Topic: The Zelda: TP opinion thread

[GoldenPhoenix]

Well since it appears that the only viable Zelda: TP threads are either for spoilers or control complaints, I have decided to make my own thread where there will be no spoilers but your opinion of the game. Personally I am amazed by the game, even though I am only 5 hrs or so into it and just past the 1st dungeon (yeah I do alot of messing around). I'm not seeing any of the complaints coming to life with the game about it being a remake of OOT or any other Zelda for that matter, it feels like a unique experience and has a whole different feel from previous Zeldas besides the obvious setting and characters (along with cool little homages here and there).

The Wii controls are a mixed bag but I think the positives far outweigh the negatives and I cannot see playing this on GC, especially when it pertains to aiming which is intuitive. I'm not yet sold on the sword fighting being controlled by swinging the remote, but I  can't say it has been a pain to do, just doesn't seem any better than button presses.

Finally the story so far is great, it has a mixture of tons of different emotions and reminds me quite a bit of Wind Waker when it comes to the characters and story depth.  From what I hear it gets even more complex as you trudge through it, and personally I cannot wait.

In conclusion I'm still not far enough to rank it in comparison to the other Zeldas, but I know that Gamespot's review was full of crap. This game is definately a gem, whether it shines brighter than OOT, Wind Waker or even LTTP though remains to be seen.

[Pikachelsea]

I'll reserve a final review until I've beaten the game, but so far I'm very pleased with what I've seen (I'm about 7+ hours in, about to start the second temple). I've seen a lot of knee-jerk complaining about Zelda's motion-sensing around the 'net but that seems to ease up as people spend more time with the game and let go of the "omg must press buttons" mentality that's been ingrained into our heads for so long. Usually I find the motion-sensing very intuitive and useful; other times it is a bit of a pain and I sorta wish they would at least give an option to use the GameCube button-only controls. But overall I think the Wii remote does add to the experience instead of detract from it.

Also, I really love playing as wolf Link. His sound effects, animations, abilities and speed are just great.

Riding Epona is better than ever. It is SO much more fun (IMHO, anyway) to ride that dang horse than to sail the boat in Wind Waker. Little details like the way Link kicks the stirrups to Epona's sides to get her going, and how she shies when you do a sudden turn-around all add to the feel of riding a horse. Riding around Hyrule field on Epona and horseback combat both rule (if a little tiresome with the constant remote-jiggling).

Sites like IGN sure did a lot of whining about the lack of orchestrated music and voice-acting... personally, I think the music sounds great and I don't want voice-acting in Zelda. Shoddy voice-acting has ruined the atmosphere of many other otherwise good games. Mario and Link are two characters who simply should never talk (outside of their "Woo-hoo!"s and "YAAAHH" attack sounds), and neither should the inhabitants of their respective worlds.

Haven't found the game TOO hard yet (I only recently got killed a couple times by some Shadow Beings), but tough enough that it's rewarding to figure it out on your own.

Oh, and I'm currently trying to decide if Ooccoo and Ooccoo Jr. weird me out more than Tingle. So random!

[Caliban]

I finished the game, and if I ever had to review it I would give it a final 9.5.

Even though this game is not graphically stunning, because we know it is basically a GC port, I think that the environments, characters, and dungeons are so well crafted and detailed that it would be unfair if we were to criticize it just for how its textures look, heck why even compare it to the 360 or PS3 games if they are in a different league of their own. Then you have to factor in the immensity of this game, it is just huge, and by my judgment I would say that it might be 5+ times bigger than OoT.

When it comes to gameplay, I think everything works perfectly except when Link uses his sword for ground combat, it does work perfectly well in other fighting situations. The Wolf mechanics were quite useful too and definately part of the overall gameplay and not just some added gimmicky gameplay feature.

The puzzle-solving dificulty can vary from person to person but they surely are more intricate than in OoT, its like in every single dungeon room (be it small or big) there was something to solve.

