The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Comments by Kristan Reed

To the Reviewers (and this is a genuine question):

What exactly is the problem with the save point in the dungeons?
Because if I remember correctly, all previews 3D Zeldas had ingenuous Dungeon designs that revolved around a "Central" Hall, so you would tackle a part of the dungeon only to end up in the Centre Hall with another part becoming available to explore, and this way you could tackle the dungeon in segments, not needing to do it in one sitting.

Is this not the case with TP dungeons? are they somehow of flowed design, forcing you to backtrack a lot if you switch off and continue later??

After having returned from the 1st time in a Twilight Realm, I disagree that this looks worse than RE4. It looks better IMO (though not by much). The effects and animation in this are stunning.

Sounds absolutely outstanding. Cube version for me!

You idiots >_<
How could you overlook the fact that you can use Ococco in a dungeon, save, then transport right back to where you were? Save issue = solved.

Oh, and having both the Cube and Wii versions (cube version in Jap) - I can honestly say that you shouldn't have any hangups about which one to get. If you can't afford the Wii, get the Cube version - it's the same game.
Then again, I only have a standard def TV that isn't widescreen.

By the way, I think the graphics are just as good as RE4 - it's just that they're not attempting to be super-realistic - Zelda games will always have a different style with a slightly cartoonish edge.

No matter what score they give a game on this site, I always get annoyed and think, "So basically, Oblivon's better than this?!". Why did they have to rate that overhyped piece of mediocrity so high?

I'm probably wrong, but didn't I read somewhere that you can do a small quest and get an object (or something) which will allow you to save and then return to the exact same place within a dungeon?

wiitendo: yes, hence my post that is about 2 above yours.

And the "object" is a chicken with a human face o_O

@ Dirtie

I think the question in most people minds isn't "should I get the GameCube Zelda or should I buy a Wii and get Zelda on that?"

it's more like "Should I get the GC Zelda IN SPITE buying a Wii?"!

At least that is what my question is!!! Seeing as you experienced both, could you give me a reason why I should choose one over the other?

Probably like Farore's wind in OoT.

Speaking of which can someone explain in detail what's with these slots, the GC has got to have at least four like Wind Waker.... right?

If you have a Wii or are intending to buy one, there is no reason not to get the Wii version (in my opinion).

If however you were thinking about picking up the Wii just for this game, I'd usually say it's up to you, there is nothing wrong with getting the Cube one and saving a bit of cash (unless perhaps you wanted widescreen). However, since Wii Sports comes with it anyway, I say go for it :)

"smelly, you know already what it'll be like with the GC pad if you've played TWW"

TWW didnt require you to ride while shooting.

And looking back now, it was annoyingly cumbersome to do it. Now i've seen how easy/quick it is to point and shoot - never look back.

In fact if i was to criticise the wii version at all, it's now TOO easy to aim/shoot... making game a lot easier as you're not messing about trying to get a good shot with your analog sticks and getting hit while aiming.

BTW: It took me 51 hrs to beat it, and im pretty sure im one of the first people outside of nintendo to do so.

Let me know if you do it any quicker.. :-)

Thanks Dirtie!

My only concern is the lack of camera control, I really liked the WW free camera!

Sod this awkward wand rubbish, i'll have the GC version.

Thanks everyone, possibly the best laff i've had in ages, reading this.

Spesh the Amazon bit, hahaha

Dirtie, I certainly tried using Ococco and then saving. So why when I reloaded the game after a break did the game always start me right at the beginning of the temple? I can't speak for Rob, but that's what (repeatedly) happened to me over the course of an entire week.

Have you played it yourself, or are you just parroting something you've read elsewhere?

I am tempted to buy GC back because of this, but is it worth it or is the Wii version so much better that I should wait until I have money to buy Wii? I could get a GC and the new Zelda for the same price as extra Wiimote and Nunchuk :)

Oh, and is it true that the GC version has no widescreen support? Can't be.

My problems with Twilight Princess -

- Screen is too cluttered (you need to take the map off screen by pressing 2).

- Feels A LOT like a Ocarina of Time (my least favourite Zelda - I much prefer the style of Wind Waker and darkness of Majora's Mask)

- Opening is slow. Town layout is cramped and doesn't feel natural. The Map design doesn't allow the player a good overview of where to go.

- The dialogue has not been written by Nintendo's best writers and the characters feel a bit flat because of it. The characters in Majora's Mask were really characters who felt like they had real lives beyond the game. In Majora's Mask if felt as though if you left the game the town would get on fine without you. TP characters just feel like in-game characters designed to tell you where to go next. Their whole world seems to centre around what Link does.

- Like OoT it feels like it was worked on for too long. You can see places that were programmed early and others that came later in development and they just don't match up consistantly.

