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{{Short description|2006 video game}}
{{About|the game|the character referred to as the "Twilight Princess"|Midna}}
{{Good article}}
{{pp-move|small=yes}} {{pp-move|small=yes}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2015}} {{Use mdy dates|date=February 2015}}
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| title = The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess | title = The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
| image = The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess Game Cover.jpg | image = The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess Game Cover.jpg
| alt = The text "Wii" is in the top-right corner. The game's title is in the center-top. A line runs diagonally through the image; in one section, a man's face is shown. In the other, there is the head of a wolf. | alt = The game's title is in the center-top. A line runs diagonally through the image; in one section, the series' main protagonist—Link's face is shown. In the other, there is the head of Link's wolf form.
| caption =
| caption = Packaging artwork, featuring ] in ] and wolf forms
| developer = ] | developer = ]{{efn|] developed the Nvidia Shield version.|lead=yes}}
| publisher = ] | publisher = ]
| director = ] | director = ]
| producer = ] | producer = ]
| artist = {{plainlist| | artist = {{Plainlist|
* Yusuke Nakano * Yusuke Nakano
* Satoru Takizawa * Satoru Takizawa
}} }}
| writer = {{plainlist| | writer = {{Plainlist|
* Aya Kyogoku * ]
* Takayuki Ikkaku * Takayuki Ikkaku
* Mitsuhiro Takano<ref name="story1" /> * Mitsuhiro Takano<ref name="story1"/>
* Eiji Aonuma<ref name="storybase" /> * Eiji Aonuma<ref name="storybase"/>
}} }}
| composer = {{plainlist| | composer = {{Plainlist|
* ] * ]
* Asuka Ohta * Asuka Ota
}} }}
| series = '']'' | series = '']''
| platforms = ], ], ]<ref>Lawler, Richard..Engadget.2017-12-05..</ref> | platforms = {{Unbulleted list|]|]|]<ref>Lawler, Richard. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205181125/https://www.engadget.com/2017/12/05/nintendo-wii-gamecube-nvidia-shield-china/ |date=December 5, 2017}}.Engadget.2017-12-05..</ref>}}
| released = '''Wii'''{{Video game release|NA|November 19, 2006|JP|December 2, 2006|AU|December 7, 2006|EU|December 8, 2006}} '''GameCube'''{{Video game release|JP|December 2, 2006|NA|December 11, 2006|EU|December 15, 2006|AU|December 19, 2006}}'''Shield TV'''{{Video game release|China|December 5, 2017}} | released = '''Wii'''{{Video game release|NA|November 19, 2006|JP|December 2, 2006|AU|December 7, 2006|EU|December 8, 2006}} '''GameCube'''{{Video game release|JP|December 2, 2006|NA|December 11, 2006|EU|December 15, 2006|AU|December 19, 2006}}
| genre = ] | genre = ]
| modes = ] | modes = ]
}} }}


'''''The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess'''''{{efn|{{nihongo|ゼルダの伝説 トワイライトプリンセス|Zeruda no Densetsu: Towairaito Purinsesu|lead=yes}}}} is an ] developed and published by ] for the ] and ] ]s. It is the thirteenth installment in '']'' series. Originally planned for release on the GameCube in November 2005, ''Twilight Princess'' was delayed by Nintendo to allow its developers to refine the game, add more content, and ] it to the Wii.<ref>{{cite web|first=Matt |last=Casamassina |date=August 16, 2005 |url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/642/642238p1.html |title=Zelda Delayed to Next Year |work=] |publisher=] |accessdate=May 28, 2006 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060512023123/http://cube.ign.com/articles/642/642238p1.html |archivedate=May 12, 2006 |df= }}</ref> The Wii version was released as a ] in North America in November 2006, and in Japan, Europe, and Australia the following month. The GameCube version was also released worldwide in December 2006, and was the final first-party game released for the console.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamepro.com/news.cfm?article_id=85328|title=GamePro Q&A: Nintendo's Harrison on Zelda|work=]|publisher=]|date=November 5, 2006|accessdate=December 3, 2006|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061126140729/http://www.gamepro.com/news.cfm?article_id=85328|archivedate=November 26, 2006}}</ref><ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Aonuma|2007|loc=Eiji Aonuma's GDC 2007 Presentation}}</ref> {{nihongo foot|'''''The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess'''''|ゼルダの伝説 トワイライトプリンセス|Zeruda no Densetsu: Towairaito Purinsesu|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a 2006 ] developed and published by ] for the ] and ].<!--DO NOT CHANGE. Ordered alphabetically.--> Originally planned for release exclusively on the GameCube in November 2005, ''Twilight Princess'' was delayed by Nintendo to allow its developers to refine the game, add more content, and ] it to the Wii.<ref>{{cite web|first=Matt |last=Casamassina |date=August 16, 2005 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/08/16/zelda-delayed-to-next-year |title=Zelda Delayed to Next Year |work=] |publisher=] |access-date=November 13, 2021|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060512023123/http://cube.ign.com/articles/642/642238p1.html |archive-date=May 12, 2006}}</ref> The Wii version was a ] in North America in November 2006, and in Japan, Europe, and Australia the following month. The GameCube version was released in December 2006 as the final first-party game for the console.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gamepro.com/news.cfm?article_id=85328|title=GamePro Q&A: Nintendo's Harrison on Zelda|magazine=]|publisher=]|date=November 5, 2006|access-date=December 3, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061126140729/http://www.gamepro.com/news.cfm?article_id=85328|archive-date=November 26, 2006}}</ref><ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Aonuma|2007|loc=Eiji Aonuma's GDC 2007 Presentation}}</ref>


The story focuses on series protagonist ], who tries to prevent ] from being engulfed by a corrupted ] known as the Twilight Realm. To do so, he takes the form of both a ] and a wolf, and is assisted by a mysterious creature named ]. The game takes place hundreds of years after '']'' and '']'', in an ] from '']''.<ref name="nindori">{{cite web |url=http://www.nindori.com/interview/154zelda/154int_02.html |title=Long interview with Eiji Aonuma |work=] |language=Japanese |date=February 2007 |accessdate=February 3, 2016 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070202030221/http://www.nindori.com/interview/154zelda/154int_02.html |archivedate=February 2, 2007}}</ref> The story focuses on series protagonist ], who tries to prevent ] from being engulfed by a corrupted ] known as the Twilight Realm. To do so, he takes the form of both a ] and a wolf, and he is assisted by a mysterious ] named ]. The game takes place over a century after '']'' and '']'', in an ] from '']''.<ref name="nindori">{{cite web |url=http://www.nindori.com/interview/154zelda/154int_02.html |title=Long interview with Eiji Aonuma |work=] |language=ja |date=February 2007 |access-date=February 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070202030221/http://www.nindori.com/interview/154zelda/154int_02.html |archive-date=February 2, 2007}}</ref>


At the time of its release, ''Twilight Princess'' was critically acclaimed, receiving several ] awards, and is considered by many critics and players to be one of the ]. By 2015, the game had sold 8.85 million copies worldwide, and was the best selling title in the series until being overtaken by '']'' in April 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vg247.com/2018/04/26/switch-sales-over-17m-units-breath-of-the-wild/|title=Switch sales stand at over 17M units, Breath of the Wild now best-selling Zelda title|last1=Nunneley|first1=Stephany|date=April 26, 2018|website=VG247|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|accessdate=27 April 2018}}</ref> In 2011, the Wii version was rereleased under the ] label. A ] ] for the ], '']'', was released in March 2016.<ref name="HD announcement">{{cite web |last=Otero |first=Jose |url=http://ign.com/articles/2015/11/12/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-announced-for-wii-u |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD Announced for Wii U |work=] |publisher=] |date=November 12, 2015 |accessdate=November 14, 2015 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151115000338/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/11/12/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-announced-for-wii-u |archivedate=November 15, 2015 |deadurl=no}}</ref> ''Twilight Princess'' was critically acclaimed upon its release, received numerous ] awards, and has been called ]. By 2015, it had sold 8.85 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling ''Zelda'' game until being overtaken by '']'' in April 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vg247.com/2018/04/26/switch-sales-over-17m-units-breath-of-the-wild/|title=Switch sales stand at over 17M units, Breath of the Wild now best-selling Zelda title|last=Nunneley|first=Stephany|date=April 26, 2018|website=VG247|access-date=27 April 2018|archive-date=April 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428141737/https://www.vg247.com/2018/04/26/switch-sales-over-17m-units-breath-of-the-wild/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2011, the Wii version was rereleased under the ] label. A high-definition ] based on the GameCube version, ''The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD'', developed by ], was released for the ] in March 2016.<ref name="HD announcement">{{cite web |last=Otero |first=Jose |url=http://ign.com/articles/2015/11/12/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-announced-for-wii-u |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD Announced for Wii U |work=] |publisher=] |date=November 12, 2015 |access-date=November 14, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151115000338/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/11/12/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-announced-for-wii-u |archive-date=November 15, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>


==Gameplay== ==Gameplay==
{{See also|The Legend of Zelda#Gameplay}} {{See also|The Legend of Zelda#Gameplay}}
] is targeting as he prepares to swing his sword (] version).|alt=A boy in a green tunic holds a shield while swinging his sword towards an enemy.]] ] is targeting as he prepares to swing his sword (] version).|alt=A boy in a green tunic holds a shield while swinging his sword towards an enemy.]]
''The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess'' is an ] focused on combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving. It uses the basic control scheme introduced in '']'', including context-sensitive action buttons and L-targeting (Z-targeting on the ]),<ref name="nwrgc review">{{cite web|title=GC Review: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=12702 |work=Nintendo World Report |first=Aaron |last=Kaluszka |date=January 11, 2007 |access-date=January 23, 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228004448/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=12702 |archive-date=February 28, 2009}}</ref> a system that allows the player to keep ]'s view focused on an enemy or important object while moving and attacking. Link can walk, run, and attack, and he will automatically jump when running off of or reaching for a ledge.<ref name="Booklet 20" group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Pelland|2006|p=20}}</ref> Link uses a sword and shield in combat, complemented with secondary weapons and items, including a bow and arrows, a boomerang, and bombs.<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Pelland|2006|pp=22–23}}</ref> While L-targeting, projectile-based weapons can be fired at a target without the need for manual aiming.<ref name="Booklet 20" group="lower-alpha"/>


The context-sensitive button mechanic allows one button to serve a variety of functions, such as talking, opening doors, and pushing, pulling, and throwing objects.<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Pelland|2006|p=22}}</ref> The on-screen display shows what action, if any, the button will trigger, determined by the situation. For example, if Link is holding a rock, the context-sensitive button will cause Link to throw the rock if he is moving or targeting an object or enemy or place the rock on the ground if he is standing still.<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Pelland|2006|p=12}}</ref>
''The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess'' is an ] focused on combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving. It uses the basic control scheme introduced in '']'', including context-sensitive action buttons and L-targeting (Z-targeting on the ]),<ref name="nwrgc review">{{cite web|title=GC Review: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=12702 |work=Nintendo World Report |first=Aaron |last=Kaluszka |date=January 11, 2007 |accessdate=January 23, 2009 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228004448/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=12702 |archivedate=February 28, 2009 |df= }}</ref> a system that allows the player to keep ]'s view focused on an enemy or important object while moving and attacking. Link can walk, run, and attack, and will automatically jump when running off of or reaching for a ledge.<ref name="Booklet 20" group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Pelland|2006|p=20}}</ref> Link uses a sword and shield in combat, complemented with secondary weapons and items, including a bow and arrows, a boomerang, and bombs.<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Pelland|2006|pp=22–23}}</ref> While L-targeting, projectile-based weapons can be fired at a target without the need for manual aiming.<ref name="Booklet 20" group="lower-alpha" />


