A Hoffy Review:
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Developer: Nintendo EAD
Publisher: Nintendo
Release Date:
Wii:
USA: November 19, 2006
AUST: December 7, 2006
GameCube:
USA: December 11, 2006
AUST: December 19, 2006
Genre: Action/Adventure
Rating: T (ESRB), M (OFLC)
Platform: Nintendo Wii, Nintendo GameCube
Players: 1The wait for Nintendo's epic "spiritual sequel" to the highly acclaimed
Ocarina of Time dates all the way back to the year 2000, during Nintendo's then-annual Space World expo. It was at this time when Nintendo was working to making preparations for their sixth-generation severely-misunderstood purple box, the GameCube. Nintendo hyped the console with several gameplay videos ranging from charming shots of
Super Mario 128 (as it was dubbed) and
Luigi's Mansion, to stunning clips of
Metroid Prime, and the cream of the crop, a realistically detailed
Legend of Zelda. The movie, depicting Ganondorf and Link in a fierce sword fight, lasted only ten seconds - nowhere near enough footage to keep dedicated fans satisfied. It seemed fans would have to wait the usual development period of about three years before they got their hands on this "mature" Zelda... or would they?
When 2001 rolled around, Nintendo revealed that Link might not be as grown-up as everyone thought he would be in his next console outing, with the controversial
Wind Waker. In the span of a few minutes, fans' hopes of an
Ocarina of Time 2 were decimated, splattered and coloured brightly. While the Wind Waker's art was particularly unique and beautiful, bringing the world of Zelda to life in a completely new way, it wasn't exactly the style some of us we're hoping for, and it certainly wasn't the style everyone was expecting.
The Wind Waker was then released in 2003 to much critical acclaim.
Link defends his lunch money. The nerd.After exploring over forty islands upon a vast sea, collecting heart pieces and nautical charts, gamers had taken their
Wind Waker discs out of their GameCubes. Zelda fans were willing to accept that the next Zelda game would be a fair few years away, and may or may not be released on the Nintendo GameCube. It was during the E3 of 2004 when Nintendo surprisingly revealed the Zelda game we had all been waiting for. Dark, epic and possibly bloody, the then-untitled realistic Zelda had fans of the series in tears of happiness. Finally, grown-up Link was back, and he was ready to kick some ass. Later named Twilight Princess, the game would go on to be one of the most anticipated in Zelda (and video game) history. After many delays, trailers and interviews, smiles, tears and tantrums, Twilight Princess was released in 2006 as not only a swan song to the Nintendo GameCube, but as a brilliant launch game to the Nintendo Wii. But questions still remain - is this the best Zelda ever made? Which is better: GameCube or Wii version? Is it better than
Ocarina of Time? Hoffy investigates.
Gameplay:
GCN: 9.5
Wii: 9.5The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess was developed from the ground-up for the Nintendo GameCube, but development on a Nintendo Wii version initiated later in the development cycle. Obviously the GameCube version plays much like all other Zelda games, particularly
The Wind Waker, whereas the Wii version takes advantage of Nintendo's new remote control, including motion sensing capabilities. Please note that this reviewer was lucky enough to play through both versions of Nintendo's quest entirely (read: AoDC sent me the GameCube version), and his analysis of the comparison of these controls is based on approximately 50 hours of playtime in each version. Now enough of that third-person crap, let's start with the Wii controls.
