Metapreview - Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii)

by Blake Snow { Nov 4th 2006 at 8:00AM }

Nintendo lifted what appears to be the first of at least one more embargo late last night on advanced industry previews of the highly anticipated Zelda: Twilight Princess for Wii. Rather than getting in the way of what's being said, let's cut to the chase:

GameDaily - "Twilight Princess may be the greatest Zelda ever ... Jaded critics will no doubt find lots to complain about, but don't listen to them. Twilight Princess is not only the Wii's quintessential killer app, but also one of the best adventure games to come along since Resident Evil 4."
Game|Life - "I was worried that the Wii version of the game would be rendered gimmicky and unsuitable for long-term play sessions. But now I've played it, and not only has every lingering speck of doubt been scrubbed clean, I was actually shocked at how well it worked."
Gamespot - "Twilight Princess' now-mandatory use of the Wii remote has been the subject of much 'love it/hate it' talk online, and we'll admit to mixed emotions ourselves after having played it the first times, but after spending a longer period with it, we have to say that we're still on the fence but leaning towards being cool with it--with some reservations."
1UP - "If Twilight Princess manages to uphold the level of quality seen in its opening hours for the entire duration of the adventure, it will unquestionably go down as one of the greats. Imagine Ocarina of Time, but polished and expanded and refined and generally perfected."

Kotaku - "The game is remarkably cinematic, but not in the cheesy Hollywood-wannabe way that so often traps the gaming industry ... Does Twilight Princess need to be on the Wii? Probably not. But the game is a little better for it."
Planet GameCube - "But ever since the announcement of the Wii version, there has been the debate over which version of Zelda is going to control better. My friends, the debate is over: Wii Zelda is the real deal."
IGN - "If Wii Sports is for the non-gamers, Twilight Princess is for the hardcore. After I spent 10 hours with the game, I barely managed to squeak by two temples, with the third so far off that I could scarcely imagine getting there, let alone approach the objective. (For the record, out of 30 or so journalists, nobody came close to the third temple.)"
GoNintendo - "I seriously cannot see myself playing the Cube version and enjoying it nearly as much. I know that it is the same core game...and I would enjoy the story just as much...but the physical connection of actually feeling like Link is absolutely priceless."

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

Crimemaster Gogo @ Nov 4th 2006 8:14AM

First post WOO HOO!!! Am i the only one who doesn't wanna read these impressions im gnna play the game regardless of what anyone thinks and dont want any parts ruined for me.

Joe @ Nov 4th 2006 8:17AM

Yeah, I've been avoiding all spoilers, but skimmed parts of some of these previews, and accidentally read the number of dungeons that would be in the game, so I'm a little annoyed at myself for that, but oh well.

Wazatiste @ Nov 4th 2006 8:23AM

Oh gods i fuckin NEED this game... I was afraid its port on wii would have made it a gimmick game but hell, it seems heaven on earth... Like OOT.
December 8, i'm sick. I will not go to university. I WILL PLAY THAT GAME TO DEATH.

Zo� K. @ Nov 4th 2006 8:23AM

Yeah, I read what IGN had to say earlier, and I have to say... my smile grew from ear to ear.

I don't have the same time restrictions Matt does, 'cause I work at home, so bring that epic goodness on. >:3

whosyourdaddy? @ Nov 4th 2006 8:23AM

what spoilers? By the size of this game, this is but a mere tidbit of the story. I'm sure there'll be plently more surprises in 70 hours a gameplay.

DevelopersDevelopers @ Nov 4th 2006 8:25AM

Gimmick, passing fad, going same way as GC.

Wait for Halo3.

Armin @ Nov 4th 2006 8:25AM

I remember skipping school when the Ocarina of Time came out... I think Twilight Princess will have the same effect on me :)

Devwar @ Nov 4th 2006 8:31AM

Good thing this all comes out on a sunday.

Sony Fanboy #777 @ Nov 4th 2006 8:48AM

"Gimmick, passing fad, going same way as GC.

Wait for Halo3."

Agreed. Same mediore crap as every other Zelda game. Do yourself a favor and just play Okami and Shadow of the Colossus instead.

Halo 3 will suck even more, DD.

