Correction: As some have pointed out, Link DOES have idle animations, but you have to wait a long time to see them. Certain animations also only appear under certain conditions, like in the rain or when Link is shirtless or crouching. I've put hundreds of hours into this game and not ONCE did I ever see any of these. Thanks to @rmsgrey who was the first I saw to point this out.
Whatever you’re going through. I feel it too. Just know that I would be honored to be your friend. It’s lonely being a man. We are not designed to go it alone.
March 3rd is my birthday, I’ll never forget begging my parents for a Switch during the hype leading up to it. They surprised me and woke me up at 11pm and we went and waited in line at Best Buy for the release. I got the 4th to last Switch they had in stock. I’ll never forget getting home and booting up this masterpiece, all the lights off, TV full volume with my family watching me enjoy my new gift.
"Breath of the wild broke many things, from long-standing conventions, and traditions, to my god damn weapons, this game showed me that there is nothing more durable than hope" Incredibly written. My best to you, stranger. I hope better days lie ahead.
I'll tell you an anecdote about my friend and me. I had beaten all 120 shrines, but my friend who had long since moved far away was stuck on 119. I tried figuring out which shrine was his last, and I told him I had struggled with finding my last as well. he asked which one was my last, and upon explaining where it was (the snowy mountain north of the desert), it became clear that he had no idea what I was talking about. Bingo, bango, bongo, that's how he found the final shrine. Now we lived far apart and didn't speak all that often anymore and yet out of a 120 shrines we both ended up with the same last shrine. We were still, after all those years, similar. That was an amazing experience.
One minor nitpick: Link does actually have idle animations in BotW - you just have to wait a ridiculously long time for them to start (and another long time between them)
I did it. I 100% BotW. I have found 900 korok seeds, discovered every location, freed every divine beast, did all 90 side quests, 42 shrine quests, uncovered all the memories, got all the Kilton medals you name it. This game was my first love, and I'll never forget it for what it brought me. I've played 600 hours of it through two years. I've grown a lot since I stepped out of the great plateau two years ago until today when I got the last little korok. I had two play throughs and I'll forever be grateful for what this game has brought me Your video perfectly encapsulated the feelings I got when I got to certain parts of the game. I have to say goodbye to it now, because if I overstay my welcome the game gets stale. And that's kind of how it has been since the last few months. I miss the sense of discovery and pure childlike adoration I had when I first started playing. When everything was new and I was getting jumped by blue bokos. This video is kind of a farewell to BotW for me. Thank you so much for it, you must have put a lot of work into it. I'll buy TotK later this summer, now I need a break to mourn the end of a journey that made me grow so much and accompanied me through tough hardships. Goodbye BotW, I will cherish your memory with me until the end of my life.
@@Mr.Peanut1986 I bought the game this summer, and it’s amazing. Ive done the wind temple first, and stumbled upon the spirit temple by accident. All the new runes and features are awesome. It definitely holds it own against the first game, and even though I was worried, I’m super eager to continue playing through the story and seeing everything it has to offer
@laszayar awesome to hear. I just recently started playing it, also. Completed the wind temple and collecting shrines. I'll be resuming the story again, soon. Fantastic game!
@laszayar Not particularly, yet. Just been running around and doing random things like I did in BOTW. I'll get back on the story soon. I have also been playing other games. I bought Skyward Sword...so far, I'm not liking it at all.
This is such a good video. BOTW's story spoke to me for basically all the reasons it did for you and it's refreshing to hear that from people as opposed to "uhh memories bad". We're all gonna make it
@@Ornithopter470 the story can be as cohesive or incohesive as you'd like. as linear or nonlinear. thats the beauty of this game. and when you take the whole story in as it's meant to be consumed, it's absolutely amazing in every way. I'll never, ever, ever be over it.
@@LoopShoop the problem I have with the incohesive story is that when taken in whole, it still doesn't make sense. It's an epilogue to an actually interesting story, where your choices ultimately don't matter. There isn't a sense of purpose. This incarnation of the Zelda franchise feels like a game in a way that OoT or Twilight princess didn't. I don't feel like I'm exploring and finding interesting stuff, I feel like I'm in a sandbox with some neat tools to shovel sand around with.
I'm really not a BOTW hater, to tell the truth it's my favorite Zeda, but I find it far from perfect. But boy... how can someone like the story ? It takes up a tiny space in the game and the little we see is at best anecdotal, at worst poorly written and constructed. The last 2 Zelda games are more complex and complete than the games of the old formula, the new games are I think aimed at a less younger audience than the old games, and yet the point that has not changed is the writing, it remains terribly childish and quite ridiculous and cliché overall imo
Breath of the Wild is my favorite game of all time. Thank you for dedicating the effort to this video that it deserved. You managed to recapture the feeling of experiencing the game for the very first time, which is a feeling I've craved since finishing it all those years ago. This has been an excellent watch so far; it's apparent to me that you've improved your content a lot between this video and even the Ocarina of Time video. Phenomenal work, and I'm happy you're officially back!
NGL I got emotional at the end. Such a thorough and passionate retrospective and topping it off with how you personally connected to the game's themes...bravo man. Here's to hope for the future 💙
My favorite part of this video is how you walked through the lead up to BOTW’s release. It was the first Zelda game that I actually got to be a part of the pre-release hype. I actually got a copy of the game before I could find a switch, my parents also wanted to get it for me as a reward for my good grades. I feel like the lead up to this games release is often brushed over rather quickly but the way you took your time to go over each milestone (for lack of a better term) was really great. I also really love the quality of your voice, got the smooth King K register but with a little more energy and upbeat personality! There’s plenty of room for more great video essayists and you’re a great addition to the community!
My greatest achievement in video games was when I 100% completed Botw. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. It became my favorite game and best game in my eyes. I wish I could experience this game for the first time again.
1:13:28 one tip in criticism is to give reasons why you think they’re bad, assume we don’t agree and convince us. I can give a counter immediately that invalidates your point. “Just because it was easy for you doesn’t make it bad, they have to make enough easy shrines so that someone younger or less clever can also beat the game”. You say f they are bad because of simplicity isn’t “universal”/objective.
I agree with this. I have an 8 year old cousin who's playing BOTW for the first time right now... if it was scaled to "adults/Zelda veteran" difficulty, she'd never be able to complete the game.
Your retrospective looks are absolutely wonderful. You have been the only person to be able to make videos in this genre that captivate me. Your ability to conceive and translate these thoughts and feelings makes you truly masterclass. I remember playing a Link to the Past when I was young and I remember playing Ocarina of Time in high school as it became my favorite game to this day, like many others. You have described these games and stories in ways far better than I could. I love your work.
This is an excellent retrospective! These kinds of videos are my favorite content on TH-cam (I watch a lot of them, king K, Joseph Anderson, Liam Triforce, ect). this is the first video of yours I’ve watched but man please trust me when I say that this video holds its own against the best creators in the genre. Great job and I can’t wait to watch more of your content.
The music and setting of BotW remind me of a studio Ghibli film, especially the opening cinematic as you emerge from the cavern. Does anyone else get this impression?