Twilight Princess gives Mario Galaxy a run for it's money.If you've played through Nintendo's monstrous action/adventure quest already, then you'll know that there isn't a particular button used for various sword swings, and instead, you perform your deadly slices by shaking the Wii remote. It can be said here and now that you won't tire yourself out unless you really get into the sword fighting - but, there's no need to be that over-active unless you enjoy risking personal injury or the life of nearby furniture. While mimicking Link's sword with the Wii remote feels very intuitive at first, eventually it just seems like a replacement for pushing a button. There's also a lack of one-on-one motion control, meaning the direction you swing the Wii remote isn't necessarily the direction Link swings his Ordon Sword. It can then be concluded that pushing a button would have been the better of the two options, but the remote is so responsive and it's such an effortless task that wagging the remote around doesn't feel tacked on or gimmicky. Where the Wii remote really shines is in the shooting mechanics. Throughout the quest you find both a slingshot and a bow, in which players are required to aim at the screen to fire their projectiles. Aiming is a pixel-perfect task; Nintendo have really outdone themselves in making firing arrows a satisfying experience. Sending an arrow through a Moblin's skull never felt so good before. Apart from aiming and swinging, there are several other small mini-games and items that require the use of the motion control, and it all feels very intuitive. Control in the game is very tight, and all of the older features from previous Zelda games have been mapped well to the Wii remote's setup, including Z-targeting as well as four assignable item buttons.
"This is Zelda in it's absolute entirety, and it is, without a doubt, the perfect Zelda in terms of gameplay."Now for the GameCube version. Obviously, Twilight Princess on the GameCube plays much like it's older brother, the third 3D instalment in the series,
The Wind Waker. Anyone who played through the enormous sea voyage thoroughly will already understand completely how Twilight Princess plays on the 'Cube. You combine the B-button and the joystick for various sword swipes, you tap the A-button for context sensitive actions, and you use the L-trigger to target suspicious objects, friendly locales, or not-so-friendly monsters. Unlike
The Wind Waker however, you only have two, not three buttons to equip items - X and Y. Instead, players will use the Z-button to call on the game's cunning new sidekick, Midna - but more on her later. The lack of assignable buttons doesn't really cause any issues while playing, as opening the inventory and equipping one of your many items is a breeze. The GameCube version also has several features the Wii version lacks. Players favouring this traditional setup will be able to take advantage of the C-stick for free camera control. Although control is somewhat limited compared to
Wind Waker's free camera, it is especially handy in certain dungeons. Unfortunately, manual shield control was absent from both versions of Twilight Princess, but the GameCube version offers the next best thing, with a "shield attack" assigned to the right shoulder button (unlike the Wii version which used a dodgy nunchuk thrust). In short, both control schemes have their ups and downs, and in the end you should choose based on whether you want a completely new experience, or if you'd like to stick to the traditional scheme and how the game was supposed to be played.
Ah yeah. I forgot horses could fly like that.Early on in the game, Link is captured and thrown into the "Twilight Realm", a version of Hyrule that has been engulfed in perpetual dusk. It is also within this realm where Link is transformed into his alter ego, a wolf. After catching up with the mysterious character Midna, Link must learn to take control of his animal senses and abilities, as well as Midna's magic. Games in
The Legend of Zelda franchise hold a tradition of introducing a new major gameplay feature that effects the overall theme of the game and the tasks at hand in weird and wonderful ways. In
A Link to the Past players were required to warp between two parallel worlds, in
Majora's Mask Link had to collect masks and harness their transformation abilities to reach new places and solve puzzles, and in the
Wind Waker gamers conducted the Gods with a legendary baton to change the wind direction, among other things. It's strange to think that Nintendo completely ignored a new gameplay element for Twilight Princess, but this seems to be the case. The alternate universe idea has been done in several of the series' games, animal senses are basically a type of Lens of Truth, and the character transformation was the salient point of
Majora's Mask. Even though Twilight Princess offers relatively nothing new regarding gameplay, what it does offer is a truly refined version of the Zelda formula. All aspects of previous Zelda games somehow make their way into this one. Controlling your horse, Epona, is a much more pleasing experience than it was in
Ocarina of Time. Horseback battles are especially plentiful, as players are required to use sword and bow on horseback while riding across the enormous fields. In the corner of the overworld, players can stumble upon a fishing pond in which to take up old hobbies from
Ocarina - you can fish for hours and hours if you want to collect all of the different types. Using the Wii remote during the fishing mini-game is a particularly pleasing experience, and if this feature catches your eye, the Wii version is definitely for you. And of course, controlling the wolf feels great as well. This is Zelda in it's absolute entirety, and it is, without a doubt, the perfect Zelda in terms of gameplay. That in itself is a reason not to miss out on this gem - just don't get into Twilight Princess expecting anything new.
