There isn’t much in the way of puzzle variation, Which could become very frustrating in a longer game, but it’s not particularly noticeable unless you’re a completionist. Surprisingly, The Pathless does not feature combat outside of boss battles. The ensuing challenges typically boil down to some combination of shooting an arrow and moving something with your pet eagle. Important objects and areas are imbued a red hue, while lanterns signify completed objectives.Īt the press of a button, you can get a rough idea of where you need to travel next from there, you spend a few minutes shooting talismans and platforming to reach your destination. Instead, you use a Spirit Mask to look at the world around you. The Pathless lacks a traditional map or waypoint system. It also helps that The Pathless is much shorter, with brisk pacing between the more methodical puzzle focused segments. If you didn’t like all the empty space between major points of interest in Breath of the Wild, this mechanic was made for you. This is something that the best open-world games like Breath of the Wild and Marvel’s Spider-Man are able to achieve As you move to more important destinations, this mechanic will always keep you moving and engaged. As the game progresses, you’ll encounter stronger talismans that give you an even greater boost. Players gain a speed boost or launch forward in the air whenever they successfully hit a talisman. You hold down a button and release it at a certain point to hit the talismans. Unlike other games that force players to aim with a reticle, The Pathless’ archery mechanics are timing-based. The simple act of moving around is entertaining as players sprint, glide with the eagle’s help, and target talismans scattered throughout the game’s world. Thankfully, The Pathless is a joy to play. The game does succeed at forging a bond between the player and eagle, but the villain doesn't gain much in the way of depth. The most interesting story elements are relegated to the collectible lore found on dead bodies across the island, Dark Souls style. Most of the modest playtime is spent on the journey between these moments, and things don’t feel particularly gripping until the end. After helping a dying eagle deity, the Hunter is gifted with a reborn eagle that expands their move set, empowering them to defeat the Godslayer. Players control a Hunter who ventures to an island to defeat the Godslayer, an evil being who is corrupting the gods. The Pathless does not place much emphasis on its story. We want to hear from you! Take the ultimate Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 survey now.

While The Pathless isn’t a flawless experience, it’s a bite-sized Breath of the Wild that anyone can enjoy. There’s a satisfying twist on the familiar archery mechanic, and doing away with the world map that has become standard in modern open-world games is a brave step forward

It even offers some unique interpretations of the same formula. The Pathless emphasizes player choice and immersive world design, but on a much more bite-sized scale. Any exploration that comes after is the icing on the cake. A completionist playthrough of Breath of the Wild can take upwards of 200 hours, but you can beat The Pathless in just five hours. Nintendo has deemed this style of open-world game “open air,” and we’re starting to see more games of this style pop up, like Genshin Impact and Immortals Fenyx Rising.

While the endpoint is predetermined, the journey there makes for an adventure that’s unique for every player. Near the beginning of both games, players are set loose in a large world and asked to explore it with only a few end goals in mind. If The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wildwas too daunting in scope for you, The Pathless will be much more appealing.

The pathless the game awards