5) Have A Stirring, Contextual Soundtrack
Last, but by no means least, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild must have an excellent score. The music is a component often overlooked when discussing the key attributes of any Legend of Zelda game, but it really shouldn’t be. A memorable, contextual soundtrack can evoke strong emotions in the player, and elevate the gameplay experience above what the visual aspects alone can achieve. For prime examples, take Koji Kondo’s legendary Hyrule Field theme, for an iconic piece that masterfully evokes a sense of adventure, or the touching music that plays when Link’s Grandma is depressed in The Wind Waker.
It was with significant concern, therefore, that I noticed the distinct lack of a memorable overworld theme in the Breath of the Wild demo. Worse still, this approach was inexplicably praised by the Nintendo rep during the Treehouse presentations. The final version of Breath of the Wild must, at the very least, feature stirring music for the dungeons, shrines and villages, as well as during narrative events.
Personally, I would love for Breath of the Wild to feature a dynamic overworld theme, which shifts in tone and tempo as Link travels to different locations and engages with various enemies. Each major area, such as the Great Plateau, could also benefit from its own theme.
So, there you have it, our picks for five things that The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild must get right to be hailed as a triumph. Do you agree with us? Anything else you’d like to include? Let us know in the comments section below.