This video is a beautiful tribute to a game that's incredibly important to so many of us. I spent the last couple days watching this in parts, the scale of this retrospective is truly impressive. Like you, this was the most excited I had ever been for a videogame, and it truly captivated me throughout the entire journey. Not a perfect game, there is a LOT to improve upon, but it's highs are unlike anything else when playing it for the first time. I've also started appreciating BOTW's story a lot more recently (mostly because of TOTK lol.) Fantastic job with this one as always, and I know a brighter future lies ahead for you.
I cant describe the irony i just experienced watching at 1:06:04 where you were talking about how the game's combat system just becomes more dull the longer you play. Im playing my own botw game at the same time, i have like 17 hearts im decked out in my upgraded armor, and out of no where a stalfos jumped out of the ground and wacked me off a cliff and i died. im so. godbless
My Breath of the Wild moment was when, after climbing a mountain and ending up in a lake, suddenly a huge dragon rose up from that same lake right next to me. I literally screamed. I love how this game can tell stories.
Played and finished Metroid Dread, Zero Mission, and Fusion. Binged your entire Metroid series thus far, decided to binge your Zelda series. Here we are, at the end of your Zelda series so far. Man I have to say your channel is CRIMINALLY underrated! Good job, I'm very impressed. Would love to see more videos, got some great laughs, takes, and gripes! All in such a short time. Don't give up on your channel! Subscribed and did the honors, thank you for all the content! BOTW is a timeless classic!
I will always keep Breath of the Wild close to my chest. I have linked it to many beloved and harsh memories of mine from the past, almost 7, years. And your video was one of the best retrospective of this game out there. You did an excellent work showing all the strengths and short comings of this masterpiece.
Disagree with combat becoming "boring" after I'm all powerful. It's a hard earned, well deserved reward for everything that's been accomplished, and after beating Ganon, I was able to explore in relative peace while hunting every last Korok, Hinox, Talus, everything I needed to upgrade all armor... and possibly completing the compendium. - Loved watching this video
When I was 15 I remember splurging all my work money on a nintendo switch and a game that I had never heard of, being BOTW. Since 2020 I have finished highschool, started college, gotten another switch, and way more. Seemingly the only thing that's hasn't changed in my life is loving this franchis. For 4 almost 5 years I have replayed BOTW and now TOTK multiple times each year never growing tired of it! It has improved my social and mental health and I will always charish it for that. Thank you nintendo for existing!
Thank You for keeping BOTW alive forever. This game is a constant for me as well - a totem of faith especially for my big kid heart that first loved the original game as a child! Cheers from dallas!
I did not expect you to talk about the personal things that your are dealing with. I only hope the better for you! I have searched a lot of review channels and let me tell you that you are something special, way better than a lot of content creators out there, so keep it up man, we subs that know your quality will always be around! Hope is everything
Thank you for making this series. I’ve been following this channel and this series for a while. Ever since the Metroid series if I remember correctly. And i loved these video essays. Judging from the ending, I think you went through hard times. Just remember that you matter, I really hope you’re doing well now. You deserve all the help
What a great ending to this retrospective. Taking picture together. I cry to see this. I just bought this game and now im hook. Still wandering around finding new shrine and open new map. Before this my game was only final fantasy but botw i can really consider to be my number one game of all time.
Really great video man! What you said about multiplayer and essentially this game from the start always being a single player game that was cumulatively a multiplayer. It created conversation, it created groups of people talking about it around the lunch tables at school. Most importantly, Zelda games make friends from sitting around and sharing our collective knowledge. It's incredible how big of an impact all of the games have had on so many people. What's so funny is just like you, for me, it was ocarina of Time that got me hooked in the first place. After that, of course I went back and play every single one. From the first time you fight Ganon in the very first Zelda. To the first time you activate the earthquake spell, jamming your sword in the ground. To that first time you got the Biggoron sword...finally. To the first time you realize the physics implications of a flurry rush. Zelda is more than a game. it's truly part of our culture. It has brought people together. It has made friendships that have lasted for 3635 years now. How many things can you name that you can say that about? And at the very least, the number would equal to the number of copies sold of all of the different individual games combined. ( And cuz I've never heard of anybody that plays all the so they didn't like it) 😂. I would look that number up right now to show you the exact number but it's more fun if everybody else looked for themselves. ( Whhaaaaaa!?!?Jaw dropped looking at actual number) . Keep up your amazing videos my friend. Edit: 163,391 is the actual number😮
On the subject of playing the game with others: The first couple playthroughs of BOTW in my household were kind of cooperative efforts. At that time we had one Switch and 3 people and the biggest screen was the new tv in the living room, so when the owner of the switch sat down to start the game, the rest of us were there. We watched and helped and "helped" through the whole game and all had a grand time. Watching them play and seeing things I wanted to try doing differently inspired me to pick up a controller for the first time in Decades and give it a shot. We all have our own Switches and nice monitors now, so TOTK was a much more solitary activity, and I kind of missed having the running commentary from them this time.
For some reason, stumbling upon Lurelin for the first time is my favorite memory from playing BOTW for the first time. There was something so intensely thrilling about randomly coming upon a small beach town in the middle of nowhere. I would give almost anything to go back and play it for the first time again. I remember that I didn’t go to any of my college classes for a week when I first started playing (whoops) 😅
Those scenes you showed at the end when princess Zelda said she failed and left everyone to die and fell into Links arms crying really got to me. I felt her emotion. Amazing.
I just finished playing TOTK the second time now. Amazing game. However, watching your video made me remember how nice BOTW was. Even with all its problems (dungeons) I was still wondering why was it so good. Your video is amazing when bringing the almost the perfect good points and also the not so good ones. The feeling the I'll always have about it, is nostalgia. You start the game not remembering things you know you should remember and spend the whole game after this memories. I guess your pursue in live must not be so different after all. We all just have to remember what to go after. And in the end, the world doesn't seem so empty, after all. Thanks man.
Great video! I was going through a dark period when BotW came out, and it was a good game that gave me a needed escape... It was a very different Zelda game, I do have my issues with it (very similar to yours), but it was such a unique experience.
Even though BotW and TotK are probably my least favorite games in the series, I have NO issue admitting they are some of the best and only open world games I have enjoyed playing, and it says a lot that even my least favorite games are still great games!! Truly an amazing video, nice to hear someone not be afraid to have complaints about this game or be afraid to have praise, I've seen so many people be so FAR against or for these games and it's nice to have a middle ground view!!
I'm in my 50s, been gaming since 1985, yet BotW was still the first ever Zelda game I got hooked on. I'd seen others play it, realised how deep the lore was (always a big fan of that) and decided I needed to at least try it. I'd always been a PC gamer, and I wanted to be at least competent with a controller before I started, so I decided to practise on OoT (which I'd also never played). A few years later, and I can't get enough of Zelda! I also pre-ordered TotK, which is something I _never_ do!
Thank you for helping me remember how special the release and initial play through of BOTW was. It was a long wait but a special moment for me when the game finally came out. It’s fun to watch people play this game for the first time and see them work through the systems of the game and get to be there as they have their first beautiful moments in BOTW.
