Zelda: Twilight Princess versions to be near-identical?
by Blake Snow 
{ Jun 21st 2006 at 1:00AM }
The current Nintendo Power (August) seems to confirm that with exception to the controls, the GameCube and Wii versions of Zelda: Twilight Princess will be identical. This contradicts rumors that the title will leverage Wii's slightly superior graphics engine and possibly contain added features.Regardless of your opinion on the dual release strategy, two versions are coming. So could it hurt Wii's chances of success if the GameCube version ends up getting better reviews, or would it merely expose the tacked-on controls of Wii's rendition?
[via DS Fanboy]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Peter @ Jun 21st 2006 1:14AM
what drives me insane is that this game would have been out already if it wasn't for this dual release thing. The gamecube version is completely done, but its just sitting around wating for the wii to be released.
Noah @ Jun 21st 2006 1:17AM
Yeah, I was also thinking that if the Wii versions controls weren't so great, that it'd be embarrasing for the gamecube version to get higher scores.
If the graphics and everything will be the same, why not just release it on the Gamecube but with functionality for the Wii controller, so you can pick which controller you want to use. I guess it'd sell more Wii's if people thought you had to buy one to play the new Zelda. That is, if they don't know that there are no difference in the GC and Wii one.
With this thought, why didn't they just make it a Wii only title to sell an assload of Wii's?
james f. @ Jun 21st 2006 1:18AM
Nobodies talking about it but I secretly hope for a single gcn disc that can be played on the wii to unlock its wii superness. I mean why bother with the fallout two parallel discs will generate? Seems like a sony move to me, IF thats how it all goes down.
wolverine @ Jun 21st 2006 1:19AM
I thought the Wii version was rendered in widescreen...
Noah @ Jun 21st 2006 1:19AM
Lol @ 3.
We said the same thing.
Pretty Obvious @ Jun 21st 2006 1:23AM
This is exactly why the Wii should not cost more than $150.
Blink @ Jun 21st 2006 1:33AM
Why can't we have the choice of which controls we want on the Wii version? I'm all for innovation, but don't mess with my classics. Zelda's always been a joystick, handled, solid controller game when it comes to being 3d, and I'm starting to worry upon seeing TP and PH with new control schemes. Why not make new IPs instead Nintendo? We could use some...
LongshotX @ Jun 21st 2006 1:37AM
Why not just make a Wii Controller and a cheap Ethernet or Wireless adapter for the GameCube along with Wii stickers? Then there will be no need for the DualCube/Wii. Just my opinion.
Chris M @ Jun 21st 2006 1:41AM
What really pisses me off is the fact that 16:9 is only available on the Wii and i have no intention of buying one until Mario Galaxy and Smash Bros are out, so i either have to wait and play in widescreen or get in November and play on 4:3(i think Ninty did this on purpose, Resi 4 was 16:9 so were a lot of others why can't Zelda?)
Geldfuss @ Jun 21st 2006 1:47AM
Let's not be too hasty on this one. What's the actual wording in the article? "Identical" could refer merely to the gameplay. Do graphical improvements really change a game?
Joey @ Jun 21st 2006 1:48AM
to number 1 ... while Twilight Princess was being devloped for Wii they re did the enviornments for the Cube. They took the hazy greyness out of the twilight world and made it into a fuzzy color filled dream world.
Crazylink @ Jun 21st 2006 1:52AM
I wonder how many disks the GC version will need.
Night Elve @ Jun 21st 2006 2:03AM
"Do graphical improvements really change a game?"
Yes of course, the good use of graphics will always improve your gaming experience.
bobeotm @ Jun 21st 2006 2:07AM
When I saw them demonstrate the Wii version of Twilight princess, the controls came off as being overly complicated. What happened to their philosophy of games being simple and fun. But it seems like their is going to be such a steep learning curve to learn all the controls that it may take away from the experience, resulting in the Gamecube version getting higher scores.
