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Step aside, Ocarina - Twilight Princess has you beat.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 6
Date: December 27, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Zelda games are released so rarely that I await each release with a certain amount of anxiety, wondering if Nintendo has again managed to craft an experience worthy of the Zelda namesake; is the magic of Hyrule still there, or has it run dry? Fortunately, Zelda: Twilight Princess not only lives up to its predecessors, but surpasses every one of them - yes, including the Ocarina of Time - in terms of scope, storytelling, technical achievements, and entertainment value.

Looking at a map of Hyrule, the one of the first things that hit me about this Zelda was its massive scale. Everything about the game is grand, from the colossal Kingdom of Hyrule to the varied dungeons and gigantesque bosses. Exploring such a large game world should feel like a chore, but it never does. This is partly due to clever pacing, and partly thanks to your trusty steed and some convenient warping abilities acquired later in the game. Even with these shortcuts, this Zelda is one epic adventure; it took me 55 hours to beat Twilight Princess, and I didn't dawdle very much... there are some side-quests and mini-games that I haven't even tried yet.

Of course, Twilight Princess is visually and aurally delicious. Scenery is varied and detailed, striking a good balance between color and realism. The glare effect of bloom lighting is used masterfully to bathe objects and characters in either a moody glow or blinding brilliance, depending on the setting and time of day. This adds enormously to the ambiance of fantasy and magic; a few such treats are the bluish glint of moonlight on Link's sword at night and the fair glow of Princess Zelda's face. Moreover, character models are a vast leap over Ocarina and Wind Waker. Link is a convincing adolescent hero, Midna possesses a mischievous and animated charm, and Zelda is radiant with regal beauty; other characters are just as unique and memorable.

The music is a dynamic mix of moody beats, heroic themes, and emotional ballads, and accents both gameplay and story scenes nicely. A few dungeon themes felt a bit uninspired - I think Ocarina of Time had better dungeon music - and some of the midi voice tracks came off as cheesy to my ears. But everything else is exquisite, from the orchestral fanfare of Hyrule Field, to the restful harmony of Lake Hylia, to the numerous character themes. The context-sensitive music is also implemented impeccably; for example, a partial triumph in a boss battle is accompanied by a heroic crescendo. Sound effects are satisfying, especially the exaggerated echoes of the twilight realm. Voice-acted dialogue would have been nice, but I actually found Midna's gibberish charming.

Storyline has never been the strongest part of the Zelda experience, but I really shines in the Twilight Princess. The progression of events is a bit more linear than in Ocarina of Time, but I don't consider this a defect; this linearity gives rise to a much more engrossing storyline, with better pacing, more surprises, better character development, and even a few moments that tug at the heartstrings, particularly the game's ending. It's not perfect - the ending, for instance, came a bit too suddenly for my taste - and it's still not as complex as Final Fantasy, but it doesn't need to be. For the first time in a Zelda game, I really cared what happened to the characters; this, more than anything, is a sign that the Zelda series has finally grown up.

Of course, the gameplay is superb. This is an epic adventure with many secrets and surprises along the way. Earning money is more fun and feels more useful than in Ocarina. There is a good mix of new and old items to play around with. The environment is highly interactive, and the human/wolf duality is implemented very well. Puzzles are intelligent, sometimes frustrating, but usually logical. And the battle system is periodically made fresh as Link learns new techniques along the way. Some parts would surely be easier with the Wii controller, particularly battles that require precise aiming, but the Gamecube controller is still quite adequate. My one complaint is that boss fights could have been more difficult; ironically, some mini-bosses are harder than dungeon bosses! Nintendo should have included an optional difficulty setting for seasoned players, say, doubling the amount of damage dealt by enemy blows. Still, the game is never so easy as to be boring.

In summary, Twilight Princess is an absolute gem of a game, a beautiful and epic adventure that is nonetheless over far too quickly. My very highest recommendation.

The Best Gamecube Game Ever!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 5
Date: December 30, 2006
Author: Amazon User

When I got this game I was unsure I would really like it. It turned out to be amazing. Everyone should get this game. I am about half way through into it. The graphics are amazing. It is so fun! It is totally worth the money.