As for story and the emotions conveyed by the charcters in cutscenes were suberb, however at a certain point I think it just went low in quality and it just seemed rushed and left me with many questions to what was happening, that's why I want to discuss it in the spoilers thread lol.

Oh, just one grievance, why oh why and how many times did I get notified of picking up a rupee that I already have picked up somewhere else.

Is it the best Zelda until now, I think that is a matter of personal preference, to me Zelda II will always be the best, however I will say that to me TP is in 2nd place of all Zelda games.

[Edfishy]

I'm actually wondering if the characters should speak, but speak Hyrulianese, with translated subtitles in the same respect as Crouching Tigers: Hidden Dragon.  Then maybe have an option buried deep inside the menus to have the voice spoken in english, with mouth movements still obviously Hyrulianese.  Thus, allowing people to easily ignore the bad voice acting since it's obviously supposed to be a secondary option if you're not inclined to reading translated subtitles.

I'd buy it.

[Caliban]

You know there actually is a joke in TP about Link being speechless lol, for a good reason might I say.

[Edfishy]

Quote
You know there actually is a joke in TP about Link being speechless lol, for a good reason might I say.

As I recall they poke fun of the fact that Mario doesn't speak in Super Mario RPG as well.

Someday, it would be nice if voice recognition software were a standard, and Nintendo would make some sort of a fun "Brain Age" like game where you train up the voice recognition software and have fun at the same time.  With the result being games where you need to talk out the different responses you can give to character NPC's.

So for example, you get near an NPC character... let's say Tingle in a Zelda game.
An arrow appears above Tingle that says, "Hello".
You then say, "Hello" to essentially do the same thing as pressing the A button, but you'll feel a little more immersed in the game.
Tingle then says his peace and you have a series of responses you can say to him, no different from games today.
Just start talking out the response and the text will light up appropriately for the words you've already spoken.
To cancel saying a response, simply say something fancy, like, "Errrr...", and it goes back to the series of responses.
Say, "Never mind", and Tingle says good bye.

Oh, someday in the near future.

[King of Twitch]

No complaints here, except for a couple points where you get stuck because of nontraditional Zelda elements such as having to catch a fish exactly right next to the cat or crashing through a nondescript window. The story occassionally seems to go on hyperdrive as caliban mentioned and you're left thinking to yourself how it all happened at once "hey great I was given a tunic, now I'm talking to a fairy god, ok I found all the tears, now I'm defeating dark world monsters and going to the temple.. hey so..why was I going to this temple again? should I have knelt before that god?" On the other hand, the extra emphasis on the plot is a breath of fresh air and proves nintendo can make it interesting if they choose to pry themselves away from Super Mario Brothers for awhile.

The rupee reminders bugged me; on the other hand, I like how they get placed back into chests if your wallet is full

Controls are fine for me, it's much more fun to me than pressing buttons. You can cut grass WHILE running? Manually move the map around? revolution.

The music remixes and village designs are just OK, the original music is good. The natural environments make up for whatever graphical shortcomings you can poke at.


*I just finished learning the sumo wrestling skill so my opinion could change

[BranDonk Kong]

I don't think you have to catch the fish right next to the cat (even though he usually follows you over there), you just have to let the fish go when you're near the cat. Anyway, my opinion = this game kicks ass like no one's business.

[MarioAllStar]

Wow I was really liking most of the game until just now. I beat about 75% of the 3rd dungeon then got a game over. No problem, I was getting a little bored anyway.

"Do you want to retry?" No.
"Return to title screen?" Yes.

Oh look, it didn't save! Why in the world did it not ask me to save?!

Aside from that, this is an awesome game. I can make a few nitpicky complaints however. The frequent reloading in Hyrule Castle Town is annoying. The "you got a rupee" messages are a little bit annoying, but luckily only come once for each rupee type during a given gameplay session. The collection of tears is not a very fun process (it is feels like too much of a collect-a-thon for me). Finally, controlling Epona can be a little bit clunky when you back into corners or come to a little ledge. It is a pain to stop and readjust her position and then start going again, especially while you are being attacked.

