The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild still has a male Link

With a title that goes "Breath of the Wild", some might easily associate it with the phrase "breath of fresh air." In some cases, the game might indeed offer that, breaking from some of the established conventions and limits of previous Zelda games. Unfortunately, the Wii U title still doesn't break free from one of the things that has had fans and even outsiders debating endlessly. That means this Legend of Zelda still doesn't have a female Link as rumored or, at the very least, even a female protagonist.

Some would point out how the Zelda franchise has one of the biggest and still ongoing ironies in the video game industry. It is named after a character who, for a long time, has been basically portrayed in a damsel in distress stereotype. Of course, Zelda has a very critical role to play in the mythos, but when it comes to all the action, it is really Link who is the hero of the story. There have been rumors circulating that the next Zelda title would at least give players a choice between a male or female link. Unfortunately for those holding their breaths, Breath of the Wild isn't that title, as the trailer reveal shows.

Although there will be some disappointed gamers, that doesn't mean Breath of the Wild won't be a notable title, at least not by the way Nintendo is describing it. Unlike most, if not all, Zelda titles, Breath of the Wild puts an emphasis on the openness of the world as well as the gameplay. The environment is no longer just a pretty stage for players and events. It can be friend or foe itself, with the weather potentially ruining not just your mood but also your game. Objects can be used in ways beyond their obvious purpose. Ever imagine sliding down a mountain on your shield? Yeah, you can do that. Ever feared getting hit by lightning because of your sword? Well, there's that too. Suffice it to say, the game will offer players a really whole new world with more possibilities than before. Except, you know, for being able to choose the gender of your protagonist.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will launch at the same time for the Wii U as well as the "Nintendo NX" in 2017, which is to say that Nintendo's next-gen console will have to launch before then. Interestingly, Nintendo has shared more than 2 hours worth of gameplay videos for you to more than whet your appetite, and get used to the idea of a still male Link.

SOURCE: Nintendo