One of the best Zelda games since Ocarina of Time

Right from the jump, waking up in that eerie Shrine of Resurrection and stepping out into Hyrule's wild expanse hits you with this rush of pure possibility—everything looks climbable, every nook hides a secret, but underestimate the elements or a stray Bokoblin camp, and you'll be scrambling back to a checkpoint faster than you can say "Hylian shield." On the upside, it's forgiving in a way that invites experimentation rather than endless punishment, letting you learn through trial and those sweet breakthrough moments.

Wandering around is where it truly captivates. You activate those towering Sheikah structures to fill out the map, then spot a glowing shrine off in the distance and think, "Why not?" Inside, you're messing with physics puzzles using the Sheikah Slate—freezing time on objects with Stasis to launch them like catapults, or lifting metal bits with Magnesis to solve riddles. Not every one's a brain-buster, but chaining them together feels clever, and the orb rewards stack up to boost your health or stamina, which comes in clutch for those marathon climbs. I wasted hours hunting Korok seeds just for the goofy animations and inventory expansions, or gliding between regions like the volcanic Death Mountain or snowy Hebra peaks, always stumbling on something unexpected, like ancient ruins with riddles or fairy fountains for upgrades.

Battles keep the adrenaline flowing without feeling rote. Sure, your weapons shatter after a few good swings, which had me cursing early on as my trusty traveler's sword crumbled mid-fight, but it forces smart swaps—snatching enemy gear on the fly or turning the world against them, like igniting grass for wildfires or channeling lightning during storms to zap groups of Moblins. Guardians terrified me at first, those laser-beaming spiders chasing you down, but nailing a perfect parry with your shield to reflect their beams back? Chef's kiss—that sense of growth from fumbling noob to confident explorer is addictive. And don't get me started on Lynels; my first run-in up in the highlands left me hiding in bushes, heart pounding, before I mustered the guts to arrow-spam from afar.

The whole survival layer adds depth without overwhelming—gathering apples, mushrooms, and monster parts for cooking elixirs that fend off cold or boost speed, but botch a recipe and you end up with "dubious food" that barely helps. Weather plays dirty too; rain turns cliffs into slip-and-slide disasters, forcing detours or clever Cryonis ice platforms over water. Taming wild horses was a highlight for me, spotting a solid steed near the Dueling Peaks stable and coaxing it aboard, then galloping across fields while the soundtrack swells—man, those piano notes during quiet rides or epic swells in boss arenas stick with you.

Story-wise, it's subtle and pieced together through collectible memories that flashback to the calamity 100 years ago, fleshing out Zelda's struggles and the fallen champions without long cutscenes bogging things down. It's more about the world's lore etched into ruins and NPC chats than a linear epic, which suits the go-anywhere vibe. Visually, it's a stunner on the Switch, with vibrant sunsets over Lake Hylia or misty forests that beg screenshots, though I hit some frame dips in busier spots like Korok Forest—nothing game-breaking, but noticeable during big enemy swarms.

I poured over 100 hours into it, from conquering the Divine Beasts (those elephant and camel ones were wild rides) to finally yanking the Master Sword from its pedestal after grinding spirit orbs. Never circled back for a full second run—I'm the type to savor and move on—but the itch returns every time I think about missed shrines or that one tower I skipped. Toward the end, shrine-hunting did drag a tad, feeling like checklist filler, but the highs far outweighed it.

All told, this stands as a benchmark for open adventures, blending wonder with just enough challenge to keep you engaged. It's got broad pull—perfect for laid-back explorers, puzzle fans, or action seekers alike, though if rigid structure or unbreakable gear is your must-have, it might frustrate. Dive in if you're after a world that feels alive and rewarding; it'll linger long after you roll credits.