[NWR_pap64]

One question I have for you guys...

Ever since OoT capture my imagination, I've always expect any Zelda game to leave an emotional impact within me. OoT, as I mentioned, captured my heart, Link's awakening charmed its way into my mind and Majora's mask scared me. The streak ended with Wind waker. I admit it was good, but the story felt rushed and it lacked that emotional impact the other games had.

Would you say the game creates an unforgettable experience that creates a deep emotional impact? I know this is a suggestive question, but I expect TP to be at least unforgettable.

[Famicom]

Quote
Originally posted by: pap64
Would you say the game creates an unforgettable experience that creates a deep emotional impact? I know this is a suggestive question, but I expect TP to be at least unforgettable.

Yes. Midna is a character to be remembered for all time.

Anyways, I'm 50 hours into the game (haven't beaten it yet still!), and I think at this point I'd score it an 8.8. j/k

From the internet impressions I was expecting ridiculous (in a good way) dungeons that were grueling and torturous but with easy bosses, yet the game feels kinda easy all around. I think the remixed dungeons in OoT Master Quest provided a greater challenge, but that could've been my OoT memory conflicting with the new puzzle layouts. Either way it's still more of a challenge than Wind Waker, but I've only scratched my head in dungeons twice, and only once was it related to a puzzle (the other was skipping through a new weapons usage too quickly and not knowing how to use it). You learn all kinds of kickass sword tactics early, but many of them aren't even necessary to use until late in the game. Sworded enemies with better combat abilities should've appeared earlier in the game.

The storyline however, I feel is the most impressive of any Zelda game to date. The cinematics are absolutely outstanding. Old characters and locations are used in new and inventive ways, and new characters seem very well fleshed out and active. The people in from your village play a much larger role than I ever would've expected. I'm also very much enjoying the references to past Zelda games (unlike certain reviewers).

The gameplay is also IMO a flawless experience. I haven't experienced any problems with sword wielding/swinging in battle like some reviews have mentioned, and there are areas of the game that I can't imagine would be nearly as fun as they are without the wiimote, like horseback battles. The later dungeons are extremely cool and inventive in theme and design. Though HONESTLY I could do without a certain unexpected puzzle in a certain sacred place. Collectibles seem to be toeing the line of 'excessive', but it's not a dealbreaker for me.

Overall I'm very pleased, and I believe this is the perfect game for any OoT/MM fan looking for a spiritual successor to those games. I'm hoping Nintendo's next effort will be something completely original from top to bottom though, outside of a small few signature items (i.e Master Sword, Boomerang, etc.). 9.6 for me.

[Blue Plant]

Quote
Originally posted by: pap64 Would you say the game creates an unforgettable experience that creates a deep emotional impact? I know this is a suggestive question, but I expect TP to be at least unforgettable.

Yes.  Completely so.  The characters and plots in this Zelda are very top tier in their development.  So far (currently about 20 hours into it) and it's surpassed my expectations above and beyond.

[TrueNerd]

1) I like the controls more and more every time I play. I rarely used the spin attack in any of the 3D Zeldas. I use all the freaking time in TP because it's so easy and fun. Shooting arrows is a greatly enhanced experience as well. Also, I was swinging the sh*t out of my Wiimote while fighting the boss in the third dungeon. I didn't think that would happen, but it did and it was a blast.

2) Dungeons have always been my favorite parts of Zelda games and thus far, I am thoroughly impressed with the dungeon design. Every room has a puzzle or something to do. I love it.

3) The stuff that takes place in between dungeons is, easily, the best the series has seen. In previous Zelda games, these segments would bore me at times, but here they have been nothing but thrilling. And the variety! The carriage escort mission was pulse-pounding fun. Zelda usually doesn't do that until boss fights, and I've already seen that a few times outside of boss fights.  

[Zach]

Quote
Originally posted by: Famicom
Though HONESTLY I could do without a certain unexpected puzzle in a certain sacred place.