The ] and Wii versions feature several minor differences in their controls and gameplay. The Wii version of the game makes use of the motion sensors and built-in speaker of the ]. The speaker emits the sounds of a bowstring when shooting an arrow, ]'s laugh when she gives advice to Link, and the series' trademark "chime" when discovering secrets. The player controls Link's sword by swinging the Wii Remote. Other attacks are triggered using similar gestures with the ]. In the GameCube version, players can control the camera freely, without entering a special "lookaround" mode required on the Wii; however, in the GameCube version, only two of Link's secondary weapons can be equipped at a time, as opposed to four in the Wii version.<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Pelland|2006|p=168}}</ref>
The context-sensitive button mechanic allows one button to serve a variety of functions, such as talking, opening doors, and pushing, pulling, and throwing objects.<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Pelland|2006|p=22}}</ref> The on-screen display shows what action, if any, the button will trigger, determined by the situation. For example, if Link is holding a rock, the context-sensitive button will cause Link to throw the rock if he is moving or targeting an object or enemy, or place the rock on the ground if he is standing still.<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Pelland|2006|p=12}}</ref>


The game features nine dungeons—large, contained areas where Link battles enemies, collects items, and solves puzzles. Link navigates these dungeons and fights a ] at the end in order to obtain an item or otherwise advance the plot. The dungeons are connected by a large ], across which Link can travel on foot; on his horse, ]; or by teleporting with Midna's assistance.<ref name="ign wii review"/>
The ] and Wii versions feature several minor differences in their controls. The Wii version of the game makes use of the motion sensors and built-in speaker of the ]. The speaker emits the sounds of a bowstring when shooting an arrow, ]'s laugh when she gives advice to Link, and the series' trademark "chime" when discovering secrets. The player controls Link's sword by swinging the Wii Remote. Other attacks are triggered using similar gestures with the ]. Unique to the GameCube version is the ability for the player to control the camera freely, without entering a special "lookaround" mode required by the Wii; however, in the GameCube version, only two of Link's secondary weapons can be equipped at a time, as opposed to four in the Wii version.<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Pelland|2006|p=168}}</ref>


When Link enters the Twilight Realm, the void that corrupts parts of ], he transforms into a wolf.<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Pelland|2006|p=35}}</ref> He is eventually able to transform between his ] and wolf forms at will. As a wolf, Link loses the ability to use his sword, shield, or any secondary items; he instead attacks by biting and defends primarily by dodging attacks. "Wolf Link" gains several key advantages in return—he moves faster than he does on foot as a human, digs holes to create new passages, and uncover buried items, and has improved senses, including the ability to follow scent trails.<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Pelland|2006|pp=17–20}}</ref> On his back, he also carries Midna, a small imp-like creature who gives him hints, uses an energy field to attack enemies, helps him jump long distances, and eventually allows him to "warp" to any of several preset locations throughout the overworld.<ref name="page 21" group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Pelland|2006|p=21}}</ref> Using Link's wolf senses, the player can see and listen to the wandering spirits of those affected by the Twilight, as well as hunt for enemy ghosts named ]s.<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Pelland|2006|p=153}}</ref>
The game features nine dungeons—large, contained areas where Link battles enemies, collects items, and solves puzzles. Link navigates these dungeons and fights a ] at the end in order to obtain an item or otherwise advance the plot. The dungeons are connected by a large ], across which Link can travel on foot; on his horse, ]; or by teleporting with Midna's assistance.<ref name="ign wii review" />


The ] (AI) of enemies in ''Twilight Princess'' is more advanced than that of enemies in '']''. Enemies react to defeated companions and to arrows or slingshot pellets that pass by, and they can detect Link from a greater distance than was possible in previous games.<ref>{{Cite magazine |magazine=] |publisher=] |date=March 2006 |volume=201 |title=Inside Zelda part 10: The Monsters in his Head |pages=46–48 |url=http://www.zelda.com/universe/game/twilightprincess/inside10.jsp |access-date=September 10, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913210332/http://www.zelda.com/universe/game/twilightprincess/inside10.jsp |archive-date=September 13, 2008}}</ref>
When Link enters the Twilight Realm, the void that corrupts parts of ], he transforms into a wolf.<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Pelland|2006|p=35}}</ref> He is eventually able to transform between his ] and wolf forms at will. As a wolf, Link loses the ability to use his sword, shield, or any secondary items; he instead attacks by biting and defends primarily by dodging attacks. However, "Wolf Link" gains several key advantages in return—he moves faster than he does as a human (though riding Epona is still faster) and digs holes to create new passages and uncover buried items, and has improved senses, including the ability to follow scent trails.<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Pelland|2006|pp=17–20}}</ref> On his back, he also carries Midna, a small imp-like creature who gives him hints, uses an energy field to attack enemies, helps him jump long distances, and eventually allows him to "warp" to any of several preset locations throughout the overworld.<ref name="page 21" group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Pelland|2006|p=21}}</ref> Using Link's wolf senses, the player can see and listen to the wandering spirits of those affected by the Twilight, as well as hunt for enemy ghosts named ].<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Pelland|2006|p=153}}</ref>

The ] (AI) of enemies in ''Twilight Princess'' is more advanced than that of enemies in '']''. Enemies react to defeated companions and to arrows or slingshot pellets that pass by, and can detect Link from a greater distance than was possible in previous games.<ref>{{Cite journal |journal=] |publisher=] |date=March 2006 |volume=201 |title=Inside Zelda part 10: The Monsters in his Head |pages=46–48 |url=http://www.zelda.com/universe/game/twilightprincess/inside10.jsp |accessdate=September 10, 2008 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913210332/http://www.zelda.com/universe/game/twilightprincess/inside10.jsp |archivedate=September 13, 2008 |df= }}</ref>


==Plot== ==Plot==
{{Further|The Legend of Zelda#Fictional chronology|label1=Fictional chronology of ''The Legend of Zelda''}}
<!-- This plot summary is meant to be a BRIEF overview; it is detailed enough as is. If you wish to expand it, please use the talk page to discuss your proposed changes. -->
The game begins with a youth named Link, who is working as a ranch hand in Ordon Village. One day, the village is attacked by ], who carry off the village's children with Link in pursuit before he encounters a wall of Twilight. A Shadow Beast pulls him beyond the wall into the Twilight-shrouded forest, where he is transformed into a ] and imprisoned. Link is soon freed by a Twilight creature named Midna, who offers to help him if he obeys her unconditionally. She guides him to ], who explains that ], the King of the Twilight, invaded ] and forced her to surrender. The kingdom became enveloped in Twilight, rendering all its inhabitants besides Link and Zelda spirits.<ref>{{cite video game | title = The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess | developer = ] | publisher = ] | date = November 19, 2006 | platform = ]/] | version = | scene = | level = | language = | quote = '''Midna''': Poor thing, he has no idea where this is or what's happened... So, don't you think you should explain to him what you've managed to do? You owe him that much... ...Twilight Princess! Eee hee! / '''Zelda''': Listen carefully... This was once the land where the power of the gods was said to slumber. This was once the kingdom of Hyrule. But that blessed kingdom has been transformed by the king that rules the twilight... It has been turned into a world of shadows, ruled by creatures who shun the light. Twilight covered Hyrule like a shroud, and without light, the people became as spirits. Within the twilight, they live on, unaware that they have passed into spirit forms... All the people know now is fear... Fear of a nameless evil... The kingdom succumbed to twilight, but I remain its princess... I am Zelda.}}</ref> To save Hyrule, Link must first revive the ] by entering the Twilight-covered regions and recovering the Spirits' light from the Twilight beings that stole it. Once revitalized, each Spirit returns Link to his Hylian form. During this time, the ghost of a ] appears for swordsmanship training that he failed to pass on before he died, as well as information regarding Link's destiny in Hyrule. The game begins with a teenage boy named Link, who works as a ranch hand in Ordon Village. One day, ] take away the village's children. Link pursues and encounters a wall of Twilight. A Twilight monster pulls him beyond the wall into the Twilight-shrouded forest, where he is transformed into a ] and imprisoned. Link is soon freed by a creature named Midna, who offers to help him if he obeys her unconditionally. She guides him to ], who explains that ], the Sorcerer/Usurper King of the Twili, invaded ] and forced her to surrender. The kingdom became enveloped in Twilight, turning all its inhabitants besides Link and Zelda into invisible spirits.<ref>{{cite video game | title = The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess | developer = ] | publisher = ] | date = November 19, 2006 | platform = ]/] | quote = '''Midna''': Poor thing, he has no idea where this is or what's happened... So, don't you think you should explain to him what you've managed to do? You owe him that much... ...Twilight Princess! Eee hee! / '''Zelda''': Listen carefully... This was once the land where the power of the gods was said to slumber. This was once the kingdom of Hyrule. But that blessed kingdom has been transformed by the king that rules the twilight... It has been turned into a world of shadows, ruled by creatures who shun the light. Twilight covered Hyrule like a shroud, and without light, the people became as spirits. Within the twilight, they live on, unaware that they have passed into spirit forms... All the people know now is fear... Fear of a nameless evil... The kingdom succumbed to twilight, but I remain its princess... I am Zelda.}}</ref> To save Hyrule, Link, aided by Midna, must first revive the ] by entering the Twilight-covered regions and recovering the Spirits' light from the Twilight beings that had stolen it. Once revitalized, each Spirit returns Link to his Hylian form and informs Link and Midna of the hidden location of a Fused Shadow; one of the fragments of a powerful relic that will have to be used to match Zant's power to defeat him. During this time, the ghost of a ] (the same incarnation of Link from ''Ocarina of Time'' and ''Majora's Mask''), the Hero's Shade, also appears to provide swordsmanship training he had failed to pass on before his untimely death, as well as information regarding Link's destiny in Hyrule.


Link also helps Midna acquire the Fused Shadows, fragments of a powerful dark relic. In return, she aids Link, and during his journey, he finds Ordon Village's children and assists the monkeys of Faron, the ] of Eldin, and the ] of Lanayru. After restoring the Light Spirits and obtaining the Fused Shadows, Link and Midna are ambushed by Zant, who takes the fragments. Midna calls him out for abusing his tribe's magic, but Zant reveals his power comes from another source, and uses it to revert Link to his wolf state. Failing to seduce Midna into joining forces with him, Zant leaves her to die by exposing her to the light. Bringing a dying Midna to Zelda, Link learns from her that he needs the ] to lift Zant's curse, and she proceeds to sacrifice herself to heal Midna, vanishing mysteriously. Moved by Zelda's selflessness, Midna begins to care more about Link and the fate of the light world.<ref>{{cite video game | title = The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess | developer = ] | publisher = ] | date = November 19, 2006 | platform = ]/] | version = | scene = | level = | language = | quote = '''Midna''': Princess... I have one last request... Can you tell him...where to find the Mirror of Twilight? / '''Zelda''': Midna... I believe I understand now just who and what you are... Despite your mortal injuries, you act in our stead... These dark times are the result of our deeds, yet it is you who have reaped the penalty. Accept this now, Midna. I pass it to you... / '''Midna''': No! Link! STOP HER! We go back, Link! Back to the Faron Woods! Zelda...I've taken all that you had to give...though I did not want it.}}</ref> During his journey, Link also finds Ordon Village's children and assists the monkeys of Faron, the ] of Eldin, and the ] of Lanayru. After restoring the Light Spirits and obtaining the Fused Shadows, Link and Midna are ambushed by Zant, who takes away the fragments. Midna calls him out for abusing his tribe's magic, but Zant reveals that his power comes from another source, and he uses it to trap Link in his wolf state. Failing to persuade Midna into joining forces with him, Zant attempts to dispose of her by exposing her to the light of Lanayru's light spirit. Bringing a dying Midna to Zelda, Link learns from her that he needs the ] to remove Zant's curse and she proceeds to sacrifice herself to heal Midna, vanishing mysteriously. Moved by Zelda's act of selflessness, Midna starts to care more about Link and the fate of his world.<ref>{{cite video game | title = The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess | developer = ] | publisher = ] | date = November 19, 2006 | platform = ]/] | quote = '''Midna''': Princess... I have one last request... Can you tell him...where to find the Mirror of Twilight? / '''Zelda''': Midna... I believe I understand now just who and what you are... Despite your mortal injuries, you act in our stead... These dark times are the result of our deeds, yet it is you who have reaped the penalty. Accept this now, Midna. I pass it to you... / '''Midna''': No! Link! STOP HER! We go back, Link! Back to the Faron Woods! Zelda...I've taken all that you had to give...though I did not want it.}}</ref>