- It has a similar control system as OoT. Not the Wii-mote parts obviously but it still feels like the N64 control system and that was two systems ago.

- This would have been awesome if it came out on Gamecube last year or the year before. But I think long development times and switching consoles has hurt it a bit.

BTW I'm not totally hating on this, there are also many good things which have been listed by other people here. Since I think I'm in a minority in not liking OoT I don't expect many people to agree with me as my main gripe is that it feels like the sequel to Ocarina of Time. Actually I think my main problem is the writing for the character dialogue. It just fails to create a believable world for me. I'm going to blame the English translators for that one. I know Zelda has never been about story or characters but Majora's Mask and Wind Waker really set a standard in the series for both these things and this feels like a step backward.

These are just initial disappointments from one person, so there's no need to argue them I'm obviously wrong if you disagree with me. I'm just sharing thoughts, not wishing to destroy anyone's love of the game. I'll play right through this (and probably realise how awesome it is and how impatient I've been with it) and if the next Zelda on Wii is as good as the second Zelda was on N64 then I'll be happy.

Great game cant wait!

@smelly

"It took me 51 hrs to beat it, and im pretty sure im one of the first people outside of nintendo to do so"

Yes, but my penis is bigger than yours

On topic: I couldn't care less whether or not this gets and 8, 9 or 10: it's clealry a great game.

I just can't escpae the bonkers fact that the only decent launch title on the Wii is available on an equaly powerful, much cheaper and much older platform.

Wierd, non?

I mean, RIP Cube for the last year: why bother Ninty? Why make such a faux pas?

"There are so many reviews of overhyped pieces of shite on this website (won't mention titles) that got a ten, yet EG gives THIS a 9?"

Why won't you mention names?

"Got it today - and to be honest"

See me once you've got beyond the first 5 hours then.

i bought ur mum 10/-9

NEXT BIGEST GAME FOR THE WII IS MARIO AND METROID AND THATS ABOUT IT

I am disappointed that this review did not mention how much fun fishing is with the Wii remote.

Screw saving the world, really. Fishing is what makes the Wii version great.

Been playing for 2.5 hours (Wii version) and loved every single second.

The complaints about the controller are well founded, it is more like button pushing than sword swinging. The graphics are obviously GC, but the Wii being more powerful means it runs very very smoothly (though I can't say how smooth it runs on the GC). It may not have a high poly-count but it's a beautifully stylish game.

If you're a fan and have a Wii, get it on the Wii: sling-shot targetting and fishing make it well worth it. I would say it was probably not worth getting a Wii for if you're not getting one anyway though.

Top game. Looking forward to another session tomorrow!

9/10 (so far)

I'm expecting to receive the game today, I can't wait.

Probably the best reviews of this game I've read anywhere, very well written and level-headed (some game journalists seem to go into 'rabid fanboy' mode whenever a major Zelda game hits shelves), and I wasn't too excited about getting a Wii and this game but now I can't wait to give it a try.

This my problem with it:
"I just can't escape the bonkers fact that the only decent launch title on the Wii is available on an equally powerful, much cheaper and much older platform. "

I was thinking of picking up a Wii but what's the point?I may as well buy a cheap GC and this.

There's nowt else out on it that looks interesting and Mario's ages off (and may not even be that good).

I'm not convinced by the Wii at all so far

I just can't escape the bonkers fact that the only decent launch title on the Wii is available on an equally powerful, much cheaper and much older platform.

I second that

Blah. I'm gonna buy the 10/10 GameCube-version, thank you.

The game's sitting to the right of my monitor and is taunting me until my Wii arrives in the second batch to Gamestation. Can't wait!

After enormous issues trying to get a Wii for Zelda (no preorder), I just thought it be easier to preorder this for the cube and enjoy it on there. Ill be playing Zelda sooner that way then trying to get a Wii.

I only have a SD set anyway so no biggie. metroid and mario looks promising on the Wii, but beyond that I'll have to see. Will wait for it to become more available and to have more games.
I alreay dusted of my cube to finish Metroid 2 and Paper mario :)

Like I've said before, I've always intended to get a Wii, and the Wii version sounds like the better one to me, so I'll buy that one, but I can most certainly understand what people are saying about the GCN version.

Has anyone actually played the GCN version yet? When it does get released, I do hope that someone does do a head-to-head comparison so that we can all know for sure which version is definitive...

1-Up has played the jap 'Cube release and have an article + vids.

Its only major advantage over the Wii version seems to be manual c-stick camera control.

@EuroSexMachine - I feel sorry for your mother.

