PlayStation Congratulates Nintendo on Zelda Success

@Gamer83 @get2sammyb

So...guess who was wrong then XD

Im still absolutely stoked with how well Horizon did critically, especially for a new IP. I think I said what I said based on Zelda not living up to it and falling into the usual traps of open world design.

But no. Its Nintendo. Here they come setting that standard. Seemingly effortlessly at that. And thats just mind blowing. I would never have said it would go that high and stay there.

@get2sammyb Both
...open world? I was just worried one would affect the other you know? Usually happens.

But nope. Horizon does great (Which again for a new thing is incredibly prromising, sequel hooo) and Zelda just racks it in.
Really its the best outcome. I guess I wasnt comparing the two because they are different, but rather one would kind of overshadow the other. But no both have their place and will hopefully do amazingly

@BLP_Software I wouldn't say it was effortless based on all the drama, delays, and stripping of console specific features to ensure one version wasn't better than the other (even though one clearly is, in order to sell consoles). That being said, it all came together to a masterpiece. Kudos to both GG and Nintendo for getting it right on their first attempts to create unforgettable open world experiences.

My God, what a time to be alive and gaming.

@RedMageLanakyn @get2sammyb

I want to see how companies react to Horizon and Zelda doing so well. It may improve design in other titles.

Game developers high five in, now Sony kissing Nintendo's bottom Folks ............The End is Nigh.

@BLP_Software I agree. There are some elements from both games that could improve some upcoming games, specifically God of War, Last of Us 2, Xenoblade Chronicles 2, Mario Odyssey just to name a few.

As a non-fan of the series as a whole, I'm glad to see Zelda getting the proper attention it deserves. Majora's Mask (N64) was the last Zelda game I properly enjoyed. I'm hoping Nintendo uses the Switch to revamp many of it's other neglected/abused IP. I mean common, Zelda's such a great guy!

I still foresee the Switch being a bit of a flop long term (for gamers, not for Nintendo), but I'm glad to see it's starting out strong! Competition is good for everyone

Is it just me or does anybody else feel Nintendo games get a free pass a lot of the time. Particularly Mario and Zelda. While I believe Mario games are fun titles, I fail to see the adulation that are put on the games.

I've only played one Zelda game. Ocarina of time on the 3DS and while it was a good game. (8.5/10) In my opinion, many put it on this unreachable pedastal that no other game can ever reach.

Before anybody turns it into a Horizon V Zelda debate, I am putting on record I've not played either game yet. It just seems every single Nintendo release gets met with wide critical acclaim which I feel is a bit over the top. Don't get me wrong they are usually fantastic games but not to the level some people make out.

@stevie85 if you've only played one zelda game how can you honestly feel like they get a free pass? You played OoT on the 3DS which means you played it roughly 10-15 years after it launched. The game gets held on a pedestal because of it's impact in 1998 when it launched. It revolutionized gaming, without question.

@kyleforrester87 In curiosity could you elaborate how you think they get a free pass?

@kyleforrester87 Sorry I only skimmed through the comments. Must have missed yours lol. My bad. I can probably say hand on heart the only Nintendo franchise I properly enjoy is pokemon. I don't know why but I'm just a sucker for Pokemon games.

@Bri-Die I started with Ocarina of Time because it's the Zelda game people talk about the most. I wasn't particularly aiming it at Zelda. It's just the game of the moment lol. I feel the same about Mario games.

Take for example the Galaxy games. While fun games I feel they are far from the masterpieces they are made out to be.

@kyleforrester87 but is a switch worth it for zelda alone?

@get2sammyb you haven't been baffled until you've read gamers call BotW a "poor man's Horizon ZD clone".

@stevie85 Yeah but I do agree with @Bri-Die, it's hard to think with the now days parameter how Ocarina of Time changed the entire landscape of gaming. Any major game that you play today is influenced by OoT; Witcher 3, Assassin's Creed, For Honor, Horizon, God of War, Etc, every thing now use one thing or another from OoT or Mario 64.
And a remaster of a 15years old game is 8,5 in your book, imagine the real deal 15 years before.

@kyleforrester87 suppose. Defo think you are right though. Zelda and Mario do get a free pass in the critics eyes.

I mean, it's sitting at a 98. It would be pretty stupid of Sony and MS to just ignore that, considering both companies tweet about every damn thing these days. I like how they get cute and throw a Horizon screenshot in there. LOL. I know why they did and don't have a problem with it myself but it's funny because you're kind of setting up to get mocked there.