I got my start on Zelda by watching Vinesauce play the older titles, but it wasn’t until I got curious enough to give BotW a try did I truly fall in love with the series as a whole. The first time I played, I just messed around, not paying attention to dialogue or anything at all. I quickly got lost and thus bored and dropped it for months. When I decided to revisit and take it seriously, my world completely changed. It was so beautiful, so rich in story with so much to do, I fell in love. I had never played a game like it before, I always considered myself a casual gamer, but it made it easy to get into and helped me learn a lot of new stuff. Exploring the regions, ruins, towns, figuring out the story and piecing it all together is an experience I will never forget. I went to Zora’s Domain first, and my heart broke for their loss. Won’t lie, I shed some tears and felt a real, visceral hatred towards Ganon for taking Mipha away. I was so focused on the fight, on saving Ruta, on freeing the Domain, that I truly felt like Link. It helped me connect with the game and characters on a completely different level that I had never, ever felt with another game. It was much the same for the other regions, but it was the strongest with Mipha and Zora’s Domain. BotW is so special to me for this reason. It taught me to explore, to think harder, to pay attention, to love and fight and have courage and have fun. It breathed a new appreciation for games that I hadn’t really felt before. It turned me from someone who had never touched a Zelda game or really cared for games in general, into someone who has been exploring the story and games and has grown to love video games even more. For all its flaws, it truly is a wonderful, beautiful game. And it will always be one of my favorites of all time. This retrospective was wonderfully written, and it really did touch upon some of the strongest, and weakest, parts of the game. There’s so much love and passion shown, but also the ability to criticize what you love. Which is sorely lacking these days. Fantastic job. Looking back on the game with you has been a very, very bittersweet experience.
This was an amazing video and I could relate to the end just as much as I relate to your opinion on the game. BOTW is a moment in time that I will cherish forever.
It’s been a while since I’ve commented on any video. I love the way you structure your videos and have been a fan for quite some time. Thank you so much for all these videos and can’t wait to see where you go next. Keep on keepin on, my dude 🤙
This was my first Zelda game, and even without the experience of having been at Lon Lon Ranch or knowing the Dragonroost Island theme, I could still feel that great amount of nostalgia and loss and loneliness in the world itself, which is pretty spectacular to me. Also YES MIPHA'S THEME. Not only is it beautiful, but also incites a chuckle out of me considering if you use a fixed Do solfege system, the melody oscillates between Mi and Fa, yknow, like Mipha. MiFa. Mipha. It's so silly I love that
Man I enjoyed this thoroughly. Really interesting to hear your perspective on the game so in-depth, helped remind me of those aspects and think of how I felt about them. Breath of the Wild was definitely one of the greatest gaming experiences I've ever had.
Nah, bro, I'm fine with criticism for BOTW and TOTK. The problem is 99% of the time all the complaints just boil down to "it wasn't Ocarina of Time," and that's just stupid because that formula got stale. And honestly, as someone who grew up playing the OG Zelda, Ocarina of Time already didn't really feel like Zelda to me. Wind Waker had the best exploration aspect to it since the OG, but it didn't FEEL great at the time for me because you don't see a whole lotta variation in the ocean, and the islands that are there to find are mostly tiny. All that said, my own criticism for both of the last two games in the series are vast and plentiful. I LOVED how they kept talking about how BOTW was a sort of spiritual remake of the OG and how it really did feel like one, FOR THE MOST PART. Both games still had too much handholding. I say this because they point you right to the main "dungeons" in both games. And at least in BOTW, they tell you all about the divine beasts. The legend itself is interesting, but telling you all about the beasts from the very beginning removes the curiosity and sense of wonder, excitement, and discovery you could have had if you could just find them on your own while you're out exploring. The beasts were also really bad at being dungeons... and not because they lacked a dungeon item, but because a dungeon should have unique and difficult enemies. I also actually really loved the concept behind the beasts, their mechanisms, the fact that the whole "dungeon" was a puzzle itself. I want to see more of that. But I don't ever want to activate terminals, and I don't ever want to see that same presentation. I don't want to be told all about the places I need to go. What I want is the closest thing to a 3D representation of the original Legend of Zelda possible. I want to have to blow up walls and burn trees and other similar things to find stuff. I want to stumble upon the dungeons organically, and I want to be able to wonder about what will be inside them when I do find them. I want things to discover. And I want to be rewarded with things that aren't more of the same throwaway crap you're rewarded with in every other place "rewards" can be found. I get what they were going for with the weapon breaking, but it's too severe in the first place on its own, but then it also requires that we have to find weapons everywhere, making finding and opening chests repetitive and boring, which in turn removes incentive to explore. And this problem is repeated with the ridiculous numbers of things like shrines and koroks as well. I DO want "dungeon" items to return in some way, but I don't want them to only be found in dungeons(in fact they used to be found out in the overworld and in caves/bought from vendors too), and I don't want them to only be useful inside dungeons. I don't want them to be used as glorified keys, whether that's to help you get thru a dungeon, or to open up the next section of the world that the game has decided to allow you to explore now. BOTW and TOTK had boomerangs, but they took up a main weapon slot, they were just as breakable as everything else, you had to actively pay attention to catch them, and they just did straight damage. And then for whatever reason the game also treated them like sword because you could just whack things with them, which I guess you COULD do with a boomerang, but it's not a great idea. The original game and several others used the boomerang to stun certain enemies for a few seconds. To have them work the exact same way(completely frozen enemy for a good 3-5 seconds) is probably overpowered for the way the games have changed, but maybe it could interrupt an enemy attack or something, or knock a weapon out of their hand. Hookshot could also be used to disarm enemies. And whatever they do, puzzles need to have more than one solution(but not so many options that you can just cheese it with a rocket shield or something similar) so they're not so easy to figure out immediately. That's one thing I loved about BOTW and TOTK, all the different mechanics and the way they all worked together to provide puzzles that would actually make me have to think. One simple, easy, and not at all unique solution to the weapon breaking problem without having every chest have a weapon is to allow people to use the materials they find to repair and make new ones, which also solves the problem of the game having so many materials you never really do anything with. Fusion was a cool idea too, but it kinda has no place in Zelda, and I found that I still had a ton of materials I never used. And honestly I was surprised, with the "wild" theme and the open world and all that, that BOTW never had any non-food crafting, unless you wanna count campfires.
The thing people miss about the “short” aspect of the divine beasts, is that part of the “dungeon” is all the lead up in each region before you do the beast. They are very different and pretty fun, and it’s part of the overall “dungeon”. It also fits the “open air” idea they were going for. 🤷🏻♂️
The answer to late game weapon durability SHOULD have been the master sword. You CAN have an unbreakable weapon in a game with weapon durability if it is a late game reward. Durability IS fun in the early game...but as you pointed out by the late game it's a chore. The constant and navigation of that massive item bar is a chore. Snapping weapon after weapon over bloated spongeyy health bars is a chore. Going through all of that only to come out with worse gear than what you went in with is a massive problem. The only way to fix that problem is to nerf the weapons, which they did do in TotK and it STILL feels bad....or allowing the player to move past that mechanic through progression. Exactly like how clothing let's you move past dealing with extreme biomes. It wouldn't break the game any more than food or temporal gear already does, it would give the player a progression milestone to reach combat wise, and it would be thematically fitting. A Link who has no idea who he is, starting with nothing and surviving off the land regaining his memories and identity getting his old trusty weapon back that then transforms the combat into something that feels more in line with the older games, the player regaining a since of identity from the past, is such a brilliant idea that it almost feels criminal that it wasn't capitalized on. Make it require 20 (also a callback to the older games) heats, 2 full stamina wheels, and all 4 divine beasts completed and it doesn't break anything. You've already played the majority of the game and all the important story content. Returning players get an epic return to form, players that hate durability have an opt out they can unlock, and players that hate the idea of an unbreakable weapon entirely...can just not get it. Literally everybody wins. The entire game was not built solely around nor revolve entirely around the durability mechanic. It nearly objectively overstays its welcome and there is nothing at all wrong with the game letting the player ditch it after its served its thematic purpose. Tears managed to make the mechanic equal parts better and worse and the fact that they STILL didn't let the master sword fix the issue despite having every narrative and gameplay opportunity to in-universe do so, is very frustrating.
