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Taste-Test: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii Edition)
Rated: RP for Rating Pending
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1
Saving: Unknown
Connectivity: Nintendo WiiConnect24
Impressions by Eric Jones
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The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess wasn't just the biggest game for the GameCube last year; it was perhaps the only game. With a massive lack of major titles and next-to-no major third-party support, it seemed that Link would once again be called in to save the system…until an unfortunate delay left the game in limbo - and Nintendo wasn't talking. Rumors were rampant that the game was moving onto Nintendo's next-gen console, the Wii. Considering the GameCube was so late in its life, what point was there to release the game on a practically dead system? However, at E3, Nintendo revealed the real story: the game would be released for BOTH consoles, on the exact same day - the day the Wii hits stores. While the GameCube version was a no-show at the event, the Wii version was fully playable with a brand-new demo. Is it still awesome, even on a new platform? Oh yeah.
The demo started in a dungeon called the "Goron Mines", where Midna (who will apparently take the shape of Link's shadow while in the real world) guided Link through a few quick demos of how to use the controller with the game. Rather than originally thought, the Wii Remote is not in fact used to control Link's sword, as simply pressing the B button on the controller's underside allows Link to slash his way through opponents. However, one can simply wiggle the nunchaku controller to execute Link's trademark spin attack, which works very well with taking out large groups of enemies. What the Wii Remote is primarily used for is aiming Link's variety of secondary weapons: the Bow and Arrow, Boomerang, and Clawshot (the new version of the Hookshot), are all aimed with the remote, and fired with a quick press of the B button. This was admittedly a big quirk to start with, but eventually became completely natural, although it did need a bit of work. The demo also revealed that Link's iron boots from Ocarina of Time and Wind Waker will make a return, this time with a cool new use: Link can use them to attach himself to massive magnets that move around, making for a gravity-defying experience.
The climax of the demo came when Link battled against the infamous boss from the original trailer, a massive beast resembling a Balrog from the Lord of the Rings films. Defeating him proved to be a unique experience: first, shooting him with the bow at a target on his forehead. Pretty basic. Then it got interesting - with him blinded, the next objective would be to seemingly grasp one of his chains to pull him down to the ground. Of course, the problem there would be that Link is a bit too scrawny to pull down the big guy without a little help - a problem easily solved by throwing on the iron boots and wrenching the monster to the ground. A few sword slashes later, and the boss meets his demise. It only took a few hits to put him down in the demo, but it's a safe bet that he'll be no pushover in the final game.
The other piece of the demo shown off was something that should make Ocarina of Time fans very happy. Fishing, perhaps one of the most fleshed-out and purely fun parts of that game, makes a long-awaited return in Twilight Princess. The Wii Remote plays a big part in this game as well: by swinging the controller like a fishing pole, players can cast just like in real life, then try and bait the first, hook it, and reel it in. This was very responsive and tons of fun, and with the massive, beautiful lake at Link's disposal, it looks like this mode will have tons of surprises to offer as well.
The game's graphics aren't too far removed from what has been shown thus far for the GameCube version, but the Wii version did have some noticeable enhancements. For example, the game played in not only 480p, but had widescreen support for clearer and sharper textures and a grander view of the surroundings. The sound was tremendous as well, with beautiful orchestrations and effects to compliment the gameplay. Still no voice acting though, but hopefully Eiji Aonuma and company will hopefully reveal what they have planned for that soon.
Does the Wii controller make the Zelda experience a better one? It's certainly capable, but the controller's potential for the franchise is vast, to say the least. Hopefully the game will make use of the system's standard controller as well, so those who'd rather play in that format will have that option as well. Also, once again, the game's wolf combat was a no-show at the expo, but the fact that players will draw their attacks (as seen in previous trailers) is potentially perfect for the Wii's controller. Will Twilight Princess be worth the excruciatingly long wait? We'll find out this fall, but one thing's for sure…I still want this game. Now.
Eric Jones
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