I know exactly what your talking about, that particular puzzle just threw me off. Its like they force you to solve a rubix cube to get a VERY IMPORTANT item (Ok, its not as difficult as a rubix cube, but its still the same tedious feeling).

I am currently in the sixth dungeon, and having lots of fun, Twilight Princess definately lives up to the Zelda name, and then some.

I agree with people that the sword controls do not really add to the gameplay, but that doesnt mean they are not fun, especially when you learn new skills later in the game.      

[wandering]

The character animations are so good. The scene early on where Link and the mayor look at each other (you know the one)? Ahahaha. It's obvious, from the very beginning of the game, that alot of thought was put into how the characters move - the way they walk, and talk. The characters in TP make the characters in other Zelda games look like cardboard cutouts.

Oh, everything else about the game is great, too. I'm about nine and a half hours in (just started the second dungeon), and I can already say this is the best Zelda game I've played since Ocarina of Time.

[Caterkiller]

I am absolutely loving this game. Now if I like it more than Oot by the end of it remains to be seen, but so far it is a yes for me. Im only 30 hours into it so far.

Playing as the wolf is so FUN for me! Befor I actualy got to play as Wolf Link, I really could care less about it, I saw the gameplay videos and it just did not look very fun.  I enjoy chasing scents, bitting and ripping at enemies, its a blast for me! Probably because when I was younger I always pretended to be a dog or something.

I absolutely love the sword fighting! At the start, I could not help but want to press A for it, and every now and then my sword strike wouldn't seem to read on the controller.  But after a while, especialy after the 2nd boss, I get so into it, im slashing away like im doing saber techniques in my wu shu class.  Then it kind of hit me that the game reads the bigger and faster movements of the remote alot better, well at least the faster ones.  And so when it comes to any boss fight or a huge group of strong enemies I get really into it, and it feels very satisfying.

As far as aiming goes, everything has been said. If you prefer the old way, then man... thats it nothing more to say.

I've only gone through 4 temples. And each new boss I get to(though easy) is an absolute blast! I found a weapon that I would have never thought would have appeared in a Zelda title, and the way it was used to fight the boss gave me such a rush! I am so glad I stayed away from spoilers!

The animations are so well done! They don't speak but  their actions and lips really bring them to life. The way the characters move around and act in cut scenes in this game was how I thought WW was going to be.

I am in love with the story so far, their are humerous moments, scary ones, sad ones, and it really has me caring about the characters! Even more so than Anju and Kefie(or what ever their names were) in MM.

I've done a few small side quests almost nothing so far, and nothing has dissapointed me yet.

Aside from no free moving camera, and Links running animation, I am extreemly satisfied!  

[Smash_Brother]

My friends and I have gone 5 or so hours in and I must say it's incredible. I lament my lack of S-video cables and/or a better TV, but the game is excellent.

The puzzles seem a bit harder and outside the box this time but that's a welcome change.

Also, wolf Link kicks serious ass. The wolf form makes his normal self look weak and pitiful.

And Midna is a dead-ringer for Ed from Cowboy Bebop. Her mannerisms reminded me of Ed when I first saw her and Cap said the same thing without my prompting.

[Bill Aurion]

The only thing other Zelda games have lacked is the pure interaction between Link and NPCs, and something that ties them together...It's one of the reasons why I believe Link's Awakening was the best game ever, and now finally I think it can finally settle down and retire at 2nd place...The other major change since previous Zeldas is the dungeon design...I've NEVER enjoyed going through dungeons all that much, particularly in the 3D games, but I have been finding myself anticipating the next dungeon because really, they don't FEEL like dungeons...The "dungeons" are designed so well that they just feel like extra pieces of the overworld...There's no real jump from overworld to dungeon and that really makes a huge difference in my opinion...Pure 10 here...

[NWR_pap64]

So, would you guys say that TP makes up for the disappointment that was Wind waker and lives up to the hype of TP being the best Zelda game ever?