After gaining the Master Sword, Link is cleansed of the curse that kept him in wolf form. Deep within the Gerudo Desert, Link and Midna search for the Mirror of Twilight, the only known gateway between Hyrule and the Twilight Realm, but discover it is broken.<ref>{{cite video game | title = The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess | developer = ] | publisher = ] | date = November 19, 2006 | platform = ]/] | version = | scene = | level = | language = | quote = '''Midna''': Hey, but listen, Link... I've got a little favor to ask... Would you mind coming with me to find something called the Mirror of Twilight? It's hidden somewhere in Hyrule... Yes, the Mirror of Twilight... Our last potential link to Zant!}}</ref> The ] there explain that Zant tried to destroy it, but merely managed to shatter it into fragments; only the true ruler of the ] can completely destroy the Mirror of Twilight.<ref>{{cite video game | title = The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess | developer = ] | publisher = ] | date = November 19, 2006 | platform = ]/] | version = | scene = | level = | language = | quote = '''Sages''': Only the true leader of the Twili can utterly destroy the Mirror of Twilight...so Zant could merely break it into pieces.}}</ref> They also relate that they once used it to banish ]dorf, the ] leader who attempted to steal the ], to the Twilight Realm when executing him failed. Link and Midna set out to retrieve the missing shards of the Mirror. Once the mirror has been restored, the Sages reveal to Link that Midna is the ruler of the Twili, usurped and cursed into her current form by Zant.<ref>{{cite video game | title = The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess | developer = ] | publisher = ] | date = November 19, 2006 | platform = ]/] | version = | scene = | level = | language = | quote = '''Sages''': I hope you can find it in yourself to forgive our carelessness... O Twilight Princess.}}</ref> Confronting Zant, Link and Midna learn that he forged a pact with Ganondorf, who asked for his assistance in subjugating Hyrule. After Link defeats Zant, Midna recovers the Fused Shadows and destroys Zant after learning only Ganondorf's death can release her from her curse. After gaining the Master Sword, Link is cleansed of the curse that kept him in wolf form. Deep within the Gerudo Desert, Link and Midna search for the Mirror of Twilight, the only known gateway between Hyrule and the Twilight Realm, but discover that it is broken.<ref>{{cite video game | title = The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess | developer = ] | publisher = ] | date = November 19, 2006 | platform = ]/] | quote = '''Midna''': Hey, but listen, Link... I've got a little favor to ask... Would you mind coming with me to find something called the Mirror of Twilight? It's hidden somewhere in Hyrule... Yes, the Mirror of Twilight... Our last potential link to Zant!}}</ref> The ] there explain that Zant tried to destroy it, but only managed to shatter it into fragments; only the true ruler of the ] can completely destroy the mirror.<ref>{{cite video game | title = The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess | developer = ] | publisher = ] | date = November 19, 2006 | platform = ]/] | quote = '''Sages''': Only the true leader of the Twili can utterly destroy the Mirror of Twilight...so Zant could merely break it into pieces.}}</ref> They also relate that they once used it to banish ]dorf, the ] leader who attempted to steal the ], to the Twilight Realm after failing to execute him. Link and Midna set out to retrieve the missing shards of the mirror. Once it has been fully restored, the Sages reveal to Link that Midna is actually the true ruler of the Twili, usurped and cursed into her current form by Zant.<ref>{{cite video game | title = The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess | developer = ] | publisher = ] | date = November 19, 2006 | platform = ]/] | quote = '''Sages''': I hope you can find it in yourself to forgive our carelessness... O Twilight Princess.}}</ref> Confronting Zant, Link and Midna learn that he forged a pact with Ganondorf, who asked for his assistance in subjugating Hyrule. After Link defeats Zant, Midna recovers the Fused Shadows and kills Zant after learning that only Ganondorf's defeat can release her from her curse.


Returning to Hyrule, Link and Midna find Ganondorf in Hyrule Castle, with a lifeless Zelda suspended above his head. Ganondorf fights Link by possessing Zelda and then transforming into a massive boar-like beast, but Link defeats him and the power Midna received from Zelda is able to resuscitate her. Ganondorf then revives, and Midna teleports Link and Zelda outside the castle so she can hold him off with the Fused Shadows. However, as Hyrule Castle collapses, it is revealed that Ganondorf was victorious, as he appears before them and crushes Midna's helmet. Ganondorf engages Link on horseback; assisted by Zelda and the Light Spirits, Link eventually knocks Ganondorf off his horse and duels him on foot before plunging the Master Sword into his chest. With Ganondorf dead, the Light Spirits revive Midna and restore her to her true form. After bidding farewell to Link and Zelda, Midna returns home and destroys the Mirror of Twilight with a tear.<ref>{{cite video game | title = The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess | developer = ] | publisher = ] | date = November 19, 2006 | platform = ]/] | version = | scene = | level = | language = | quote = '''Midna''': Thank you... Well, the princess spoke truly: as long as that mirror's around, we could meet again... Link... I... See you later...}}</ref> As Hyrule Castle is rebuilt, Link leaves Ordon Village, heading to parts unknown. Returning to Hyrule, Link and Midna find Ganondorf in Hyrule Castle, with a lifeless Zelda suspended above him. Ganondorf fights Link by possessing Zelda and then transforming into a gigantic boar-like beast, but Link defeats him by using his wolf form, and the power Midna received from Zelda is able to resuscitate her. Ganondorf revives, and Midna teleports Link and Zelda outside the castle so she can hold him off with the Fused Shadows. However, as Hyrule Castle collapses, Ganondorf emerges from it victorious, crushing the Fused Shadow piece that Midna wore on her head, and pursues Link on horseback. Assisted by Zelda and the Light Spirits, Link eventually knocks Ganondorf off his horse and duels him on foot before finishing him off with the Master Sword. With Ganondorf dead, the Light Spirits revive Midna and restore her to her true form. After bidding farewell to Link and Zelda, Midna returns home and destroys the Mirror of Twilight, ultimately severing the link between Hyrule and the Twilight Realm.<ref>{{cite video game | title = The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess | developer = ] | publisher = ] | date = November 19, 2006 | platform = ]/] | quote = '''Midna''': Thank you... Well, the princess spoke truly: as long as that mirror's around, we could meet again... Link... I... See you later...}}</ref> As Hyrule Castle is rebuilt, Link leaves Ordon Village, heading to parts unknown.


==Development== ==Development==
===Inception as a GameCube game===

===Creation===
], the director of ''Twilight Princess'', at the 2007 ]]] ], the director of ''Twilight Princess'', at the 2007 ]]]
In 2003, ] announced a new ''The Legend of Zelda'' game for the GameCube<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/08/07/new-gcn-wario-ware-zelda |title=New GCN Wario Ware, Zelda |work=] |publisher=] |date=August 7, 2003 |access-date=September 12, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719235555/http://cube.ign.com/articles/432/432645p1.html |archive-date=July 19, 2008}}</ref> by the same team that had created the ] ''The Wind Waker''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/05/20/interview-eiji-aonuma |title=Interview: Eiji Aonuma |work=] |publisher=] |date=May 19, 2004 |access-date=November 13, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090103080718/http://cube.ign.com/articles/517/517033p3.html |archive-date=January 3, 2009}}</ref> At the following year's ], director ] unintentionally revealed that the game's sequel was in development under the working title ''The Wind Waker 2'';<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/03/25/gdc-2004-wind-waker-2-official |title=GDC 2004: Wind Waker 2 Official |work=] |publisher=] |date=March 24, 2004 |access-date=November 13, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081002010058/http://cube.ign.com/articles/501/501735p1.html |archive-date=October 2, 2008}}</ref> it was set to use a similar graphical style to that of its predecessor.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/08/07/fact-or-fiction-the-10-biggest-rumors-on-gamecube |title=Fact or Fiction: The 10 Biggest Rumors on GameCube |work=] |publisher=] |date=August 6, 2003 |access-date=November 13, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090103153804/http://cube.ign.com/articles/432/432558p2.html |archive-date=January 3, 2009}}</ref> ] told Aonuma that North American sales of ''The Wind Waker'' were sluggish because its cartoon appearance created the impression that the game was designed for a young audience. Concerned that the sequel would have the same problem, Aonuma expressed to producer ] that he wanted to create a realistic ''Zelda'' game that would appeal to the North American market and meet Miyamoto's original vision of realism for the series.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.kotaku.com.au/2022/06/miyamoto-hated-wind-waker-art-style/|title= Miyamoto Apparently 'Cringed' When First Shown Wind Waker's Art Style|last= Innes|first= Ruby|date= June 27, 2022|website= ]|publisher= ]|access-date= September 4, 2022|quote= At some point he had to give a presentation against his will. That's when he said something like, 'You know, it's not too late to change course and make a realistic Zelda.'|archive-date= September 5, 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220905051649/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2022/06/miyamoto-hated-wind-waker-art-style/|url-status= dead}}</ref> Miyamoto, hesitant about solely changing the game's presentation, suggested the team's focus should instead be on coming up with gameplay innovations. He advised that Aonuma should start by doing what could not be done in ''Ocarina of Time'', particularly horseback combat.<ref name="Aonuma GDC 13087" group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Aonuma|2007|loc=The fate of ''Wind Waker 2''}}</ref> Early development of what would become ''Twilight Princess'' began and special care was taken to improve the realism of the horseriding, with lead character designer Keisuke Nishimori riding a horse for himself to feel what it was like.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|title=The Legend of Zelda Encyclopedia|publisher=Dark Horse|year=2018|isbn=978-1-5067-0638-2|pages=279}}</ref>


