No need to be jealous. The Switch version runs at higher resolution.

I'm strongly considering taking March 3 off work to play the hell out of this game on a long weekend. But I have other things to do, mainly ArmA 3 unit responsibilities.

 

Opted to order the WiiU version, since I don't plan to get a Switch anytime soon (if at all), and it isn't like Nintendo first party titles go on sale frequently anyways.

 

If you're conveniently sick, it means you can go drive around after the UPS truck driver, GTA style.

 

I bought the Wii U version. I contemplated on buying the Switch version too since it will still be $60 later in the year when I eventually get a Switch and that Prime discount would dock it down to $48.

 

Reviews are pouring in. 98 on Metacritic. That's decent.

http://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/the-legend-of-zelda-breath-of-the-wild

 

Famitsu awarded a perfect score. They also gave perfect scores to Ocarina of Time, Wind Waker, and Skyward Sword.

 

Different generations of reviewers means there isn't an institutional bias, IMO.

Skyward Sword was pretty good. I personally liked Twilight Princess better than OoT, WW, and SS. I don't blame them for giving it a perfect score. I don't think it deserved it, but I can see why they did.

I personally go LttP > Twilight Princess > Wind Waker HD > Link's Awakening > Ocarina of Time > Skyward Sword > Zelda 1 > meh.

 

BOTW is game of the year, all years.

It's amazing how returning to the original game's formula, with some narrative for flavor, is all this series needs.

 

Game of the year or not, I do wish I could swap the sprint and sneak buttons. Or at least re-arrange in some fashion to where I can sprint into a jump without needing to take the time to make sure I temporarily arrange my fingers in a specific & unusual fashion that will allow me to do it.

 

Ocarina of time, greatest game for Nintedo 64.

 

OoT is fantastic. But, IMO, it's not even the best Zelda game, let alone the best N64 game. I had more fun and longevity from Mario 64 and Mario Kart 64, and there are several Zelda games that are more engaging and playable.

 

With the enhanced 3DS release, I'm not sure that analogy applies. A new generation HAS played the game, and it's still highly praised. That same generation cut its teeth on the portable Zeldas, like Minish Cap (which is AWESOME, I regret not mentioning it earlier), Spirit Tracks, etc.

 

I agree, I'd rather play Minish Cap than Ocarina. But I think Ocarina is a better game in terms of design.

 

No one liked Majora's Mask?

 

Majora's Mask has a very strong following. Of those who've played it, the majority at least liked it. The problem is that it's fairly obscure for a Zelda game. It came out late in the N64's life cycle, and its remaster was overshadowed by other, bigger game news at the time.

Finally got some time to play BOTW lately. I've just reached Hateno Village. I partially take my time to wander around and explore, and I partially just don't really have time to play any video game lately. I love the design callbacks to Zelda 1. You just have so much freedom to go anywhere. I just take my time going from place to place, exploring around until I'm satisfied, then move on to the next.

 

Just beat it.

I have all the shrines except one. I imagine I have done most if not all the side quests.

It was fun while it lasted, but I don't anticipate playing it again ever. That's not meant to take away from how great a game it is, just it is not a game that seems like it will play differently a second time.

Ah well, time to move to something else.

 

You might as well do the last shrine just to say you did it.

I'm nowhere near done with this game. It's huge. Arguably the biggest open world game I've ever played.

 

I read an article earlier today that was claiming to rank recent open world games by map size, and they said that its bigger than The Witcher 3. That's impressive.

 

I can believe that. But my comment is more about the density of the world; there's so much stuff to do, it's daunting. And it's all engaging and is rarely busywork, unlike Ubisoft's "collect feathers EVERYWHERE" stuff.

What really impresses me about Zelda is that all the content is bite-sized. You can complete a single shrine and feel satisfied and shut it off for a while, or you can go do four in a row. The game is just as fulfilling in smaller chunks as it is in marathon playthroughs. That's really impressive.

Nintendo is still the best game developer on the planet.

 

I sold my WiiU right before this came out. And now the Switch seems to be very hard to find. Sounds like I'll have to buy a Switch just to play this game. Maybe by the time I'm done with Horizon Zero Dawn, I'll be able to find a Switch.

 

You need to find it as soon as possible. This is my game of the year, and I think everyone else's once they've had time to digest.

