Playing Legend of Zelda, Breath of the wild
I’ve always loved video games – as either of my parents could tell you – yet I often have issues when I try to find a game to play. Unlike most gamers in 2021, I’m not a fan of shoot-em-ups. Blasting away on a machine gun at various NPCs has never really appealed – which automatically eliminates most popular games from my arsenal. Call of Duty, BioShock, Battlefield, Fallout, Red Dead – all amazing games that I can’t get into because the main premise is just guns. Legend of Zelda is a wonderful fresh breath of air in the oversaturated video game industry, and I am glad to report there’s not a single AK-47 to be seen.
The game starts with an amnesia ridden Link, a hero who can’t remember his past – waking up in a shrine semi-naked and confused. This sat quite well with me, as Link’s awe and confusion upon entering Hyrule (The game’s setting) was an uncanny mimic of my own. Needless to say, both of us had to endure a pretty tough learning curve as I gradually got used to the game’s mechanics. When I could finally aim with a bow and stand against medium leveled enemies, it was time to explore.
One element I loved most of all was the 120 shrines shattered around Hyrule, some of which were cleverly hidden – or required you to complete a separate mission before gaining access to them. Once inside, you would be greeted with an immensely fun and innovative puzzle, or a raging monster ready for a test of strength. Sometimes you would have to freeze objects in time to perfectly line up an arrow shot, or throw a bomb to break-up an unstable wall. My favourites were ones where you’d have to tilt and turn a maze to reach the center, twisting rooms until you’ve activated the correct switch or defeated the right enemy.
There were plenty of other brilliant parts to Zelda, with the combat feeling smooth and satisfying – and a dope soundtrack to boot. Overall though, the puzzles remain the unrivalled champion of the games best moments – and my completion of all 120 shrines can attest to that.
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An example of one of the many, many, many puzzles
I’m still an avid gamer too, and “Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess” was a fave back when I had a Nintendo Wii. As you say, the puzzles are a major fin component of the games, along with the wacky NPCs. Of course I do still like a good shoot-em-up too. The whole family plays and with one lad studying at Vic it provides a great opportunity for us to fireteam up and go wreak some havoc together (usually in Destiny 2 on Xbox) while shooting the wind about the days events 🙂
I like that idea! The only online activities we all share these days is changing each other’s avatars on Netflix.