The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

By Rob Fahey Published 6 June, 2005

Cube basks in the Twilight.

In a year when Sony and Microsoft were too busy obsessing over next-generation at their pre-E3 conferences to pay anything other than passing lip-service to the current generation of consoles - you know, the ones you and I have underneath our televisions right now - Nintendo, typically, bucked the trend. The company's idea of saving the best for the final moments of its event in Hollywood was not a startling revelation regarding the power of a console that doesn't yet exist, a tech demo or a vacuous American celebrity hired to elicit some whooping from the crowd (although god knows the Nintendo conference attendees don't need help with that - where on earth do they find these people? Is there a special talent agency which exists to supply incredibly loud and embarrassingly over-excitable young men for these events?). Instead, it was a rolling video of a current-gen game, pushing no more polygons and calculated using no more teraflops than we're already used to, and set to be in our grubby mitts before Christmas.

If it were any other game, they would surely have been labelled as mad - not exactly an accusation Nintendo is unfamiliar with, I might add. Thankfully, the game they had to show off was Legend of Zelda, now sporting the helpfully distinguishing subtitle of Twilight Princess. The crowd roared its appreciation, and for a change, it seemed to have a point. The world wanted to know about Revolution, but as we battled our way through the heaving masses to the press kit desks and beyond to the promise of sunlight and air, all the Eurogamer hacks in attendance wanted to know was how the hell Link gets turned into a wolf; what the hell the strange, dark creatures dropping into Hyrule are; and most of all, how the hell it plays!

We still don't know the answers to the first two questions. If you've seen the video, your guess is as good as ours, really. Thankfully, though, we did get a solid chunk of insight into the last question, and we can confirm this - finding the answers to the first two is going to be a lot of fun. Link's back, and losing the cel-shaded look is far from the only change along the way from the wide-eyed moppet seen in the fun-but-flawed Wind Waker to the moody, handsome teen of Twilight Princess. Link's older, wiser, darker and more violent. So is Hyrule, for that matter. Even Epona has a darker streak this time around - and then, of course, there's the whole wolf thing...

Doubters might be making unwelcome connections with Prince of Persia: Warrior Within right about now, so let me reassure you on that front. The charming, mute Link we all know and love (the best kind of man, some of my lady friends assure me) hasn't suddenly started filling his iPod with bad American nu-metal and refusing to tidy his room or come downstairs and say hello to his auntie. Smouldering with generic rage is quite definitely off the menu. Trent Reznor seems unlikely to get called up to provide a soundtrack. There's some pretty hardcore evil afoot, though, and Link just needs to be a bit more hardcore himself to handle it. But first, he has to herd some goats.

'The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess' Screenshot 1

That's where the first demo we played kicked off, with Link - clad in a normal tunic rather than his famous green garb - wrapping up a day's work on the farm by herding some goats into a barn on horseback. In typical Zelda-style, this whole section is really teaching you a lot of basic game skills, such as mounting and dismounting Epona, the basic horseback movement controls, how to jump fences and the fact that goats are, frankly, tricky little buggers. The graphics are crisp and detailed, with plenty of life and movement to the farm and village scenes, and the transition back to the more realistic look hasn't robbed the characters and environments of any of their quirky humour and unconventional style.

One short but amusing conversation with the mayor and his feisty daughter later, we're off to explore the village properly - although within seconds, Link is roped into helping out a woman who has managed to drop her baby, cradle and all, into the river. Sounds like natural selection in action to me, but even feeling the ghost of Darwin frowning over my shoulder, I take a trip downriver in a small boat to find the lost child. Again, this is Nintendo holding me by the hand - I'm now learning how to control a boat, carry and interact with objects, and so on. There are some rough edges on this control system which need to be ironed out, most notably where the A button fails to offer you a vital action unless you're standing in exactly the right position and facing exactly the right direction, which can make it easy to miss the solutions to problems. With several months to go before launch, though, this is a minor issue which should almost certainly be fixed - when have you ever seen a headline Nintendo game with unpolished controls, after all?