 

Did you play Horizon Zero Dawn? People are raving about that! But this one too. I'd like to talk to someone who played both to find out which they liked better.

Any hints where to get a switch? Just the console? I'm not willing to get gouged on some Gamestop bundle with a bunch of other crap I don't need. I need the console, zelda and then it's gonna collect dust until the next Mario game comes out.

 

I haven't, and there's no need. I'm sure Horizon Zero Dawn is a very good game. But BOTW is a juggernaut that sweeps all challengers aside. H0D is one of the best games on the PS4; BOTW is one of the best games of all time.

BOTW also scores higher on reviews, if that helps.

Sign up for alerts at Now In Stock. That's all I can suggest. If you're really desperate, find a used Wii U and play it that way.

Next Mario game is due out on April 28, if you count Mario Kart as a Mario game. Otherwise, Super Mario Odyssey is due out in November-ish.

 

Both of these games have awaken me from my video game hibernation that has lasted almost a year. And it's because I've heard BOTH described as possibly greatest games the people who have played them ever played. I'm excited. And if I had my choice, I'd play BOTW first, but I'm not willing to jump through hoops to get a Switch. I'm sick of Nintendo's fake supply shortages. Hopefully by the time I finish Horizon, the Switch can be easily located at retail price in non bundle format. If not, I'll keep waiting.

 

They aren't fake. They've sold almost 3 million in 2 months. It's the fastest selling Nintendo console in history.

And Nintendo is now teasing that they have games in the lineup that will sell even more systems. Guessing we'll hear about them at or around E3.

 

Gamestop just received stock for the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe release.

 

Thanks for the heads up! I didn't have any interest in the bundle but I was able to get the console and BOTW today at Toys 'R Us. Either I got lucky or they are getting easier to find! I wish I didn't start Horizon yesterday. I hate stopping a game after I start.

 

Congrats! And don't worry, BOTW will make you forget all about H0D.

 

Revisiting - In a move that probably would have deeply disappointed Desides, I ended up selling the Switch that I bought back in April along with the copy of BOTW. I didn't even flip it for cash, just pretty much what I bought it for because it was collecting dust while I finished up Horizon Zero Dawn. Then I played Call of Duty WWII for half a second and got started on Destiny 2 which kept me busy for a couple of months.

Fast forward to Christmas and my wife's parents bought the kids a Switch and I got them Mario Kart and Odyssey. A few days later I got BoTW Explorer Edition on sale at Walmart.

Desides - you were right. One of the best games ever and Horizon Zero Dawn pales in comparison. I'm glad it played out as it did, because if I had started this game in April I would have ended up inside all summer long playing this game. I'd much rather be locked into it during these cold winter months, although at the pace I'm going I might still be playing come summer.

 

I'm glad you got to play it. It is absolutely amazing. And as good as it is… you can just see how the next Zelda game would improve on the experience. I cannot wait to play BOTW+ or whatever the next game is. It's just amazing.

BOTW and NieR: Automata are the only two real choices for 2017 GOTW, IMO. Persona 5 is a distant third.

 

Just a random question, but does the "regular" controller make a huge difference with the game? I messed around with it at Best Buy a few weeks ago (the first time I'd seen or touched a Switch in person) and could not really get a handle on how to even use the other controllers. They're clearly designed for small children, and were awkward as anything. Not planning on buying a Switch, just curious.

 

I’ve been playing with the controller it comes with and have had no trouble. I’m sure the pro controller is better but I find the joycons attached to the grip it comes with to be just fine. I’m also shocked at how much I enjoy playing it in portable form.

I also had no intention of buying a switch but I can say BoTW alone makes it a worthwhile purchase. I haven’t played Oddyssey yet but between that and a smash brothers title whenever it comes and I’ll more than have my money’s worth. Oh yeah, my kids love it too. It is theirs after all...

 

I think that my kids would enjoy playing it on its portable form. They were enamoured by it at the store, but we aren't buying one just yet. Maybe in a year. They love tablets, and my older daughter (age 6) is just starting to play Lego games on the PS4 with me.

For me though, that's just too foreign to think of doing anything beyond a traditional controller. I need the Dual Shock in my hand, looking up at my 55" TV.