I always assumed that both version of the game would be graphically the same. The only things that will be different is parts in which the controller explicitly comes into play, for things like archery and such. I think it will be two separate games, especiall since gamecube disks dont have enough capacity to manage two versions of the same game (since that would be necessary given the number of gameplay changes). This may result in reviewers recommending that people buy one version over the other. If that comes to pass, one version of the game is going to get the short end of the stick.
Exo @ Jun 21st 2006 2:21AM
I don't know, NP has been known to be wrong, and generally their information always seems out of date compared to what other magazines have.
That being said, I just read in a few online palces, and a recent EGM that miyamato himself said that they would be adding new graphical elements to the wii version, nothing like better models, but just probably better lighting and special effects.
Zeef Freed @ Jun 21st 2006 2:22AM
It's kinda simple....they can sell the quota of GC ZELDAS no problem! They know the whole world wants ZELDA and they know how many bajillion GC's are already out there-that's pretty much the known part of the equation. Barring the unforseen [supply problems, shortages, bla bla] when the Wii finally comes up to speed they will sell another bajillion ZELDAS for it [not to mention the gamers who will actually want BOTH!]Belt and suspenders logic on Nintendos part plus they will be able to market that many more games. I'm not a fanboy, but I can certainly see them blowing the doors open wide with this combo!
epobirs @ Jun 21st 2006 2:39AM
It doesn't bother me. If they game had been released when originally intended they might have had time for a 'special edition' version with more enhancement than the control scheme but the delays made that undoable.
Since it appears the game will be the all-time
GameCube showpiece it shouldn't be a severe letdown to enjoy it on the Wii. Consider what it was like for early adopters of the PS2. For quite a while the best new games that would run on it were PS1 titles like Final Fantasy IX. Although the game was good, the disparity between its appearance and what PS2 owners were hoping for was far greater than any disappointment that might be felt among Wii buyers. Especially since the cost of entry is expected to be so
low.
Down the road, when time and resources are available,
perhaps Nintendo can produce a new version of Twilight Princess that makes full use of the Wii's greater speed and memory. It would make a great promotional bundle item, like the GameCube ports of the N64 Zelda used as a preorder bonus for Wind Waker.
Sabre @ Jun 21st 2006 2:41AM
...and again with the stupid smart ass dual cube comments.
*sigh*
AEFX @ Jun 21st 2006 2:47AM
Why are people jumping to the conclusion that the Wii version won't offer BOTH the Gamecube and Wii-specific controls?
It's just common sense they will give you the option on the Wii to use either of them. There is absolutely no reason not to and every reason to.
The "scores" people seem so concerned about affecting the Wii just makes no sense whatsoever if you really think it through. The article states that both games will be the same in terms of features and graphics, and whatever control scheme you pick is just going to be your preference.
Buying both is silly for anyone but for completist collectors. The Gamecube version is nothing more than a "thank you, we kept our promise" to those that want it only on Gamecube. Without question the Wii version will allow you to use either the GC controls or the Wii controls, so to anyone who is buying a Wii there really is no mystery here.
LongshotX @ Jun 21st 2006 2:49AM
To my dear Friend Sabre,
Dual Cube! Lol. It'll make Twilight Princess look twice as good and make the controller scheme twice as hard to learn. What a phenomenal move Nintendo is making. Goooo Dual Cube.
Nin10dude @ Jun 21st 2006 2:50AM
"Yes of course, the good use of graphics will always improve your gaming experience."
...Exactly how does that work?
Don Jose @ Jun 21st 2006 2:55AM
Despite have played and enjoyed every LOZ console game (except Majora's Mask, whick I hated), the insane delay has all but erased my desire to buy this game. The whole Wii thing never piqued my interest, and at this point I'm much too busy with my 360 to worry about when I'll get to explore Hyrule again.
Right now, my feelings are along the lines of "Fuck it, Ganon, you can keep her."
Sabre @ Jun 21st 2006 3:01AM
Please leave the serious and adult conversations to those who are able to have them...i.e. please leave.
Exo @ Jun 21st 2006 3:01AM
"the insane delay has all but erased my desire to buy this game. The whole Wii thing never piqued my interest, and at this point I'm much too busy with my 360 to worry about when I'll get to explore Hyrule again."
