Video game review: Breath of the Wild, a brilliant and fresh take on Zelda franchise

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      Well, at long last there's a new Zelda game for all us franchise fans. Originally announced in 2013 and planned for release in 2015, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild finally arrived last week. It's playable on Wii U as well as Nintendo's new console, Switch.

      The experience is largely the same no matter what system you play it on, although the Switch displays better visuals on your television. It's worth considering a Switch for Breath of the Wild, because one of the things that sets the game apart is the art direction.

      And the watercolour palette is perfect for the vast open world that has been created for this game.

      The open world also results in a story with a different pace than we've seen from Zelda games. Breath of the Wild drops the protagonist, Link, into the world with no memories. As you explore, learning how to fight, collecting weapons and items as you go, pieces of a larger puzzle fall into place.

      And when you're moving through the environment and discovering just how vast this world is, you'll find that you want to just take your time, letting the experience wash over you.

      The usual Zelda things are all here, including the sword, shield, and bow weaponry.

      But there are differences, too. A new upgrade system, for one. And crafting and cooking, which are keys to success. 

      Breath of the Wild is, after all, a Zelda game for a new generation. It take some things that are familiar to fans and presents them differently; in so doing, it updates the franchise in some important ways.

      Playing The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is like taking a deep breath. It leaves you calm and satisfied and with a smile on your face.

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