Like so many others vested in the Legend of Zelda series, I eagerly awaited the arrival of a new Zelda title featuring an upped visual style since the launch of the GameCube. It was late in 2001, I believe, when we all caught the first glimpse of an impressively rendered image of Ganondorf clashing swords with with our beloved hero, Link. Mouth watering, eyes glowing in anticipation, I couldn't be more excited to jump into a Hyrule once more and traverse the landscapes of my childhood and partake in the legend once more.
What we got was The Wind Waker for the GameCube in 2003. While that was an entirely satisfying experience, it sort of left many (myself included) a bit taken aback. Where was the more mature visual styling presented before? Well, as absent as that may have been and after delay after delay, we finally receive the anticipated visual motif (and far, far more) in Twilight Princess.
As this is a Wii release, Twilight Princess utilizes the motion sensor capabilities of the Wii remote. To swing your sword, for instance, you simply swing the remote. It is interesting to take note that, because the remote is designed for right handed use, Twilight Princess is the first Zelda title in which Link is right handed. Now, of course you will gain a shield later on, which may also be used in combat and is utilized most frequently by quickly running the nun chuck attachment forward (this action is used to deflect arrows and magic attacks). Items such as the slingshot and bow & arrow are utilized by simply pointing the remote at the screen (or sensor bar, if you want to get technical) while holding and releasing the B button trigger. It really is a simple process and it makes firing such weapons seemingly easier than in previous titles. My only complaint with the use of motion sensing in the sword fighting area is that sometimes it seems as if the swings require a bit more "oomph" to register than would seem comfortable. Other than that, it adds an entirely new and fun level to the gaming experience. You will also make use of the remote in other areas of the game such as fishing, wherein the remote will act as a rod and the nun chuck a reel.
Another interesting gameplay element introduced in Twilight Princess is the ability to change into a wolf. At first this is primarily used in "twilight realms" as Link cannot assume his human form in such places (that all changes later on in the story, but I digress). When in wolf form, Link uses different styles of attack and also inherits the abilities to "sense" and "dig". Sense is used most prominently when spirits of another realm are present, making it possible for Link to listen to what they are saying or see what they are doing. This ability is also used to see and attack Poe ghosts located throughout Hyrule, as well as sense trails utilizing scents picked up at various stages. Dig is used to dig up items which will be located under sparkling patches of earth or to tunnel underground, both while using sense. While I can honestly say that I would not want to remain in wolf form for any longer than needed, the bits in the game where its presented are fun and offer a change of pace.
Now, I'm not really one to gush over graphics. If a game looks nice, I'll certainly take notice and give proper praise, but the gameplay and story are always the heart of the matter in my book. Anyway, I will admit that I was a bit disappointed that The Wind Waker took on a cel shaded look for the GameCube. I was looking forward to a more refined Ocarina of Time stylization and, well, we're given exactly that in Twilight Princess. Once having left Link's humble home setting in the Ordona Province, it's hard for one not to realize that Hyrule is back and most certainly in outstanding form. The areas are big and filled with lush, rolling hills, rock slabbed mountains, and pathways here and there. It's a joy to explore such a wonderfully rendered version of Hyrule and this transfers to other areas of the game. Character models, for instance, are rather pleasing. The human like characters retain a more realistic balance while certain creatures hearken back to a more Wind Waker-style realization (there even seems to be cel shaded elements present in the game, which work out quite nicely). Other areas inconsistent with Hyrule's countryside are also very aesthetically pleasing and do indeed bring to mind experiences from Ocarina of Time. While many of the designs for dungeons and even the landscape of Hyrule as a whole have been changed, there are intricate designs in place throughout the world and many of the references are subtle, such as the Deku symbol located on a type of bug found in one of the provinces or a familiar design weave on Princess Zelda's dress. All of the visual elements, in their very pleasing manner, combine to achieve the refined look many of us were hoping for.
In the realm of sound, Twilight Princess incorporates many effects which we are familiar with. Most notable are Link's shouts while swinging his sword. The hallmark of any Zelda title, however (when it comes to sound, at any rate), is the music. The soundtrack features some new tracks, but a lot of them are new renditions of songs heard in Ocarina of Time. This lends the game to a warm, nostalgic sense of being. Instead of an ocarina or baton, however, music is played through the mode of howling in wolf form. Familiar tunes are also present in various locations. For instance, the Kakariko Village theme remains largely intact with a new Native American motif while the Death Mountain or Goron Village themes sound almost entirely the same. This may not work those hoping to be treated to an all around new score. It's also important to note that the music retains a MIDI format (unlike the teaser trailer music, which is undoubtedly orchestrated). Overall, it makes for a very pleasant and nostalgic listening experience.
I must have played through Ocarina of Time 10 times or so. Not only were there a number of side quests to be done aside from the main dungeons and such, but the story was gripping enough that it kept me coming back for more. Twilight Princess carries on in this tradition. There are many side quests and mini games that can keep you busy even after you've completed the game. You might want to locate bugs (similar to the gold skulltulas in Ocarina of Time) or stock up on your heart pieces by locating all of them hidden throughout Hyrule, you could also help rid a man of his curse by destroying and collecting Poe ghosts located in Hyrule or help raise a shop in the Castle Town. There are a number of things to be done and they all come with their own reward.
Now that this part of the Legend of Zelda is concluded, I eagerly await once more the continuation. Not only does Twilight Princess exceed my expectations, but I feel now as if I want to go back and relive this section of the story once again if not more than that. This is one of the most engrossing gaming experiences I have had and, without a doubt, this is a Zelda title that features one of the better stories in the series to date.
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