One of the biggest assets that Nintendo's long-running franchises have is their variety. Time and time again, new entries in iconic series have reinvented themselves. This isn't always the case such as with Pokemon and Kirby, but there's always something new, and both of those series are expanding outward on the Nintendo Switch. Mario in particular has a library of games that won't be mistaken for each other anytime soon. Except for the occasional Super Mario Galaxy 2 or New Super Mario Bros. 2, many titles have a distinctly experimental feel to them.

The Legend of Zelda is much the same way. Link, Zelda, and Ganondorf have appeared on many stages over the years, sporting different adventures and graphical styles. The chibi Link to the Past look came, went, and came back again, and the cell-shaded Wind Waker style provided many games with a simple but pleasing art direction. The core dungeoneering structure has mostly stayed the same, but even Breath of the Wild broke that up with a much larger focus on overworld travel and mini dungeons. Among these titles falls The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, a game that is both standardized in many ways and novel in so many others.

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Twilight Princess’ Presentation Has Never Been Seen in Another Zelda Game

A blank-eyed Link standing near Dark Link-resembling Interlopers in Twilight Princess

One of the first things players will notice about Twilight Princess is how it looks. The darker and more realistic visuals of the game dominated its marketing campaign back in the early 2000s, as well as many fan discussions regarding the title. Some feel like the game was trying too hard, while others see it as having the most interesting and mature look out of all the 3D Zelda titles. Whatever one's stance is on it, this look is deeply integrated into every aspect of Twilight Princess, with excellent enemy designs and a macabre Twilight Realm full of visually captivating foes and textures. The HD re-release helped shine some extra light on its surprisingly vibrant color usage, and the game looks all the better for it.

Indeed, the presentation of Twilight Princess is a core part of its experience. The Legend of Zelda has had plenty of cinematic moments and atypical cutscene direction. Some moments in Twilight Princess are so avant-garde that they call to mind similar sequences in Majora's Mask. Something about dialing up the realism and keeping most scenes grounded makes more intense moments like Link’s vision of the past and Ganondorf's death hit even harder. Not only do the cutscenes impress, but so do the temples and boss fights. Twilight Princess has some of the most visually interesting and well-designed instances of both in the franchise, and in the era of Breath of the Wild's five compact dungeons with five associated bosses, fans appreciate what Twilight Princess did now more than ever.

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The Story of Twilight Princess Ranks Among Zelda’s Best

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Building off of Twilight Princess's mature tone and grandiose presentation is its story. The Legend of Zelda is no stranger to having massive colorful casts, especially when most speaking NPCs have a unique design. Twilight Princess gets some flack for its slow beginning, but it firmly establishes Link as a central figure with many friends of all backgrounds in his hometown. Upon leaving it, he meets more people in the enigmatic resistance and other folk like the Spirits of Light, the people of Kakariko Village, the Fishing Pond siblings, and the primary villain Zant. Even bit roles like Agitha and the Postman are entertaining. With a grand narrative taking players through Hyrule, its surrounding history, and its mysterious past, a new face always feels around the corner.

Of course, the characters of Twilight Princess could not be complete without Midna. This Twili imp is a core figure in the narrative, being responsible for Link's escape from his initial imprisonment as Wolf Link. It's arguable whether the “Twilight Princess” in the subtitle is referring to the deposed Princess Zelda as Midna claims or to herself, as she turns out to be exactly that in the Twilight Realm. Her sassy attitude and shifting motivations, combined with her usefulness in both gameplay and cutscenes, have endeared her to fans beyond any other supporting character in the franchise. There's a strong argument that Midna is one of the best reasons why Zelda fans should try Twilight Princess.

Tight Gameplay Brings Twilight Princess Together

Hero's Shade and Link from Twilight Princess

That brings matters to the gameplay. Twilight Princess plays like a polished version of Ocarina of Time, which fans and detractors have spent many years arguing over. Regardless, its dungeon items are satisfying to use, even if the Spinner and the Dominion Rod are rendered obsolete outside their home turf. The Gale Boomerang, formal debut of Bomb Arrows, and Double Clawshot are worth the price of admission and remain useful and fun tools throughout the game. Wolf Link also adds an interesting wrinkle to some combat encounters, especially the fast travel point fights that serve as combat puzzles designed for him.

The final piece of the puzzle is Link's own sword and shield, which always make for a great combat experience. After refinements in The Wind Waker, Twilight Princess represents the most polished and expansive version of Ocarina of Time’s combat yet. If the player gains all seven Hidden Skills from the Hero's Shade, their repertoire will be massive. The only problem is that the game as a whole is too easy for all of these moves to be relevant. At least the final multi-stage duels with Zant and Ganondorf test the player’s full skillset. The wrinkles that Twilight Princess can be played with normal buttons or motion controls depending on the version, which also may come with a horizontally mirrored world, is just the cherry on top. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess remains a unique experience in the 3D Zelda mythos, and it is worth the time for any curious Zelda fans.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess is available now on GameCube, Wii, and Wii U.

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