The Best Games That Capture the Spirit of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has redefined the action-adventure genre with its innovative gameplay, vast open world, and rich storytelling. Its impact on the gaming landscape is profound, inspiring many developers to create their own unique experiences that echo the magic of Hyrule. This article highlights the best games that have been influenced by Breath of the Wild, showcasing their unique features and similarities that make them worthy of your time.
1. Genshin Impact
Overview
Genshin Impact is an action RPG developed by miHoYo, released in 2020. Set in the fantasy world of Teyvat, players control a character known as the Traveler, exploring diverse environments and uncovering the secrets of the land.
Key Features
- Vast Open World: Like Hyrule, Teyvat is filled with varied landscapes, including mountains, forests, and cities, encouraging players to explore every corner.
- Elemental Combat System: Each character has unique elemental abilities, allowing for creative combinations in combat and puzzle-solving.
- Character Switching: Players can switch between characters during gameplay, adding depth and strategy to encounters.
Why You’ll Love It
Genshin Impact combines stunning visuals with engaging gameplay, offering a rich world to explore. Its gacha mechanics add an element of excitement as players collect new characters and abilities.
2. Immortals Fenyx Rising
Overview
Ubisoft’s Immortals Fenyx Rising, released in December 2020, is a vibrant action-adventure game inspired by Greek mythology. Players take on the role of Fenyx, a hero tasked with saving the gods from a dark curse.
Key Features
- Puzzles and Challenges: The game features numerous puzzles that require critical thinking and exploration, reminiscent of the shrine mechanics in Breath of the Wild.
- Climbing and Gliding Mechanics: Players can climb almost any surface and use a glider to traverse the landscape, similar to Link’s abilities.
- Humorous Narrative: The game incorporates a lighthearted tone and humorous storytelling, making it an enjoyable experience.
Why You’ll Love It
Immortals Fenyx Rising offers a whimsical take on mythology combined with engaging gameplay, making it a delightful alternative for fans of exploration and adventure.
3. Horizon Zero Dawn
Overview
Released in 2017 by Guerrilla Games, Horizon Zero Dawn is an open-world action RPG set in a post-apocalyptic world filled with robotic creatures. Players control Aloy, a hunter on a quest to uncover her past.
Key Features
- Expansive Open World: The beautifully crafted environments encourage exploration, with diverse landscapes and hidden secrets.
- Crafting System: Players gather resources to create weapons and items, enhancing the survival aspect of the game.
- Engaging Combat Mechanics: The combat system rewards strategy and skill, allowing players to approach encounters in various ways.
Why You’ll Love It
With its stunning visuals and captivating story, Horizon Zero Dawn presents an immersive experience that echoes the exploration and combat found in Breath of the Wild.
4. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Overview
Skyrim, released in 2011, remains a landmark RPG that allows players to explore the vast province of Skyrim, filled with quests, dungeons, and dragons. Its open-world design and freedom of choice have made it a beloved classic.
Key Features
- Freedom to Explore: Players can traverse the world at their own pace, engaging in quests and uncovering hidden locations.
- Rich Lore and Storytelling: The game is filled with deep lore and engaging side quests that encourage exploration.
- Crafting and Alchemy: Players can craft weapons, armor, and potions, enhancing the survival aspect of the game.
Why You’ll Love It
Skyrim’s expansive world and rich storytelling create an experience that invites players to dive into exploration, much like Hyrule.
5. Tunic
Overview
Tunic, released in 2022, is an indie action-adventure game featuring a small fox exploring a mysterious world. The game cleverly combines elements of classic Zelda games with modern design.
Key Features
- Exploration and Puzzles: Players must navigate a vibrant world filled with puzzles and challenges, reminiscent of Breath of the Wild.
- Charming Art Style: The isometric view and vibrant colors create an enchanting aesthetic.
- Hidden Secrets: The game encourages players to discover various secrets, rewarding curiosity and exploration.
Why You’ll Love It
Tunic provides a nostalgic yet fresh experience, making it a must-play for fans of adventure games.
6. Spiritfarer
Overview
Spiritfarer is a unique management game that blends exploration and resource management with an emotional narrative about death and acceptance. Players control Stella, a ferrymaster who guides spirits to the afterlife.
Key Features
- Exploration of Islands: Players explore a beautifully crafted world filled with islands and secrets, similar to the exploration in Breath of the Wild.
- Crafting and Resource Management: Gathering resources and crafting items are key components of the gameplay.
- Emotional Storytelling: The narrative focuses on relationships and personal growth, resonating with deeper themes found in Zelda.
Why You’ll Love It
The game’s hand-drawn art style and soothing soundtrack create a captivating atmosphere, paired with an emotional depth that enriches the experience.
7. Outer Wilds
Overview
Outer Wilds is an exploration-based adventure game that combines space exploration with a time loop mechanic. Players explore a small solar system filled with secrets and mysteries.
Key Features
- Open-Ended Exploration: The game encourages players to explore at their own pace, discovering secrets and solving puzzles.
- Environmental Storytelling: The narrative unfolds through exploration, revealing lore and history as players progress.
- Unique Mechanics: The time-loop structure adds an inventive twist that challenges players to think creatively.
Why You’ll Love It
Outer Wilds offers a captivating experience filled with discovery and wonder, making it an excellent choice for fans of exploration.
8. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD
Overview
The HD remaster of Skyward Sword, released in 2021 for the Nintendo Switch, revitalizes the classic title with improved graphics and refined controls. The game explores the origins of the Master Sword and the lore of Hyrule.
Key Features
- Motion Controls: The game utilizes motion controls for swordplay, providing an engaging combat experience.
- Puzzle Solving: Players navigate dungeons filled with intricate puzzles and challenges.
- Rich Narrative: The game delves into the origins of the Zelda timeline, offering a unique perspective on the series lore.
Why You’ll Love It
Skyward Sword HD combines classic Zelda elements with modern enhancements, making it a must-play for longtime fans.
9. Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom
Overview
Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom is an RPG that blends beautiful animation with engaging gameplay. Players control Evan, a young king, as he seeks to build a new kingdom.
Key Features
- Stunning Visuals: The game features a vibrant art style reminiscent of Studio Ghibli films.
- Engaging Combat and Exploration: The blend of real-time combat and exploration creates an enjoyable experience.
- Emotional Story: The narrative focuses on friendship, leadership, and growth, resonating strongly with players.
Why You’ll Love It
With its charming story and beautiful visuals, Ni no Kuni II offers a magical experience that captivates fans of adventure games.
10. Elden Ring
Overview
FromSoftware’s Elden Ring, released in 2022, is an open-world action RPG that combines challenging gameplay with a vast and immersive world.
Key Features
- Expansive Open World: Players can explore a richly detailed world filled with secrets, dungeons, and formidable enemies.
- Challenging Combat: The combat system rewards skill and strategy, echoing the mechanics of Dark Souls while offering new innovations.
- Environmental Storytelling: The lore is deeply embedded in the world, encouraging exploration and discovery.
Why You’ll Love It
Elden Ring captures the essence of exploration and challenge found in Breath of the Wild, making it a fantastic choice for action RPG fans.
Conclusion
The impact of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is evident across a wide range of games, each bringing unique elements to the table while capturing the spirit of exploration and adventure. Whether you’re drawn to expansive open worlds, intricate puzzle mechanics, or emotional storytelling, these titles offer something for every fan of the genre. Dive into these games and experience the magic of exploration that Breath of the Wild has inspired!
