Link’s back for his first (sorta) next-gen adventure. Let’s admit it: it’s graphically a Gamecube game. It’s a good looking one, but visually a Gamecube game nonetheless. It was too far in development by the time it was announced for the Wii, but trust me, you’ll get over it. It’s a beautiful game on either console. Maybe it’s not quite pushing the Wii’s graphics, but still quite gorgeous. The game engine is a retooled version of Wind Waker’s cell shaded environments. After the hubbub around the cell shading, Nintendo opted to do a traditional 3D look. But they made the conversion beautifully.
Control wise, the game hasn’t changed much from Wind Waker or any 3D Zelda game, going on back to Ocarina of Time. Pick up the controller, and it’ll come flooding back to you. You’ll get the hang of it in no time. Any controls that have been changed for the Wii’s unique controller come to you quite naturally. Shake the controller, swing the sword. Shake and hold forward on the control stick, stab the enemy. Shake the Nunchuk, spinning sword. Throw in Z-targetting, and you’ve got combat down. Slain enemies litter the ground soon enough.
NOTE: A flick of the wrist is good enough for swordfighting. You do not have to wield the controller as if it were actually a weapon. Of course, you’re always welcome to swing like a maniac if you want.
The story is, well, Zelda-esque. Your world is being taken over by the Twilight, and of course, as the re-incaration of the Hero that has been saving Hyrule since the dawn of time, it’s up to you to stop it. This time though, you’re an adult at the beginning of the story, and you even already have your trusty steed Epona at your side. Why? Because you’re a shepherd. Ah, fates, how lucky you’ve made us. S’all right though. You’ll be a badass soon.
The Zelda series has grown through time, adapting itself to each generation of Nintendo console, and turning out beautifully each time. Even though this game was programmed for the Nintendo Gamecube, it’s just as wonderful to play for the Wii, and I can only wait in anticipation for a true Wii Legend of Zelda game to be released.
I’m trying to get into this game, but I just cannot. It’s silly gameplay problems like getting a cat to follow you that piss me off. Also the game is trying to be emotional, but I don’t have any attachment to these characters. And finally the textures are muddy, and there are problems with the graphics in every corner. This is not at all the Zelda game that I was expecting.