'The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess' Screenshot 2

So far, everything seems comfortingly familiar. It's in the next demo that things get mixed up a bit. Link's found his green tunic and hat, an outfit which frankly only he can carry off with anything remotely approaching panache, and he's riding across a plain on horseback fending off attacks from some pretty ugly orc-like creatures riding on the backs of boars while he chases down their leader, a very ugly orc-creature who has kidnapped a small boy from the village, tied him to the end of a pike and is riding around with the child as a trophy. The combat in this section is intense, and surprisingly tactical.

Epona has limited stamina, represented by a number of gradually recharging dots at the bottom of the screen which show how many times you can spur her on for a burst of speed. Fall back, and you can swing your sword to take down the orc riders who are attempting to skewer you with arrows, but you risk being knocked from your horse - and frankly, on the ground you're mincemeat unless you can make your way back to Epona quickly. Speed ahead, jumping over obstacles to catch up, and you can take out the villain of the piece. Eventually, this demo level ended with a jousting contest on a narrow bridge over a vast chasm, where a well-timed sword swing could send the ugly chap hurtling to his doom.

'The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess' Screenshot 3

We passed through a polystone tunnel in the specially constructed area of the Nintendo stand to find the next two demos, stopping briefly to be rather impressed by a giant animatronic skeleton warrior which lunged at us from behind some iron bars and a large wolf which threatened to remove the hat from the head of a ludicrously tall American gentleman. For our next treat, Nintendo had lined up something a bit more familiar once again - namely a dungeon section, filled with the kind of puzzles that every Zelda game has done so well.

As ever, though, new elements have been introduced. For this jungle-type dungeon, the standard tricks are in place - the wind boomerang being the toy we got to play with most - but heeding the cries of gamers the world over (we assume), the creators have also seen fit to equip Link with... A monkey. Yes, for this section of the game at least, our elfin hero is accompanied by a cheeky simian, which can help with certain puzzles. For example, one area which Link couldn't jump across unaided was spanned by getting our new pal to hold onto the ceiling with his feet and swing us across with his hands. Everyone should have a monkey. It's a cool section of the game, and the monkey's AI - while heavily scripted - works very well, with no getting caught on walls or what have you. We hope there'll be plenty more such companion-based puzzles in the game, as it's a great new addition to the Zelda mix.

'The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess' Screenshot 4

Our final tryst with Link came in the form of a boss battle - which was simultaneously the most impressive demo, with a full-on Zelda-style boss creature occupying pretty much the entirety of a giant cavern and needing to be taken down with a combination of quick reaction times, observation skills and guile, and the one about which there's least to say. It looked great - genuinely intimidating and creative in its design - and it played well, with the controls holding up well despite the need for careful timing and manoeuvring. Killing the giant ugly chap off is immensely satisfying, and no mistake; but if you've played Zelda, you've been here before, and you know that that's no bad thing. Zelda has always done bosses spectacularly well, and judging from the evidence of this demo, Twilight Princess will be no exception.

And with that, it was out into the bright lights and noise of the E3 show floor once more with us; but given the enormous queue we walked past on our way out, I don't think I was alone in mentally marking out Legend of Zelda as one of the most exciting things on display in Los Angeles. This is unquestionably a strong evolution for the franchise, rather than a revolution, and sadly it's probably inevitable that some people will criticise the game for that very reason - but on the strength of all we've seen, Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess is shaping up to be one of the best games of the year, if not one of the best games of the generation as a whole. Prepare to dust down that Cube once again - the best is yet to come.

Picture of Rob.

About Rob Fahey

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Comments (80) Latest comment 6 years ago

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  • Thamuhacha #1 7 years ago

    'twas awesome

  • Blerk #2 7 years ago

    Yup, this was most likely the highlight of E3 for me. Blew all those next-gen games out of the water. Shame Nintendo's not doing anything else of note for the Cube now.

  • skybluesam86 #3 7 years ago

    I'm already stupidly excited about this game.