While the dark beast Ganon fight gets a lot of flak, I absolutely love that battle! I remember the goosebumps and the excitement I felt when Zelda says that courage need not to be remembered, for it is never forgotten! Though I do agree that there should’ve been more to it, it’s definitely more of a story beat rather than a battle, but again I think it’s a lovely way to end the story. Love this video, I definitely agree with almost everything you have spoken of!
Nice ending to the analysis, actually made me see the plot in a different perspective which I think its more accurate than what I previously experienced on my own.
Perfect Video, we love you, your message at the end was heartbreaking but very real, I’ve also had a really rough 2 years and honestly I haven’t gotten better until today, it’s funny how i finally got around to watching this video and heard this message the same day as I got better, we love u, keep fighting the good fight, be like Link :) we cannot wait for whatever u post next, you are incredible! Praise God!
Breath of the wild shits on tears of the kingdom It might not have some of the quality of life things that tears does. But makes up for it in tone, atmosphere and exploration
Agreed. I would argue that it DOES have QOL improvements over TOTK though. The champion ability mechanics are terrible in TOTK, and fuse was a terrible idea with worse implementation.
Listened to all of your previous 3D Zelda retrospectives over the last few days and subscribed earlier today. Definitely happy to have this pop up in my sub box. Excited to start listening!
A new botw retrospective!! there’s about six or seven long ones that are good, I’ve watched them so many times.. can’t wait to watch this on my tv later 😊
I've been watching your channel since the Donkey Kong Country videos. You made plenty of strong and interesting observations about Breath of the Wild here, especially near the end when you focused on the story and thematic elements of it. It's really cool seeing you come into your own with your work, so your expressions of personal vulnerability at the very end felt like a truly courageous gesture. I'm looking forward to seeing what other videos you make down the line, but remember to take care of yourself at every opportunity. We're all grateful for your hard work, but no one here wants to see you suffer through any of it. Best wishes to you, sir. Keep that hope going.
ironic you end on a message of hope when to me, this gives me dread for the future of a series i grew up with since my NES and that litterally has been there for some of the wort times in my life
You know a game is good, when a player like me can come to the game two to three years after it's release date, and still find it and incredible masterpiece. My first time playing this game, I couldn't put it down! I had to see it through to the end! This game especially appeals to someone like me who is familiar with the OG Zelda on NES, and who loves action adventure games, because I just love exploring.
"Made a game that was otherwise very derivative" spoken like a true Gen Zer who wasn't around to appreciate how fun it was to play LoZ without internet and having to figure everything out by yourself, as well as having to get certain items outside of dungeons to beat said dungeons.
I'm currently playing through TOTK and I gotta say, the whole segment about how going to do a side-quest and ending up doing almost anything else really resonates with me more there than Botw. I am 17 hours in and I still haven't even gone to the first dungeon. I don't know why but for as much as I love botw, it never REALLY clicked with me. like I loved it yes, but in the back of my mind I would be thinking about whether or not I enjoy playing this over my first playthrough of ocarina of time or that something is just missing. Hearing your description of the exploration and how it mirrors my experience with Totk really put into perspective how influential this game was and made me understand a lot more why people were so wowed by this game. The game is truly amazing. I loved almost every second and emotion I experienced playing it (Barring a few shrines) and I'm so happy that at least to me. I managed to experience what many players felt playing this game to a higher degree (so far) in totk. This is a great video and I can easily call it your best one yet
Watching this I was reminded I was nine when this came out. Since that time there was a global pandemic, high school, several new wars and conflicts. I am now sixteen years old and Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are tied for my favourite game of all time. That being said there won’t be a new 3d Zelda till I’m in my twenties at current pace. I will never out grow these games because they are such lovingly crafted experiences.
1:03:57 I’m sure you’re aware but you yourself mentioned why the side quests are more than just the side quest. It initiates exploration. If you do anything “for a reward” you’re probably not going to have fun. If you do anything for the experience and exploration you will enjoy it.
I rarely leave comments or interact with TH-cam videos, but after finishing this video I was incredibly surprised by the quality of it. Well done, I have subscribed and I hope many more follow suit.
Correction: As some have pointed out, Link DOES have idle animations, but you have to wait a long time to see them. Certain animations also only appear under certain conditions, like in the rain or when Link is shirtless or crouching. I've put hundreds of hours into this game and not ONCE did I ever see any of these. Thanks to @rmsgrey who was the first I saw to point this out.
Who ever stays still more than 2 minutes tho 😂
Whatever you’re going through. I feel it too. Just know that I would be honored to be your friend. It’s lonely being a man. We are not designed to go it alone.
March 3rd is my birthday, I’ll never forget begging my parents for a Switch during the hype leading up to it. They surprised me and woke me up at 11pm and we went and waited in line at Best Buy for the release. I got the 4th to last Switch they had in stock. I’ll never forget getting home and booting up this masterpiece, all the lights off, TV full volume with my family watching me enjoy my new gift.
That’s awesome!
"Breath of the wild broke many things, from long-standing conventions, and traditions, to my god damn weapons, this game showed me that there is nothing more durable than hope" Incredibly written. My best to you, stranger. I hope better days lie ahead.
*fighting Ganondorf*
*his healthbar goes past the screen*
Your hope is badly damaged
*Ganondorf dodges your flurry rush*
Your hope has broken
@@zach415lol so true 😂
It broke Zelda traditions but this open world formula had been done many times before.
I'll tell you an anecdote about my friend and me. I had beaten all 120 shrines, but my friend who had long since moved far away was stuck on 119. I tried figuring out which shrine was his last, and I told him I had struggled with finding my last as well. he asked which one was my last, and upon explaining where it was (the snowy mountain north of the desert), it became clear that he had no idea what I was talking about. Bingo, bango, bongo, that's how he found the final shrine. Now we lived far apart and didn't speak all that often anymore and yet out of a 120 shrines we both ended up with the same last shrine. We were still, after all those years, similar. That was an amazing experience.
That is absolutely fucking lovely. Heartwarming to say the least. Thanks for sharing.
Love this for you man
Man that’s dope 💪🏾
One minor nitpick: Link does actually have idle animations in BotW - you just have to wait a ridiculously long time for them to start (and another long time between them)
Yeah he falls asleep haha
@@jonesygrets6029or flexes if he’s shirtless.