Link lives on the Gamecube

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 5
Date: December 17, 2006
Author: Amazon User

The long awaited (and that's saying it lightly) Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess is finally here. Nintendo shocked gamers worldwide when they announced the eagerly anticipated game would be released for both the Gamecube and the Wii, and then threw another delay on the title. Well, now, it's here, and chances are, you already know what you're getting here. If you played the Wii version, you'll find that there aren't many differences between that version and this Gamecube conversion (Link's a lefty here), as it boasts some high-res graphics and the same compelling gameplay that Zelda fans would come to expect. This time around, Link finds himself protecting Zelda and Hyrule from the Twilight: an evil force threatening the land. Lucky for Link that when he needs to, he can transform into a wolf. The wolf gameplay elements are a really nice addition to the classic gameplay formula that has been applied to Zelda games for years: intelligent puzzles, rewarding battles and large dungeons, and a very long and epic quest that just makes Twilight Princess all the sweeter. The sound design, music, and controls are all wonderfully done as well, and overall the game boasts a kind of polish that hasn't been seen in an original Gamecube game in a long time. If you don't own a Wii and Twilight Princess and are still holding on to your rapidly dying 'Cube, then you already know this is a must own.

wow.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 5
Date: June 29, 2007
Author: Amazon User

this zelda game is the best one yet. its like ocarina of time on steroids. this game is an adventure game. you'll be travelling to many kinds of towns and places. if i were to review this game it would take me hours to write. there's so much going on here. also, this is the last great game for the nintendo gamecube. i really recommend this to anyone who likes to play adventure games or anyone who plays video games period. i'll leave all the small details about this game for you guys to check out. jus go and play it.

Amazing!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 3
Date: December 22, 2006
Author: Amazon User

First, I would like to say wow to this game. I have been a follower of the Zelda series for a long time and this is definately one of the best installments of the series. I have been following this game for a year and am very excited to finally get my hands on it. This is probably going to be one of the last "big" games for the Gamecube as the Wii comes in and Nintendo is making sure that the GameCube is going out with a bang.
The Legend of Zelda: The Twilight Princess comes before the Wind Waker (the other Zelda game for GameCube) but after the Ocarina of Time (Originally for the Nintendo 64).
GRAPHICS - The graphics are much improved and are the better than the last Legend of Zelda, as well as most GameCube games in general.
SOUND - This time around, Koji Kondo pushed for some orchestrated sounds so not all that you hear will be MIDI sound files like in the last games. Now, you can hear the glory of Zelda as well although there aren't as many musical elements as there were in the Ocarina of Time.
CONTROLS - The controls are basically the same as in the Windwaker (and the Ocarina of Time on GameCube if you got it in a special promotional deal) and take no real getting used to accept for equipping items
PLOT & GAMEPLAY - I really like the idea of two forms of Link. His human form and his wolf form that he can alternate with by entering the twilight. Hyrule has been covered in twilight and you must save the kingdom from the evil doer who controls the twilight. They have put a unique twist on most of the items (i.e. Boomerang --> The Gale Boomerang which creates a wind as well). The game is amazing with hours of gameplay

Overall, whether it is someone getting into the Zelda Franchise or an experience player. This is an awesome addition to any gamers collection. Buy it! Beat it! Love it! Definately worth the money and wait!

Absolutely awesome installment of a great series!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 3
Date: January 03, 2007
Author: Amazon User

I am an avid Zelda fan and have played all of the console versions of Zelda (I don't bother with the Gameboy versions). I love these games. This review is for all of those people out there that despised Windwalker as much as I did.

When Windwalker was released, I was so incredibly disappointed with the graphics that I couldn't play it more than an hour. Seriously, what was with the Southpark graphics with a Windows look and feel?

Anyway, Twilight Princess is back to the same enjoyable graphics that were seen in the Nintendo 64 versions. Given the limitations of the video card on the Gamecube, the graphics are excellent. Here's the other reasons I love this game!

