Released in 2017 for the Nintendo Switch, “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” revolutionized the open-world genre and redefined what players could expect from a Zelda game. This masterpiece takes place in a vast, breathtakingly beautiful version of Hyrule, where players are free to explore in any direction they choose from the very beginning.

What sets Breath of the Wild apart is its emphasis on emergent gameplay. The game’s physics engine and chemistry system allow for creative problem-solving, encouraging players to experiment with the environment and their arsenal of tools. Whether you’re using magnesis to create an improvised bridge, shield-surfing down a snowy mountain, or using the updraft from a fire to soar into the sky, the game constantly rewards ingenuity.

The game’s minimalist approach to storytelling, allowing players to uncover the narrative at their own pace through memory fragments and environmental storytelling, adds to the sense of adventure and discovery. With its stunning art style, hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, and hundreds of hours of content to explore, Breath of the Wild is not just one of the best action/adventure games, but arguably one of the greatest video games ever made.