@BLP_Software
Even I'm surprised it's scoring as high as it as. I expected it'd sit at 93 or 94 because you always seem to get one or two clickbait reviews which come along with a 4 out of 10 these days. Anyway, I presume this is where Horizon fades away, but I hope not. There is room for both but with all the comparisons it's inevitable consumers pit the two against eachother and we'll soon start hearing how 88/100 on metacritic sucks. Me? I'll enjoy Horizon for now, Zelda when I buy it along with Mario Odyssey later in the year.

@kyleforrester87 @get2sammyb @Michaelkirk02

In the interest of fairness, anybody have extensive playtime with Breath of the Wild to say this game is getting a free pass? Everybody's entitled to their opinion and to be hyped or not hyped for certain games. I'm just saying it's unfair to say something has received a free pass if you haven't played it for a bit. Game could very well be a bit overrated (I didn't think GTA IV deserved its high scores at all, game had too many flaws) but from what I've seen of this new Zelda game, overrated would mean more 94/100 good and not 98/100 good.

i suggested in a post a few weeks ago that zelda review scores would impact negatively on horizon but I'll admit I got that wrong, horizon is getting all the praise it deserves and more than holding its own. Zelda is Zelda and the fact we're all talking about it shows sammy was right. It's certainly got our mindshare this evening!! And ocarina is the greatest game of all time. Period. I played plenty of games before and I've played plenty since. Nothing compares. A 19 year old fps or Fifa gamer won't understand which is fair enough but if a series better than Zelda ever arrives I'll look forward to playing it.

I've been lucky enough to have always a new Nintendo console next to my PS, PS2, 360 and PS4. Mario and Zelda games, no matter how old, always feel like the yardstick for their genre.

@Gamer83 I get what You are saying. It's a fair point. I'm just going by my experience with past zelda games

@kyleforrester87 totally get that they aren't a 9-10 to you. That's the beauty of life. Everyone gets to have their own feelings about their experiences.

I do agree that some of the reviewers COULD be letting nostalgia postively impact their ratings. However, it's just as likely that their nostalgia could negatively impact their ratings. For instance, A Link to the Past and Ocarina of Time hold special places in my mind based on playing them at release. While I admit WW, TP, and SS might be technically better games I find myself consistently ranking them lower. My nostalgia negatively impacts my review of Zeldas of the 21st century.

Ultimately I think it probably comes out to a wash, where you have both the positive and negative equaling each other out. I.E. GameInformer giving Skyward Sword a 10, and Gamespot giving it a 7.5.

@Michaelkirk02 I wouldn't let the past Zelda games influence your mind on this. This is very clearly its own behemoth.

@Gamer83 I don't think Horizon will vanish, as that was my fear too. One would outdo the other. But there is some serious chops to both.

I would've said 95 at a high as well, but 98 is....mind blowing. That's better than I think anyone saw coming, and it's cool that both are proving to coexist very happily. And that's the best bit about it.

I know Sony did it for a little push of "Look, we can do something to" but it did feel....corny? Its odd. Its a piggyback moment definitely. I do think the congrats are genuine though.

And no one ignores scores like this. Its the highest rated game in a long time, and whats more impressive, is as you said, none of those trolly clickbait scores. This is literally universal.

@andreoni79 I have to agree with the exception of Okami, that was a better Zelda game than Twilight Princess IMHO. But usually Zelda is just GOOD.

Maybe I'm just an old nostalgic gamer but even in these days, when I take a break from my PS4 to play some of the last Paper Mario, Yarn Yoshi or Windwaker HD, there's always this stupid smile on my face that nothing can wipe away. It just doesn't happen with other console.

@CFDennett grand theft auto is the best series.and best games of all times

@playstation1995
Fair enough mate, I don't agree but that's cool.

@stevie85 Seems weird to have that opinion but have only played one game in the series. Sounds more like you're biased vs everyone else.

98 on metacritic, jeezus!

@playstation1995 Bullcrap, GTA is far from being the best game series of all time. Only vice city and San andreas are wonderfull

@kyleforrester87 I played TP, my first ever Zelda game, in 2 parts, the first 20 hours then a few months later the last 20 hours or so. It wasn't bad, but I wasn't impressed. Then a few years later I played Skyward Sword, and TP became so much better. Like a truly great game better. Then I played WW HD, which falls somewhere in between, and my opinion stood.

So I think you are on to something with the nostalgia glasses for Zelda games, I think it's about moving beyond what people are used too. Of course I also hate SM64 and think the PS2 trilogy of platformers are so much better.

My 14 you old son played OoT on 3DS and got bored halfway thru and stopped playing. He is loving his NES Mini though. Nostalgia does strange things to peoples opinions.