I did not know this. Gonna have to check it out now 👍
I did it. I 100% BotW. I have found 900 korok seeds, discovered every location, freed every divine beast, did all 90 side quests, 42 shrine quests, uncovered all the memories, got all the Kilton medals you name it. This game was my first love, and I'll never forget it for what it brought me. I've played 600 hours of it through two years. I've grown a lot since I stepped out of the great plateau two years ago until today when I got the last little korok. I had two play throughs and I'll forever be grateful for what this game has brought me
Your video perfectly encapsulated the feelings I got when I got to certain parts of the game. I have to say goodbye to it now, because if I overstay my welcome the game gets stale. And that's kind of how it has been since the last few months. I miss the sense of discovery and pure childlike adoration I had when I first started playing. When everything was new and I was getting jumped by blue bokos.
This video is kind of a farewell to BotW for me. Thank you so much for it, you must have put a lot of work into it. I'll buy TotK later this summer, now I need a break to mourn the end of a journey that made me grow so much and accompanied me through tough hardships.
Goodbye BotW, I will cherish your memory with me until the end of my life.
How have you felt about TOTK?
@@Mr.Peanut1986 I bought the game this summer, and it’s amazing.
Ive done the wind temple first, and stumbled upon the spirit temple by accident. All the new runes and features are awesome.
It definitely holds it own against the first game, and even though I was worried, I’m super eager to continue playing through the story and seeing everything it has to offer
@laszayar awesome to hear. I just recently started playing it, also. Completed the wind temple and collecting shrines. I'll be resuming the story again, soon. Fantastic game!
@@Mr.Peanut1986 I did the water temple and a couple memories. Did you make progress in the story?
@laszayar Not particularly, yet. Just been running around and doing random things like I did in BOTW. I'll get back on the story soon. I have also been playing other games. I bought Skyward Sword...so far, I'm not liking it at all.
To this date, I didn't know king Rhoam gives you the warm doublet any other way than cooking his meal.
This is such a good video. BOTW's story spoke to me for basically all the reasons it did for you and it's refreshing to hear that from people as opposed to "uhh memories bad". We're all gonna make it
I mean, the memories aren't great for a cohesive story. But that's not the biggest problem.
@@Ornithopter470 the story can be as cohesive or incohesive as you'd like. as linear or nonlinear. thats the beauty of this game. and when you take the whole story in as it's meant to be consumed, it's absolutely amazing in every way. I'll never, ever, ever be over it.
@@LoopShoop the problem I have with the incohesive story is that when taken in whole, it still doesn't make sense. It's an epilogue to an actually interesting story, where your choices ultimately don't matter. There isn't a sense of purpose. This incarnation of the Zelda franchise feels like a game in a way that OoT or Twilight princess didn't. I don't feel like I'm exploring and finding interesting stuff, I feel like I'm in a sandbox with some neat tools to shovel sand around with.
@@LoopShoop thats called bad structure and pacing
I'm really not a BOTW hater, to tell the truth it's my favorite Zeda, but I find it far from perfect.
But boy... how can someone like the story ? It takes up a tiny space in the game and the little we see is at best anecdotal, at worst poorly written and constructed.
The last 2 Zelda games are more complex and complete than the games of the old formula, the new games are I think aimed at a less younger audience than the old games, and yet the point that has not changed is the writing, it remains terribly childish and quite ridiculous and cliché overall imo
Breath of the Wild is my favorite game of all time. Thank you for dedicating the effort to this video that it deserved. You managed to recapture the feeling of experiencing the game for the very first time, which is a feeling I've craved since finishing it all those years ago.
This has been an excellent watch so far; it's apparent to me that you've improved your content a lot between this video and even the Ocarina of Time video. Phenomenal work, and I'm happy you're officially back!
NGL I got emotional at the end. Such a thorough and passionate retrospective and topping it off with how you personally connected to the game's themes...bravo man. Here's to hope for the future 💙
My favorite part of this video is how you walked through the lead up to BOTW’s release. It was the first Zelda game that I actually got to be a part of the pre-release hype. I actually got a copy of the game before I could find a switch, my parents also wanted to get it for me as a reward for my good grades. I feel like the lead up to this games release is often brushed over rather quickly but the way you took your time to go over each milestone (for lack of a better term) was really great.
I also really love the quality of your voice, got the smooth King K register but with a little more energy and upbeat personality! There’s plenty of room for more great video essayists and you’re a great addition to the community!
My greatest achievement in video games was when I 100% completed Botw. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. It became my favorite game and best game in my eyes. I wish I could experience this game for the first time again.
1:13:28 one tip in criticism is to give reasons why you think they’re bad, assume we don’t agree and convince us. I can give a counter immediately that invalidates your point. “Just because it was easy for you doesn’t make it bad, they have to make enough easy shrines so that someone younger or less clever can also beat the game”. You say f they are bad because of simplicity isn’t “universal”/objective.
I agree with this. I have an 8 year old cousin who's playing BOTW for the first time right now... if it was scaled to "adults/Zelda veteran" difficulty, she'd never be able to complete the game.
Your retrospective looks are absolutely wonderful. You have been the only person to be able to make videos in this genre that captivate me. Your ability to conceive and translate these thoughts and feelings makes you truly masterclass. I remember playing a Link to the Past when I was young and I remember playing Ocarina of Time in high school as it became my favorite game to this day, like many others. You have described these games and stories in ways far better than I could. I love your work.
This is an excellent retrospective! These kinds of videos are my favorite content on TH-cam (I watch a lot of them, king K, Joseph Anderson, Liam Triforce, ect). this is the first video of yours I’ve watched but man please trust me when I say that this video holds its own against the best creators in the genre. Great job and I can’t wait to watch more of your content.
Basically everything said here (good taste, Michael). Subbed!
The music and setting of BotW remind me of a studio Ghibli film, especially the opening cinematic as you emerge from the cavern. Does anyone else get this impression?
Yes! I have thought that from the beginning and I love it.
I think the first few notes are similiar to one summers day. could be wrong tho
It was inspired by Princess Mononoke.
You are correct, I've never tired of the first panorama of BotW.
This video is a beautiful tribute to a game that's incredibly important to so many of us. I spent the last couple days watching this in parts, the scale of this retrospective is truly impressive. Like you, this was the most excited I had ever been for a videogame, and it truly captivated me throughout the entire journey. Not a perfect game, there is a LOT to improve upon, but it's highs are unlike anything else when playing it for the first time. I've also started appreciating BOTW's story a lot more recently (mostly because of TOTK lol.) Fantastic job with this one as always, and I know a brighter future lies ahead for you.
I cant describe the irony i just experienced watching at 1:06:04 where you were talking about how the game's combat system just becomes more dull the longer you play. Im playing my own botw game at the same time, i have like 17 hearts im decked out in my upgraded armor, and out of no where a stalfos jumped out of the ground and wacked me off a cliff and i died. im so. godbless
My Breath of the Wild moment was when, after climbing a mountain and ending up in a lake, suddenly a huge dragon rose up from that same lake right next to me. I literally screamed. I love how this game can tell stories.
Played and finished Metroid Dread, Zero Mission, and Fusion.
Binged your entire Metroid series thus far, decided to binge your Zelda series. Here we are, at the end of your Zelda series so far.
Man I have to say your channel is CRIMINALLY underrated! Good job, I'm very impressed.