You mean 360 games like kameo and too human which have been delayd long enough for 2 zelda games to come out?
James Barbosa @ Jun 21st 2006 3:19AM
rubber baby buggy bumpers
Nambit @ Jun 21st 2006 4:00AM
Man, after reading all that, I wonder about some of you guys. You can assume all you want about the delay being due to the Wii version and all that, but it's likely a whole lot more than that.
The game is still being made, and it's all likely that the Wii functionality was added, *IN PARALLEL* to the new levels and polish that was requested. Have you guys not forgotten who asked for the delay? The developer himself!
Folks are just too quick to throw stupid dumb ass comments. The one guy who said he's tired of waiting: God god, I waited over 10 fricken years for another Metroid so don't give me any crap that you're sick of waiting. Heck, I'm still waiting on the next Final Fantasy.
In the end, people act stupid and say dumb things, but when the thing is finally released, you'll all shut up and enjoy the game.
koosy @ Jun 21st 2006 4:26AM
Annnd that's all anyone had to say. Thanks, Nambit.
sockatume @ Jun 21st 2006 4:26AM
The Wii version has a widescreen mode and runs at 60fps instead of the GC version's 30 fps, but that's the only graphical difference between them.
Jay @ Jun 21st 2006 5:03AM
As a brit, the Wii is going to be the 2nd console to offer me progressive scan (other being the 360). so I am definitely getting the Wii just for that.
Ki @ Jun 21st 2006 5:49AM
"As a brit, the Wii is going to be the 2nd console to offer me progressive scan (other being the 360). so I am definitely getting the Wii just for that"
Umm.. what about PS3.
syco @ Jun 21st 2006 6:22AM
Considering how similar the hardware is between the cube and the Wii, I do not understand why there has to be two different physical disks in the first place. You will undoubtably be able to play GCN-Zelda on the Wii, though without the shineys. Why they can't impliment, in software, a method to detect which hardware you're running and allow the wiimote function when applicable. I mean, they proved with the Oracle series that the game could detect it was in a GBA even though they were technically GB:Color games, that this is possible. WTF Nintendo.
GamerG @ Jun 21st 2006 6:47AM
Ki
The PS3 is coming out after the Wii isn't it?
Oh yer there is the small matter of it costing £425 which is such a large wedge of cash that many will put of buying it for a while!
Scarabus @ Jun 21st 2006 6:49AM
Didn't we know this already?
dom @ Jun 21st 2006 6:52AM
What about PS3? Oh yes, cost! I am certainly not going to pay £450-500 for a console. It's flipping ridiculous. Frankly, if I can afford to spend that much money on something, it will be upgrades to my TV, my Mac, and even a second console (a Wii), not a glorified media center.
martin @ Jun 21st 2006 7:21AM
#20, Don Jose. You spout about how you played every Zelda game, and then state the delay has all but erased your desire to play TP? Ummm, you must have played them recently, because every LOZ game had a major delay during their release, and see how much of classics they have become. Everyone needs to stop assuming that the only reason for the delay was to add Wii functionality. Nintendo isn't that stupid. If they were doing it just for that, they would have released the GC game, and then started working on Wii functionality and released a Wii Special edition version.
Anyways, what is wrong with trying to increase Wii sales. GC is on its last leg. There is no way GC is going to get them the majority of the market share back. Why not use their resources on a console that can get them the market share back, the Wii. It is a lot easier to get top spot if you have a huge start, and LOZ:TP is just the game to help them out with that!
So basically, everyone, quit complaining. I do agree that they should have the GC controller option on the Wii version (and the larger disc should allow it) but if they don't so what!!!!! And people saying the controls look more complicated. How? Because they aren't buttons and joysticks??? The whole point of the controller is to not let you do less but to let things be more intuitive. I don't see what is more intuitive for shooting a bow than actually making the movements. I don't see what is more intuitive for swinging a sword than actually making the movements.
Yes LOZ has always had amazing control, and have always been great games!!! But change is not always bad. People were terrified and angry when they made LOZ:OOT because they were going full 3d. Everyone was saying the same thing... Why mess with LOZ control! Why mess with the greatest game. What happened... They turned the greatest game franchise into... THE GREATEST GAME FRANCHISE!!!