    I can see it being the best thing to be released in years (maybe since the last Zelda :p)

  • Huntcjna #4 7 years ago

    Im gonna bust out wind walker to celebrate

  • Carpathian #5 7 years ago

    It's got a monkey in it ?

    Add me to the "waiting for a copy" list.

    Zelda + *Monkey* = genius......

  • Baronen #6 7 years ago

    But is it worth buying a Cube for...?

  • skybluesam86 #7 7 years ago

    But, um, weren't there co-op sections in Wind Waker?

    You know, with that annoying little green plant man, etc...

  • Artemus #8 7 years ago

    "But is it worth buying a Cube for...?"

    You should have already bought one for RE4.

  • skybluesam86 #9 7 years ago

    "But is it worth buying a Cube for...?"

    You should have already bought one for RE4.

    And Wind Waker. And Viewtiful Joe.

  • O-Fox #10 7 years ago

    What about the difficulty? Wind Waker was a much easier game than its predecessors, is this the same, or is it too early to tell?

  • Wash #11 7 years ago

    buyin a console for a game is a bit harsh..

    saying that tho the cube has more than zelda and RES4 (which i didnt particulary like).

    I'm sure this game will be grand, but i'm not blown away by it visually.

  • sharpkiddie Verified Lead Developer, Eurogamer Network #12 7 years ago

    And Wind Waker. And Viewtiful Joe.

    And Monkey Ball.

  • O-Fox #13 7 years ago

    And Wind Waker. And Viewtiful Joe.

    And Monkey Ball.

    And Metriod Prime.

  • ST.. #14 7 years ago

    I honestly was indifferent till you mentioned the Monkey bit. It DOES sound a bit overly familar though, I mean those old dungeon puzzles have been around a long time now.

    I wonder if something like Shadow Of The Colossus will prove much fresher?

  • Genji #15 7 years ago

    Cubes are dirt cheap now. There's really no reason not to get one.

  • O-Fox #16 7 years ago

    ST: I can't think of a single game that has had monkeys in it and not been really good. Donkey Kong land 2, Super Monkey Ball, Ape Escape, just to name a few. Vive la monkey revolution!

  • meggsy #17 7 years ago

    Something like this, O-Fox?

    http://www.worth1000.com/entries/107000/107257qVYu_w.JPG

  • spazmo #18 7 years ago

    I think the problem Nintendo have with Zelda is that the games have to retain certain qualities in order for it to feel like a Zelda game. It's a careful balancing act of trying to include new ideas while still keeping the familiar elements. They manage it well though. Best game series going as far as i'm concerned.

  • Artemus #19 7 years ago

    It's a shame I can only think of two Cube games I want in the near future. This obviously and Killer 7. Maybe Geist if it's not crap.

  • OldWormsFan #20 7 years ago

    ...and Batallion Wars.

  • captain-future #21 7 years ago

    Baronen: But is it worth buying a Cube for...?

    Yes, with a copy of RE4 certainly.

    This christmas will be great.
    Edited by 1 at 06/06/05 @ 14:35

  • Blerk #22 7 years ago

    ...and Batallion Wars.

    You jest, surely?

  • O-Fox #23 7 years ago

    meggsy, that's awesome

  • MBar #24 7 years ago

    And Metriod Prime.

    And Mario Sunshine.

    ...

    What? Well, I liked it ...

  • Feanor #25 7 years ago

    I only have two GC games, but this'll definitely be the third unless Ihappen to buy another one between now and November. I've never played a Zelda game so I'm really looking forward to playing what will hopefully be the best Zelda ever made.

  • smelly #26 7 years ago

    "I'm sure this game will be grand, but i'm not blown away by
    it visually. "

    While obviously visuals dont matter sqwat to gameplay.. Are you BLIND?!?! Look at it man! That's easily one of the best looking games of this gen!

  • OldWormsFan #27 7 years ago

    >You jest, surely?

    No????? You not see it at E3 I take it....

