The Legend of Zelda series has long been a cornerstone of the gaming industry, consistently pushing the boundaries of what video games can be. While the series has always been influential, Breath of the Wild (2017) marked a revolutionary moment not just for Zelda but for the entire genre of open-world games. Its innovative design and fresh take on exploration have left an indelible mark on modern game development. This article explores how The Legend of Zelda, particularly Breath of the Wild, has influenced modern open-world games and set new standards for the genre.
Redefining Exploration: The Open-World Revolution
When Breath of the Wild was released, it redefined what players expected from open-world games. Unlike many of its predecessors, which guided players through linear quests and structured storylines, Breath of the Wild offered unparalleled freedom. From the moment Link steps out of the Shrine of Resurrection and surveys the vast world of Hyrule, players are encouraged to explore at their own pace. There are no strict boundaries, no invisible walls; if you can see it, you can reach it.
This approach to exploration has been a game-changer. Breath of the Wild’s open-world design encourages players to interact with the environment in creative ways. Climbing any surface, gliding through the air, and experimenting with physics-based puzzles are just a few examples of how the game empowers players to forge their own paths. This freedom and lack of hand-holding have become a new standard for open-world games, influencing titles like Horizon Zero Dawn, Ghost of Tsushima, and Genshin Impact, all of which have adopted elements of Zelda’s open-ended exploration.
The Art of Environmental Storytelling
Environmental storytelling is another area where Breath of the Wild has left a significant impact. Rather than relying heavily on cutscenes or dialogue to convey the story, the game uses the environment itself to tell its tale. Ruins, ancient structures, and scattered remnants of a once-great civilization are all woven into the landscape, inviting players to piece together the history of Hyrule on their own.
This subtle, yet powerful, method of storytelling has resonated with both players and developers. Games like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Red Dead Redemption 2 have also embraced environmental storytelling, using the world around the player to enrich the narrative. By allowing the environment to speak for itself, these games create a deeper and more immersive experience, where the world feels alive and filled with history.
Dynamic Systems and Interactivity
One of the most innovative aspects of Breath of the Wild is its dynamic systems and the way they interact with each other. The game’s physics engine, weather system, and chemistry mechanics all work together to create a world that feels alive and responsive. For example, a lightning storm can strike metal objects, causing a chain reaction of explosions, or rain can make surfaces too slippery to climb. Fire can spread through grass and wooden structures, while water can extinguish flames or conduct electricity.
These dynamic systems encourage experimentation and reward players for thinking creatively. This level of interactivity has inspired other developers to incorporate similar mechanics into their games. Titles like Far Cry 5 and Death Stranding have embraced the idea of a world that reacts to the player’s actions, making the gameplay experience more engaging and unpredictable.
Non-Linear Gameplay and Player Freedom
Another major influence of Breath of the Wild is its non-linear approach to gameplay. The game’s open-ended design allows players to tackle challenges in any order, or even bypass them entirely. This level of freedom is rare in open-world games, where players are often funneled through a series of predetermined quests and objectives.
This non-linear approach has inspired other games to break away from traditional structures. The Outer Worlds and Elden Ring are examples of games that have embraced player freedom, allowing for multiple paths and outcomes based on the player’s choices. This shift towards non-linearity has made open-world games more replayable, as players can experience different outcomes and challenges on subsequent playthroughs.
Shrines and Puzzle-Based Exploration
The shrines in Breath of the Wild represent a significant evolution in puzzle-based exploration. These mini-dungeons are scattered throughout the world, each offering a unique challenge that tests the player’s problem-solving skills. The shrines are entirely optional, yet they are rewarding and often essential for those seeking to strengthen Link for the challenges ahead.
This concept of optional, puzzle-based exploration has been adopted by other games. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Immortals Fenyx Rising both feature similar structures, where players can find and complete challenges that reward them with powerful upgrades or equipment. These optional challenges add depth to the exploration experience and provide a sense of discovery that is central to the enjoyment of open-world games.
The Influence on Art Direction and Aesthetic
Breath of the Wild’s art direction has also had a significant impact on the visual design of modern open-world games. The game’s cel-shaded art style, inspired by Japanese anime and watercolor paintings, offers a timeless aesthetic that stands out from the hyper-realistic visuals of many contemporary titles. This stylized approach not only sets the game apart but also allows for more vibrant and expressive world design.
The success of Breath of the Wild’s art style has encouraged other developers to explore more stylized and artistic visuals. Games like Genshin Impact and Kena: Bridge of Spirits have embraced similar aesthetics, using bold colors and stylized designs to create visually stunning worlds. This trend towards more artistic visual styles is a welcome change in an industry often dominated by realism.
Redefining the Role of Music and Atmosphere
The music and sound design in Breath of the Wild also play a crucial role in creating its unique atmosphere. Unlike previous Zelda games, which featured grand orchestral scores, Breath of the Wild takes a more minimalist approach. The music is subtle and ambient, often blending into the background and allowing the natural sounds of the world to take center stage.
This approach to music and atmosphere has influenced other open-world games, where developers have begun to prioritize environmental sounds and subtle musical cues over bombastic scores. Games like Horizon Zero Dawn and The Last of Us Part II use music sparingly, allowing the environment and the player’s actions to drive the emotional tone of the game.
The Legacy of Breath of the Wild: Setting a New Standard
The legacy of Breath of the Wild is evident in the way it has influenced not just open-world games but the entire gaming industry. Its emphasis on freedom, exploration, and player-driven storytelling has set a new standard for what open-world games can be. Developers across the globe have taken note of its success and have begun incorporating its design principles into their own games.
This influence can be seen in the rise of open-world games that prioritize player choice and interaction over scripted events and linear narratives. The success of Breath of the Wild has proven that players value freedom and creativity, and it has inspired a new generation of games that strive to offer similar experiences.
Conclusion
The Legend of Zelda, and Breath of the Wild in particular, has had a profound influence on modern open-world games. Its innovative approach to exploration, dynamic systems, environmental storytelling, and non-linear gameplay has set a new benchmark for the genre. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the lessons learned from Zelda will undoubtedly shape the future of open-world design, ensuring that the legacy of Hyrule’s greatest hero lives on in the games we play.