So everyone should really just find something better to do and save the bitching for after the release and hours of play when you have something to go by!!!!
jadenguy @ Jun 21st 2006 7:53AM
guys, dont' forget they recolored the twilight realm. that had to take ages, you know, color balancing everything that was originally monotone so nothing looks rediculous, adding that nice kinda blurry look, etc. the control part was an obvious part of the delay, but i bet through playtests somebody realized that gray is as drab as it is bold. and releasing the wii and gc versions simultaneously means nobody's gonna be buying the gc version a year ahead of the updated version and make all the "nintendo portables syndrome" complaints.
it's done when it's done.
DG @ Jun 21st 2006 8:08AM
Considering that the GC version will be playable on the Wii, I don't really see what the issue is here. There are plenty of people who want to play this game but don't already have a GC. LOZ:TP will sell Wiis no matter what.
And really, when you buy Zelda, you know you're getting a quality game. That much is obvious. Besides gratuitous war simulators, MMOPRGs, and racing games, what do the PS3 and Xbox 360 offer that is so much better?
Of all the games coming out in the next six months, to me, LOZ:TP -- no matter which system it's played on -- is by far the most exciting game to be released.
vidGuy @ Jun 21st 2006 8:12AM
They've made several drastic changes to the game as a whole in the last year, the most notable being they high-saturation colored the Twlight Realm.
The developers have said that they are reacting to the backlash of Wind Waker. Wind Waker was released more or less on time, but to get there they had to make a cop-out last quest.
By delaying the game as long as they have, they have attempted to make it the best Zelda out there; if it's true, it'll be well worth the delay. Supposedly the game is almost twice as long as OoT, but with temples, not time wasters like sailing across the whole map.
The Wii version will feature
- 480p
- 16:9 display
- choice of GC controller or Wii remote+nunchuck
The only problem I have is that, since LoZ is sure to be the best seller at launch (unless SMG makes it for launch), the media and those who don't know any better will compare it to the 360 and PS3, which is obviously unfair since it is just a ported GC game.
Andrew @ Jun 21st 2006 8:27AM
They had promised that they'd release TP for the GameCube, but they also wanted the "first ever LoZ available at the launch of a Nintendo console". They need to release it at the same time because if they had released a GC game now, and then basically a port of it for the Wii almost 6 months from now, no one would have cared. So they're probably just tweaking it as much as humanly possible until the fall.
Austin @ Jun 21st 2006 8:31AM
So what your telling me is that if i dont give a shit about motion control and still own every system and game i ever bought the wii just isnt worth it?
Don Jose @ Jun 21st 2006 8:48AM
Martin-
It was just my opinion and my plans at the moment...settle down there, tiger! I'm fully aware that they've all had delays; I guess I could've emphasized it more, but I just felt like venting some steam, which nintendo's had me doing frequently for the last several months.
As far as me playing the games recently, yeah: on a geological scale, a span of the last 19 years would be fairly recent.
evilmax17 @ Jun 21st 2006 8:50AM
I haven't seen anywhere that the Wii version will offer a choice between GCN-style and Wii-style control. If anybody has a link to back this up, please post it.
Right now that's pretty up in the air, and the deciding factor on which version to purchase for a lot of people.
alex @ Jun 21st 2006 8:51AM
@ vidguy
Actually, on the scale of 'official game time', Ocarina had '50 hours' of gameplay.
This is in comparison to TP's 140.
Remember though, if you were a kid playing OOT like I was, it may take a lot longer.
vidGuy @ Jun 21st 2006 9:07AM
That's awesome if it's true, alex! I had heard it was going to be about 'twice as long' in terms of expected length... but 3 times is even better!
I wonder if that includes side quests? Usually I avoid most side quests the first time through, opting to try for 100% completion my second time around.
I agree with DG, LoZ:TP is definitely my most anticipated game... I'm also getting excited about Super Mario Galaxy, but it can't compare to my NEED for Twlight Princess :)
alex @ Jun 21st 2006 9:12AM
Well apparently, the figure is 140+, but then, this was as of like 6 months ago.