@kyleforrester87 I'm with you on that, I don't think there has been a great Zelda game since probably Wind Waker, Twilight Princess was so boring but this one does look genuinely great. I actually canceled my Switch preporder to get VR instead as I was only buying to play this. I'm more than happy with Horizon so I can wait until Xmas to see if the new Mario is any good and jump on board then

@kyleforrester87 Games like Mario and Zelda get reviewed like that because of what they do for their genres. Many installments drive these genres forward instead of maintaining the status quo. They're always fun and, contrary to what people say, they often add new features and designs. While they do carry over mechanics and features from previous games in their respective series, you don't find either series copying features from other games. They get copied. Sony has a nice little catalog of fun games that has taken their cue from Nintendo franchises, namely Mario and Zelda.

If you either don't like or don't have high on your list platformers and/or adventure puzzle games with RPG elements, then Zelda and Mario aren't going to be a top notch gaming experiences for you.

@anonsinnerman Hardly. I love a lot of Nintendo games. I love Metroid, Pokemon and I really enjoy Smash and Mario Kart. It's the fact with every Mario/ Zelda game they are declared the second coming of christ. I really do think it's a case of rose tinted glasses and nostalgia for many reviewers. As they likely played these games when they were growing up.

I'm not doubting their quality one bit. They are probably fantastics games. I just don't into all the critical acclaim they recieve.

@get2sammyb Totally agree. Nobody can Deny GTA is a great series but it's nowhere near the top of this medium if you ask me.

I can't believe Zelda is getting so many 10/10...wow...I might have to buy it for WII U !!

@kyleforrester87 I'm with you mate.

The sheer amount of coverage, crazy high scores, gushing praise and complete lack of negativity.

It means only one thing;

Nintendo are in the mobile phone category of game reviews on metacritic. Take a look mate. Crossy Roads sat on 90% or something.

I've somehow managed to never play a Zelda game.

It's nice to see the game companies congratulate each other instead of fighting. I'll certainly grab Breath of the Wild at some point, but I'm in no rush.

IMO, it's a matter of personal taste. Zelda is more of the hardcore cult title. Oot I played it 98 when it first released and while I felt the combat mechanics were full speed ahead for their time, the overall package of Zelda throughout the years just hasn't blown me away. I'm not a completionist or whole heartedly enjoy clearing dungeon after dungeon without a dense meaty story to drive and maintain my interest. That is primarily why I don't see Zelda as the all time great franchise. However I won't criticize someone else if they see it that way that's why I stated I think it's a personal taste or preference. I do wish both companies success as I own the hardware of both and I think it's only for better if we have different software pieces on display. I wish however the toxicity would die down some it's that atmosphere of pitting title vs title company vs company that drags down the fun and sunny results of experiencing a great gaming age. In fact I scratch my head what the sense behind it is how does it prove bragging rights gamers aren't paid by the companies, receive stock or have any true investment in them other than buying their products which is their intent as a business corporation. Smh...

I have to agree it's a really good time to be gaming. The past year was full of great games, this year has already had tons released with two massive high scoring ones being released within 2 days of each other, then we have a plethora to come this year and beyond, like TLOU 2 and Super Mario Odyssey. Not to mention, nowadays we seem to be free from the foolishness that happened at the beginning of the generation, like games being disappointing or buggy.

This console gen's quality has skyrocketed.

The best Zelda, Mario and GTA games are clearly deserving of tens. It's borne out in how these games received by the public. There have been sub-par entries like Skyward Sword, Sunshine and the PSP GTA games, but these games aren't rated so highly, so it's not like they get a free pass.

@kyleforrester87 yeah, it's a good game but pretty weak as a Zelda title. It doesn't help that we got to play it when we were all collectively accustomed to HD graphics, and the motion controls made it counter-intuitive...I wanted to control Link like I knew and instead I was forced to use this new tacked on mechanics.

@get2sammyb GTA 5 I kind of agree...GTA 4...NO NO NO NO NO NO. 8/10 max!

Congratulations are in order, the game is getting amazing reviews. Regardless of how anyone feels or thinks about it, it's happening. There is no need to belittle the achievement. I would love to play it myself. If they keep it up I will have to buy a switch myself. The Wii was the last one in my household. My hats off to them great Job Nintendo!

Gonna be getting through my backlog of PS3 and PS4 games this year then getting a Nintendo Switch for Xmas. 🎅🎉

@kyleforrester87
Save for one or two entries, I've always thought Zelda games got reviewed fairly with no free passes. Of course though, to each their own, no game is perfect for sure and some flaws that may not be a bother to some people could be massive for others. I'll be interested myself when I do get a chance to play it if it lives up to my high expectations. I just hope I don't do something I'll hate myself for like go out tomorrow morning to buy a new system literally for one game. Did that for several systems in the past and felt burned almost every time.