Would love to see more videos, got some great laughs, takes, and gripes! All in such a short time.
Don't give up on your channel! Subscribed and did the honors, thank you for all the content!
BOTW is a timeless classic!
You make the best Zelda retrospective videos I cannot wait to watch this thru out the week!
I will always keep Breath of the Wild close to my chest. I have linked it to many beloved and harsh memories of mine from the past, almost 7, years. And your video was one of the best retrospective of this game out there. You did an excellent work showing all the strengths and short comings of this masterpiece.
Hehe....."linked" it
Disagree with combat becoming "boring" after I'm all powerful. It's a hard earned, well deserved reward for everything that's been accomplished, and after beating Ganon, I was able to explore in relative peace while hunting every last Korok, Hinox, Talus, everything I needed to upgrade all armor... and possibly completing the compendium. - Loved watching this video
When I was 15 I remember splurging all my work money on a nintendo switch and a game that I had never heard of, being BOTW. Since 2020 I have finished highschool, started college, gotten another switch, and way more. Seemingly the only thing that's hasn't changed in my life is loving this franchis. For 4 almost 5 years I have replayed BOTW and now TOTK multiple times each year never growing tired of it! It has improved my social and mental health and I will always charish it for that. Thank you nintendo for existing!
Sorry to hear you went through rough times. The message you took from this reiew is beatiful! Take care! All the best!
You're quickly becoming my favourite Zelda Retrospective guy. Loved listening to this!
The way you broke the story down actually made me emotional. Out of the many botw videos this is by far the best ive seen. Damn man . . Well done.
Thank You for keeping BOTW alive forever. This game is a constant for me as well - a totem of faith especially for my big kid heart that first loved the original game as a child! Cheers from dallas!
This was such an excellently, crafted video, with alot of love, effort and care. Thank you so much ❤
I hope you continue to find peace and happiness as you move forward in your life. Thank you for this retrospective.
really enjoyed this video! also appreciated the detailed description of the lead up to release.
I did not expect you to talk about the personal things that your are dealing with. I only hope the better for you! I have searched a lot of review channels and let me tell you that you are something special, way better than a lot of content creators out there, so keep it up man, we subs that know your quality will always be around! Hope is everything
Thank you for making this series. I’ve been following this channel and this series for a while. Ever since the Metroid series if I remember correctly. And i loved these video essays.
Judging from the ending, I think you went through hard times. Just remember that you matter, I really hope you’re doing well now. You deserve all the help
LETS GOOOOOOOOOO thanks for the video!! Keep up the great work man!
This was the most beautiful video I have ever watched. Thank you!
50:14 It has been almost 7 years and i never even know there were northern lights in botw...
Me too and I have over 700 hours in it wtf 😭
@@Pipzip. me too😭😭 2 normal playthroughs and one mastermode like you’d think you’d come across it at LEAST once
I've come back to this video several times, you have such a good tv voice
What a great ending to this retrospective. Taking picture together. I cry to see this. I just bought this game and now im hook. Still wandering around finding new shrine and open new map. Before this my game was only final fantasy but botw i can really consider to be my number one game of all time.
This is such a nice comment lol I hope you enjoyed/are still enjoying botw!!!
Brilliant stuff, thanks for sharing!
Beautiful retrospective. Good luck in your endeavors sir. Idk what you've been through... But this is a very good way to view life and hope.
Loved this video and the review so much. I hope things continue to move forward for you and being you good things. I felt that!! Sending you the best!
Video was really well made, script was really good as well and editing was on point
Really great video man! What you said about multiplayer and essentially this game from the start always being a single player game that was cumulatively a multiplayer. It created conversation, it created groups of people talking about it around the lunch tables at school. Most importantly, Zelda games make friends from sitting around and sharing our collective knowledge. It's incredible how big of an impact all of the games have had on so many people. What's so funny is just like you, for me, it was ocarina of Time that got me hooked in the first place. After that, of course I went back and play every single one. From the first time you fight Ganon in the very first Zelda. To the first time you activate the earthquake spell, jamming your sword in the ground. To that first time you got the Biggoron sword...finally. To the first time you realize the physics implications of a flurry rush. Zelda is more than a game. it's truly part of our culture. It has brought people together. It has made friendships that have lasted for 3635 years now. How many things can you name that you can say that about? And at the very least, the number would equal to the number of copies sold of all of the different individual games combined. ( And cuz I've never heard of anybody that plays all the so they didn't like it) 😂. I would look that number up right now to show you the exact number but it's more fun if everybody else looked for themselves. ( Whhaaaaaa!?!?Jaw dropped looking at actual number) . Keep up your amazing videos my friend. Edit: 163,391 is the actual number😮
On the subject of playing the game with others: The first couple playthroughs of BOTW in my household were kind of cooperative efforts. At that time we had one Switch and 3 people and the biggest screen was the new tv in the living room, so when the owner of the switch sat down to start the game, the rest of us were there. We watched and helped and "helped" through the whole game and all had a grand time. Watching them play and seeing things I wanted to try doing differently inspired me to pick up a controller for the first time in Decades and give it a shot. We all have our own Switches and nice monitors now, so TOTK was a much more solitary activity, and I kind of missed having the running commentary from them this time.
For some reason, stumbling upon Lurelin for the first time is my favorite memory from playing BOTW for the first time. There was something so intensely thrilling about randomly coming upon a small beach town in the middle of nowhere. I would give almost anything to go back and play it for the first time again. I remember that I didn’t go to any of my college classes for a week when I first started playing (whoops) 😅
There have been so many Legend of Zelda games that have been life-changing for so many people. I wonder how many more times they can pull this off...
Those scenes you showed at the end when princess Zelda said she failed and left everyone to die and fell into Links arms crying really got to me. I felt her emotion. Amazing.
I'm glad your back king great vid
Super well made video man, good job!
I just finished playing TOTK the second time now. Amazing game. However, watching your video made me remember how nice BOTW was. Even with all its problems (dungeons) I was still wondering why was it so good. Your video is amazing when bringing the almost the perfect good points and also the not so good ones. The feeling the I'll always have about it, is nostalgia. You start the game not remembering things you know you should remember and spend the whole game after this memories. I guess your pursue in live must not be so different after all. We all just have to remember what to go after. And in the end, the world doesn't seem so empty, after all. Thanks man.
Great video! I was going through a dark period when BotW came out, and it was a good game that gave me a needed escape... It was a very different Zelda game, I do have my issues with it (very similar to yours), but it was such a unique experience.
Even though BotW and TotK are probably my least favorite games in the series, I have NO issue admitting they are some of the best and only open world games I have enjoyed playing, and it says a lot that even my least favorite games are still great games!! Truly an amazing video, nice to hear someone not be afraid to have complaints about this game or be afraid to have praise, I've seen so many people be so FAR against or for these games and it's nice to have a middle ground view!!
I'm in my 50s, been gaming since 1985, yet BotW was still the first ever Zelda game I got hooked on. I'd seen others play it, realised how deep the lore was (always a big fan of that) and decided I needed to at least try it. I'd always been a PC gamer, and I wanted to be at least competent with a controller before I started, so I decided to practise on OoT (which I'd also never played). A few years later, and I can't get enough of Zelda! I also pre-ordered TotK, which is something I _never_ do!