Just as the ] game was inspired by ]'s ],<ref>{{cite magazine |magazine=] |volume=1996 |issue=2 |title=Classic: Zelda und Link |trans-title= Classic: Zelda and Link |language=de |date=April 1996 |page=72 |publisher=] |quote=.}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|date=March 2003 |title=Shigeru Miyamoto Interview |journal=Super PLAY |publisher=Medströms Dataförlag AB |language=sv |issue=4/03 |url=http://www.miyamotoshrine.com/theman/interviews/230403.shtml |access-date=24 Sep 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060907074051/http://www.miyamotoshrine.com/theman/interviews/230403.shtml |archive-date=September 7, 2006 |quote=All ideas for ''The Legend of Zelda'' were mine and Takashi Tezukas... ...Books, movies and our own lives.}}</ref> the aesthetic of ''Twilight Princess'' was inspired by the ] films, as they had just come out and were very popular at the time.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Legend of Zelda: Art & Artifacts |first1=Kazuya |last1=Sakai |first2=Patrick |last2=Thorpe |publisher=Dark Horse |isbn=978-1-5067-0335-0 |page= 419 |date=February 2017 |quote= '''Takizawa:''' And that was about the time we heard that people were wanting a realistic looking ''Zelda'' game again. Also at that time, there was an epic fantasy movie which was very popular. So after reexamining the situation, we said to ourselves, 'Let's do this thing!'}}</ref> The game was developed with having a large convincing world in mind, one with a vast scale to meet the expectation for fantasy worlds that audiences had become accustomed to with ''The Lord of the Rings''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/wii/twilight_princess/0/4 |title=Iwata Asks: Make it 120% Zelda! |publisher=Nintendo |last1=Iwata |first1=Satoru |last2=Aonuma |first2=Eiji |date=November 23, 2006 |quote='''Aonuma:''' It's undeniably big, but I believe all those fun elements which make up this world justify this size. Now that we have finished, I feel that with a generation accustomed to watching epic films like ''Lord of the Rings'', when you want to design a convincing world, that sort of vast scale becomes necessary. |access-date=February 23, 2021 |archive-date=May 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517024727/http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/wii/twilight_princess/0/4 |url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2003, ] announced that a new ''The Legend of Zelda'' game was in the works for the GameCube<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/432/432645p1.html |title=New GCN Wario Ware, Zelda |work=] |publisher=] |date=August 7, 2003 |accessdate=September 12, 2008 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719235555/http://cube.ign.com/articles/432/432645p1.html |archivedate=July 19, 2008 |df= }}</ref> by the same team that had created the ] ''The Wind Waker''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/517/517033p3.html |title=Interview: Eiji Aonuma |work=] |publisher=] |date=May 19, 2004 |accessdate=September 12, 2008 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090103080718/http://cube.ign.com/articles/517/517033p3.html |archivedate=January 3, 2009 |df= }}</ref> At the following year's ], director ] unintentionally revealed that the game's sequel was in development under the working title ''The Wind Waker 2'';<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/501/501735p1.html |title=GDC 2004: Wind Waker 2 Official |work=] |publisher=] |date=March 24, 2004 |accessdate=September 12, 2008 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081002010058/http://cube.ign.com/articles/501/501735p1.html |archivedate=October 2, 2008 |df= }}</ref> it was set to use a similar graphical style to that of its predecessor.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/432/432558p2.html |title=Fact or Fiction: The 10 Biggest Rumors on GameCube |work=] |publisher=] |date=August 6, 2003 |accessdate=September 12, 2008 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090103153804/http://cube.ign.com/articles/432/432558p2.html |archivedate=January 3, 2009 |df= }}</ref> ] told Aonuma that North American sales of ''The Wind Waker'' were sluggish because its cartoon appearance created the impression that the game was designed for a young audience. Concerned that the sequel would have the same problem, Aonuma expressed to producer ] that he wanted to create a realistic ''Zelda'' game that would appeal to the North American market. Miyamoto, hesitant about solely changing the game's presentation, suggested the team's focus should instead be on coming up with gameplay innovations. He advised that Aonuma should start by doing what could not be done in ''Ocarina of Time'', particularly horseback combat.<ref name="Aonuma GDC 13087" group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Aonuma|2007|loc=The fate of ''Wind Waker 2''}}</ref> Special care was taken to improve the realism of the horseriding, with lead character designer Keisuke Nishimori riding a horse for himself to feel what it's like.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|title=The Legend of Zelda Encyclopedia|last=|first=|publisher=Dark Horse|year=2018|isbn=978-1-50670-638-2|location=|pages=279}}</ref>


In four months, Aonuma's team managed to present realistic horseback riding,<ref name="Aonuma GDC 13087" group="lower-alpha" /> which Nintendo later revealed to the public with a trailer at ]. The game was scheduled to be released the next year, and was no longer a follow-up to ''The Wind Waker'';<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6097980.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090327153510/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6097980.html |archive-date=March 27, 2009 |title=The Legend of Zelda details |work=] |publisher=] |first=Jeff |last=Gerstmann |authorlink=Jeff Gerstmann |date=May 12, 2004 |accessdate=September 12, 2008 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> a true sequel to it was released for the ] in 2007, in the form of '']''. Miyamoto explained in interviews that the graphical style was chosen to satisfy demand, and that it better fit the theme of an older incarnation of Link.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/514/514589p1.html |title=E3 2004: Miyamoto and Aonuma on Zelda |work=] |publisher=] |date=May 12, 2004 |accessdate=September 12, 2008 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206075737/http://cube.ign.com/articles/514/514589p1.html |archivedate=December 6, 2008 |df= }}</ref> The game runs on a modified ''The Wind Waker'' ].<ref>{{cite web|date=May 12, 2004 |url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/513/513962p1.html |title=E3 2004: New Legend of Zelda Details |work=] |publisher=] |accessdate=December 5, 2006 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060925042309/http://cube.ign.com/articles/513/513962p1.html |archivedate=September 25, 2006 |df= }}</ref> In four months, Aonuma's team managed to present realistic horseback riding,<ref name="Aonuma GDC 13087" group="lower-alpha"/> which Nintendo later revealed to the public with a trailer at ] that was met with enormous praise. The game was scheduled to be released the next year and was no longer a follow-up to ''The Wind Waker'';<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6097980.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090327153510/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6097980.html |archive-date=March 27, 2009 |title=The Legend of Zelda details |work=] |publisher=] |first=Jeff |last=Gerstmann |author-link=Jeff Gerstmann |date=May 12, 2004 |access-date=September 12, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> a true sequel to it was released for the ] in 2007, in the form of '']''. Miyamoto explained in interviews that the graphical style was chosen to satisfy demand and that it better fit the theme of an older incarnation of Link.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/05/13/e3-2004-miyamoto-and-aonuma-on-zelda |title=E3 2004: Miyamoto and Aonuma on Zelda |work=] |publisher=] |date=May 12, 2004 |access-date=November 13, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206075737/http://cube.ign.com/articles/514/514589p1.html |archive-date=December 6, 2008}}</ref> The game runs on a modified ''The Wind Waker'' ].<ref>{{cite web|date=May 12, 2004 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/05/12/e3-2004-new-legend-of-zelda-details |title=E3 2004: New Legend of Zelda Details |work=] |publisher=] |access-date=November 13, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060925042309/http://cube.ign.com/articles/513/513962p1.html |archive-date=September 25, 2006}}</ref>


Prior ''Zelda'' games have employed a theme of two separate, yet connected, worlds. In '']'', Link travels between a "Light World" and a "Dark World"; in ''Ocarina of Time'', as well as in '']'', Link travels between two different time periods. The ''Zelda'' team sought to reuse this motif in the series' latest installment. It was suggested that Link transform into a wolf, much like he metamorphoses into a rabbit in the Dark World of ''A Link to the Past''.<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Aonuma|2007|loc=A lupine direction and ''Minish Cap''}}</ref> The concept for Link to transform into a wolf and it's surrounding narrative elements came from a dream that Aonuma had while overseas on a business trip. He dreamt that he was a wolf, locked inside a cage, and after he woke up, he was confused and disorentated and it took a while for him to remember where he was.<ref name=":0" /> The story of the game was created by Aonuma, and later underwent several changes by scenario writers Mitsuhiro Takano and Aya Kyogoku.<ref name="story1">{{cite web|url=http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/wii/twilight_princess/0/2 |title=Iwata Asks : The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess : Like Trying to Mold Clay |date=November 2006 |work=Iwata Asks |publisher=] |accessdate=April 6, 2015 |quote='''Mitsuhiro Takano:''' My name is Takano. I was basically in charge of the story scripting for ''Twilight Princess'', but I was also involved in the development of the cut-scenes and a few of the events in the game. |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725233103/http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/ |archivedate=July 25, 2015 |df= }}</ref><ref name="storybase">{{cite web|url=http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20070308/awards.htm |title=Game Developers Choice Awards、BEST GAMEは「Gears of War」 |author=勝田哲也 |date=March 7, 2007 |work=GAME Watch |publisher=Impress Watch Corporation |accessdate=June 27, 2010 |language=Japanese |quote='''Eiji Aonuma:''' 僕が書いたストーリーをものすごく良いものに変えてくれたシナリオ担当の高野充浩さんと京極あやさん / Those responsible for the scenario, Mr. Mitsuhiro Takano and Mrs. Aya Kyogoku, made some really great changes to the story I wrote |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110108013645/http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20070308/awards.htm |archivedate=January 8, 2011 |df= }}</ref> Takano created the script for the story scenes,<ref name="story1" /> while Kyogoku and Takayuki Ikkaku handled the actual in-game script.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/wii/twilight_princess/0/1 |title=Iwata Asks : The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess : Ideas Born Out of Functionality |date=November 2006 |work=Iwata Asks |publisher=] |accessdate=April 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725233103/http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/ |archivedate=July 25, 2015 |df= }}</ref> Originally, Link was planned to be a wolf from the game's start to bluntly contrast the ''Ocarina of Time'' formula, but this was changed so that new players could be eased into Zelda's traditional gameplay and narrative formula. The narrative premise in the story regarding the children of Ordon village getting kidnapped was an example of the game featuring darker story elements than any past iteration.<ref name=":0" /> Prior ''Zelda'' games have employed a theme of two separate, yet connected, worlds. In '']'', Link travels between a "Light World" and a "Dark World"; in ''Ocarina of Time'', as well as in '']'', Link travels between two different time periods. The ''Zelda'' team sought to reuse this motif in the series' latest installment. It was suggested that Link transform into a wolf, much like he metamorphoses into a rabbit in the Dark World of ''A Link to the Past''.<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Aonuma|2007|loc=A lupine direction and ''Minish Cap''}}</ref> The concept for Link to transform into a wolf and its surrounding narrative elements came from a dream that Aonuma had while overseas on a business trip. He dreamt that he was a wolf, locked inside a cage, and, after he woke up, he was confused and disoriented and it took awhile for him to remember where he was.<ref name=":0"/> The story of the game was created by Aonuma, and it later underwent several changes by scenario writers Mitsuhiro Takano and ].<ref name="story1">{{cite web|url=http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/wii/twilight_princess/0/2 |title=Iwata Asks: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess: Like Trying to Mold Clay |date=November 2006 |work=Iwata Asks |publisher=] |access-date=April 6, 2015 |quote='''Mitsuhiro Takano:''' My name is Takano. I was basically in charge of the story scripting for ''Twilight Princess'', but I was also involved in the development of the cut-scenes and a few of the events in the game. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725233103/http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/ |archive-date=July 25, 2015}}</ref><ref name="storybase">{{cite web|url=http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20070308/awards.htm |title=Game Developers Choice Awards、BEST GAMEは「Gears of War」|author=勝田哲也 |date=March 7, 2007 |work=GAME Watch |publisher=Impress Watch Corporation |access-date=June 27, 2010 |language=ja |quote='''Eiji Aonuma:''' 僕が書いたストーリーをものすごく良いものに変えてくれたシナリオ担当の高野充浩さんと京極あやさん / Those responsible for the scenario, Mr. Mitsuhiro Takano and Mrs. Aya Kyogoku, made some really great changes to the story I wrote |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110108013645/http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20070308/awards.htm |archive-date=January 8, 2011}}</ref> Takano created the script for the story scenes,<ref name="story1"/> while Kyogoku and Takayuki Ikkaku handled the actual in-game script.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/wii/twilight_princess/0/1 |title=Iwata Asks: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess: Ideas Born Out of Functionality |date=November 2006 |work=Iwata Asks |publisher=] |access-date=April 6, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725233103/http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/ |archive-date=July 25, 2015}}</ref> Originally, Link was planned to be a wolf from the game's start to bluntly contrast the ''Ocarina of Time'' formula, but this was changed so that new players could be eased into the ''Zelda'' series' traditional gameplay and narrative formula. The narrative premise in the story regarding the children of Ordon village getting kidnapped was an example of the game featuring darker story elements than any past iteration.<ref name=":0"/>