Also, they have surpassed the number of Dungeons in OOT, I think they are supposed to be at like 18 now?
Anyway, it will be a ridiculously awesome game.
Jake @ Jun 21st 2006 9:23AM
"They" also said part of the delay was to fix the Wolf/Midna mechanics, which, according to them, sucked pretty bad. Now, they say the mechanics and control are great.
To the person that wondered why the Wii controls are complex when the Wii is supposed to be easy, this is a hardcore game, and pickup and play doesn't apply here.
They added two or three dungeons as well, as has been brought up.
What basically happened, is this game was turned into a Wii launch title to sell that system. The GC version is just a "thank you GC owners we kept our promise" thing, which someone pointed out.
Finally, to the person that said TP will be compared to 360, which isn't fair because TP is a GC game...HA! It is still the best looking "Wii" game graphically out there. What would you rather they used for graphics comparisons? Elebits? Red Steel?
SMBG is probably the next best. Not that graphics really matter with Nintendo games. I just played through Link to the Past and Super mario world (my 3rd PS2 broke, arghh) and those games are still fun as hell.
nootau @ Jun 21st 2006 9:57AM
i just get suprised when people down a system because of first gen games. First gen games are normally games that were going to be released on the previous gen, but then get pushed back to be released on next gen system. The Xbox 360 (and the PS2, etc) had horrible looking first gen games. On the 360, every launch title could have been done on the Xbox except possibliy for Fight Night's rubber jaw effect. DOA4 was the only next gen looking title at launch (well, DOA was actually in the "launch window", because it was delayed a month). Dont get me started on PS2 launch titles (bouncer, Orphen, etc)
LoZ:TP is a gamecube game. Most games you see coming out for the Wii were gamecube games (or at least built, with a normal gamecube dev kit, with Wiimote attachment). Deal with it! LoZ:TP will still be an awesome game. For me, I see the Wii version is for collectors and hard core fans, because the real Zelda Wii wont be out for years! LoZ:TP's wii release is also a proof of concept, that you can augment a finished traditional game with wii controlls successfully. We will have to see if the concept is actually proven. I personally will try out the Wii controls out of curiosity, but switch to the gamecube controls because that is what the game is designed for.(unless the wii controls are just THAT much better than the GC controls)
BlackYoshi @ Jun 21st 2006 10:22AM
Martin said:
I don't see what is more intuitive for swinging a sword than actually making the movements.
Uh, you don't. The sword is just button presses. The only movement with the sword is a downward thrust or the spin attack, where you shake the controller to spin (same as SMG). Speaking of that, what is with Nintendo equating shaking with spinning? The motions aren't the same at all.
Pretty much everything but the aiming items (hookshot, bow, boomerang) is just button presses. The other things we know it is used for is fishing and pointing with Navi to enter the item screen, which is sort of meh. The fishing is intriguing though.
darryl @ Jun 21st 2006 10:45AM
"...if I can afford to spend that much money on something, it will be upgrades to my TV, my Mac, and even a second console (a Wii), not a glorified media center."
Or another iPod? (which is just shy of the base PS3 system...)
Idiots.
vidGuy @ Jun 21st 2006 10:53AM
My take on it is that the developers have to find a happy medium between button presses and full motion control.
Has anyone here played Donkey Kong Jungle Beat? I found it at Walmart for $29.99 so I picked it up last week. Great game to play, fun and different, my whole family enjoys it. But tapping bongos and clapping starts to wear you out after 20 minutes or so. I've been playing it every day (sound familiar?), but not for much time. What's nice is this makes the relatively short game last quite a bit longer.
With the Wii, making every in-game action controlled with motion would be ok for games that are meant to be played in half hour sessions (Wii Sports), but not for games meant to be played longer - like LoZ with 140+ hours of game. A motion controlled boxing game would be awesome, but could a player physically last 10 rounds?
Saving the motion control for the special attacks is the best route for LoZ, IMO. It'll probably be best for most traditional games as well.