Kenny @ Nov 4th 2006 8:59AM

"Gimmick, passing fad, going same way as GC.

Wait for Halo3."

Wow, then zelda must be the longest fad I've ever seen.

How long has it been? 20 years? Yah, probly.

"Same mediore crap as every other Zelda game."

I'm assuming you've played every zelda game, including this one. Of course, I'm probably wrong.

DrLove @ Nov 4th 2006 9:02AM

@ 6 and 9

Go troll somewhere else guys.

Microsoft fanboy on one side, Sony fanboy on the other, both flaming what is arguably the greatest video game franchise ever created. Wonder if either of them have ever played a Zelda game?

Foetoid @ Nov 4th 2006 9:04AM

I totally agree with post 9, except for the fact that he is trying to tell us it's gonna be the same old zelda. It's going to be the same old zelda with a shitload of polish, a much longer game, and a generally bigger feeling than OOT gave millions of gamers beforehand. Halo on the other hand had sex with Half-life to make Halo 2, with half-life being the better of the 3. Halo 3 will be the same as Halo 2, which is great, if you like shitty FPS games with cheesy stories and terrible controls (before you flame me, i've finished both halo games ot see wot the fuss was about. By the time i was halfway through, i had to force myself to not return to both Metroid Prime games). Zelda: TP will be the most unbelievable game ever, before u diss it, give it a shot.

luet @ Nov 4th 2006 9:08AM

Guys, ignore the two fanboys, you know the only reason their here is to troll. Don't try and decompile their responses and intelligently disprove them, just ignore them. I'm not even kidding when I say how much of a waste of your time it is.

Sony Fanboy #777 @ Nov 4th 2006 9:08AM

Wow. Excuuuse me.

LK @ Nov 4th 2006 9:10AM

Is that Sony and Microsoft fanboys jealous of some decent first-party games? Jealous of Zelda?

We understand. You can still get in line Nov.19 and have a decent chance of playing one that day. Or you can play some third-person shooter or stay up all night on Ebay and playing a game called bidding wars.

I'm pretty sure that third-person shooter would be good, but not Zelda good. And bidding on Ebay might get you closer to what you think you want, but end up losing half your bank account and your soul. Worse comes to worse, you can always play old epic adventures for a old console, but deep down you know it is only a weak substitute for something new and something called Zelda.

Sony Fanboy #777 @ Nov 4th 2006 9:13AM

In case it isn't the least bit clear now, I was mocking post 6. :/

DevelopersDevelopers @ Nov 4th 2006 9:14AM

Wii: For gamers 3 years old to 10 years old, divorced mothers and people who live in retirement communities. It's been going 20 years because kids like the "Nintendo SixtyFooooouuuuur!" kid have been bugging their parents for the game since year dot. :D

is @ Nov 4th 2006 9:25AM

Lol, this is great! All the preview-comments are positive, even the ones that are trying to remain impartial. This with the red steel 'review' from Ngamer and it looks like im gonna be a happy customer come launch day.

Who's fuckin pumped for Zelda? Can I get a hell yeah?

DrLove @ Nov 4th 2006 9:28AM

@17

I'd have to say I disagree. Nintendo, and the Wii, is for people who play video games for enjoyment. I, for one, like to have fun with the games I play, and therefore I will be purchasing a Wii (and Zelda) and launch day. Somehow, I think that there are a heck of a lot of people who are going to do the exact same thing.

DevelopersDevelopers @ Nov 4th 2006 9:33AM

Can someone please video their 7 year old kid opening a Wii on Christmas day? ..."Nintendo Wiiiiiii...NIN-TEN-DO WIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!"

corn_fest @ Nov 4th 2006 9:45AM

I played The Minish Cap and thought it was crap, but that's the only Zelda game I've ever played (thought The Wind Waker looks quite good).

Is this game worth buying if I hated Minish Cap?

Wazatiste @ Nov 4th 2006 10:04AM

21 > Totally. Minish Cap was a Capcom game. TP is made by Nintendo itself, so go for it !

Sponge @ Nov 4th 2006 10:42AM

It depends on why you hated it, corn_fest.

eno @ Nov 4th 2006 10:32AM

i definately see nintendo selling all its wii's this year and that would give them the biggest headstart in the console wars. They might even beat microsoft at the 10 million mark(AND THEY HAVE ALREADY HAD A YEAR).

striderhayasa @ Nov 4th 2006 10:39AM

Minish Cap? Try OoT or Majora's Mask instead.