1.) Back to the excellent tricks and puzzles you need to progress in the game or to find secret items.
2.) You can attack from horseback now!
3.) Easy to use and useful 7 blade skills for melee combat.
4.) Nice and long game (I am disappointed in games that take less than 20 hours to finish the first time I play).
5.) The storyline is simple and straightforward, which I enjoy for a video game. In a video game I like forward movement, not lots of reading.
6.) The bosses are not too hard. Yeah, I like a little challenge but my personal view of Zelda fun is figuring out the puzzles in the game. Frankly, the monsters/bosses are REALLY easy in this installment.
7.) I enjoyed the graphics and going back to a teenager Link. The Southpark stump of a baby boy in Windwalker was ridiculous.

To sum it up, I enjoyed Twilight Princess as much as I enjoyed Ocarina of Time. The two games felt very similiar to me (which is a good thing). A whole brand new world with new puzzles!

Final Gamecube Epic...Gamecube goes out with a bang of Glory

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 3
Date: March 12, 2007
Author: Amazon User

Lets face it, the current generation systems (meaning XBOX, Playstation 2 and the Nintendo Gamecube), are on their way out the door. Some, most notably the Gamecube have forefully jammed their foot in the door and are relenting to move. With the release of The Legend of Zelda: The Twilight Princess, Nintendo shows that they wanted Gamecube fans to have one last great game before the end comes, which it will. And a great game this is! The Twilight Princess was relased on both Gamecube and the Wii, and the graphics for the Gamecube version rival that of the Wii's!!! However, since the Wii is still in its trial phase, that doesn't really say all that much, just that the Gamecube version is no slouch at all! With THE best graphics to ever grace Nintendo's dying system, the Twilight Princess presents us with smooth looking and "darker" graphics. Those of you who have played The Wind Waker and hated the child like animation, fear not! The Twilight Princess' graphics are much more "grown up" looking and much darker, in both shading, look and feel. While the game still has the same problems that other games do on this system (notably the jagged edges that you will see once in a while in the graphics), the game looks stunningly beautiful and fresh. The controls are good ol' zelda controls, so there is nothing to complain about there.
On to the game...
The story like mirrors the Ocarina of Time, the Zelda game released for the Nintendo 64 (way back in the day). For those of you that have spent much blood, sweat and tears trudging through that challenge, your in for a treat! All of the temples, villages and even the great Hyrule Field make their appearance again, this time revamped in both graphics and challenge. For example, you go to the Gorgon mountain, Zora's temple and the forest temple, just like in Ocarina of Time. And you start off in the same viilage (in the same hut!) as you do in Ocarina of Time. Your horse is the same (Epona). But the graphics are much better looking! The sound (especially if you are playing in surround sound digital) is amazing! Everything from chains clanking against the ground, to echos sound true to life and awesome.
The dungeons (in my opinion) are much more challenging in a puzzle aspect, however the bosses are somewhat simplistic. I suppose they made the battles easy because Zelda fans range anywhere from 10 years of age and up. Nevertheless, the boss battles are inventive and creative, many of them have left me in awe (wait till you fight the boss of the Gorgon Mine dungeon)!
I am about halfway through Zora's temple (not even sure how far in the game that is), and I am still intrigued.
Now, don't go thinking that Twilight Princess is an exact port of The Ocarina of Time. No, they have added enough new content to keep it fun and new. For example, following the story of the Twilight Princess, there are "Twilight" versions of the world, where you are transformed into a wolf and you have to complete certain missions before you can turn back into human form. And, you have a permanent sidekick named Midna, who is from the "Twilight" world and who aids you.
I would have to say that sometimes the gameplay when you turn into a wolf seems a little contrived, as if they threw it in just so there would be variation. The wolf missions are all similar (i.e kill a bunch of insects and gather a life force of some sort), but they are fun in their own right. Heck, the graphics and the dungeon missions are worth this game alone!
Overall, if you are a Zelda fan, or just a fan of great adventure games, and you own a Gamecube, pick this one up! Even if you don't own one, this game is worth picking up a Gamecube for. They are really cheap these days, and I would recommend you not go without this experience!

