Tears of the Kingdom is the Best Reviewed Game of 2023
The much anticipated sequel to 2017’s masterful Breath of the Wild has finally released- meaning the critics were finally able to share their thoughts on Tears of the Kingdom. If the last few trailers and showcases weren’t enough, the insanely high score of 96 on Metacritic may be what sways you into picking this one up. This score makes it the highest rated game of 2023 so far, and indicates yet another incredible entry in what might be the greatest and most consistent gaming franchises out there.
Looking through the critic reviews (which contain an outstanding 55 10/10 scores), the general consensus is clear: Tears of the Kingdom is not only a masterpiece but also a huge improvement on its predecessor. Review site TheGamer had the following to say:
“The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a masterpiece that not only equals what came before, it does everything in its power to surpass it. Fading memorials and lone flowers cement the loss this vision of Hyrule has felt, and my unpredictable path is determined to piece it all back together.”
If the amount of content was a question that may have prevented you from buying this game, the Guardian’s review is likely to put your mind at ease:
“I feel as if I will never finish this game. Every time I think I’ve got a handle on it, it reveals a new expanse. I haven’t even mentioned the depths, the particularly dangerous pitch-black underground world that exists below Hyrule.”
Nearly every review points to a game that takes the formula of Breath of the Wild and expands it in the best way possible. With more areas to explore, greater ways to interact with the environment and an expanded story, Tears of the Kingdom’s world feels far more alive and brimming with opportunity than any other Zelda game before. With every single review on Metacritic so far being above the 8/10 mark, it’s clear that even those less warm on the game recognize its impact and freedom provided to the player.
If Breath of the Wild was the revolution that Nintendo needed for the Zelda franchise, Tears of the Kingdom is the perfected realization of that vision. With an endless playground in which you can do- essentially- anything you want, this game is not only the highest-reviewed game of the year but of all time on the site Opencritic. Taking a look at how many Zelda games dominate the top 100 games list makes it clear that this franchise has not only been consistently good but is somehow improving at the same time. I think the most fitting review to describe just how good this game has been received so far (and the perfect way to end this article) has been from Gamespot with the following thoughts:
“Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a canvas for your own creativity, a book to write your own stories, a world to create your own legends. It gives you back as much as you put into it, and beckons you to soar, burrow, engineer, solve, adventure, and explore.”
