Here’s an Industry Veteran Who Has Played Both Games
2017 has provided some of the strongest early months in gaming. This is thanks in large part to Triple-A titles Horizon Zero Dawn and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. While many would agree that both games are some of the best gaming has to offer, many enthusiasts inevitably draw comparisons. This time around, Masahiro Sakurai, creator of Super Smash Bros. and Kirby, delivered his own thoughts.
In a column from Famitsu Magazine Vol. 257, translated by SourceGaming, Sakurai talked at length about the two open-world games. For starters, he mentioned how they’re both open-world games with plots relying on a single protagonist. Then he talked about their use of bows and arrows, looting, resource-gathering, and all the similarities. All the things that make an RPG were done well in both games. Then he went on to list the differences.
When it comes to progression, Breath of the Wild has puzzles while Horizon Zero Dawn grants XP through killing machines. And that’s another difference Sakurai notes: Horizon ‘s enemies are robotic enemies while Zelda’s are of flesh. Furthermore, we have a brand new IP versus an established one.
The marked difference comes in the way of visuals and story. Sakurai points to Zelda’s consistent “cartoonish” style while Horizon’s is very realistic. The character of Aloy is more constructed than Link, however, and Link’s gameplay focus is on freedom compared to the story driving HZD. Basically, Guerrilla gave their IP a narrative focus; not a bad thing. Nor does Sakurai suggest Breath of the Wild loses points for lacking in that regard.
The biggest difference Sakurai noted was the actual experience:
“Overall, Horizon is more stress free and Zelda is becoming a tiresome routine. However, if you’ve played Zelda, you probably understand this well: the chores of Zelda are the most fun part!”
Ultimately, Sakurai referred to the games by Nintendo and Guerrilla Games as “masterpieces,” delivering to praise to both:
“By all means, play them both because they really are masterpieces…I repeat, play them both if possible. So many well-made works lining up like this doesn’t happen often!”
Horizon Zero Dawn is available exclusively for the PlayStation 4, while you can find The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on Wii U and Nintendo Switch.
We all have our opinions on games, but it’s always interesting what creators have to say. And speaking of, let us know your thoughts on Masahiro Sakurai’s comparison. Do you agree? Disagree? Enjoy both? Which have you played? Comment down below.