From a gameplay perspective, the "twilight world" portions of the game was vaguely inspired by the fact that prior Zelda title had always distinctively seperated it's dungeons from it's overworld. It was wondered what the result would be if you took a traditional ''Zelda'' dungeon and put it inside the open world instead. This resulted in the hunt for tears of light the player partakes in when in the twilight covered world. Regarding the atmophere of the Twilight covered Hyrule, as well as the Twilight Realm dungeon later in the game, the intent was to make players feel uncomfortable, however special care was taken to ensure that this was balanced right, so that it didn't make the player so uncomfortable that they didn't want to progress further or could not enjoy the experience.<ref name=":0" /> From a gameplay perspective, the Twilight Realm portions of the game were vaguely inspired by the fact that prior ''Zelda'' games had always distinctively separated dungeons from the overworld. The team wondered what the result would be if a traditional ''Zelda'' dungeon was placed inside the open world instead. This resulted in the hunt for Tears of Light the player partakes in when in the Twilight-covered world. The atmosphere of the Twilight-covered Hyrule, as well as the Twilight Realm dungeon later in the game, were intended to make players feel uncomfortable. Special care was taken, however, to ensure that this was balanced right, so that it did not make the player so uncomfortable that they did not want to progress further or could not enjoy the experience.<ref name=":0"/>


Aonuma left his team working on the new idea while he produced '']'' for the ]. When he returned, he found the ''Twilight Princess'' team struggling. Emphasis on the parallel worlds and the wolf transformation had made Link's character unbelievable. Aonuma also felt the gameplay lacked the caliber of innovation found in ''Phantom Hourglass'', which was being developed with ] for the Nintendo DS. At the same time, the Wii was under development with the code name "Revolution". Miyamoto thought that the Revolution's ], the Wii Remote, was well suited for aiming arrows in ''Zelda'', and suggested that Aonuma consider using it.<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Aonuma|2007|loc=E3 2005 and 120% ''Zelda''}}</ref> Aonuma left his team working on the new idea while he produced '']'' for the ]. When he returned, he found the ''Twilight Princess'' team struggling. Emphasis on the parallel worlds and the wolf transformation had made Link's character unbelievable. Aonuma also felt the gameplay lacked the caliber of innovation found in ''Phantom Hourglass'', which was being developed with ] for the Nintendo DS. At the same time, the Wii was under development with the code name "Revolution". Miyamoto thought that the Revolution's ], the Wii Remote, was well suited for aiming arrows in ''Zelda'', and he suggested that Aonuma consider using it.<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Aonuma|2007|loc=E3 2005 and 120% ''Zelda''}}</ref>


===Wii transition=== ===Transition to the Wii===
Aonuma had anticipated creating a ''Zelda'' game for what would later be for the Wii, but had assumed that he would need to complete ''Twilight Princess'' first. His team began work developing a pointing-based interface for the bow and arrow, and Aonuma found that aiming directly at the screen gave the game a new feel, just like the DS control scheme for ''Phantom Hourglass''. Aonuma felt confident this was the only way to proceed, but worried about consumers who had been anticipating a GameCube release. Developing two versions would mean delaying the previously announced 2005 release, still disappointing the consumer. ] felt that having both versions would satisfy users in the end, even though they would have to wait for the finished product. Aonuma then started working on both versions in parallel.<ref name=wii-transfer group="lower-alpha" /> Aonuma had anticipated creating a ''Zelda'' game for what would later become the Wii, but had assumed that he would need to complete ''Twilight Princess'' first. His team began work developing a pointing-based interface for the bow and arrow, and Aonuma found that aiming directly at the screen gave the game a new feel, just like the DS control scheme for ''Phantom Hourglass''. Aonuma felt confident this was the only way to proceed, but worried about consumers who had been anticipating a GameCube release. Developing two versions would mean delaying the previously announced 2005 release, still disappointing the consumer. Nintendo President ] felt that having both versions would satisfy users in the end, even though they would have to wait for the finished product. Aonuma then started working on both versions in parallel.<ref name=wii-transfer group="lower-alpha"/>


Transferring GameCube development to the Wii was relatively simple, since the Wii was being created to be compatible with the GameCube.<ref name=wii-transfer group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Aonuma|2007|loc=A Revolutionary idea}}</ref> At ], Nintendo released a small number of ]s containing a preview trailer for ''Twilight Princess''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ds.ign.com/objects/748/748615.html |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Preview Trailer |work=] |publisher=] |date=December 13, 2008 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081229211941/http://ds.ign.com/objects/748/748615.html |archivedate=December 29, 2008 |df= }}</ref> They also announced that ''Zelda'' would appear on the Wii (then codenamed "Revolution"),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/615/615429p1.html |title=E3 2005: Mario and Zelda Go Next-Gen |work=] |publisher=] |date=May 17, 2005 |first=Matt |last=Casamassina |accessdate=September 12, 2008 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080628171932/http://cube.ign.com/articles/615/615429p1.html |archivedate=June 28, 2008 |df= }}</ref> but it was not clear to the media if this meant ''Twilight Princess'' or a different game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/692/692479p1.html |title=Every Revolution Game We Know About |work=] |publisher=] |date=February 28, 2006 |first=Matt |last=Casamassina |accessdate=September 12, 2008 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090101032532/http://wii.ign.com/articles/692/692479p1.html |archivedate=January 1, 2009 |df= }}</ref> Transferring GameCube development to the Wii was relatively simple, since the Wii was being created to be compatible with GameCube software.<ref name=wii-transfer group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Aonuma|2007|loc=A Revolutionary idea}}</ref> At ], Nintendo released a small number of ]s containing a preview trailer for ''Twilight Princess''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/games/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-preview-trailer |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Preview Trailer |work=] |publisher=] |date=December 13, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081229211941/http://ds.ign.com/objects/748/748615.html |archive-date=December 29, 2008}}</ref> They also announced that a ''Zelda'' title would appear on the Wii (then codenamed "Revolution"),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/05/17/e3-2005-mario-and-zelda-go-next-gen |title=E3 2005: Mario and Zelda Go Next-Gen |work=] |publisher=] |date=May 17, 2005 |first=Matt |last=Casamassina |access-date=November 13, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080628171932/http://cube.ign.com/articles/615/615429p1.html |archive-date=June 28, 2008}}</ref> but were not clear to the media if this meant ''Twilight Princess'' or a different game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/692/692479p1.html |title=Every Revolution Game We Know About |work=] |publisher=] |date=February 28, 2006 |first=Matt |last=Casamassina |access-date=September 12, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090101032532/http://wii.ign.com/articles/692/692479p1.html |archive-date=January 1, 2009}}</ref>


The team worked on a Wii control scheme, adapting camera control and the fighting mechanics to the new interface. A prototype was created that used a swinging gesture to control the sword from a first-person viewpoint, but was unable to show the variety of Link's movements. When the third-person view was restored, Aonuma thought it felt strange to swing the Wii Remote with the right hand to control the sword in Link's left hand, so the entire Wii version map was mirrored.<ref name="Aonuma GDC 13092" group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Aonuma|2007|loc=The first attempt at Wii control}}</ref> Details about Wii controls began to surface in December 2005 when British publication '']'' claimed that when a GameCube copy of ''Twilight Princess'' was played on the Revolution, it would give the player the option of using the Revolution controller.<ref>{{cite web|first=Che|last=Chou|date=December 22, 2005|url=http://www.1up.com/news/zelda-plays-revolution-controller|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013055752/http://www.1up.com/news/zelda-plays-revolution-controller|dead-url=yes|archive-date=October 13, 2012|title=Play Zelda: Twilight Princess with the Revolution Controller|accessdate=May 28, 2006|work=]|publisher=]}}</ref> Miyamoto confirmed the Revolution controller-functionality in an interview with Nintendo of Europe<ref>{{Cite journal |title=EGM Presents: The 2006 1UP Network Awards|journal=] |year=2006}}</ref> and '']'' reported this soon after.<ref>{{cite news|first=Lev |last=Grossman |url=http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1191861,00.html |title=A Game For All Ages |date=May 15, 2006 |accessdate=March 12, 2015 |work=] |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150129075256/http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0%2C9171%2C1191861%2C00.html |archivedate=January 29, 2015 |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Tor |last=Thorsen |date=May 7, 2006 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-06-zelda-wii-sword-fighting-next-gen-warioware-confirmed/1100-6149308/ |title=E3 06: Zelda Wii sword fighting, next-gen WarioWare confirmed |work=] |publisher=] |accessdate=May 28, 2006 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140905092436/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-06-zelda-wii-sword-fighting-next-gen-warioware-confirmed/1100-6149308/ |archivedate=September 5, 2014 |df= }}</ref> However, support for the Wii controller did not make it into the GameCube release. At ], Nintendo announced that both versions would be available at the ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/706/706166p1.html |title=E3 2006: Wii, Gamecube Zelda Available Simultaneously |work=] |publisher=] |date=May 9, 2006 |last=Hatfield |first=Daemon |accessdate=September 12, 2008 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090104020816/http://wii.ign.com/articles/706/706166p1.html |archivedate=January 4, 2009 |df= }}</ref> and had a playable version of ''Twilight Princess'' for the Wii.<ref name="Aonuma GDC 13092" group="lower-alpha" /> Later, the GameCube release was pushed back to a month after the launch of the Wii.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/732/732852p1.html |title=Twilight Princess Slips |work=] |publisher=] |date=September 14, 2006 |last=Seff |first=Micah |accessdate=September 12, 2008 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090103094154/http://cube.ign.com/articles/732/732852p1.html |archivedate=January 3, 2009 |df= }}</ref> The team worked on a Wii control scheme, adapting camera control and the fighting mechanics to the new interface. A prototype was created that used a swinging gesture to control the sword from a first-person viewpoint but was unable to show the variety of Link's movements. When the third-person view was restored, Aonuma thought it felt strange to swing the Wii Remote with the right hand to control the sword in Link's left hand, so the entire world map was mirrored for the Wii version.<ref name="Aonuma GDC 13092" group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Aonuma|2007|loc=The first attempt at Wii control}}</ref> Details about Wii controls began to surface in December 2005 when British publication '']'' claimed that when a GameCube copy of ''Twilight Princess'' was played on the Revolution, it would give the player the option of using the Revolution controller.<ref>{{cite web|first=Che|last=Chou|date=December 22, 2005|url=http://www.1up.com/news/zelda-plays-revolution-controller|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013055752/http://www.1up.com/news/zelda-plays-revolution-controller|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 13, 2012|title=Play Zelda: Twilight Princess with the Revolution Controller|access-date=May 28, 2006|work=]|publisher=]}}</ref> Miyamoto confirmed the Revolution controller-functionality in an interview with Nintendo of Europe<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=EGM Presents: The 2006 1UP Network Awards|magazine=] |year=2006}}</ref> and '']'' reported this soon after.<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Lev |last=Grossman |url=http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1191861,00.html |title=A Game For All Ages |date=May 15, 2006 |access-date=March 12, 2015 |magazine=] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150129075256/http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0%2C9171%2C1191861%2C00.html |archive-date=January 29, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Tor |last=Thorsen |date=May 7, 2006 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-06-zelda-wii-sword-fighting-next-gen-warioware-confirmed/1100-6149308/ |title=E3 06: Zelda Wii sword fighting, next-gen WarioWare confirmed |work=] |publisher=] |access-date=May 28, 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140905092436/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-06-zelda-wii-sword-fighting-next-gen-warioware-confirmed/1100-6149308/ |archive-date=September 5, 2014}}</ref> However, support for the Wii controller did not make it into the GameCube release. At ], Nintendo confirmed that both versions would be available at the ],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/05/09/e3-2006-wii-gamecube-zelda-available-simultaneously |title=E3 2006: Wii, Gamecube Zelda Available Simultaneously |work=] |publisher=] |date=May 9, 2006 |last=Hatfield |first=Daemon |access-date=November 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090104020816/http://wii.ign.com/articles/706/706166p1.html |archive-date=January 4, 2009}}</ref> and had a playable version of ''Twilight Princess'' for the Wii.<ref name="Aonuma GDC 13092" group="lower-alpha"/> Later, the GameCube release was pushed back to a month after the launch of the Wii.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/732/732852p1.html |title=Twilight Princess Slips |work=] |publisher=] |date=September 14, 2006 |last=Seff |first=Micah |access-date=September 12, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090103094154/http://cube.ign.com/articles/732/732852p1.html |archive-date=January 3, 2009}}</ref>


