The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is an action-adventure game developed and published by Nintendo for the Wii U and Nintendo Switch consoles. It was released worldwide on March 3, 2017, as part of the "The Legend of Zelda" series. The game is set in a large open world and offers a departure from the traditional linearity and structure of previous titles in the series.

Key aspects of the game include:

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is widely recognized for its unprecedented open world. Hyrule, the game's setting, is immense and offers a variety of biomes, ecosystems, and unique landscapes. The open world allows players to discover hidden secrets, solve environmental puzzles, and experience the freedom of exploration in a way that was never before possible in the series.

Gameplay

The gameplay of Breath of the Wild focuses on survival, exploration, and puzzle-solving. Players must manage resources such as health, stamina, and tools by cooking food, climbing mountains, swimming, and facing enemies. Combat mechanics are highly dynamic, allowing players to experiment with different weapons and abilities. Intelligent use of realistic physics plays a crucial role in gameplay.

Game Mechanics

The game introduces many innovative mechanics, including the paraglider for flying, shield-surfing down mountains, and manipulating time and weather. Additionally, complex puzzles are present in the various Shrines, requiring wit and creativity to solve. These mechanics provide a variety of approaches to solving challenges.

Development

The development of "Breath of the Wild" was a lengthy and complex process. The game was in development for several years and underwent significant changes during its development cycle. It was created with the goal of redefining "The Legend of Zelda" series and offering players an innovative gaming experience.

Reception

The game was critically acclaimed and received numerous awards, praising its open world, graphics, gameplay mechanics, and engaging narrative. It was considered one of the greatest games of all time by many industry sources and became a cornerstone title for the Nintendo Switch.

Revenue

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild achieved significant commercial success and became one of the best-selling titles for the Nintendo Switch. It contributed significantly to Nintendo's revenue, with millions of copies sold worldwide and strong demand for additional content.

The game's success led to the development of a sequel, announced at E3 2019.