Since the first game was released in 1986, Zelda has become one of the most popular and loved video game franchises. There are currently 19 games that have been released. (including remakes) Breath of the Wild is the newest Zelda game and it has exceeded many expectations.

The story follows Link, as he wakes up in a strange temple. It turns out, he has been asleep and healing for 9,900 years. He discovers a magic tablet called the Sheikah slate. Hyrule has been taken over by gannon, he is in a massive dark form and he circles the castle, (you can see the castle in the distance. You are able to travel all the way there towards the end of the game.) Princess Zelda is keeping Gannon sealed around the castle but she is losing strength. You start on a plateau. You are unable to leave until you can complete three shrines and get the paraglider and glide off the edge. 

Breath of the wild took about four years to develop, and it shows. The visuals are phenomenal, with beautiful sunsets and awesome cliff views. The graphics run at about 30 fps on nintendo switch. Though the fps can drop during a crazy battle if too much is going on. The shaders are realistic, and even the sun moves so it's not always the same time of day. One minute is equivalent to an hour in-game, and it takes 24 minutes for a full day and night to pass. 

There are many unique aspects to Breath of the Wild, especially when it comes to the Zelda franchise. One of the most unique abilities you have as Link, is the ability to climb. You can scale cliffs and even houses as long as you have enough stamina. The map is also a big change. The world is massive and you can explore every inch of it. You have full explorability as long as you can survive the conditions. There are many biomes including, a volcano, ocean, forests and frozen tundras. Link can freeze and burn so you need to make potions and food to counter the weather. Weapons can also break (not my favorite aspect) in the middle of a fight. And you can only carry so much. Bows break as well. Horses are a big part of gameplay, as there are stables everywhere. You have to catch your own horse, and there are two special horses that I know of: the white horse and a giant horse.

There is a lot of customization involved. Buying special clothes can give boosts. You can also dye your clothing, some colors are way more expensive than others. Horses have all different colors and breeds. You can change the mane style and color of the horse.

All in all, Breath of the Wild is an extensive, and detailed game. The developers spent a lot of time and resources making a very unique and interesting game that anyone can enjoy.