"What you'll find here is an exceptionally detailed world, bringing a new life to Hyrule's culture, nature and mythology."The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess is definitely the largest game Nintendo have ever developed. It's no surprise considering the game was in development for almost four years, that the amount of content in this game is truly staggering. The quest itself can last about 20 hours without sidequests, meaning you'll have to courageously raid Hyrule's nine gargantuan dungeons, each of which can take from an hour to two hours to complete (excluding the last two). In terms of side-quests, the moment you step into the Hyrulean universe, you'll have to round up a total of 45 Heart Pieces to extend your life energy, search the world's corners for 24 golden bugs, hunt down 60 souls from 60 poes (now in Grim Reaper form) and then you've got about a bazillion overworld and dungeon treasure chests to open. With side-quests, this adventure can last from 50 to 60 hours. Fifty to sixty. The world of Hyrule is exceptionally detailed and astonishingly humongous, around the size of about three of
Ocarina's Hyrules. Add to that Link's gajillion items and upgrades and you've got yourself one fine Zelda game indeed. One last gripe however, the difficulty. It doesn't make sense that Nintendo would develop a mature Zelda aimed at older gamers and lower the difficulty to that of a child's game. While the game is certainly harder than
The Wind Waker, it's not hard enough. It's time to say goodbye to the quarter-heart, Nintendo. It's odd to think that a creepy demonic titan or a deadly aquatic eel can barely touch me at all. Is it that Link's too overpowered? I don't know.
Excuse me ma'am, you dropped this!Graphics:
GCN: 9.5
Wii: 8.5It's a shame Twilight Princess wasn't released in 2005, because a perfect ten would have been the suitable number for this category. The simple fact of the matter is, Twilight Princess is a really, really pretty GameCube game. The Wii isn't incredibly capable compared to other next-generation consoles, but there's no doubt it can produce graphics even slightly better than what you see here. The game looks outdated, plain and simple. That's not to say that Twilight Princess is a particularly ugly game, not at all. What you'll find here is an exceptionally detailed world, bringing a new life to Hyrule's culture, nature and mythology. The houses in Ordon Village detail how the Hyruleans live, as do the Ordonian's fashion sense. The knights of Hyrule Castle use rather unique weaponry, the Goron's tattoos bring a meaning to their laws and way of life, even the plants in the Faron Woods have got something to say to the imagination. And let's not forget about the Twilight Realm, a creative and surreal world unlike anything you've ever seen. It should be noted to Zelda fanatics that Hyrule in the Wii version is actually mirrored, and that the land of the rising Triforce represents
Ocarina of Time Hyrule in the GameCube edition. Some environments might look a bit ugly, there are plenty of framerate issues in the GameCube version, and it might not be the beautiful cel-shaded style of
Wind Waker's, but Twilight Princess is a game that proves that great art won't ruin the score in the graphics department. The Wii version also supports 16:9 widescreen mode. Don't forgot your component cables!
