beautiful, warm light to the land, while the sunset creates a dreamy atmosphere. The weather also plays a critical role—rain can make climbing surfaces slippery, while lightning storms can be fatal if you're carrying metal gear. Even simple elements like wind can be harnessed to make your arrows fly farther or change the direction of your glider. The game’s wildlife and vegetation are not only visually stunning but interact with the player in meaningful ways. Animals can be hunted for food, ingredients for cooking, or used to craft potions. Trees can be chopped down to clear paths or used to build fires. Every element of the world seems alive and reacts to the player’s choices, creating a sense of immersion rarely seen in games.

From the perspective of the Balance key, this freedom combined with structure mirrors the balance in life—having both a sense of exploration and a guiding purpose. The game never restricts players; instead, it offers a path forward that doesn’t force linear progression but encourages discovery through deliberate choice.
This theme of balance resonates with the idea found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “Human freedom is a force for growth and maturity in truth and goodness; it attains its perfection when directed toward God, our beatitude” (CCC 1731). While the game is secular, the notion of freedom within structure parallels this concept, showing how guidance and choice work together to create meaningful experiences, whether in a virtual world or real life.

Media Key 2 | Attitude Awareness
The gameplay in BotW offers a beautiful setting of freedom and challenge. While players are free to explore at their own pace, there are also numerous objectives and challenges that keep the experience rewarding. In BotW, the player is constantly rewarded for curiosity, creativity, and perseverance. The game offers an incredible amount of content in the form of shrines, Korok seeds, side quests, and the main storylines. Shrines are mini-dungeons scattered across Hyrule that require you to solve environmental puzzles or defeat enemies to earn Spirit Orbs, which can be traded for heart containers or stamina vessels—vital upgrades to survive in the harsh world. The game is designed to encourage exploration, solving environmental puzzles, and experimenting with various gameplay mechanics like using fire to create updrafts or leveraging wind for flight. The game’s design rewards patience over brute force, inspiring a more thoughtful and positive approach to challenges.

The combat system is simple but deeply satisfying, with a variety of weapons, shields, and bows available for use. Weapons are not indestructible, and they can break after prolonged use, forcing players to adapt and think strategically about which weapon to use in each situation. This mechanic keeps combat fresh and ensures that you’re never just swinging wildly. Each weapon—whether it’s a sword, spear, or bow—feels unique, and their effects are enhanced by your environment and how you choose to fight. But BotW doesn’t just reward combat prowess; it also encourages experimentation. The game’s physics engine lets you interact with objects and the environment in unexpected ways. For example, you can use fire to create updrafts to fly, roll bombs down hills to knock over enemies, or use metal objects to attract lightning strikes during a thunderstorm. These interactions are not always immediately obvious, which makes discovering them incredibly satisfying.

Regarding Attitude Awareness, the game encourages an approach that emphasizes resilience and thoughtful interaction with the world, rather than seeking easy solutions. As you progress, the game fosters a mindset that aligns with the ideal of nurturing care and constructive problem-solving, whether you’re solving a puzzle or dealing with the elements.
This approach aligns with the CCC’s observation that “God willed that man should be left in the hand of his own counsel, so that he might of his own accord seek his Creator and freely attain his full and blessed perfection” (CCC 1743). The game’s emphasis on creativity and problem-solving reflects the value of personal agency and thoughtful decision-making, echoing the broader idea that growth comes through engaging with challenges thoughtfully and freely.

Media Key 3 | Dignity of the Human Person
The characters in BotW, especially Link and Princess Zelda, embody the Dignity of the Human Person. Throughout the game, you witness acts of self-sacrifice, courage, and loyalty—qualities that are celebrated through the story’s events and characters. Zelda’s personal struggle to contain Ganon's power showcases a deep, human conflict that reflects the strength found in persistence and love for one’s people. By portraying characters as multifaceted individuals with personal struggles, the game highlights their dignity and respect. Link’s journey is not just about vanquishing evil, but also about his role in a larger, interwoven story of duty and sacrifice. In this way, BotW portrays the value of each character, reinforcing the notion that every life has inherent worth and purpose.

