bit-tech Shopping: Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (GC)

Rating: 10

Time with product: 3 Months

Strengths: Same great Zelda gameplay. Responsive sword controls. Camera control. Lengthy game.

Weaknesses: Some textures look a little muddy. Wind Waker's stylized art direction made more of an impression. Old-fashioned controls are a pro or con depending on your preferences.

Summary: Twilight Princess is yet another lengthy Zelda adventure filled with exploration and puzzles. With a darker look and more dungeons than Wind Waker, this is a return to the formula established with Ocarina of Time.I was initially waiting to play this on a Wii but the console is still hard to find in many places. Well, not to worry; if you need something to play, the Gamecube version of Twilight Princess will not disappoint. The controls are the same tried-and-true setup that has worked since 1998.In comparison to the Wii version, this one is missing a few things, notably the Wiimote weapon aiming and 16:9 widescreen option. However, the Gamecube version makes up for it with responsive button-based sword attacks and the ability to control the camera angle. In addition, Link is here left-handed for purists. Even the aiming isn't that much of a problem since you can lock-on in many cases.If you still can't find a Wii, don't hesitate to get the Gamecube version while you still can. Zelda games are worth replaying, so you can grab the Wii version later.

Rating: 10

Time with product:

Strengths: Great graphics, excellent story

Weaknesses: N/A

Summary: Like other games in the Zelda series, Twilight Princess is an excellent game. There's good combination of hack and slash, puzzles, and wandering combined with the usual assortment of items to help you on your way. The graphics are great for the game cube, and while others complain of the lack of character voices, I rather prefer to let my imagination fill in that spot as opposed to running the risk of having a set of poor voice actors ruin things. All in all, Twilight Princess offers up hours of game play, an intriguing storyline, and a good reason to keep the game cube around.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 2 Days

Strengths: Realistic graphics, new gameplay as the wolf, interesting story

Weaknesses: Could have had some character voices

Summary: The graphics are more realistic than any other zelda. The story is very interesting and involves zelda being captured by dark creatures in a world where link exists as a wolf. You also have a mysterious dark creature who helps you. The wolf character has some neat attacks and abilities like seeing ghosts and digging for treasures. In addition, link can ride a horse and jump over obstacles. One jousting match is particularly exciting. Unlike "windwaker," you do not have to spend time sailing to places. The creature who helps you can teleport you around. Including voices for the characters might have been a nice addition. Instead, we get the kind of the squeaking noises that sort of reminds me of how the characters talk in "animal crossing." Otherwise, an excellent game. Couldn't stop playing.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 6 Days

Strengths: Gameplay, level design, graphics, controls, variety of weapons, puzzles, enemies

Weaknesses: may be a little too long for some

Summary: WOW!!! That is my reaction to Zelda: Twilight Princess. I have never played a Zelda game before and tried this game solely on its hype. I got to say it well meets its expectation. The game is simply a work or art, a masterpiece. The graphics, the level design, and all the details just blew me away. This is a must play adventure for all gamers. Some casual gamer may be become overwhelm by the length of the game. It will take you at least 50-60 hours to complete. You will need to set a side a huge chunk of your time to finish this game. Overall, one of the most unique and satisfying game I have ever played. A MUST-HAVE in any videogame library.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 3

Strengths: This quest is quite long, variety of puzzles

Weaknesses: Combat is easy, almost an afterthought, and the game drags on at some points where puzzles may take a very long time.

Summary: Overall this is a very solid game building upon the gameplay found in the previous Zelda games like Ocarina of Time and Windwaker. The biggest change is the ability to play as a wolf with some different moves and abilities. The game itself is quite long, much longer than previous Zelda games. There are many areas to explore, but some of this does drag on at times as you spend hours searching for little things to advance the game. The combat is mostly easy and repetitive, but the boss fights offer a nice change of pace. This game is worth a purchase.