Step back 100 years before the events of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and witness the cataclysmic struggle that reshaped Hyrule. This title plunges players into the heart of the Great Calamity, offering a firsthand account of the kingdom's desperate fight for survival. Experience the dramatic narratives of Princess Zelda, the four Champions, and King Rhoam as they rally to defend their land against an overwhelming darkness.

The core gameplay loop revolves around strategic combat against massive hordes of Hyrule’s most fearsome enemies. From the common Bokoblins to the formidable Lynels, players will face a relentless onslaught of monsters. You'll take on the roles of familiar heroes, including Link and Zelda, alongside other key figures like the four Champions and a young Impa. Each character possesses unique abilities and combat styles, allowing for diverse approaches to carving through hundreds of foes on screen.

This is a main game released in 2020 for the Nintendo Switch. It falls under the Strategy and Hack and slash/Beat 'em up genres.

What is the Story of This Game?

The narrative unfolds a century prior to the events of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Players follow a young soldier named Link as he undertakes the duty of guarding Princess Zelda. The story highlights the initial interactions between Link, Zelda, and Impa, and introduces the valiant Champions of Hyrule. Together, they embark on journeys to four distinct regions, seeking to recruit these powerful allies to bolster Hyrule's defenses against the impending threat of Calamity Ganon.

What Makes the Gameplay Unique?

This game distinguishes itself by blending strategic elements with intense, action-packed combat. Players engage in large-scale battles where they must manage their characters' unique skill sets and special attacks to overcome overwhelming numbers of enemies. The ability to switch between a roster of playable characters, each with their own distinct fighting style and special moves, adds a layer of tactical depth to the frenetic hack-and-slash action. This allows for varied approaches to tackling different enemy types and battlefield objectives.

Core Gameplay Mechanics

The primary gameplay involves controlling a chosen hero in real-time battles against waves of enemies. Players utilize a combination of basic attacks, charged attacks, and special abilities to defeat foes and achieve mission objectives. Successfully clearing stages often involves defending key locations, defeating specific enemy commanders, or surviving for a set period. Resource management, such as collecting materials dropped by enemies to upgrade characters and weapons, plays a role in preparing for more challenging encounters.

Playable Characters and Abilities

A significant feature is the diverse cast of playable characters. Beyond Link and Zelda, players can control the four Champions—Mipha, Daruk, Revali, and Urbosa—each bringing their signature abilities and combat styles to the battlefield. A younger Impa also joins the fray, offering her own unique skillset. Mastering the distinct movesets of each character is crucial for effective combat and overcoming the varied challenges presented throughout the game.

Additional Content

The game features 2 downloadable content (DLC) packs that expand upon the existing content, offering new challenges, characters, and story elements.