Dude, this is such an excellent video! You're saying everything I've ever thought about after 100%ing the game like 3 times over the years. Cheers!
Thank you for helping me remember how special the release and initial play through of BOTW was. It was a long wait but a special moment for me when the game finally came out. It’s fun to watch people play this game for the first time and see them work through the systems of the game and get to be there as they have their first beautiful moments in BOTW.
Welcome back brother! We’ve missed you!
I got my start on Zelda by watching Vinesauce play the older titles, but it wasn’t until I got curious enough to give BotW a try did I truly fall in love with the series as a whole. The first time I played, I just messed around, not paying attention to dialogue or anything at all. I quickly got lost and thus bored and dropped it for months. When I decided to revisit and take it seriously, my world completely changed. It was so beautiful, so rich in story with so much to do, I fell in love. I had never played a game like it before, I always considered myself a casual gamer, but it made it easy to get into and helped me learn a lot of new stuff.
Exploring the regions, ruins, towns, figuring out the story and piecing it all together is an experience I will never forget. I went to Zora’s Domain first, and my heart broke for their loss. Won’t lie, I shed some tears and felt a real, visceral hatred towards Ganon for taking Mipha away. I was so focused on the fight, on saving Ruta, on freeing the Domain, that I truly felt like Link. It helped me connect with the game and characters on a completely different level that I had never, ever felt with another game. It was much the same for the other regions, but it was the strongest with Mipha and Zora’s Domain. BotW is so special to me for this reason. It taught me to explore, to think harder, to pay attention, to love and fight and have courage and have fun. It breathed a new appreciation for games that I hadn’t really felt before. It turned me from someone who had never touched a Zelda game or really cared for games in general, into someone who has been exploring the story and games and has grown to love video games even more.
For all its flaws, it truly is a wonderful, beautiful game. And it will always be one of my favorites of all time. This retrospective was wonderfully written, and it really did touch upon some of the strongest, and weakest, parts of the game. There’s so much love and passion shown, but also the ability to criticize what you love. Which is sorely lacking these days. Fantastic job. Looking back on the game with you has been a very, very bittersweet experience.
This documentary is excellent. Thank you for sharing your love of the beautiful game we call Zelda. I really enjoyed your perspective and insight.
Awesome video, very well put together!
This was an amazing video and I could relate to the end just as much as I relate to your opinion on the game. BOTW is a moment in time that I will cherish forever.
It’s been a while since I’ve commented on any video. I love the way you structure your videos and have been a fan for quite some time. Thank you so much for all these videos and can’t wait to see where you go next. Keep on keepin on, my dude 🤙
This video was so well done! Will stay tuned for a TOTK retrospective in the future hopefully!
This was my first Zelda game, and even without the experience of having been at Lon Lon Ranch or knowing the Dragonroost Island theme, I could still feel that great amount of nostalgia and loss and loneliness in the world itself, which is pretty spectacular to me.
Also YES MIPHA'S THEME. Not only is it beautiful, but also incites a chuckle out of me considering if you use a fixed Do solfege system, the melody oscillates between Mi and Fa, yknow, like Mipha. MiFa. Mipha. It's so silly I love that
Man I enjoyed this thoroughly. Really interesting to hear your perspective on the game so in-depth, helped remind me of those aspects and think of how I felt about them. Breath of the Wild was definitely one of the greatest gaming experiences I've ever had.
That thumbnail gives me life 😊👍☺️ Great job with this! Thanks!
Nah, bro, I'm fine with criticism for BOTW and TOTK. The problem is 99% of the time all the complaints just boil down to "it wasn't Ocarina of Time," and that's just stupid because that formula got stale. And honestly, as someone who grew up playing the OG Zelda, Ocarina of Time already didn't really feel like Zelda to me.
Wind Waker had the best exploration aspect to it since the OG, but it didn't FEEL great at the time for me because you don't see a whole lotta variation in the ocean, and the islands that are there to find are mostly tiny.
All that said, my own criticism for both of the last two games in the series are vast and plentiful. I LOVED how they kept talking about how BOTW was a sort of spiritual remake of the OG and how it really did feel like one, FOR THE MOST PART.
Both games still had too much handholding. I say this because they point you right to the main "dungeons" in both games. And at least in BOTW, they tell you all about the divine beasts. The legend itself is interesting, but telling you all about the beasts from the very beginning removes the curiosity and sense of wonder, excitement, and discovery you could have had if you could just find them on your own while you're out exploring. The beasts were also really bad at being dungeons... and not because they lacked a dungeon item, but because a dungeon should have unique and difficult enemies. I also actually really loved the concept behind the beasts, their mechanisms, the fact that the whole "dungeon" was a puzzle itself. I want to see more of that. But I don't ever want to activate terminals, and I don't ever want to see that same presentation. I don't want to be told all about the places I need to go. What I want is the closest thing to a 3D representation of the original Legend of Zelda possible. I want to have to blow up walls and burn trees and other similar things to find stuff. I want to stumble upon the dungeons organically, and I want to be able to wonder about what will be inside them when I do find them. I want things to discover. And I want to be rewarded with things that aren't more of the same throwaway crap you're rewarded with in every other place "rewards" can be found. I get what they were going for with the weapon breaking, but it's too severe in the first place on its own, but then it also requires that we have to find weapons everywhere, making finding and opening chests repetitive and boring, which in turn removes incentive to explore. And this problem is repeated with the ridiculous numbers of things like shrines and koroks as well.
I DO want "dungeon" items to return in some way, but I don't want them to only be found in dungeons(in fact they used to be found out in the overworld and in caves/bought from vendors too), and I don't want them to only be useful inside dungeons. I don't want them to be used as glorified keys, whether that's to help you get thru a dungeon, or to open up the next section of the world that the game has decided to allow you to explore now. BOTW and TOTK had boomerangs, but they took up a main weapon slot, they were just as breakable as everything else, you had to actively pay attention to catch them, and they just did straight damage. And then for whatever reason the game also treated them like sword because you could just whack things with them, which I guess you COULD do with a boomerang, but it's not a great idea. The original game and several others used the boomerang to stun certain enemies for a few seconds. To have them work the exact same way(completely frozen enemy for a good 3-5 seconds) is probably overpowered for the way the games have changed, but maybe it could interrupt an enemy attack or something, or knock a weapon out of their hand. Hookshot could also be used to disarm enemies. And whatever they do, puzzles need to have more than one solution(but not so many options that you can just cheese it with a rocket shield or something similar) so they're not so easy to figure out immediately. That's one thing I loved about BOTW and TOTK, all the different mechanics and the way they all worked together to provide puzzles that would actually make me have to think.
One simple, easy, and not at all unique solution to the weapon breaking problem without having every chest have a weapon is to allow people to use the materials they find to repair and make new ones, which also solves the problem of the game having so many materials you never really do anything with. Fusion was a cool idea too, but it kinda has no place in Zelda, and I found that I still had a ton of materials I never used. And honestly I was surprised, with the "wild" theme and the open world and all that, that BOTW never had any non-food crafting, unless you wanna count campfires.