  • Blerk #28 7 years ago

    No. I saw it last E3 and it looked terrible. Have they completely rewritten it?

  • OldWormsFan #29 7 years ago

    "No. I saw it last E3 and it looked terrible. Have they
    completely rewritten it? "

    So you disagree with every web based preview???

  • Wash #30 7 years ago

    "That's easily one of the
    best looking games of this gen!"

    I'm not seeing it :S

  • freedumb #31 7 years ago

    'I'm already stupidly excited about this game.'

    Hey, that was my line, in some leaked Zelda info commments post a while back. I'm still stupidly excited though.

  • Blerk #32 7 years ago

    This year or last year? Every preview I read of it after last year's E3 said something along the lines of "oh my God, what have they done?". I've not read any previews this time. Point me at one.

  • Galvanizer #33 7 years ago

    What about FFCC? That's a good multiplayer RPG?

    Tales of Symphnia and Paper Mario 2 are two of the best RPG's this generation!
    ------
    Zelda is without the best-looikng game this gen! It surpasses Resi 4 effortlessly.

    It's not the only ace graphics but the animation of Link, enemies, and NPC's that is awesome. The particle effects, the lighting, the colours, the ICO inspired temple design....

    The animation of Link and enemies in combat is the best fighting scenes this generation! Nuff said!

  • Galvanizer #34 7 years ago

    After all Miyamoto focuses on animation over graphics in his games.

    Zelda: TWW and Zelda: TP show this clearly.

  • skybluesam86 #35 7 years ago

    Also, have you seen the shots in the Twighlight Realm thingy?

    The way the 'realistic' style in blended with the cel-shaded look of Wind Waker is quite spectacular imo. Breathtaking.

  • Wash #36 7 years ago

    "Zelda is without the best-looikng game this gen! It
    surpasses Resi 4 effortlessly.

    It's not the only ace graphics but the animation of Link,
    enemies, and NPC's that is awesome. The particle effects,
    the lighting, the colours, the ICO inspired temple
    design....

    The animation of Link and enemies in combat is the best
    fighting scenes this generation! Nuff said!"

    ok!! On the GC then possibly. But its not best thing gen.

  • OldWormsFan #37 7 years ago

    http://cube.ign.com/articles/613/613599p1.html?fromint=1

    http://www.gamespot.com/gamecub e/action/advancewarsunderfire/preview_6124906.html

    To name but two...

  • LittleJohn #38 7 years ago

    Nice. Hope Argos are still doing those cheap Cubes.

  • Blerk #39 7 years ago

    To name but two...

    Well... they seem to think it's okay but it all sounds distinctly 'meh' to me. I'm glad they've dropped the 'Advance Wars' bit from the title because it's obvious that the two games bear no relation whatsoever to one another. Hopefully this means Nintendo is producing a 'proper' AW for the Cube instead, then.

  • varsas #40 7 years ago

    I'm really looking forward to this like everyone else! I'm also looking forward to Fire Emblem on GC.

  • OldWormsFan #41 7 years ago

    "Well... they seem to think it's okay but it all sounds
    distinctly 'meh' to me. I'm glad they've dropped the
    'Advance Wars' bit from the title because it's obvious that
    the two games bear no relation whatsoever to one another.
    Hopefully this means Nintendo is producing a 'proper' AW for
    the Cube instead, then. "

    A turnbased 3D advance wars game would suck. It's not 3D for a reason ya'know... :)

  • Blerk #42 7 years ago

    Who said I wanted it to be 3D? :-)

  • GuiltySpark #43 7 years ago

    "Zelda is without the best-looikng game this gen! It
    surpasses Resi 4 effortlessly".

    Bullshit.Resident evil is a game of the gods. If it was a girl id have sex with her. :-)

  • Ceatlan #44 7 years ago

    I must admit I'm a little dissappointed with the look of this. I thought Wind Waker was one of the most beautiful, enchanting and wonderfully styled games I've ever played. It was stunning in how it eschewed all the modern conventions on how a game should look, but at the same time was a joy to play and kept me enthralled like almost no other game ever has.