Don't forget the sign you passed before you all came in.."DON'T FEED THE TROLLS"

They are an annoying lot, headstrong and dimwitted. Never listen to reason. If you feed them they multiple and becoming even more bothersome. Just ignore them.

Zelda: TP...looks to be on hell of a ride. I'm looking forward to it. Red Steel 4 player video looks like Goldeneye. I'm very interested in how that's going to turn out. Excitetruck looks like a load of fun and Tony Hawks: DHJ is killer on DS, makes me want to try the Wii version...looks like a Big N christmas so far.

gingerlink @ Nov 4th 2006 10:41AM

@17
what do 3-10 year old children, divorced mothers and the elderly have in common? nothing other than the fact they're human. Aren't we all? i hope..

Wind waker and Ocarina of Time are the best two to look at to get a small feel of twilight princess if you've never played a zelda game before. Minish cap was made by capcom, was 2d (nothing wrong with that, just different) and has a high mid-temple frustration factor

jaysins @ Nov 4th 2006 10:43AM

Well I'm more of an 360 fanboy than anything and I'm extremely stoked for this game. Ever since OOT I've been a huge zelda fan. I wish it was coming out for 360 so I could view it in high def but I guess I'll just have to make due with the wii-mote ;) Probably be more than worth it anyway. Here's to Falling GPA's and sore bladders.

themikey @ Nov 4th 2006 10:47AM

Hey. You guys know why I like the Wii? Because I don't have to come into Joystiq and defend my purchase. :D

Back on topic... November 19, with Wii, Zelda, and Red Steel will likely be the best b-day ever. I have my EB Games receipt... I am ready.

nabisco @ Nov 4th 2006 10:52AM

@DevelopersDevelopers Either your a fanboy who can't stand all the anticipation for the Wii and Zelda, or you just really suck at Zelda.

Travi$ @ Nov 4th 2006 11:11AM

LOL. DevelopersDevelopers is mad because he couldn't beat the water temple.

MasterPaul @ Nov 4th 2006 12:12PM

Okami is good game.

Halo 3 MIGHT be a good game. (FPS controls on Wii will be better).

But Zelda: TP will be also a good game, and one of the greatest of all time. It will get awards and it will get highly rated.

You can't denay IT... People are going to remember Ζελδa: TP as the greatest game of all time.

Soul @ Nov 4th 2006 12:21PM

this is going to be a pretty tight game - i can never trust impressions fully since everyone loved halo and gta and i wasnt a fan of them...

however, ive been a fan of zelda since day 1, and i can not wait. i would love the ability to use gamecube control still, but if the wii is really as fun as it looks, then im sold..

as for trolls - most are jealous - its almost like religion - they get insecure when they see another console succeeding and start goin nuts. deal with it - competition is good for the industry and instead of being a hater, get a job and buy it all

Triforceowner @ Nov 4th 2006 12:34PM

In the IGN article, it seems that the main reson the Wii version is better than the Gamecube version is because the controls aren't bad. They work. I think the only plus they had was in aiming the bow and boomerang, but what tired analog stick user is not gold with aiming by now? I just don't feel like dropping $300 on a game I can get for $50.

Optimus Prime @ Nov 4th 2006 12:42PM

Isnt Link suppose to die at the end of this game?

Paul Gale @ Nov 4th 2006 12:55PM

This is truly a special time in gaming folks. For what the majority of the internet, magazine, and fan community think, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is to this day considered the best game of all time.

It’s still the #1 highest rated game on average on multiple rankings sites like GameRankings.com and GameStats.com, and you still see it pop up as #1 or close it in most Top 100’s, etc. It’s not just the media that love Ocarina, it’s the fans too.

Now think of all of the wonderful games you’ve experienced in the last 8 years; some of you may place one of those higher than Ocarina of Time, but I’m willing to bet that most still agree that Ocarina is the best game out there.

And you know what, even to those that don’t put Ocarina of Time in their #1 slot, I doubt that anyone “dislikes” the game.

