A new
Zelda. A console-launching Zelda. Where to start?
Julie Andrews advises the very beginning, (do-re-mi) so... Once
there was a garden. Allegedly. Within it were a bloke and a chick.
Allegedly. One was named Ada- what? Yeah, maybe not that very
beginning.
It was 1986. The NES hosted the first adventure of
Link, whereby he ventured forth to save Princess Zelda and the kingdom of
Hyrule from the nasty Ganon. Not much has changed since, except...
LOTS!
The basic story remains the same, sure, but Breath
of the Wild really is a breath of fresh air for the series.
After waking from a 100-year nanna nap in total amnesiac mode,
you’re free to do what you want (any old time), trundling about a
majestic Hyrule either sticking to the quests at hand, or just
taking in the scenery, slinging runes, plundering chests, riding
horsies, killing things or collecting bits and bobs for a spot of
cooking – the results of which can be handy with such basics as not
dying. Yes, it’s 2017 and we have a “game over” screen – so cool!
You can continue from pretty close to where you carked it if you do
indeed cark it though, and the spirit of experimentation at play
will likely lead you to do so.
Many a foe is out to draw Link
blood too, should you be dumb enough to assail them before you’re
suitably armed. Initially, at least, we found it better gathering
abilities by seeking out Shrines of Trials, which house puzzles that
range from basic to ARGH!
Is it perfect? No. Some enemies are
crazily overpowered, weather can give you the shits, the stamina
gauge is a drag and most weapons have the durability of a
marshmallow anvil. Sure it adds challenge, but it also subtracts
fun.
Ultimately, however, they’re acceptable foibles, for
Breath of the Wild is a beauteous treat with so much to love.
So far, so good...