    This game though looks as though Miyamoto has given in to all teenage angst ridden yobs who plagued him with comments about how they'd never play a game that looked so kiddy. I mean I thought Wind Waker looked terrible from the screen shots, but once I saw it in motion I fell in love with it. Wind Waker was innovative and stylish throughout, from art work right through to gameplay, but this new game seems as though Miyamoto has decided he can't risk being innovative with the artistic style any more and must leave it just to the gameplay. I'm sure this will be a stunning game and all, it just saddens me to see it being so artisticly and stylisticly crippled.

  • trevd72 #45 7 years ago

    have they cut out the endless walking/sailing around that windwaker is guilty of and OOT is guilty of to a lesser extent. does my head in padding the gametime out with time wasting crap. and then they go on about games being to long. i do wish games were more punchy. i guess thats why i am always on halo 2 LIVE!, constant action all the time. I thought that the snes one was one of the best games ever. you did things most of the time as you could warp close to your objectives if i remember right....it has been a good few years since i played it. Let me explore but let me "cut to the chase" if i want.

  • Shrimp #46 7 years ago

    If you want a 2D turn-based Advance Wars on cube, why not just get a Gameboy Player?

  • fkh #47 7 years ago

    Shrimp: Because, as good Nintendo-owners, we have already played Advance Wars and Advance Wars 2.

    And just one new AW-game (for DS) isn`t enough!

    Where is my true-blue GameCube AW-game?

    Andy, Max and Olaf?

    Hello?

    Link?

    What are you doing here?

  • Donglebomb #48 7 years ago

    > Zelda has always done bosses spectacularly well

    I refer you to Bongo Bongo from Ocarina of Time, and the irreparable damage done to my controller (and very nearly to the TV screen) as a result.

    > But, um, weren't there co-op sections in Wind Waker?
    > You know, with that annoying little green plant man, etc...

    Annoying?! Makar = best character ever. Look at him! Look at his little leafy face! Look at him playing his tiny little violin! You'd have to be GENUINELY EVIL to find him annoying.

  • Shrimp #49 7 years ago

    It's just a different game - I guess if you want turn based strategy, then... yeah...

    Zelda looks nice though eh?

  • absolutezero #50 7 years ago

    Miyamoto has'nt really had all that much input on this new Zelda, go buy the new EDGE and find out how and why the game has been created the way it has.

    This is'nt a Miyamoto game its an Aonuma game, get used to his name.

    If your gonna name drop at least make sure its the right name.

  • smelly #51 7 years ago

    Im sure this game will be rubbish..

    And that there are going to be LOADS of better 1st party exclusives on the other 2 consoles by the end of the year.

    *cough*.

  • sonmi451 #52 7 years ago

    I was having coffee with ORSON WELLES and he mentioned that Miyamoto's moved upstairs since 'Ocarina of Time'.
    And yesterday at the tennis club whilst 2 breaks up to ALEX GUINNESS, he mentioned that Miyamoto tends to get credited as 'Executive Producer' these days. Damn fool made me serve long.

  • ProfessorLesser #53 7 years ago

    Aonuma has worked directly under Miyamoto for several years now. They have some of the same feathers under their cap. If you like, TP will be a tribute to the Miyamoto way of doing things.

    I am looking forward to this an indescribable amount. I felt immensely damaged by the gaping hole Wind Waker left in the Zelda-sized portion of my heart (having this very day sat A level bio papers, I can tell you that this is not good for keeping oxygenated blood separate from your deoxygenated blood, and is commonly known as a BFP, or Big Fucking Problem).

    Link has needed a monkey again ever since Kiki.

