Game Name: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
System: Nintendo Wii; Nintendo GameCube
Developer: Nintendo
Genre: Action/Adventure RPG
ESRB: [T] Teen

Rankings

Appearance: 10/10
There hasn't been a single Legend of Zelda game that hasn't capitalized on the graphical capabilities of the machine it was placed on, and Twilight Princess is no exception. The shadows and textures are sharp and well translated, especially with component cables on the Wii. What are just astounding to watch are the water and fire effects. The lighting always matches the mood, and facial expressions just bring out the story. If there is one flaw is that it might look a little too realistic. That's a big "If..." statement, too. The end-all, be-all is that the characters are well rendered and environments vast and gorgeous. There is more than enough space available to do whatever one could want in the large-scale map available.

Audio: 9/10
It's not a Legend of Zelda title without an excellent soundtrack, and Twilight Princess delivers once again! As long as the volume on the Wii-mote is properly adjusted, there are no distortions and everything is delivered in a prompt and crisp manner. The only real problem comes in the very, very slight let down of the scores. Something is missing, and it's hard if not impossible to point out.

Physics: 9/10
Since Ocarina of Time, Legend of Zelda titles try to capitalize on wind, fire, water, and explosion effects. The only thing that isn't presented properly is destructible environments, and that's nothing important. As far as action/adventure games go, Twilight Princess has those effects perfectly in tune with the perception of its heart.

Game Play: 9/10
It's interesting to report the differences between games on two different consoles when it comes to game play. The first major difference is the motion control in the Wii versus the standard play in the GameCube. The second major difference is that they mirror each other. However, the feel and control of the game is clean and responsive in either. It's easy to engage an enemy; though, that's not to say that an encounter is without challenge. The different play styles of Link, wolf-Link, and horseback-Link all come together in a style which is easy to get used to and even switch between [at later stages of the game].

Story: 10/10
Twilight Princess has a deep and engaging story, and it also doesn't shy from being a bit dark. This is probably the dreariest Legend of Zelda title to date, but that certainly isn't a bad thing. The whole scope of the game is still imagination, and everything is presented as vividly as one has come to expect. The characters are all alive with their own stories and motivations, and the key elements to draw the player in are clearly present and accounted for.

Possibly more present in this game than others before it are the individual stories behind each item. This also lends to the dark and dreary aspects of the game. Don't be surprised to see many possessions come about because of the evil attributes of the items Link is set to discover and recover. The most frightening aspect of the story is watching friend turn to foe and knowing that the only way to save them is in uncertain victory; their defeat. Can Link really turn his sword on those who don't want to fight him?

Then there's the mystery of Zelda and Midna. Just why is the game called Twilight Princess? Is there a plot device or story twist just waiting there? What of Ilia and the children of Oron Village? Are the people of Hyrule really going to be turned into spirits living in a perpetual nightmare if Link fails? Just who is this evil force? Is it really the will of those of the Twilight Realm to start a war? These questions and more are posed to Link throughout the game, and many don't have any decent answers until near the end.

It's yet another great adventure for our hero Link, and he'll come face to face with the very visage of evil!

Multiplayer: N/A

Replay: 8/10
Where's that last heart piece? We've got to find the best fish! That minigame was a blast! Ugh! Why can't I shave off those last few seconds?

Ever been there? Do you ever want to just finish something and be done with it? Rather would you like to go and see everything and then do it again? If you answered the latter, Twilight Princess delivers in classic Legend of Zelda style! You have puzzles to pick apart. You have dungeons to explore. You have mysteries to solve. You have items to find. You have secrets to solve. Best of all? Fishing is back in Ocarina of Time fashion!

Extras: 9/10
Fishing. Need I say more?

Needless to say, Twilight Princess presents plenty to do for those accustomed to a great Legend of Zelda game. The fact is that there is plenty of ground to explore, and the Cave of Ordeals (...or was it Trials?) is a 100-floor dungeon crawl that is sure to bring a great deal of triumph and pain. There are plenty of games to play, and many of the prizes are worth it. There's even a bobsledding competition against a Yeti! Did I mention bug hunting? What about horseback riding? It's all fun and games until somebody loses and eye! Then you just hit reset! ...as long as it's a game. That's the point, and this game is just fun!

Overall: 9.5/10
It's Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, and it delivers on the promise of a great game. The bosses are a little easy, but they certainly deliver more story than in previous incarnations. I don't know if it was because of the GameCube version, but I think an orchestral would have really added to the flavor and atmosphere of the game. Then again, both the GameCube and Wii are capable of Dolby Pro Logic II which is fully capable of delivering the crisp left-right audio separation and deep bass needed for a great orchestral score. Whatever the case, the score is still great. This game does have the visuals and physics to be eye-catching. Luckily, this eye candy isn't all the game has to deliver! It's deep. It's new. The Wii even delivers a more in depth feel of what it is like to be Link as he swings his sword and enters every encounter.

It is yet anther "must have" game, and it's introducing a new generation of gaming on the Wii!