Nintendo staff members reported that demo users complained about the difficulty of the control scheme. Aonuma realized that his team had implemented Wii controls under the mindset of "forcing" users to adapt, instead of making the system intuitive and easy to use. He began rethinking the controls with Miyamoto to focus on comfort and ease.<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Aonuma|2007|loc=E3 2006 lesson}}</ref> The camera movement was reworked and item controls were changed to avoid accidental button presses.<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Aonuma|2007|loc=Camera and item controls}}</ref> In addition, the new item system required use of the button that had previously been used for the sword. To solve this, sword controls were transferred back to gestures—something E3 attendees had commented they would like to see. This reintroduced the problem of using a right-handed swing to control a left-handed sword attack. The team did not have enough time before release to rework Link's character model, so they instead flipped the entire game—everything was made a mirror image.<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Aonuma|2007|loc=Sword controls}}</ref> Link was now right-handed, and references to "east" and "west" were switched around. The GameCube version, however, was left with the original orientation. The ''Twilight Princess'' player's guide focuses on the Wii version, but has a section in the back with mirror-image maps for GameCube users.<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Pelland|2006|pp=170–191}}</ref> Nintendo staff members reported that demo users complained about the difficulty of the control scheme. Aonuma realized that his team had implemented Wii controls under the mindset of "forcing" users to adapt, instead of making the system intuitive and easy to use. He began rethinking the controls with Miyamoto to focus on comfort and ease.<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Aonuma|2007|loc=E3 2006 lesson}}</ref> The camera movement was reworked and item controls were changed to avoid accidental button presses.<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Aonuma|2007|loc=Camera and item controls}}</ref> In addition, the new item system required use of the button that had previously been used for the sword. To solve this, sword controls were transferred back to gestures—something E3 attendees had commented they would like to see. This reintroduced the problem of using a right-handed swing to control a left-handed sword attack. The team did not have enough time before release to rework Link's character model, so they instead flipped the entire game—everything was made a mirror image.<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Aonuma|2007|loc=Sword controls}}</ref> Link was now right-handed, and references to "east" and "west" were reversed. The GameCube version, however, was left with the original orientation. The ''Twilight Princess'' player's guide focuses on the Wii version, but has a section in the back with mirror-image maps for GameCube users.<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Pelland|2006|pp=170–191}}</ref>


===Music and sound=== ===Music and sound===
The game's score was composed by ] and Asuka Ohta, with series regular ] serving as the sound supervisor.<ref>{{Cite video game|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|developer=]|publisher=]|date=November 19, 2006|platform=]/]| scene = Credits sequence|quote = MUSIC / Toru Minegishi / Asuka Ohta / Koji Kondo}}</ref> Minegishi took charge of composition and sound design in ''Twilight Princess'', providing all field and dungeon music.<ref name="Inside Zelda 13">{{Cite journal |url=http://www.zelda.com/universe/game/twilightprincess/inside13.jsp |title=Inside Zelda: Part 13 |journal=] |publisher=] |accessdate=October 17, 2007 |volume=204 |date=June 2006 |pages=76–78 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080614145139/http://www.zelda.com/universe/game/twilightprincess/inside13.jsp |archivedate=June 14, 2008 |df= }}</ref> For the trailers, three pieces were written by different composers,<ref name="Inside Zelda 4">{{Cite journal|url=http://www.zelda.com/universe/game/twilightprincess/inside04.jsp |title=Inside Zelda part 4: Natural Rhythms of Hyrule |journal=] |publisher=] |accessdate=October 10, 2008 |volume=195 |date=September 2005 |pages=56–58 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811172047/http://www.zelda.com/universe/game/twilightprincess/inside04.jsp |archivedate=August 11, 2014 |df= }}</ref> two of which were created by ] and Kondo.<ref name="kondointerview">{{cite web|title=VGL: Koji Kondo Interview |url=https://www.wired.com/2007/03/vgl_koji_kondo_ |first=Chris |last=Kohler |date=March 11, 2007 |work=] |publisher=] |accessdate=April 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150328142034/http://www.wired.com/2007/03/vgl_koji_kondo_/ |archivedate=March 28, 2015 |df= }}</ref> ] created orchestral arrangements for the three compositions, later to be performed by an ensemble conducted by Taizo Takemoto.<ref name="Inside Zelda 4"/> Kondo's piece was later chosen as music for the E3 2005 trailer and for the demo movie after the game's title screen.<ref name="kondointerview" /> Midna has the most voice acting—her on-screen dialogue is often accompanied by a babble of pseudo-speech, which was produced by scrambling English phrases sampled by Japanese voice actress ].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Hillier|first1=Brenna|title=Midna speaks English, and other secrets of The Legend of Zelda|url=https://www.vg247.com/2014/07/30/midna-speaks-english-and-other-secrets-of-the-legend-of-zelda/|website=]|date=July 30, 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140802004311/http://www.vg247.com/2014/07/30/midna-speaks-english-and-other-secrets-of-the-legend-of-zelda/|archivedate=August 2, 2014|deadurl=no|accessdate=April 30, 2016}}</ref> The game's score was composed by ] and Asuka Ohta, with series regular ] serving as the sound supervisor.<ref>{{Cite video game|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|developer=]|publisher=]|date=November 19, 2006|platform=]/]| scene = Credits sequence|quote = MUSIC / Toru Minegishi / Asuka Ohta / Koji Kondo}}</ref> Minegishi took charge of composition and sound design in ''Twilight Princess'', providing all field and dungeon music.<ref name="Inside Zelda 13">{{Cite magazine |url=http://www.zelda.com/universe/game/twilightprincess/inside13.jsp |title=Inside Zelda: Part 13 |magazine=] |publisher=] |access-date=October 17, 2007 |volume=204 |date=June 2006 |pages=76–78 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080614145139/http://www.zelda.com/universe/game/twilightprincess/inside13.jsp |archive-date=June 14, 2008}}</ref> For the trailers, three pieces were written by different composers,<ref name="Inside Zelda 4">{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.zelda.com/universe/game/twilightprincess/inside04.jsp |title=Inside Zelda part 4: Natural Rhythms of Hyrule |magazine=] |publisher=] |access-date=October 10, 2008 |volume=195 |date=September 2005 |pages=56–58 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811172047/http://www.zelda.com/universe/game/twilightprincess/inside04.jsp |archive-date=August 11, 2014}}</ref> two of which were created by ] and Kondo.<ref name="kondointerview">{{cite magazine|title=VGL: Koji Kondo Interview |url=https://www.wired.com/2007/03/vgl_koji_kondo_ |first=Chris |last=Kohler |date=March 11, 2007 |magazine=] |publisher=] |access-date=April 6, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150328142034/http://www.wired.com/2007/03/vgl_koji_kondo_/ |archive-date=March 28, 2015}}</ref> ] created orchestral arrangements for the three compositions, later to be performed by an ensemble conducted by Taizo Takemoto.<ref name="Inside Zelda 4"/> Kondo's piece was chosen as music for the E3 2005 trailer and for the demo movie after the title screen.<ref name="kondointerview"/> Midna has the most voice acting—her on-screen dialogue is often accompanied by a babble of pseudo-speech, which was produced by scrambling English phrases sampled by Japanese voice actress ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Hillier|first=Brenna|title=Midna speaks English, and other secrets of The Legend of Zelda|url=https://www.vg247.com/2014/07/30/midna-speaks-english-and-other-secrets-of-the-legend-of-zelda/|website=]|date=July 30, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140802004311/http://www.vg247.com/2014/07/30/midna-speaks-english-and-other-secrets-of-the-legend-of-zelda/|archive-date=August 2, 2014|url-status=live|access-date=April 30, 2016}}</ref>


Media requests at the trade show prompted Kondo to consider using orchestral music for the other tracks in the game as well, a notion reinforced by his preference for live instruments.<ref name="Inside Zelda 4"/> He originally envisioned a full 50-person orchestra for action sequences and a string quartet for more "lyrical moments",<ref name="Inside Zelda 4" /> though the final product used sequenced music instead.<ref name="ign wii review">{{cite web|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/11/18/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-review-2||archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170112220602/http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/11/18/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-review-2|archive-date=January 12, 2017|work=]|publisher=]|first=Matt|last=Casamassina|date=November 17, 2006|accessdate=April 27, 2017}}</ref> Kondo later cited the lack of interactivity that comes with orchestral music as one of the main reasons for the decision.<ref name="kondointerview" /> Both six- and seven-track versions of the game's ] were released on November 19, 2006, as part of a '']'' promotion and bundled with replicas of the Master Sword and the Hylian Shield.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Official Soundtrack |url=http://vgmdb.net/album/4333 |work=VGMdb |accessdate=August 3, 2009 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090904013033/http://vgmdb.net/album/4333 |archivedate=September 4, 2009 |df= }}</ref> Media requests at the trade show prompted Kondo to consider using orchestral music for the other tracks in the game as well, a notion reinforced by his preference for live instruments.<ref name="Inside Zelda 4"/> He originally envisioned a full 50-person orchestra for action sequences and a string quartet for more "lyrical moments",<ref name="Inside Zelda 4"/> though the final product used sequenced music instead.<ref name="ign wii review">{{cite web|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/11/18/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-review-2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170112220602/http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/11/18/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-review-2|archive-date=January 12, 2017|work=]|publisher=]|first=Matt|last=Casamassina|date=November 17, 2006|access-date=April 27, 2017}}</ref> Kondo later cited the lack of interactivity that comes with orchestral music as one of the main reasons for the decision.<ref name="kondointerview"/> Both six- and seven-track versions of the game's ] were released on November 19, 2006, as part of a '']'' promotion and bundled with replicas of the Master Sword and the Hylian Shield.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Official Soundtrack |url=http://vgmdb.net/album/4333 |work=VGMdb |access-date=August 3, 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090904013033/http://vgmdb.net/album/4333 |archive-date=September 4, 2009}}</ref>