    EDIT: Schoolboy error. Twice!
    Edited by 1 at 06/06/05 @ 17:52

  • Azu87 #54 7 years ago

    It's intresting to see how everyone descripes the kidnapped person differently (the one that is tied to the end of a pike). Some magazines write that the person is a girl, not a boy. Some even say that she is Link's sister. And now fot the first time I know Eurogamer says that the person is a boy :D

  • Trowel #55 7 years ago

    Epona has limited stamina, represented by a number of gradually recharging dots at the bottom of the screen

    Was wondering how long the Animal Rights people would let them leave those whips in...

    As far as the kidnapped person, it was fairly sure that early on someone highish up confirmed that was Zelda?

    Zelda, kidnapped? Shurely shome mishtake...

  • caligari #56 7 years ago

    Sooooo I've just bought myself a BEAUTIFUL little platinum Gamecube, Eternal Darkness and a Memory Card alllll for £45.00 at Game (second hand you shmuck).

    I need some advice on good multiplayer games people, so get your lists together!

  • Galvanizer #57 7 years ago

    ^ FFCC and Zelda: Four Swords Adventures! BEST TWO ON THE SYSTEM! :-D

  • skybluesam86 #58 7 years ago

    Methinks that's just an error.

    It'll be published here by Nintendo Europe, but afaik, Nintendo Europe don't do any development.

    Oh, and Smash Bros. Melee - Best multiplayer game EVER!
    Edited by 1 at 06/06/05 @ 18:49

  • ProfessorLesser #59 7 years ago

    Timesplitters 2 and Mario Kart: Double Dash.

    Worms 3D can be a laugh if you're patient and have enough friends. Seriously, don't buy it for more than £10. It's quite poor.

  • inpHilltr8r #60 7 years ago

    monkeys = buy!

  • Negotiator #61 7 years ago

    One last great swansong for Nintendo before they disappear up their own backside with the Revolution following.

  • Toonster #62 7 years ago

    Life is so, so sweet. God Bless Nintendo! Now Sony fans can stop calling Nintendo kiddy. Although Metroid Prime is rated T.

    Let's see... I like Super Smash Bros. Melee and Metroid Prime... and perhaps Burnout 2. Mario Kart: DD is also great fun.

  • Trowel #63 7 years ago

    For multiplayer you can't go wrong with a Freeloader and a copy of Winning Eleven 6. Better game dynamics than PES4 in my opinion, though button layout doesn't feel quite as nice as the Dual Shock pad.

    Nigh on impossible to get hold of these days, though worth every penny just for the Jap commentary.

  • lennon #64 7 years ago

    Looks good just hope its better than the slightly disapointing wind waker. Not holding my breath though.

  • mrpsb #65 7 years ago

    O-Fox: Monkey Hero on PS1.

  • skybluesam86 #66 7 years ago

    lennon, do you honestly believe Wind Waker was disappointing?

    Each to their own, and all that, but I think it's the second best in the Zelda series behind OoT.

  • Philp #67 7 years ago

    Monkeys are all very well, but I'd only really consider buying a cube if a llama was involved.

  • AspLeaf #68 7 years ago

    Hmmm... I really liked Metal Arms: Glitch in the System. It has lots of robots with huge guns. And it has hmm.. robots with huge guns. Shooting mayhem full of fun it is, yes sir. Did I say it has robots with huge guns?

  • Darren #69 7 years ago

    I can't think of any other game on this generation of consoles that I'm looking forward to more than Zelda: Twilight Princess. Not even the much anticipated Conker: Live & Reloaded comes close...

  • ZeTimbo #70 7 years ago

    Anybody mentioned Eternal Darkness yet?

    Or Animal Crossing?

    F-Zero GX?

    Ikaruga?

    In fact, I can think of more reasons for keeping my GC than I can for keeping my PS2 - if it had a service to rival XBox LIVE then it would possibly be worth more to me than my XBox...
    Edited by 1 at 07/06/05 @ 09:01

  • smelly #71 7 years ago

    "Not even the much anticipated Conker: Live & Reloaded comes close... "

    What a conversion of a 5 year old n64 game? No s**t sherlock!

  • skybluesam86 #72 7 years ago

    It is a very good 5 year old game though....