"The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess is the first game in the series to really take the story aspects of the game seriously."Sound:
GCN: 8.5
Wii: 8.5First of all, Twilight Princess does indeed sound terrific. This game sports a brilliant original score. There are a number of different themes playing for the game's several unique areas, and then you've got pieces for individual boss battles (listen in for boss five) and for the quest's many cutscenes. Midna's theme is absolutely brilliant; it will definitely pull on your heart strings. But here's where Twilight Princess missed out: a lack of an orchestra. Twilight Princess is a large-scale game, and the best way to complement a large-scale game is with large-scale recorded sound only provided by strings, percussion, brass and whatever else. I can't help but feel slightly disappointed when listening to the game's opening theme with it's synthesized choir. MIDIs don't sound all that bad, and Nintendo have done well in composing them, but if
Super Mario Galaxy can do it, Twilight Princess should too. Voice acting may not have been vital in this Zelda, as reading the on-screen dialogue is almost like reading a book. But there's no denying that there's a lot of emotion in the character's text, and at some points, it would rather be heard than read. Link should stay mute, of course, but voice acting should be considered next time. Oh, and there's also plenty of grunts and cries and the like, and Midna basically has her own gibberish. The Wii remote speaker is also particularly immersing.
Princess Zelda forgets to show up on this date. Not such a stud now are we, Link?Story: 9.0Across the many plains of Hyrule, outside a deep forest lies the village of Ordon. A small community specialising in livestock and farming, the local goat wrangler just so happens to be everyone's favourite Hylian hero, Link. When the village guard, the talented swordsman Rusl is handed the duty of formally delivering an Ordon Shield to Hyrule's Royal Family, Rusl suggests handing the job to Link and his trusty steed, the chestnut Epona. Ready to embark on a wondrous journey, Link's plans are soon halted when a gang of Moblins invade the village. The bandits knock out Link and kidnap the village's children, including Link's close friend Ilia. When Link comes to, he runs for help, only to discover a bizarre curtain of darkness surrounding the nearby wood. Link then finds himself pulled into this bizarre force.
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess is the first game in the series to really take the story aspects of the game seriously. Whether this is a substitute for not offering any new gameplay features is unknown, but the truth is, just like the gameplay, the story is very much refined. Seriously, this is one well-devised tale. As you progress through the quest the plot is going to evolve in ways you've never imagined a Zelda game would. There are dozens of dramatic cutscenes, unique personalities, some excellent character development and even a scene which contemplates what would happen if Link turned evil. It's still the same simple idea of a young man leaving his home to save the princess and defeat evil, but the events that occur in between these common themes is unlike anything Nintendo have done before. There are some minor issues like the current situation sometimes being a little bit vague, characters developing too early on in the game and a butchered role for Ganondorf and Princess Zelda, and the game doesn't exactly feel as epic as it was portrayed to have been in 2004, but when you get over these small things, you realise just how excellent the story is. Midna's story, Midna's character, Midna's life is exceptional, and if you haven't yet played through the game entirely, you should, if only to spend some time with the best character Nintendo has ever conceived. You might not cry at the end, but you might just consider thinking about it.
Excuse me ma'am, you dropped this!Overall:
GCN: 9.5
Wii: 9.0
Top-notch gameplay, Wii's Hero's Bow, epic story, Midna rocks.
No orchestra, no new gameplay elements, GCN framerate issues, slightly outdated graphics.What's left to say about The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess? Well, a fair bit, actually. But I've rambled on for long enough and I've barely touched the surface of what this game is like. I understand a lot of people will disagree with the score of 9.5 - I realise Twilight Princess is far from the perfect game. Compared to when the three other 3D Zelda games launched, Twilight Princess would have to be the least impressive. If perhaps it received a quieter release in 2005 for the GameCube only, things would have been a bit different. But with that said, Twilight Princess is still an outstounding game. The developers added a lot of content, a lot of attention to detail, the gameplay has been very much refined, the story is mostly brilliant... well, I've already gone over this. So to answer the three questions at the beginning of the review: it is the best Zelda game developed, the GameCube version is superior, and it is not better than
Ocarina of Time... did I just say it was the best Zelda but not better than
Ocarina? Yeah, that's what I said, and that's what I mean. Enough arguments though, if you haven't played this game already, buy it and play it. If you have played this game already, play it again, because you know you want to. It's Zelda, for Din's sake.
?
.
. In fact, if I were to pick this up again I'd probably change a lot of it, make it better, if you know what I mean. Have a little try of the demo, anyway.
