Mechanics, Dynamics, Aesthetics : Zelda Breath of the Wild

In Zelda, Breath of the Wild, a core dynamic is exploring the world and uncovering new secrets. Mechanics implemented to help achieve this include the ability to climb anything. Climbing things requires, however, a certain level of stamina. This encourages the dynamic of progression. Progression is caused by the player finding and completing dungeons for items that can be converted into more stamina, which in turn is used to explore more places.

As such, the dynamics of exploration and progression are intertwined in many ways in Zelda, Breath of the Wild. For example, in order to go to certain locations, special armour is needed. Armour can be bought by collecting money and enhanced by collecting items. Exploration is required to find monsters to kill for money and items that can be used to enhance the armour which allows the character to further explore.

Another example are the divine beasts. The player must progress by finding and defeating the divine beasts by solving puzzles and combat. Once the player defeats a beast, they get a new special ability such as an upward wind force that allow them to explore areas that may not have been accessible previously.

These mechanics create exploration and progression dynamics which creates the aesthetic of adventure for the player.

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