===Technical issues=== === Technical vulnerability ===
Following the discovery of a ] ] in the Wii version of ''Twilight Princess'', an ] known as the "Twilight Hack" was developed, allowing the ] of custom code from a ] (SD) card on the ]. A specifically designed ] would cause the game to load ], which could include ] (ELF) programs and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/twilight-hack-teases-homebrew/|title='Twilight Hack' teases homebrew|first=JC|last=Fletcher|work=]|publisher=]|date=February 11, 2008|accessdate=April 19, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131144036/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/twilight-hack-teases-homebrew|archivedate=January 31, 2009|deadurl=no}}</ref> Versions 3.3 and 3.4 of the ] prevented copying exploited save files onto the console until circumvention methods were discovered,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/new-wii-menu-update-3-3-nullifies-twilight-princess-hack/|title=New Wii menu update 3.3 nullifies ''Twilight Princess'' hack|first=Ross|last=Miller|work=]|publisher=]|date=June 16, 2008|accessdate=April 19, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080617191322/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/new-wii-menu-update-3-3-nullifies-twilight-princess-hack/|archivedate=June 17, 2008|deadurl=no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Greenhough|first1=Chris|title=It lives! The Twilight Hack returns|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/24/it-lives-the-twilight-hack-returns/|website=]|publisher=]|accessdate=April 19, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110310072146/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/24/it-lives-the-twilight-hack-returns/|archivedate=March 10, 2011|deadurl=no|date=November 24, 2008}}</ref> and version 4.0 of the Wii Menu ] the vulnerability.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Fitzpatrick|first1=Jason|title=Hack Your Wii for Homebrew without ''Twilight Princess''|url=http://lifehacker.com/5342733/hack-your-wii-for-homebrew-without-twilight-princess|website=]|publisher=]|accessdate=April 19, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090823183030/http://lifehacker.com/5342733/hack-your-wii-for-homebrew-without-twilight-princess|archivedate=August 23, 2009|deadurl=no|date=August 21, 2009}}</ref> Following the discovery of a ] ] in the Wii version of ''Twilight Princess'', an ] known as the "Twilight Hack" was developed, allowing the ] of custom code from a ] (SD) card on the ]. A specifically designed ] would cause the game to load ], which could include ] (ELF) programs and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/twilight-hack-teases-homebrew/|title='Twilight Hack' teases homebrew|first=JC|last=Fletcher|work=]|publisher=]|date=February 11, 2008|access-date=April 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131144036/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/twilight-hack-teases-homebrew|archive-date=January 31, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> Versions 3.3 and 3.4 of the ] prevented copying exploited save files onto the console until circumvention methods were discovered,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/new-wii-menu-update-3-3-nullifies-twilight-princess-hack/|title=New Wii menu update 3.3 nullifies ''Twilight Princess'' hack|first=Ross|last=Miller|work=]|publisher=]|date=June 16, 2008|access-date=April 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080617191322/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/new-wii-menu-update-3-3-nullifies-twilight-princess-hack/|archive-date=June 17, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Greenhough|first=Chris|title=It lives! The Twilight Hack returns|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/24/it-lives-the-twilight-hack-returns/|website=]|publisher=]|access-date=April 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110310072146/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/24/it-lives-the-twilight-hack-returns/|archive-date=March 10, 2011|url-status=live|date=November 24, 2008}}</ref> and version 4.0 of the Wii Menu ] the vulnerability.<ref>{{cite web|last=Fitzpatrick|first=Jason|title=Hack Your Wii for Homebrew without ''Twilight Princess''|url=http://lifehacker.com/5342733/hack-your-wii-for-homebrew-without-twilight-princess|website=]|publisher=]|access-date=April 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090823183030/http://lifehacker.com/5342733/hack-your-wii-for-homebrew-without-twilight-princess|archive-date=August 23, 2009|url-status=live|date=August 21, 2009}}</ref>


===Wii U version=== ===Wii U version===
{{Infobox video game
{{main article|The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD}}
| title = The Legend of Zelda:<br/>Twilight Princess HD
A ] ] of the game, ''The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD'', was developed by ] for the ]. Announced during a ] presentation on November 12, 2015, it features enhanced graphics and ] functionality.<ref name="HD announcement" /> The game was released in North America and Europe on March 4, 2016; in Australia on March 5, 2016;<ref>{{cite web|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD, Hyrule Warriors: Legends, and New Nintendo 3DS XL Hyrule edition provide a Triforce of releases to start 2016|url=https://www.nintendo.com.au/news/nid/3740/|publisher=]|accessdate=February 6, 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123043706/http://www.nintendo.com.au/news/nid/3740/|archivedate=January 23, 2016|deadurl=yes|date=January 22, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref> and in Japan on March 10, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Romano|first1=Sal|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD story trailer|url=http://gematsu.com/2016/01/legend-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-story-trailer|website=Gematsu|accessdate=February 6, 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130094537/http://gematsu.com/2016/01/legend-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-story-trailer|archivedate=January 30, 2016|deadurl=no|date=January 29, 2016}}</ref>
| image =
| caption = Cover art
| alt =
| developer = {{plainlist|
* ]
* ]
}}
| publisher = ]
| director = Tomomi Sano
| producer = ]
| designer =
| programmer = Sean O'Sullivan
| artist = Paul Court
| writer =
| composer = {{ubl|]|Asuka Ohta|]}}
| series =
| platforms = ]
| released = {{Video game release|]/]|March 4, 2016|AUS|March 5, 2016|JP|March 10, 2016}}
| genre = ]
| modes = ]
}}
A ] ] of the game, ''The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD'', was developed by ] for the ]. Announced during a ] presentation on November 13, 2015, it features enhanced graphics and ] functionality.<ref name="HD announcement"/> The game was released worldwide in March 2016.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD, Hyrule Warriors: Legends, and New Nintendo 3DS XL Hyrule edition provide a Triforce of releases to start 2016|url=https://www.nintendo.com.au/news/nid/3740/|publisher=]|access-date=February 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123043706/http://www.nintendo.com.au/news/nid/3740/|archive-date=January 23, 2016|url-status=dead|date=January 22, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Romano|first=Sal|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD story trailer|url=http://gematsu.com/2016/01/legend-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-story-trailer|website=Gematsu|access-date=February 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130094537/http://gematsu.com/2016/01/legend-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-story-trailer|archive-date=January 30, 2016|url-status=live|date=January 29, 2016}}</ref>


The idea for a high-definition version of ''Twilight Princess'' first originated during the production of '']''. Nintendo experimented with an HD version of ''Twilight Princess'' running on ] development kits when trying to settle on a graphical style for the new game.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QyMsF31NdNc&feature=youtu.be|title=Breaking Conventions with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - YouTube|website=]|date=March 10, 2017 |access-date=February 10, 2022|archive-date=October 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003155106/https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=QyMsF31NdNc|url-status=live}}</ref> This ultimately led to the production of '']'', whose success encouraged the ''Zelda'' team to pursue other high-definition remasters. After its release, which was developed internally at ] in only six months, the ''Zelda'' team settled on an HD ] of ''Twilight Princess''. At the time, most of the ''Zelda'' team was preoccupied with ''Breath of the Wild'', so Nintendo sought a partnership with an external ], the Australia-based ], to work on ''Twilight Princess HD''.<ref name="NL interview">{{cite interview |last=Aonuma |first=Eiji |subject-link=Eiji Aonuma |last2=Sano |first2=Tomomi |interviewer=Thomas Whitehead |title=Interview: Eiji Aonuma and Tomomi Sano Shed Light on The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/03/interview_eiji_aonuma_and_tomomi_sano_shed_light_on_the_legend_of_zelda_twilight_princess_hd |work=] |publisher=] |date=March 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303093233/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/03/interview_eiji_aonuma_and_tomomi_sano_shed_light_on_the_legend_of_zelda_twilight_princess_hd |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |url-status=live |access-date=March 5, 2016}}</ref>
Certain bundles of the game contain a Wolf Link Amiibo figurine, which unlocks a Wii U-exclusive dungeon called the "Cave of Shadows"<ref name="HD changes">{{cite web|last1=Otero|first1=Jose|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD Looks (and Plays) Better Than You Think|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/02/04/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-looks-and-plays-better-than-you-think|website=]|publisher=]|accessdate=February 6, 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204153316/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/02/04/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-looks-and-plays-better-than-you-think|archivedate=February 4, 2016|deadurl=no|date=February 4, 2016}}</ref> and can carry data over to '']''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Phillips|first1=Tom|title=Zelda: Twilight Princess HD has a new dungeon|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-01-14-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-has-a-new-dungeon|website=]|publisher=Gamer Network|accessdate=January 20, 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115084316/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-01-14-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-has-a-new-dungeon|archivedate=January 15, 2016|deadurl=no|date=January 14, 2016}}</ref> Other ''Zelda''-related Amiibo figurines have distinct functions: Link and Toon Link replenish arrows, Zelda and ] restore Link's health, and Ganondorf causes Link to take twice as much damage.<ref name="HD changes"/> A CD containing 20 musical selections from the game was available as a ] preorder bonus in North America; it is included with the limited-edition bundle in other regions.<ref>{{cite web|author=Jenni<!-- no last name given -->|title=The Legend Of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD’s Sound Selection CD Features 20 Remastered Tracks|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2016/02/19/legend-zelda-twilight-princess-hds-sound-selection-cd-features-20-remastered-tracks/|website=Siliconera|publisher=]|accessdate=March 3, 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303211037/http://www.siliconera.com/2016/02/19/legend-zelda-twilight-princess-hds-sound-selection-cd-features-20-remastered-tracks/|archivedate=March 3, 2016|deadurl=no|date=February 19, 2016}}</ref>


According to ], who directed the original release and produced ''Twilight Princess HD'', ensuring the remaster would take advantage of the Wii U GamePad was a point of focus early in the title's development. The control scheme used in the ] version was adapted for the remaster due to similarities between the button layouts of the two ]' controllers.<ref name="NL interview"/> Aonuma considered underwater gameplay in the remaster to be significantly improved. Other enhancements include speeding up a handful of cutscenes that seemed overly long by modern standards<ref name="NL interview"/> and reducing repetitive gameplay elements, such as collecting Tears of Light while in the Twilight Realm.<ref name="Polygon review">{{cite web|last=McElroy|first=Griffin|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD review|url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/3/1/11137784/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-review|website=]|publisher=]|access-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160301213626/http://www.polygon.com/2016/3/1/11137784/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-review|archive-date=March 1, 2016|url-status=live|date=March 1, 2016}}</ref> A commitment to "preserving the feel of the original" inspired several design decisions, such as keeping the ] at 30 frames per second.<ref name="NL interview"/> Tomomi Sano, the assistant director of the Wii U version, noted the degree of refinement the graphics would receive required much consideration: "When we created more precise ] of objects to go with the higher ], we found that everything was too clear and we lost that soft and delicate atmosphere that you get in particular at twilight or with the light in a forest".<ref name="NL interview"/>
==Reception==


Certain bundles of the game contain a Wolf Link Amiibo figurine, which unlocks a Wii U-exclusive dungeon called the "Cave of Shadows"<ref name="HD changes">{{cite web|last=Otero|first=Jose|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD Looks (and Plays) Better Than You Think|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/02/04/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-looks-and-plays-better-than-you-think|website=]|publisher=]|access-date=February 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204153316/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/02/04/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-looks-and-plays-better-than-you-think|archive-date=February 4, 2016|url-status=live|date=February 4, 2016}}</ref> and can carry data over to '']''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Phillips|first=Tom|title=Zelda: Twilight Princess HD has a new dungeon|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-01-14-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-has-a-new-dungeon|website=]|publisher=Gamer Network|access-date=January 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115084316/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-01-14-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-has-a-new-dungeon|archive-date=January 15, 2016|url-status=live|date=January 14, 2016}}</ref> In the Cave of Shadows, Link fights waves of enemies while restricted to his wolf form.<ref name="HD changes"/> Comparable to the optional "Cave of Ordeals" present in the original release, opportunities to recover health during the trial are sparse.<ref>{{cite web|last=Phillips|first=Tom|title=Zelda: Twilight Princess HD's Amiibo-exclusive dungeon revealed|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-01-21-zelda-twilight-princess-hds-amiibo-exclusive-dungeon-revealed|website=]|publisher=Gamer Network|access-date=March 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122165911/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-01-21-zelda-twilight-princess-hds-amiibo-exclusive-dungeon-revealed|archive-date=January 22, 2016|url-status=live|date=January 21, 2016}}</ref> Other ''Zelda''-related Amiibo figurines have distinct functions: Link and Toon Link replenish arrows, Zelda and ] restore Link's health, and Ganondorf causes Link to take twice as much damage.<ref name="HD changes"/> A CD containing 20 musical selections from the game was available as a ] preorder bonus in North America; it is included with the limited-edition bundle in other regions.<ref>{{cite web|author=Jenni<!-- no last name given -->|title=The Legend Of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD's Sound Selection CD Features 20 Remastered Tracks|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2016/02/19/legend-zelda-twilight-princess-hds-sound-selection-cd-features-20-remastered-tracks/|website=Siliconera|publisher=]|access-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303211037/http://www.siliconera.com/2016/02/19/legend-zelda-twilight-princess-hds-sound-selection-cd-features-20-remastered-tracks/|archive-date=March 3, 2016|url-status=live|date=February 19, 2016}}</ref> A three-disc original soundtrack consisting of 108 pieces from the game was released in Japan in July 2016.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rosario|first=Kristen G.|title=Twilight Princess HD original soundtrack to be released in Japan on July 27th|url=http://www.zeldainformer.com/news/twilight-princess-hd-original-soundtrack-to-be-released-in-japan-on-july-27|website=Zelda Informer|publisher=]|access-date=August 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809000617/http://www.zeldainformer.com/news/twilight-princess-hd-original-soundtrack-to-be-released-in-japan-on-july-27|archive-date=August 9, 2016|url-status=live|date=June 9, 2016}}</ref>