    Good to see Rare are still hard at work mind ¬_¬

  • skybluesam86 #73 7 years ago

    Oh my god! Play.com are selling Viewtiful Joe for £9.99!
    Anyone who doesn't have it, now is the perfect time!

    http://www.play.com/play247.asp?pa=hp&page=tit le&r=GC&title=123923

  • Spiral #74 7 years ago

    "lennon, do you honestly believe Wind Waker was disappointing?

    Each to their own, and all that, but I think it's the second best in the Zelda series behind OoT."

    I think that too, but that's exactly why it's disappointing. The controls were more refined, sailing was OK (but Epona was more fun :D ) and the combat was better. But it just lacked the epic feel of OoT. Imagine if that had ended the first time you entered the Temple of Time. That's how short Wind Waker felt to me. I blame the Triforce hunt myself. If a few of the maps had their own dungeons then it would have broken up that section better and added some more difficulty. As it was it felt drawn out and too easy.

  • Azu87 #75 7 years ago

    The one that is kidnapped isn't Zelda, Zelda is the one that has the black hooded cape with marks on it, and she for some reason lives in the Twilight world thingy. She wears the black cape thingy so that she wouldn't change into an animal like Link does when he enters the Twilight world, it's kinda like the Dark World in "A Link to the Past" but now the change is more radical.

    So the one that is kidnapped IS a girl but is she Link's little sister or not.

  • skybluesam86 #76 7 years ago

    That's a fair point, Spiral.

    I got to the triforce hunt, and got bored. It's still a great game though, just, as you say, not as epic.

  • nelsona #77 7 years ago

    To be homest, I can't wait fpr this game.

    I was a littel disappointed with WW but that was only because of the absolute genius of OoT and LttP.

    Of all the Zelda's I prefer LttP as it was just such a complete game.

  • firefly #78 6 years ago

    Nope Zelda isn't kidnapped - YET!
    The recent Zelda games have all followed a certain pattern whereby Nintendo desire to both have their cake AND eat it. The first two games with their rather simplistic plots had Zelda kidnapped at the beginning (not even at the beginning of the game itself, those who didn't read the manual needn't know they're out to rescue her) and A Link to the Past bucked the trend by allowing the player to interact with her a little before she is kidnapped. However from Ocarina of Time onwards every game that featured Zelda did not allow her to be kidnapped until towards the end - what's more they portrayed her as being rather tomboyish (albeit in disguise, as Zelda she was always the same demure princess), with as much to contribute as Link himself. Of course it's questionable whether Nintendo do this to prove that they are beyond such an archaic concept as the "gallant hero saves helpless princess" narrative or if it's simply a case them wanting to establish Zelda a character so when she is kidnapped it will be real motivation to save her rather than simply one of those quests that you go on because that's what you're supposed to do.

    In summary Zelda won't be kidnapped at the beginning. You'll be given a short-term quest, meet her (possibly in disguise) whilst completing that quest and then inevitably rescue her at the end of the game.

  • Duckers #79 6 years ago

    Can't wait to see it next year. I read somewhere that it was due for April. Is this correct? Plus, the only other Zelda game I have EVER played was The Wind Waker, and that kicked ass. You have no excuse not to get it, if you have a GC.

  • Duckers #80 6 years ago

    I seem to be the first person to write a comment in quite a while. I mean, November, that's pathetic. Keep up! Anyway, I love Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, even though I never played the first one, and I also like Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour. Some people say golf is an 'old man's sport', but when it is put into Nintendo form, any sport can be made funky.

    I used to have Mario Kart: Double Dash, and that was one of the best games I have ever played. Really regret trading it back in at the game shop (I swapped it for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, as well,..... *sigh*).

    I am really looking forward to the release date of the Twilight Princess, as I did have Wind Waker and didn't find it disappointing in the least. They said in the past that the release date was 2005, but apparently Nintendo delayed it until April '06 for some final tweaking.

    If you read down this far, you sure are determined. Thankyou, and goodnight.