Tears of the Kingdom Review Embargo: Will It Rain on Launch Day?

The Legend of Tears of the Kingdom: When Will the Reviews Drop?

The wait is almost over for Link's next grand adventure!  The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom launches on May 12th, but eager fans are chomping at the bit for reviews.  While we can't magically peek into the future, we can explore what we know (and speculate a little) about the review embargo.

Embargo Mystery: A Nintendo Tradition

Nintendo is famous for its review embargoes, which prevent publications and reviewers from sharing their opinions on a game until a specific date and time. This keeps the pre-launch hype simmering and ensures everyone gets a chance to experience the game fresh at the same time.

Tears and Timelines: When Might We See Reviews?

For big releases, Nintendo's embargoes typically lift close to launch. Here are some clues to consider:

Past Performance: Recent games like Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon had reviews drop several days before release. However, Tears of the Kingdom is a much bigger title, so a tighter embargo is likely. 

First Impressions: Hands-on previews for Tears of the Kingdom arrived in late April, potentially hinting at a similar embargo window for reviews.

educated guesses:

Based on these factors, reviews for Tears of the Kingdom will likely appear between May 10th and 12th. This gives reviewers enough time to thoroughly explore the game while keeping the launch buzz strong.

Beyond the Score: What to Look for in Reviews

While a review score can be a quick indicator, it doesn't tell the whole story. Here are some additional aspects to consider when reviews arrive:

Does it build on Breath of the Wild's strengths?  Many loved Breath of the Wild's open world, but some desired more innovation. Reviews will reveal how Tears of the Kingdom expands on the formula.

Technical Performance:  The vast world of Breath of the Wild pushed the Switch's limits. Reviews will discuss how Tears of the Kingdom handles on the console.

Story and World-Building:  Zelda games are known for their captivating narratives and rich lore. Reviews will delve into Tears of the Kingdom's story and the secrets hidden within its world.

The Final Countdown

The wait for Tears of the Kingdom reviews may feel like an eternity, but with a little patience, we'll soon have a wealth of information to help decide if this latest Hyrule adventure is a must-play.  In the meantime, stay tuned for news and keep your eyes peeled for those review embargo announcements!