The game’s depiction of character relationships connects with the CCC’s teaching that “The human person, created in the image of God, is a being at once corporeal and spiritual. The human body shares in the dignity of the image of God” (CCC 364). While BotW is a secular story, its portrayal of characters as deeply valuable and interconnected reflects this idea of inherent human dignity, reminding players of the importance of respecting and valuing each person’s unique role in the world.

Media Key 4 | Truth-filled
The narrative of BotW speaks to the Truth-filled key through its exploration of resilience, hope, and the possibility of restoration even in the face of overwhelming odds. As Link works to uncover the secrets of Hyrule’s past and defeat Calamity Ganon, the game communicates the idea that the future can be shaped through perseverance, cooperation, and the courage to face darkness. The story also resonates with the broader human experience of struggling against seemingly insurmountable obstacles. In a world ravaged by war, Link’s journey highlights the power of selflessness and unity—universal truths that transcend the specific context of the game, offering an uplifting message to all players, regardless of background.

The Catechism describes truth as essential to human dignity and flourishing: “Man tends by nature toward the truth. He is obliged to honor and bear witness to it” (CCC 2467). Breath of the Wild reflects this principle in its narrative of resilience and restoration, as Link's quest embodies a universal pursuit of truth—seeking to uncover the past while striving toward a hopeful future. For nonreligious audiences, the game underscores the idea that truth, whether personal or communal, is a guiding force in overcoming obstacles and fostering unity.

Media Key 5 | Inspiring
One of BotW’s greatest achievements is its ability to Inspire. The sheer scale of the world and the variety of activities encourage a sense of adventure, self-improvement, and awe. As players discover new locations, complete difficult shrines, or defeat fearsome enemies, they are rewarded not only with in-game progression but with a sense of accomplishment that feels both personal and universal.

Exploration is at the core of BotW. There is no shortage of things to discover in Hyrule. Whether it’s climbing to the top of a mountain to catch a breathtaking view, finding a hidden shrine tucked away in the forests, or uncovering the story behind the ruins of an ancient civilization, there is always something waiting just around the corner. Nevertheless, one greater standout feature of BotW is the lack of hand-holding. Unlike many modern games that guide players from one waypoint to the next, BotW gives you only a general direction and leaves the rest to you inspiring curiosity and self-growth in the choices you make, which impact you in realistic ways. You’re encouraged to explore, to see what lies beyond the horizon, to discover new places, and to solve environmental puzzles without the crutch of objective markers constantly appearing on your map, much like it would be in our world, where we don’t always have someone to hold our hands as we navigate through life.

This is a game that rewards your curiosity with hidden treasures, hidden secrets, and untold stories, inspiring you to go beyond the limitations of your imagination. The game's vast world can be explored on foot, but the addition of the paraglider and the ability to fast-travel to previously visited locations makes getting around fun and efficient. Whether it’s soaring through the air to discover a hidden shrine or galloping on horseback through the open fields, the joy of exploration never fades, fostering a natural sense of looking beyond the expected. Inspiration comes from the game’s portrayal of the natural world, which feels alive with possibility. The beauty of Hyrule, from the rolling hills to the towering mountains, invites players to pause, reflect, and appreciate the world around them. The game’s ethos promotes a mindset of wonder and reverence—both for the game world and for the player’s own potential for growth in the real world.

The Catechism observes, “The beauty of creation reflects the infinite beauty of the Creator” (CCC 341). This insight aligns with the awe inspired by Hyrule’s breathtaking landscapes and its encouragement of exploration and self-discovery. The game’s portrayal of natural beauty resonates with the universal human tendency to find wonder in creation, motivating players to appreciate the richness of the world both within and beyond the screen. Through its vast and dynamic environments, Breath of the Wild invites players to not only marvel at its artistry but also reflect on the joy and growth that come from engaging with the unknown.