The game looks great, I don't have a GC so I'll get the Wii version if I get a Wii, probably will sometime next year. (Hoping for price drop)

EuroSexMachine: Jeeze! Calm down man, you just kind of exploded there. I mean, I do agree that there are probably many people saying they're buying the GameCube version who have no intention of doing so, and are just saying it to have a dig, but that's just what retarded fanboys like to do; just like all these guys who pretend they've played Gears of War just so they can bash it...

lemonfist: Ah, thanks for that! I mean, I don't really like 1up very much, but it was interesting to see. Sounds to me like TP GCN controls very much like Wind Waker, which is great...it's also kind of the reason I want the Wii version, though. I've played three Zelda games with those controls now, and I'm not sick of them, but I think it'll be a lot of fun to play the game a different way, providing that new way is either as good or better, which it sounds like the Wii version provides. I know other people are different, though...

Lets face it, the game will be brilliant on either system. I'm glad that Nintendo haven't canned the Cube version in order to drive additional Wii sales.

Jeeze, I really don't mean to make this many posts...

The whole "you can't say the Wii version is better until you play the GCN version" argument doesn't really work...I mean, the 1UP preview confirms that the GCN build controls exactly like Wind Waker, and I'm guessing that anyone who's already playing TP is likely to be the type who's also played TWW.

In terms of actual criticisms people have of the Wii controls, they seem to primarily revolve around the lack of manual camera controls, and the shallowness of the motion-sensing sword controls. The camera thing is an issue (though not a massive one, from what I've read), but I never really considered the sword slashing to be one. After all, I can't actually remember any reviews saying that swinging instead of pressing a button is actually WORSE - just that it's not actually any better, and I'm OK with that. Otherwise, people seem to mention a lot of genuine improvements, from precise aiming controls (especially on horseback) and vastly superior fishing controls (which, as a Zelda fishing vet, IS a big plus).

Actually...can someone who has the game tell me if assigning the sword to the motion sensir frees up an extra item assignment button? If so, that's also a small plus. Or does the Wii's reduced button count balance it out?

"You lot are hypocrites. You never play the damn Gamecube, Europe is Sony land, you lot are responsible for nearly killing NIntendo, then when Zelda TP comes out on Wii you say you'll play it on Gamecaube.

Get the fuck out of here.

I've been playing Zelda TP for ten hours and it's the best game of the year. The controls on Wii are BETTER,

Most of you Sony jack offs never intended to play this game anyway because it doesn't have Playstation on the box. Worst gamers ever. "

I was right,you are retarded.

I wonder what the next Zelda, designed for the Wii from day one, will get.

From a fucking hypocrite -

The Gamecube has plenty of good games -
- Resident Evil 4
- Pikmin 2
- Zelda Wind Waker
- 1080 Snowboarding
- Mario Kart Double Dash
- Animal Crossing
- Chibi Robo
- Donkey Konga
- Rogue Leader
- Paper Mario Thousand Year Door
- Zelda Four Swords

Also some good titles -
- Battlion Wars
- Rebel Strike
- Mr Driller in Drill land
- Odama

And I bought and paid for all of these, so don't say I don't support Nintendo. I also bought the average ones -
- F-Zero X
- Wave Race
- Pokemon Channel
- Mario Super Strikers
- Battlion Wars
- Super Mario Sunshine
- Mario Party 4
- Mario Party 5
- Star Fox Assault

Plus I had but sold Star Fox Adventures (because it was half-arsed).

So don't go doubting that I support Nintendo or I'll start listing my 36 DS games.

Damn right I'll buy TP on GC. I've always thought the graphics on the GC were the nicest looking. Solid yet warm.

Yes I own a PS2. With exactly two games. Katamari Damarcy and Singstar Rocks (which my girlfriend bought). And I only bought it a few months ago after the final price drop. (where as I have two Gamecubes. One Black bought on launch week, and one purple because I always wanted one ages ago but they were sold out). Oh yeah I've also got 6 official memory cards . So blow it out your arse Eurosexmachine. I've even got two GBA + link cables so we can play Four Swords properly damn you to hell. So if I wanna start saying anything about Nintendo I can and I will. Why? Because I've been playing since the days of Game & Watches, and I've had 3 NES, 2 SNES, 2 N64s, 1 GB, 1 GBC, 2 GBAs, 2 NDS, 2 GCs & 1 Wii so I bloody well know what I'm talking about. Right then. Was the the kind of reaction you're trying to stir up?

Nintendo were never gonna die. Unlike Sega (and currently Sony) they never overstretch themselves in their development budget. They might not always be number one but with lower development costs they're not losing tonnes of money. And their hardcore fan base (which I guess I'm one of) always supports them enough to recoup costs. I did not however buy a Virtual Boy so maybe I am an arsehole.

@Muddtallica

You assign items to each of the cross pad directions on the controller. 'A' button is context sensitive and 'B' uses whatever item you've currently got assigned.

