Firstly, there are so much great things to be said about this game. It is definitely the best looking in the Zelda series so far. The storyline is dramatic and exhilarating with a lot happening that never gets dull. The game play is fun and innovative, something we have come to expect from Nintendo now and they sure provide all that any gamer would want and more.

The thirteenth entry into the Zelda series is clearly a sequel to Ocarina of Time and is actually set more than a century after the events of the adventure. The game, however true to the traditional formula is very much different from any other. It’s this fact that makes the game so appealing and wonderful to play. Generally other reviews have given the game full marks or close to perfect scores and to be honest it is completely deserving of any good publicity it receives. By some it has even been described as the greatest Zelda game ever created. After years of creating games you can really see that the elite Nintendo team that developed this title knows what they are doing and what the gamer wants, even if they don’t know it yet themselves.

Zelda games have always given you a sense of freedom within the games world. None however have done so to the extent of what Twilight Princess has. Everything that was great about the classic N64 game is included in this title and the things that you couldn’t in Ocarina of Time are also e.g. Link is able to attack enemies while riding his horse.

"The contrast of dark and light really translates through the games visuals and sounds."

Actually, the only fault you could ever pick with this game is that it’s trying to cling to the success of Ocarina of Time, but that’s a statement for hardcore purist fans and for anyone else that plays this game it won’t be a problem at all. In fact the nostalgia effect in the game adds a contrast of eerie and warm feelings through out the environments you encounter along your way. It sure feels epic and it truly is due to the large over world, huge amounts of side quests and in game mythology. It’s the Legend of Zelda matured and from a darker view point which is quite enjoyable. The art reflects this point and the main theme of the game through out is the contrast of dark and light which really translates through the games visuals and sounds.

For big fans of the series it will really feel like stepping into familiar ground except everything is larger. The world really is large and is fitting for any gamer to totally immerse them selves in because this game really captures your attention constantly. The music in the game largely consists of rearranged Ocarina of Time and Major’s Mask songs which is done very beautifully. Some would comment that this was Twilight Princess’ big fault though. Although it’s not very noticeable, the game uses MIDI tracks in places in an age where full orchestrated scores are now used extensively in games. Maybe this was to create a feel of added nostalgia for the Zelda fan base but whatever the reason it does not hinder the game in any way.

"It really feels like stepping into familiar ground except everything is much larger..."

The mechanics are what really makes this game so smooth and repayable again and again. Although Twilight Princess is actually a Game Cube port it truly feels like it was made for the Wii and the controls are as innovative as ever. You manipulate Link with his weapons and items through Nintendo's nunchuk and Wiimote to correspondingly gesturing with the controls to swing Link’s sword and use multiple other commands. The choice of using the Wii controls really becomes clear when using projectile weapons as you point at your target using the Wiimote which translates very well onto the screen. The most exciting feature to this game is Link’s ability to change into a Wolf. Yes Link changes into a wolf as part of the story line and so with his transformation he gains new capabilities.

"Twilight Princess's Game play is as innovative as ever."

The abilities in Wolf form include enhanced speed, fang attacks, long jumps, communication with other animals, he can dig holes to create new passages and uncover buried items and eventually you learn an offensive energy field attack that can defeat multiple enemies at a time. Wolf form also gives Link improved sense of smell which allows him to follow trails left by certain characters in the game, or to obtain the scent of other items needed to progress such as medicine or fish. Using this enhanced sense you are also able to see spirits and which can neither be seen nor attacked in Link’s human form. However, Link cannot use his weapons and items, open doors with handles, or climb ladders until he is back into his human form. This creates challenge and puzzles through the game that keeps the mind working constantly and Twilight Princess is full of them. In fact this title is probably one of the most challenging yet fun Zelda titles.

"Although Twilight Princess is actually a Game Cube port, it truly feels like it was made for the Wii..."

Though the game feels completely new, the formula remains at the heart of the Zelda series always. You collect Weapons and items that help you progress and solve certain puzzles as you adventure your way through Hyrule. New items never seen before in any Zelda game appear and this always is part of the fun. We won’t spoil the surprises for you but we will say that they are impressive. For example the different suits of armor you receive are some of the best looking Link has ever been clothed in. Something that is different from previous installments is the fact that Link’s in game skill progresses as you encounter a character named the Hero's Spirit who teaches you advanced skills with your sword. This all enhances the battle experience and also the AI in twilight princess has also been tremendously improved. An example of this is the fact that enemies can detect Link from a larger distance than in previous titles.

One other point that improved the experience was boss fights. Many people actually complain that they were way too easy, and although this may be true compared to the rest of the game one thing can be said about the bosses that show how the Zelda franchise has grown. The sheer size of the creatures you’re up against. There is one battle in particular where you face a giant eel underwater, probably the most challenging fight in the game. The enemy can best be described as coming across like fights from Shadow of Colossus and this scope has never been experienced to this extent in a Zelda game, its really impressive.

"The depth, visuals and magnitude of the game cannot be described to its fullest in words."

The game can be summed up into one word; gorgeous. - The depth, visuals and magnitude of the game cannot be described to its fullest in words and the only way it can is if you just go out and buy this title. It is totally worth the time and money because its pure Nintendo quality, one of their best made games to date actually. If this is a Game Cube game then we can’t wait to see how a Wii made Zelda title will look. It really seems impossible to top Twilight Princess but then again Nintendo always manage to shock us. People that were not big fans of the Cell Shaded look will love this addition to the series that’s seems to return to its 3D roots taking more inspiration from Zelda games on the Nintendo 64 than from its direct predecessor, The Wind Waker. The game’s atmosphere can best be described as having darker tone similar to Majora's Mask’s eerie and uncomfortable feel which weirdly is a joy to experience.

It’s a must have game and one big reason to own a Wii console for sure. For people who haven’t played a Zelda game yet, this is your time to start and it’s a guarantee that you will enjoy it because Twilight Princess is a pure quality gaming experience.