The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

• Developer: Nintendo EPD
• Release Date: March 3, 2017
• Genre: Action-Adventure
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Wii U

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

• Developer: Nintendo EPD
• Release Date: May 12, 2023
• Genre: Action-Adventure
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch
  
  

Hyrule Reimagined: How Tears of the Kingdom Builds on Breath of the Wild’s Legacy

A Tale of Two Hyrules

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, released in 2017, is heralded as a groundbreaking open-world action-adventure game. Developed by Nintendo EPD, this game took players on a journey through a vast, unstructured Hyrule, encouraging exploration and experimentation. With its nonlinear gameplay, physics engine, and freedom of exploration, Breath of the Wild redefined open-world gaming​​.


2023’s The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom takes this foundation and expands upon it. Also developed by Nintendo EPD, this sequel enhances the familiar yet evolves significantly. It introduces a larger map with new realms like the Sky Islands and The Depths, offering fresh vertical exploration and challenging new environments. Link’s abilities are also expanded, most notably with the innovative Ultrahand, allowing for greater interaction with the environment and creative problem-solving​​.

Comparing the Gameplay

Both games share the action-adventure genre, but Tears of the Kingdom elevates the experience with new gameplay mechanics. While Breath of the Wild focused on physics and chemistry engines for a more interactive world, Tears of the Kingdom introduces new abilities and tools like Zonai devices, encouraging even more creativity and experimentation​​​​.

Visuals and Style

Visually, both games share a similar aesthetic, maintaining the iconic style of the Zelda series. However, Tears of the Kingdom offers a more polished and refined visual experience, building upon the successful design of its predecessor​​.

Why Play Both?

Each game offers a unique experience: Breath of the Wild for its revolutionary approach to open-world gaming and Tears of the Kingdom for its expanded world and enhanced gameplay features. Both are essential plays for fans of the series and newcomers alike, showcasing the evolution of the franchise and offering two distinct yet connected adventures in the land of Hyrule. Both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom stand as testaments to Nintendo’s innovation in game design, each offering a unique and immersive experience in the Zelda universe.

Verdict

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Rating: 9.5/10

Breath of the Wild redefined open-world gaming with its breathtaking landscapes, innovative gameplay, and rich storytelling. The game’s 9.5-star rating is well-earned, as it presents a Hyrule that is both expansive and detailed, encouraging exploration and experimentation. The physics engine and environmental interactions set new standards for the genre, allowing players to approach challenges in myriad ways. Its only minor drawback is the durability system of weapons, which, while adding realism and strategic depth, can occasionally disrupt gameplay flow. Nevertheless, Breath of the Wild remains a masterclass in game design, offering an experience that is both deeply immersive and endlessly enjoyable.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Rating: 8.5/10

Tears of the Kingdom continues the legacy of its predecessor with ambitious expansions in story and gameplay. The game earns an 8.5-star rating, as it builds upon the open-world concept with new mechanics and a deeper narrative. The introduction of new realms and the expansion of aerial exploration add fresh dimensions to the Zelda universe. While it excels in innovation, some elements feel overly familiar, and there are occasional technical hiccups that mildly detract from the experience. Despite these small issues, Tears of the Kingdom stands as a testament to Nintendo’s creative vision, offering a compelling and enchanting adventure that resonates with both long-time fans and newcomers to the series.