This brings me to Twilight Princess. You’re looking at a game with a 4 year development cycle, with a bigger Nintendo team, with more experienced people on staff, with more hours put into the game than Ocarina (even though OoT also took 4 years to make), and the chances of this game being the true new “Best Game Ever” has gone way up.

I’ve played this masterpiece on several occasions, first back on GameCube and ever since then on Wii. I plan to buy both, but am honestly stoked and proud of Nintendo for fine tuning the controls for the Wii version.

Until I get the final copy of the game and a Wii, I won’t be able to give it a complete review, but from my play experiences thus far, it’s easily a 10. And if whatever small percentage of the game I’ve played up to now is any indication of how great the final product will be, then it’s a pretty safe bet that this thing’ll wind up a Perfect 10.

Ladies and gentlemen, this sort of thing happens once in a great while…a new title to truly take the #1 spot in this industry.

From the latest videos to the amazing screenshots and impressions, I’m jumping with joy to know that this game is shaping up to being all that Nintendo said it would: The best Zelda ever, The best Nintendo game ever.

Thank you Nintendo.
Paul Gale
1up.com

LK @ Nov 4th 2006 1:40PM

t DevelopersDevelopers

Can you please video yourself opening a PS3 on Christmas day? ..."PS THREEEEEEEE!! THREEEEEEEE!!!"

Oh right, you probably CAN'T. Not because you lack the childishness, but because you will be (most likely) short one PS3 this Christmas unless you pay those Ebay scalpers.

Xbox 360? I'm sure you did it last year Christmas. No? Shortages back then as well? Awww... that is too bad.

s256 @ Nov 4th 2006 3:06PM

Sony and Microsoft suck at launches. Why is the availability so terrible, and why do the consoles have issues? More importantly, why do people think that it's okay?

Twilight Princess looks great. It's nice to know that whenever Nintendo wants to make a stellar, amazing, epic game that they just can. Also, even though the general formula stays much the same, all the games seem different from each other through new items, abilities or features that drive the gameplay to new places.

Anyone who says Zelda games are all the same should be saying the same about GTA, Final Fantasy and Halo.

lowallyn @ Nov 4th 2006 2:29PM

fucking yes. zelda killer app. srew xbox 3rd in the console war guessing 3rd this time too(world wide sales 2nd in america japan hates microsoft XD yes that means gc pwned xbox world wide sales =P). halo is like their only francise.

if you have never played zelda your missing out one of the best game series and many critics call loz OOT the best game ever created. its not just some remade game over and over again like you say. nintendo may use the same game characters but they innovate the way its played look at super mario sunshine excellent game. i can imagine a child or anyone opening a gift on christmas day and saying omg its a wiiiiiiii its just a name get over it. when nintendo makes a game its solid and is fun just because its not call of duty killing people with lots of blood doesnt mean its not fun or something like that
obviously DevelopersDevelopers is a fanboy and needs to get a life instead of trolling in the same comments over and over again =D
agreeing with paul gale what is that 1up? well i think reading his comment is nuff said

TaPasao @ Nov 4th 2006 2:23PM

HUNGRYYYYY!!!!! MUST HAVE ZELDAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Final Boss @ Nov 4th 2006 2:23PM

That Kotaku article somewhat unpleasantly spoils a lot of story information, and has some pictures you may not want to see, even though in the beginning he states that he'll focus on gameplay. I'm glad Nintendo didn't let them play the whole game.

gok @ Nov 4th 2006 2:26PM

I played Twilight Princess today and i must say it was boooring and ugly. More boring than ugly actually. Maybe if i played more i would've seen good sides but didnt see any today.

hollerback @ Nov 4th 2006 2:28PM

The love for Ocarina of Time never ceases to baffle me. I absolutely hated it. Shoddy 3-d graphics way too early for its time, drab story, and horrible world design. What was fun about Zelda was that you could go ANYWHERE -- like Wind Waker, Link to the Past, Original Zelda -- and not have to basically run through a crappy, empty field to get to Point A, Point B, Point C, and so on.

It was far from the "Best Game of All Time." Man, I hated Ocarina.

Twilight Princess looks good. I'm excited to see it, but by this point am pretty over Zelda. It's always a variation on the same story with no character development whatsoever.