Awesomely Awesome Awe-inspring Awesomeness!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 3
Date: September 03, 2007
Author: Amazon User

This game was totally awesome! I heard it was much more fun and challenging on the Wii, but if you're like me and you don't have a Wii, you can still have loads of fun with this game. It was actually supposed to be released on the Gamecube, but they pushed it back so the Wii could get in on the total greatness of Twilight Princess. In my opinion, this game was better than Windwaker, but many argue that the large size of Hyrule Field is equivalent to the Ocean in Windwaker; that is, there is a lot of travel time in this game. A LOT. Although the twilight world is not much of an innovation in the Zelda series, Link's Wolf Form definitely adds a new approach to the overall gameplay of Twilight Princess. If you like any of the Zelda series, I strongly recommend you buy this title, either for the Gamecube or Wii, because it is definitely worth it!

GREAT GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 8
Date: December 14, 2006
Author: Amazon User

I would give this game 10 stars but this only goes to 5.
Everything about this game is great the graphics, the control and the story.
I never thought I would ever find a game that would match Ocarina Of Time but I finally have.

Don't pass this game up!! This is a must buy!!

same old Zelda -- gaming has reached the point of diminishing returns

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 5 / 8
Date: December 28, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Good: the graphics are the second best of the current generation, trumped only by Shadow of the Colossus. Lighting, in particular, is gorgeous, the best I've seen. The sound/music is also the best of the current generation, and by a large margin. Features an incredibly big, detailed game area with a super draw distance. It is a very long, deep game. Worth as much as two normal games, because there's simply twice as much of it. The same breathtaking moments that are in all Zelda games are here, only far, far more of them.

Bad: same annoyances as all the Zelda titles: too many options result in puzzles that, while never overly difficult, could have any of thousand different solutions, which regularly brings the action to a screeching halt. By throwing everything but the kitchen sink at the player, the effect becomes more one of weight than of freedom. The game creates the illusion of freedom, but in reality is totally linear. Goofy, juvenile characters and humor regularly destroy the atmosphere that the rest of the game works so hard to create. (Stuff that is simultaneously creepy and silly, like the talking chicken with the human head that exists to warp in and out of dungeons, and the super-capitalist toddler who runs his own shop, might bring a brief smile, but at the cost of pulling anyone over the age of 12 out of the experience). The towns and the non-player characters are empty props with no sense of reality. Way, way too much backtracking, as in all the Zelda games. Items and weapons are too often just throwaway diversions meant only for one or two segments of the game, after which they become irrelevant. Same old interminable load screens, cutscenes and text boxes to slog through. And this game is very nearly a straight re-make of Ocarina of Time: it's the same people, places and gameplay, with new names and skins; so if you played Ocarina you've seen and done this all before -- only not with this graphics card.

(This game shows, in a way, how little evolution there has been since Ocarina. There have been many generations of consoles, but only three generations of games: single screen games (Pong, Pac-Man), scrolling screen games, whether top-down like the original Zelda, side-scrolling like the orginal Super Mario, or faux 3-D scrolling towards the viewer, like old racing games; and finally, the true 3-D games that really began with the analog thumbstick on the N64 and its launch title Mario 64, the engine of which also powered Ocarina. In this sense, Twilight does not fundamentally differ from Ocarina, and neither do any of the games on the new generation of consoles. Gaming has reached a technological endpoint of sorts; it is all diminishing returns from here on out. However, this doesn't excuse the fact that Zelda has hardly progressed at all in terms of gameplay, drawing nothing from revolutionary open-world games like GTA 3 or Shadow of the Colossus).

Bottom line: Nintendo is the Walt Disney of gaming studios. They consistently deliver quality, but they never deliver anything that could be called a true classic. They regulary release impressive big-budget product that tries to be all things to all people, while staying within their core demographic of family entertainment. As always, you can take for granted that you will be amazed at the level of polish and professionalism in the presentation; as always, the game is addictively playable. And as always, it falls short of being a real work of art because Nintendo refuses to stretch beyond its established boundaries.

And as always, you'll play the heck out of it anyway, and enjoy almost every moment of it...

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