Using the Remote for the sword is a little unnatural at first but you get use to it. (you shake the nunchuck left and right to do a spin attack and can still press A to do a jump attack). Having it match your own sword movements would have only worked in First Person and even then collision detection would have been a nightmare to pull off in a 3D evironment.

What I mean is that trying to program Link (who is in a 3D space on-screen) to hit an enemy that was circling him in a 3D environment and match exactly whatever move you pulled off with your sword via the remote (in a real 3D environment i.e. your living room) - would have been as much a nightmate as it is trying to explain what I'm talking about.

floppylobster: Well, you say that, but frankly I'd rather not hear it from a hypocritical a-hole who only bought one measly Wii. :P

Seriously, I don't think that ESM was referring to you in his little rant, more just those guys who chime in from time to time to bash games/systems they have weird grudges against. His mistake was in suggesting it's only Sony fanboys who do that...

Thanks for the info, though. So there are more item slots on Wii then? How about the camera? And what is it that makes you want to buy the GCN version regardless...does the Wii version lack something?

Adam: Well, that's reasonable...I didn't realise the price difference factor too. In terms of having proper 1:1 sword controls, I'm not sure it would be impossible, but it would most likely be too complex to implement into this game without having to totally reconstruct the game engine, thus delaying the game even more...

One benefit so far of using the Wiimote and nunchuck is that I find it more comfortable to hold compared to a 'Cube controller. Instead of having your hands in front of you using the 'Cube controller, with the 'mote and nunchuck I find I'm resting them on my legs and only using the 'mote to point at things every now and again.

It does take a while to get used to using the controls on the Wii version, maybe that's why the "tutorial" part of the game is longer, but once you get used to it, it's quite fun, intuitive and easy.

It is slightly unfortunate the the 'mote movements are not mirrored with Link's sword movements, but I do prefer the ease of doing the spin attack over the previous way of spinning the analogue joystick.

My mate is getting the US GC version early next week. It'll be interesting to compare each version then and see if there are benefits to playing Zelda on the Wii or not.

@Muddtallica

I want the GC version purely because I've always been fond of the GC graphics. Every now and then a machine comes along with just a nice look to it. It's actually pretty rare. I'd say the SNES had it... and the Spectrum, and the GC.

The camera doesn't bother me as much as it did my friend. I just move around and continuely center the view so I'm looking where I want to go.

Overall though TP does feel a little bit dated. Just a little. And it's understandable because the production time was so long. And if anything's to blame for that feeling in me, then it's probably my absolute LOVE of Majora's Mask and Wind Waker. They've set the bar so high for me that it would be near impossible for TP to beat. I feel it's missing the density of the world in MM and it's missing the great character and charm of Wind Waker. I loved the feeling that nobody gave a shit about you in Majora's Mask (except Tingle), and I loved the facial expressions and humour of Wind Waker. Also both games had better openings, one's that really drew you in to a storyline rather than just taught you how to use the controls.

That slower opening in TP (much like OoT) is caused, I think, by the amount of gameplay they've put into it. And who could complain about that? Well me I guess. Being one of those gamers who have been around forever I'm losing my attention span and prefer shorter games that are more densely packed. I can certainly appreciate that a lot of work went into TP. Just probably too much work for me. I'd rather it was trimmed down and more focused.

Still a damn fine game. Just doesn't quite live up to my utterly unreasonable expectations.

Hey but if you now go in now with lower expectations you'll absolutely love it. Any criticism I level at it is like someone saying Empire Strikes Back is rubbish because Star Wars did it first and was better. Who gives a shit? It still rules.

(ESB is the best BTW)

Xiphos: You know, I was just thinking that this comments page had gone a long while without some kind of hysterical rant. Well, thanks. If Nintendo really does bother you as much as you make out in that bizarre third paragraph of yours, you really need to relax and put things in perspective; they're just a company that makes videogames. You know, that fun, relaxing pasttime that we enjoy. They're not trying to con anyone, there's no mass plot to brainwash people, there's nothing to get angry about. They make games that many people, myself included, really enjoy. If you don't, then just play something else.

Seriously, the only relatable point I found in that post was about the delay; bear in mind that this game was originally aimed for release at the end of last year, by which point the GCN was already pretty much finished. As a GCN title, this would never have been anything more than a swansong, much like Majora's Mask was...by retooling a version for Wii whilst still releasing the GCN version, they get the game out to a much wider audience and showcase their new hardware whilst still catering to Cube owners.

floppylobster: Thanks for the lowdown...sounds good. There's no way I can lower my expectations for this, given that OoT, MM and TWW would all feature in my top 20 favourite games, with OoT at the top...I think I'll like the game anyway, though. And you're right about ESB. :P