No way this can trump FFXII.

:p @ Nov 4th 2006 2:50PM

So why doesn't Paul Gale Have like 8 stars already. Really though his posts are always a good read.

:p

Ringworm @ Nov 4th 2006 3:02PM

Okami and Shadow of the Collossus were 100% inspired by Zelda:Ocarina of time. That doesn't mean these two titles sucked. It just means Nintendo's EAD department of Zelda development gave birth to both of these franchises and that's a fact considering Sony called both of these titles (PS2's Zelda) in Playstation's official magazine! Zelda is in no way a rehash of the same game with minor updates like Madden but if you beleive this to be true then what will you say when Okami and Shadow of the Colossus make a sequel?

MB @ Nov 4th 2006 3:04PM

Always funny to see those sony/ms fanboys hating on zelda and claiming they played it and deeming it crappy. U aint fooling anyone with that. Esp. #40, shoddy gfx, riiiight.

Marc @ Nov 4th 2006 3:13PM

To all the Playstation Fanboys that claim Zelda is now a redundant game, just a stylized Ocarina of Time and the same thing over and over. Where is your arguement? You have been playing with the same controller since 1995. Everytime there has been a small evolution in your controller it came after Nintendo did it first. The joystick ,Sony saw Nintendo do it, so they did it. Rumble Pak, Sony saw Nintendo do it, so they did it. Sony is afraid to lose any market share, they are afraid to make chances, they realized the potential of the Wii remote, feared it and adapted it into their controller, while at the same time not changing there controller design to not alienate the "casual gamer". They were afraid to follow Nintendo completley because it was unproven, but they didn't want their system to appear weak because it doesn't have it. You have been playing with an enhanced Playstation One pad for ten years and your still buying. What is your classic game? One that has stood the test of time? Gran Turismo? Perhaps, but that wouldn't bring memories like a Zelda, or a Mario would. How about Metal Gear? No, Sony never developed Metal Gear, thats Konami. How about Final Fantasy? Nope, once again another developer that could move it to another system at any time. Sony's game is stay the same then when someone else comes out with a product that work take it and incorporate it. Our Nostalgia enhances the product but doesn't make the product. You have nothing, good graphics, same controller, same EXACT thing. At least when I will play Zelda, it will be on a DIFFERENT controller, be a DIFFERENT story, and be a DIFFERENT game. Sony is laughing so hardcore, they are releasing an Enhanced Playstaion One for 599.99, and that sad thing is, your still buying.

cutspop @ Nov 4th 2006 3:19PM

can not wait.......Must.....cryogenicly........ freeze myself.......see you in 3 weeks guys...

eric j. @ Nov 6th 2006 3:34PM

lmao stupid idiots as gamespot xD their reviews provide nothing but laughter and making me wonder how the hell gamespot is so successful? Woo lets charge people for game trailers they've already seen! oo and our exculsive content for paying members, sucks too!

Rifaavalon @ Nov 4th 2006 4:02PM

I am not a fan boy I have said this time and time again, but now that I have read the previews for twilight princess this will be the first system that I actually buy on launch day. Just to hunker down with a nice refreshing 12 pack of Mt. Dew and Twilight Princess is going to be magical.

You little Sony and Xbox fanboys finally need to shut up! I have said this time and time again Nintendo has been and always will be around. You wouldn't have your little Playstation hadn't it been for Sony ripping Nintendo back in the day. (I am going to off of the beaten path, but Sega introduced Microsoft to gaming) .

Halo isn't really that epic of a series. It just doesn't reem of the magic that Zelda does. Zelda has put the imagination of gamers at work since the early days.

As well Final Fantasy since X and VIII.I haven't played XII and I really want to, but I am concerned that they have gotten off the beaten path with this gambit system and with the grid systems that it's not even funny. It takes away from your gameplay to the nth degree and it's really annoying.

OoT was possibly the greatest game to come out. It has so much depth, even now. I think that alot of players really need to go out, and get the older games or emulate them, to get a sense of what it was to use your imagination as opposed to having someone tell you or show you all of the time.

This is someone whom has played all of the greats and I can honestly tell you that Mario and Zelda still give me the same goosebumps that they did when I was 5 .