Media Key 6 | Skillfully Developed
Visually, BotW is stunning. The art style is a perfect blend of realism and fantasy, with vast, sweeping landscapes that feel both majestic and intimate. The varied biomes—from lush forests to dry deserts and snowy mountains—create a world that’s visually diverse and captivating. Every corner of Hyrule feels meticulously crafted, with every rock, tree, and building designed to fit seamlessly into the world’s natural beauty. Every aspect of the game is crafted to create a cohesive experience. The physics engine, for example, is incredibly sophisticated, allowing for a range of creative solutions to problems. Whether it’s using a metal sword to attract lightning or solving environmental puzzles in a shrine, the game fosters creativity and experimentation. The soundtrack is equally impressive. The subtle, minimalist music complements the narrative’s emotional depth, and the absence of a heavy soundtrack in some areas amplifies the sounds of nature—the rustling of leaves, the sound of rain, the call of distant animals—to take center stage. When the score does swell, it’s emotionally impactful, adding weight to important moments.

The Catechism reminds us that “God is the creator of all things, and everything that is, comes from him” (CCC 293). The deliberate design and intricate craftsmanship in Breath of the Wild reflect this notion of creation as a work of care and intention. The attention to detail in the world-building, from the terrain to the environmental sounds, mirrors the richness and complexity of the world as it was created. The game’s emphasis on creative problem-solving and its thoughtfully developed systems also echo the human capacity for creativity, which the Catechism teaches is a reflection of God’s own creative nature in us. The game, through its art and mechanics, fosters an appreciation for the beauty of both creation and human ingenuity.


Media Key 7 | Motivated by & Relevant to Experience
BotW is deeply motivated by relevant and universal experience, as it encourages players to grow through overcoming challenges, mastering new skills, and testing their limits. From taming horses to cooking meals that boost your abilities, the game motivates players to continuously improve. The vast array of skills to learn—from combat techniques to mastering the elements—reflects a journey of personal development. By conquering tough shrines, unlocking new abilities, and surviving harsh environments, players are constantly rewarded for pushing themselves. This sense of progression and accomplishment serves as a powerful motivator, not just in the game, but in real life, encouraging players to tackle challenges and grow through adversity.

At its heart, Breath of the Wild is a story about hope, sacrifice, and redemption. The game takes place in a world that has already experienced great tragedy: Calamity Ganon, a dark force, has ravaged Hyrule, leaving it in ruins. Link, the silent protagonist, awakens from a long slumber with no memory of his past. As he journeys through the land, he uncovers the story of the past and the people who fought to protect the kingdom. Princess Zelda, the other central character, is portrayed as a strong, determined individual. Her struggle to contain Ganon’s power is central to the narrative, and as you progress through the game, you piece together the tragic and beautiful history of Hyrule. The narrative is deeply personal, and even though it’s set in a fantasy world, it speaks to universal themes of responsibility, sacrifice, and the weight of legacy.

The game’s story isn’t told through traditional cutscenes, but rather through environmental storytelling and memories scattered across Hyrule. This creates a sense of immersion, as you piece together the past through exploration, making the journey feel even more personal, as it would be in real life.

The Catechism speaks to the human experience of growth and overcoming adversity, saying, “The human person is made to live in communion with God” (CCC 27), which includes learning, overcoming challenges, and achieving personal growth. Breath of the Wild captures this concept perfectly by motivating players to embrace struggle, develop resilience, and ultimately achieve personal and collective victory. The game's mechanics, which encourage learning from mistakes and adapting strategies, reflect the process of human maturation. Similarly, the game’s narrative of hope, sacrifice, and redemption mirrors the broader human journey of facing hardships with courage and perseverance, resonating deeply with the Catechism's call to live a life of virtue and grace.

Conclusion: A Landmark in Gaming
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is an unparalleled achievement in video game design. It is an adventure that challenges the mind, stirs the heart, and motivates the player to be better. It redefines open-world gameplay, offering freedom, depth, and a sense of adventure that feels unique in the gaming landscape. With its focus on exploration, innovative mechanics, and immersive storytelling, it’s a game that encourages players to not just play, but to experience.

Whether you’re a fan of the Zelda series or new to the franchise, Breath of the Wild offers something for everyone. It’s a game that encourages creativity, rewards curiosity, and teaches lessons about perseverance, sacrifice, and hope. For those seeking a truly memorable and transformative gaming experience, BotW is an essential adventure. The game offers a world full of endless possibilities and valuable lessons that go beyond the game itself.

Seven Keys:
Balanced:
Attitude:
Personal:
Truth-filled:
Inspired:
Skillfully Made:
Experienced:

Overall Rating: 35/35

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