And Bill, what about Majora's mask? I thought Link's interaction with the NPCs was great and even downright touching. It made me want to meet all of them and fulfill their desires.

[TMW]

The only way I can liken this game is with the analogy of the Perfect Song.

Every now and then, you come across a piece of music that has just the right key, the right choral structure, the right....everything.  And the farther you get into the song, the more you realize the composer is doing everything just right...


Thats kinda how I feel about this game.  The further I get in it...the more I feel they couldn't have made it much better, if any at all.  Character designs, puzzles, music, plot, atmostphere....everything just clicks.  

I'd say the game has lived up to the hype wonderfully.  The only problem I have is that I can't play it while I'm at work.

Well, and the "You got 10 rupees". all the time.  I could do without that too.

[SixthAngel]

I fell in love with the new controls.  I thought the first boss was very easy but I realize that if I had to use an analog stick to aim it would have been much harder because aiming with analog sucks.

I didn't start loving it until the first dungeon though, it has to build a bit.

[Ceric]

Ok... Here I go... I didn't read any of the previous post in this thread yet I wanted to give my opinion.  I sort of wish there was another way to get the sword out then the swing.  It's a little slow for that.  I've made it to just pass the Gorons (Do realize because of some problems with my original Wii I've played through all the way to just past the Gorons twice).  Overall whoever thought heart pieces where a good idea should be maimed and whoever thought to up the number to 5 should be maimed with them.  Also 300 rupees for the wallet size and no upgrade in site is pathetic.  I've already reached that limit 3 times over.  I want a bigger Wallet.  I can't spend it fast enough to not keep putting coins back.
Overall I felt that the whole game at the moment is just easy.  The only true challenge was a part on the Fire temple and there was a treasure chest that you just can't seem to get at the last magnet crane.

Also its very linear.  It might change but I always compare all the Zelda games to the very original when it's part of the "Main" Series, (Lttp is, while Link Awakening really isn't).  If it doesn't let me do things in the order I want to and just goes from one to another then I don't think it really is as true to the series as it could be.  Though not to say its bad.  I do enjoy the game so far I just wish it was less linear.  Also the Dungeons seem a little short in there own way.  As I said I do like the game. (Also once I figured out Women-Chicken she rocks.)

[Artimus]

Errr...in the original Zelda you have to do the dungeons in the set order?

[MarioAllStar]

Quote
Originally posted by: Ceric
Also its very linear.  It might change but I always compare all the Zelda games to the very original when it's part of the "Main" Series, (Lttp is, while Link Awakening really isn't).  If it doesn't let me do things in the order I want to and just goes from one to another then I don't think it really is as true to the series as it could be.  Though not to say its bad.  I do enjoy the game so far I just wish it was less linear.

I would say that the original Legend of Zelda was too free-roaming--at least for today's standards. In an overworld the size of Twlight Princess, that level of freedom would be horribly confusing. I personally had not thought about the linear nature of TP until reading your post, but I suppose it is fairly linear. However, I do not think that the game hadicaps exploration too much.

One point that I forgot to mention is how much I love the expressions people have in this game. After I heard that Twilight Princess would run on a modified Wind Waker engine, I did not think that the emotion the bug-eyed Link from Wind Waker showed would translate into a more realistic Zelda title. (Did Nintendo coin a term for this "technology"?) I am glad to say that the characters (even wolf Link) have very realistic facial expressions. Just look at Link's face when you get the "found a rupee" message. The art style of this game, coupled with realistic expressions and movements, provide this game with much more personality than a polygon count alone ever could.

[Ceric]

In the first you could do alway the way up to the 3rd dungeon completely out of order if memory serves... (Because you need the Whistle for the 7th, the flame for the 8th, and the ninth you just couldn't get to..).  Though if you were willing to just go in and nab the item then you could more of them even if you might be stuck with the wooden sword...

I do like the art style a lot.  I like how the Twilight world is different.  I like the influence that Windwaker had on the art direction and enemy destruction.  Yeah  I could see how making the game less linear would be confusing though.