Recently, IGN revealed its highly debated list of the Top 100 Games of All Time, and lo and behold, sitting triumphantly at the top was The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Now, apart from the egregious omission of Katamari Damacy—which probably deserves a spot for sheer chaos alone—it’s hard to argue against the notion that BOTW is the greatest game to ever bless our consoles. And yes, I’m fully aware of the cataclysmic nature of such a statement, but bear with me.
5 The Story Behind The Story
If we’re judging the game on its plot alone, it’s as predictable as a Netflix true crime series with eight episodes dedicated to proving that the closed case is, in fact, just closed. Spoiler alert: Link defeats Ganon and saves Zelda. Ho-hum, roll credits. So yes, in that regard, the story might be flabbier than a trucker overindulging on Combos pizza-flavored snacks. However, to dismiss it completely would be an affront to our gaming sensibilities.
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Here’s where things get interesting. Video games offer a storytelling vehicle that books and movies can’t replicate—like AirBud CMXVII: Bareknuckle PAWxing, but way less cringe. Unlike films where the creators dictate every frame, games allow players to stumble through a world filled with delightful details that often tell a richer story than the scripted parts. While reading might feel like looking through a keyhole, gaming is like stepping through the door to a carnival of chaos and inherent weirdness.
4 The World Of BOTW Is A Product Of Failure
Ah, failure—the word rings with the kind of joy associated with mandatory children’s birthday parties. In BOTW, we’re faced with a world shaped by the catastrophic failure of Link to prevent Ganon’s reign of terror a century earlier. As we traverse this desolate yet beautiful Hyrule, we’re greeted with reminders of this epic flop, the Temple of Time reduced to ruins like a sad Chuck E. Cheese in Detroit.
3 Fear Of Failure
Media often lathers on the idea that failure equals the cosmic collapse of existence. Dormamu wants to devour the universe, while Sauron is hellbent on turning Middle-Earth into a real-life Pinterest board for dystopian décor—seriously, can one villain just want to bake cookies? What makes BOTW refreshing is that it showcases a hero’s epic misstep without drowning us in despair — the world is indeed thriving despite Link’s colossal flub.
2 The End Of The World Isn’t The End Of The World
Now here’s a nugget of wisdom: an apocalypse doesn’t always feel like an apocalypse. Take it from someone hailing from Gary, Indiana, a place so infamous it could earn a Pulitzer for being terrible. You might expect the vibe to be bleak, but even in post-apocalyptic redundancy, life continues. Just ask the folks gathering at Big Daddy’s for the best BBQ—who needs nuclear fallout when you’ve got spicy ribs and laughter?
1 It’s Fine To Fail
BOTW’s apocalypse isn’t the eye of the storm; it’s just a weather front passing through. Rather than curling up in corner with a tub of ice cream, the game shows us that failure doesn’t equal the end. In fact, the world tends to trundle along like a stubborn tortoise on roller skates. Even when faced with the impending doom brought on by climactic disasters, the game invites players to pick themselves up and try again, possibly while harnessing some nifty telekinesis.
In conclusion, Breath of the Wild throws the conventional narrative of failure on its head and reveals it for what it is—not a tragic endpoint, but merely a chapter in the ever-expanding saga of life. So never fear failure—be it in your digital adventures or real-life endeavors—just remember to dodge those golden lynels. They’re much scarier than the existential fears we tend to concoct.
William Kuechenberg is a screenwriter who aspires to craft stories that make people laugh and occasionally scratch their heads in confusion. You can check his Twitter for random musings and possibly more chaotic game reviews.