Breath of the Wild looks genuinely incredible, and is probably deserving of the 98. Everything I've heard leads me to believe it's one of the greatest games Nintendo has ever developed. If nothing else, it's the first 3D Zelda that truly escapes from the shadow of Ocarina of Time, which is huge.

@BLP_Software
I just feel kind of bad for Guerrilla. Killzone 1 never had chance because the PS2 hardware was not capable of handling a game as ambitious as that one was and a sensationalist preview labeled it a 'Halo killer' and it was never able to lose that, when the showdown happened with Halo 2 that Fall of 2004, Killzone didn't stand a chance. At least here, Horizon has been very received by critics, Sony has advertised it well and responsibly (it may have mentioned the game with Zelda few times but no one, save a few console warriors, ever said it was a 'Zelda killer') and it seems like it will sell well enough to get a sequel, so that's good. It's just the world we live in these days that's all. Something's here one minute, gone the next and I feel like with the way gamers are with games hyped as much as Horizon was, if it scores anything under a 9 (and even that is starting to be considered low) it's like 'it sucks' and people move on. But we'll see what happens. Sony is sure to have PS4 price drops throughout the year and a Horizon: Zero Dawn bundle along with a bundle for a big multiplat game for the holidays is more than likely to happen. That will surely help sales the way it did Uncharted. It'll likely also drop to $40 stand alone at some point, and I'd imagine there's some fence sitters who would then jump aboard the bandwagon.

@Sanquine
I thought GTA III and V were excellent as well. But I don't agree it's not the greatest series of all-time. Speaking of Vice City, they remaster everything else these days, I think an update of VC with the control scheme from V is long overdue. That is my favorite game in the franchise but the outdated, terrible control scheme renders it almost unplayable much like the horrific tank controls make the old RE games a chore to go back to.

@get2sammyb simply because there both open world & out close together, im more than happy with Horizon and I'll 100% get Zelda (big fan of the series) but for me to do that I'd have to be picking up a new console - either a U or a Switch - and neither really do anything for me atm

@Gamer83 they should just use Vice as the next GTA city for me

@GlynCR
I'm down for that too. Set it in the modern day instead of the 80s to give a different take. Would certainly be interesting.

@kyleforrester87 Really! That's some BS. I guess for some reviewers any Zelda game is a magical experience. I hated it; no overworld, crap controls etc. OOT and TP are both 10s for me.

I can't really comment on the Zelda franchise - I played some of the N64 titles but not obsessively. I do think Nintendo games get a bit of a free ride but from all intents and purposes, BOTW sounds like a great game. For me though, it is not enough to get a Switch at Launch. Zelda is going to appeal to Nintendo players but as a non Nintendo player (at the moment) I need a little more convincing about the Switch. Hoping it is great and that it is on my christmas present list this year but I want to see which way the wind is blowing.

Yep, it's an AMAZING time when SONY and Nintendo bring out New consoles and games. They are the only 2 worth getting excited about

Sony trolling at its best

"Congratulations Nintendo"

** temporarily reduces PS4 price **

@Gamer83
I've heard a few people share that sentiment. Me? I've never gotten that feeling buying a new console. And I've bought consoles for lesser games than Zelda, and didn't function as a portable either.

I guess it depends your financial situation but yeah, I always just feel excited for the next game coming out, it's always a thrill to be an early adopter and be there day one is the new games come. If, after five years there was only one game still, then I might be inclined to feel that way lol. But knowing it's a long-term investment it's hard to feel burned when you're know you're going to get your moneys worth in dozens of games for years to come.

Heck I bought PS4 for Killzone... take that back. I didn't buy it for any game- Killzone was just the best on offer and I wanted at least one game to play. I got 3DS with Street Fighter IV, which was actually a pretty decent game to have... the only decent game to have. But I didn't buy the system for it. Like PS4, I just bought the system as an investment and took what I could get day one.

Switch is the first time in like.... forever, I actually feel like I'm buying a console for a game and not just as an investment

Not taking anything away from multiplat BotW...

I'm eagerly picking up my preorder for the Wii U.

But the Nintendo Glitch will be a disaster, just sit through a YouTube video for full-price launch title One Two Switch and tell me otherwise.

That game is soooo bad, it would blow even as a free pack-in...

That's Nintendo's idea of a good game now, like video game karaoke.