The thing people miss about the “short” aspect of the divine beasts, is that part of the “dungeon” is all the lead up in each region before you do the beast. They are very different and pretty fun, and it’s part of the overall “dungeon”. It also fits the “open air” idea they were going for. 🤷🏻♂️
Final words are gold!
The answer to late game weapon durability SHOULD have been the master sword. You CAN have an unbreakable weapon in a game with weapon durability if it is a late game reward.
Durability IS fun in the early game...but as you pointed out by the late game it's a chore. The constant and navigation of that massive item bar is a chore. Snapping weapon after weapon over bloated spongeyy health bars is a chore. Going through all of that only to come out with worse gear than what you went in with is a massive problem. The only way to fix that problem is to nerf the weapons, which they did do in TotK and it STILL feels bad....or allowing the player to move past that mechanic through progression. Exactly like how clothing let's you move past dealing with extreme biomes. It wouldn't break the game any more than food or temporal gear already does, it would give the player a progression milestone to reach combat wise, and it would be thematically fitting. A Link who has no idea who he is, starting with nothing and surviving off the land regaining his memories and identity getting his old trusty weapon back that then transforms the combat into something that feels more in line with the older games, the player regaining a since of identity from the past, is such a brilliant idea that it almost feels criminal that it wasn't capitalized on. Make it require 20 (also a callback to the older games) heats, 2 full stamina wheels, and all 4 divine beasts completed and it doesn't break anything. You've already played the majority of the game and all the important story content. Returning players get an epic return to form, players that hate durability have an opt out they can unlock, and players that hate the idea of an unbreakable weapon entirely...can just not get it. Literally everybody wins.
The entire game was not built solely around nor revolve entirely around the durability mechanic. It nearly objectively overstays its welcome and there is nothing at all wrong with the game letting the player ditch it after its served its thematic purpose. Tears managed to make the mechanic equal parts better and worse and the fact that they STILL didn't let the master sword fix the issue despite having every narrative and gameplay opportunity to in-universe do so, is very frustrating.
While the dark beast Ganon fight gets a lot of flak, I absolutely love that battle! I remember the goosebumps and the excitement I felt when Zelda says that courage need not to be remembered, for it is never forgotten! Though I do agree that there should’ve been more to it, it’s definitely more of a story beat rather than a battle, but again I think it’s a lovely way to end the story. Love this video, I definitely agree with almost everything you have spoken of!
That speech from Zelda carries the finale so much.
Nice ending to the analysis, actually made me see the plot in a different perspective which I think its more accurate than what I previously experienced on my own.
The end has me emotional at work, man
Definitivamente uma das melhores retrospectivas sobre mídia. Parabéns
Perfect Video, we love you, your message at the end was heartbreaking but very real, I’ve also had a really rough 2 years and honestly I haven’t gotten better until today, it’s funny how i finally got around to watching this video and heard this message the same day as I got better, we love u, keep fighting the good fight, be like Link :) we cannot wait for whatever u post next, you are incredible! Praise God!
Breath of the wild shits on tears of the kingdom
It might not have some of the quality of life things that tears does.
But makes up for it in tone, atmosphere and exploration
Hard disagree
@@zedorian6547 reasons ?
Agreed. I would argue that it DOES have QOL improvements over TOTK though. The champion ability mechanics are terrible in TOTK, and fuse was a terrible idea with worse implementation.
Agreed that the final botw trailer music was definitely crazy
Actually, he has idle animations. For instance, he‘s yawning at night. You just need to wait a little longer.
Listened to all of your previous 3D Zelda retrospectives over the last few days and subscribed earlier today. Definitely happy to have this pop up in my sub box. Excited to start listening!
I’ve never been so sucked in to a TH-cam video. Great job!
I’m so glad this game was able to help you during a dark time
A new botw retrospective!! there’s about six or seven long ones that are good, I’ve watched them so many times.. can’t wait to watch this on my tv later 😊
One of the best videos i have ever seen can't wait to see you go over totk
that ending was beautiful.
26:30 I am not 100 percent sure, but I think you can also just steal the Warm Doublet at the old mans hut.
Botw is my favourite game of all time and it was the game that introduced me to this series and for that I will always be grateful for this game
I've been watching your channel since the Donkey Kong Country videos. You made plenty of strong and interesting observations about Breath of the Wild here, especially near the end when you focused on the story and thematic elements of it. It's really cool seeing you come into your own with your work, so your expressions of personal vulnerability at the very end felt like a truly courageous gesture. I'm looking forward to seeing what other videos you make down the line, but remember to take care of yourself at every opportunity. We're all grateful for your hard work, but no one here wants to see you suffer through any of it. Best wishes to you, sir. Keep that hope going.
ironic you end on a message of hope when to me, this gives me dread for the future of a series i grew up with since my NES and that litterally has been there for some of the wort times in my life
You know a game is good, when a player like me can come to the game two to three years after it's release date, and still find it and incredible masterpiece.
My first time playing this game, I couldn't put it down! I had to see it through to the end!
This game especially appeals to someone like me who is familiar with the OG Zelda on NES, and who loves action adventure games, because I just love exploring.
you keepin it real is why i subbed. You rock
"Made a game that was otherwise very derivative" spoken like a true Gen Zer who wasn't around to appreciate how fun it was to play LoZ without internet and having to figure everything out by yourself, as well as having to get certain items outside of dungeons to beat said dungeons.
It is literally derivative of A Link to the Past though since it, you know, used the same world and general plot setup?
Hahahaha, damn straight. Millenials
I'm currently playing through TOTK and I gotta say, the whole segment about how going to do a side-quest and ending up doing almost anything else really resonates with me more there than Botw. I am 17 hours in and I still haven't even gone to the first dungeon. I don't know why but for as much as I love botw, it never REALLY clicked with me. like I loved it yes, but in the back of my mind I would be thinking about whether or not I enjoy playing this over my first playthrough of ocarina of time or that something is just missing. Hearing your description of the exploration and how it mirrors my experience with Totk really put into perspective how influential this game was and made me understand a lot more why people were so wowed by this game. The game is truly amazing. I loved almost every second and emotion I experienced playing it (Barring a few shrines) and I'm so happy that at least to me. I managed to experience what many players felt playing this game to a higher degree (so far) in totk. This is a great video and I can easily call it your best one yet
Watching this I was reminded I was nine when this came out. Since that time there was a global pandemic, high school, several new wars and conflicts. I am now sixteen years old and Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are tied for my favourite game of all time. That being said there won’t be a new 3d Zelda till I’m in my twenties at current pace. I will never out grow these games because they are such lovingly crafted experiences.
My biggest issue with Breath of the Wild was with the atmospheric fog. It always felt like I needed to change my video settings.
1:03:57 I’m sure you’re aware but you yourself mentioned why the side quests are more than just the side quest. It initiates exploration. If you do anything “for a reward” you’re probably not going to have fun. If you do anything for the experience and exploration you will enjoy it.
One of your best vids yet imo
Great video.
I definitely didn’t sob at the ending.
splendid video. you did a great job and you should be proud of yourself
i hope better days are ahead of you
The ending has me wondering what the creator of this marvelous review is going through. May you live a long and joyful life, bro! 🥰🥰
I rarely leave comments or interact with TH-cam videos, but after finishing this video I was incredibly surprised by the quality of it. Well done, I have subscribed and I hope many more follow suit.