This is the first game in the Zelda series to feature full voice acting segments. However, as per the series' tradition, Link remains silent. According to the makers, Link is the literal 'link' between the gamer and the game, and his side of every conversation is left out as much as possible so that the gamer can project his own thoughts and responses onto Link. The Japanese version actually had Link write diary entries in the Quest Log as he progresses through the story, but these were edited and changed to quest updates for the English version.
This is the first game in the Zelda series to reveal why Link is silent. In Hyrule Castle, Zelda's diary can be found where she explains that Link talks very little because he has an important job, and everyone looks at him to be strong. His silence is a way to bear that heavy burden.
There is a character called Dayto near the Foothill Stable who closely resembles comedian Robin Williams. Williams was a long-time fan of the Zelda series, even naming his daughter Zelda and appearing with her in a commercial for The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (2011). Some people have also noted a resemblance between Williams and the character Robbie from the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, and see these characters as Nintendo's way of honoring the late comedian.
Series producers Eiji Aonuma and Shigeru Miyamoto have indicated that this game "challenges the expectations of Zelda games", such as completing dungeons in specific order and in a single player experience. The game also features a huge overworld, similar to the 'open world' concept of the original The Legend of Zelda (1986)
Was originally developed for the Wii U, however Nintendo delayed the game so that it could release on both the Wii U and Nintendo Switch. The Wii U version is the last Nintendo game to release on the console.