==Reception==
===Reviews=== ===Reviews===
{{Video game reviews {{Video game reviews
<!-- Aggregate score --> <!-- Platforms -->| NGC = true
| WII = true
|MC=(Wii) 95/100<ref name=metacritic-wii>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/wii/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess for Wii Reviews |accessdate=April 1, 2015 |website=] |publisher=] |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150320124400/http://www.metacritic.com/game/wii/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess |archivedate=March 20, 2015 |df= }}</ref><br>(GCN) 96/100<ref name=metacritic-gcn>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/gamecube/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess for GameCube Reviews |accessdate=April 1, 2015 |website=] |publisher=] |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101123210643/http://www.metacritic.com/game/gamecube/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess |archivedate=November 23, 2010 |df= }}</ref>
| WIIU = true
<!-- Review scores -->

|1UP=(Wii) A+<ref name="1UP">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/legend-zelda |title=1up's Wii Review: Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess |work=] |publisher=] |first=Jeremy |last=Parish |date=November 16, 2006 |accessdate=January 31, 2007 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://archive.is/20070927213408/http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3155329&sec=REVIEWS |archivedate=September 27, 2007 |df= }}</ref>
|Allgame =(GCN) {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name=Allgame>{{cite web |last=Reges |first=Julia |url=http://allgame.com/game.php?id=45608&tab=review |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess—Review |website=] |publisher=] |date=October 3, 2010 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216041607/http://allgame.com/game.php?id=45608&tab=review |archivedate=February 16, 2010 |accessdate=September 25, 2013}}</ref> <!-- Aggregate score -->| MC_NGC = 96/100{{efn|Based on 16 reviews}}<ref name=metacritic-gcn>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess/critic-reviews/?platform=gamecube |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess for GameCube Reviews |access-date=April 1, 2015 |website=] |publisher=] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101123210643/http://www.metacritic.com/game/gamecube/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess |archive-date=November 23, 2010}}</ref>
|CVG = 10/10<ref name="CVG">{{cite web|last=Robinson |first=Andy |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=149383&skip=yes |title=Wii Review: Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess |website=]|date=November 19, 2006 |accessdate=March 25, 2013|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070517194326/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=149383&skip=yes|archivedate=May 17, 2007|publisher=]}}</ref> | MC_WII = 95/100{{efn|Based on 73 reviews}}<ref name=metacritic-wii>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess/critic-reviews/?platform=wii |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess for Wii Reviews |access-date=April 1, 2015 |website=] |publisher=] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150320124400/http://www.metacritic.com/game/wii/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess |archive-date=March 20, 2015}}</ref>
|Edge = 9/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.edge-online.com/review/legend-zelda-twilight-princess/ |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review |website=] |publisher=] |date= |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130404101512/http://www.edge-online.com/review/legend-zelda-twilight-princess/ |archivedate=April 4, 2013 |accessdate=March 25, 2013}}</ref> | MC_WIIU = 86/100{{efn|Based on 74 reviews}}<ref>{{cite web |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD for Wii U Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd/critic-reviews/?platform=wii-u |website=] |publisher=] |date=2016 |access-date=April 19, 2016 |archive-date=September 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929122034/https://www.metacritic.com/game/wii-u/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd |url-status=live}}</ref>

|EGM=(Wii) 30/30<ref name="EGM"/>
<!-- Review scores -->| 1UP_NGC = A+<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/zelda-twilight-princess|title=Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess GCN 1UP Review|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160525153008/http://www.1up.com/reviews/zelda-twilight-princess|archive-date=May 25, 2016}}</ref>
|Fam=(Wii) 38/40<ref>{{Cite journal|journal=]|script-title=ja:ゼルダの伝説 トワイライトプリンセス (9 / 10 / 9 / 10)|date= November 24, 2006|publisher=]|language=Japanese}}</ref>
| 1UP_WII = A+<ref name="1UP">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/legend-zelda |title=1up's Wii Review: Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess |work=] |publisher=] |first=Jeremy |last=Parish |date=November 16, 2006 |access-date=January 31, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070927213408/http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3155329&sec=REVIEWS |archive-date=September 27, 2007}}</ref>
|GI=10/10<ref name="game informer"/>
|GamePro = {{rating|5|5}}<ref>{{cite web|last=Moses |first=Tenacious |url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/87108/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess/ |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100905090756/http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/87108/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess/ |archivedate=September 5, 2010 |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review from GamePro |website=] |publisher=] |date=September 5, 2010 |accessdate=March 25, 2013}}</ref> | Allgame_NGC = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name=Allgame>{{cite web |last=Reges |first=Julia |url=http://allgame.com/game.php?id=45608&tab=review |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess—Review |website=] |publisher=] |date=October 3, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216041607/http://allgame.com/game.php?id=45608&tab=review |archive-date=February 16, 2010 |access-date=September 25, 2013}}</ref>
|GSpot=(Wii) 8.8/10<ref name="GameSpot Wii review"/><br>(GCN) 8.9/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-review/1900-6163226/ |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review |first=Jeff |last=Gerstmann |authorlink=Jeff Gerstmann |website=] |publisher=] |date=December 14, 2006 |accessdate=June 18, 2007 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109041630/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-review/1900-6163226/ |archivedate=November 9, 2013 |df= }}</ref> | CGM_WIIU = 8.5/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Orme |first=Cody |title=Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess HD (Wii U) Review |url=https://www.cgmagonline.com/review/legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-wii-u-review/ |website=] |date=12 September 2021 |access-date=12 September 2021 |archive-date=March 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309054532/https://www.cgmagonline.com/review/legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-wii-u-review/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
|GRadar={{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="GamesRadar Wii">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-review/ |last=Elston |first=Brett |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess review |website=] |publisher=] |date=November 21, 2006 |accessdate=April 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150523163618/http://www.gamesradar.com/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-review/ |archivedate=May 23, 2015 |df= }}</ref> | CVG_WII = 10/10<ref name="CVG">{{cite web|last=Robinson |first=Andy |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=149383&skip=yes |title=Wii Review: Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess |website=]|date=November 19, 2006 |access-date=March 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070517194326/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=149383&skip=yes|archive-date=May 17, 2007|publisher=]}}</ref>
| Destruct_WIIU = 8/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Carter |first=Chris |title=Review: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD |url=https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd/ |website=] |date=12 September 2021 |access-date=12 September 2021 |archive-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912190354/https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
|GSpy={{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="gamespy"/>
|IGN=(Wii) 9.5/10<ref name="ign wii review"/><br>(GCN) 9.5/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/751/751266p1.html |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review |website=] |publisher=] |first=Matt |last=Casamassina |date=December 15, 2006 |accessdate=December 16, 2006 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061217071324/http://cube.ign.com/articles/751/751266p1.html |archivedate=December 17, 2006 |df= }}</ref> | Edge_WII = 9/10<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.edge-online.com/review/legend-zelda-twilight-princess/ |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review |magazine=] |publisher=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130404101512/http://www.edge-online.com/review/legend-zelda-twilight-princess/ |archive-date=April 4, 2013 |access-date=March 25, 2013}}</ref>
| EGM_WII = 30/30<ref name="EGM"/>
|NP=(Wii) 9.5/10<ref>{{Cite journal|journal=]|publisher=]|title=The Strongest Link|volume=211|date=January 2007|first= Chris|last=Hoffman|pages=98–99}}</ref><br>(GCN) 9.5/10<ref>{{Cite journal|journal=]|publisher=]|title=The Best for Last|volume=212|date=February 2007|first=George|last=Sinfield|page=95}}</ref>
| Fam_WII = 38/40<ref>{{Cite magazine|magazine=]|script-title=ja:ゼルダの伝説 トワイライトプリンセス (9 / 10 / 9 / 10)|date= November 24, 2006|publisher=]|language=ja}}</ref>
|NWR=10/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=12434 |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review—Review |website=Nintendo World Report |date=November 18, 2006 |accessdate=March 25, 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100529190314/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=12434 |archivedate=May 29, 2010 |df= }}</ref>
| GI = 10/10<ref name="game informer"/>
|ONM = 97%
|XPlay=(Wii) {{Rating|5|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/reviews/1315/The_Legend_of_Zelda_Twilight_Princess.html| title=Reviews—The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|website=]|first=Michael|last=Leffler|accessdate=March 19, 2007|year=2006|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061206201527/http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/reviews/1315/The_Legend_of_Zelda_Twilight_Princess.html|archivedate=December 6, 2006}}</ref> | GameRev_WIIU = {{Rating|9|10}}<ref>{{cite web |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD Review {{!}} Aces high |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/70036-the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-review#/slide/1 |website=] |date=12 September 2021 |access-date=12 September 2021 |archive-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912182950/https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/70036-the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-review#/slide/1 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| GamePro_WII = {{rating|5|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Moses |first=Tenacious |url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/87108/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100905090756/http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/87108/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess/ |archive-date=September 5, 2010 |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review from GamePro |magazine=] |publisher=] |date=September 5, 2010 |access-date=March 25, 2013}}</ref>
| GSpot_NGC = 8.9/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamecube/action/thelegendofzelda/review.html |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review |first=Jeff |last=Gerstmann |author-link=Jeff Gerstmann |website=] |publisher=] |date=December 14, 2006 |access-date=June 18, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070105044402/http://www.gamespot.com/gamecube/action/thelegendofzelda/review.html |archive-date=January 5, 2007}}</ref>
| GSpot_WII = 8.8/10<ref name="GameSpot Wii review"/>
| GSpot_WIIU = 9/10<ref name="GameSpot review">{{cite web|last=Crossley|first=Rob|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD Review|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-review/1900-6416369/|website=]|publisher=]|access-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160301232153/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-review/1900-6416369/|archive-date=March 1, 2016|url-status=live|date=March 1, 2016}}</ref>
| GRadar_WII = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="GamesRadar Wii">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-review/ |last=Elston |first=Brett |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess review |website=] |publisher=] |date=November 21, 2006 |access-date=April 6, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150523163618/http://www.gamesradar.com/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-review/ |archive-date=May 23, 2015}}</ref>
| GRadar_WIIU = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite web |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD review {{!}} Aces high |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/legend-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-review/ |website=] |date=12 September 2021 |access-date=12 September 2021 |archive-date=October 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019055557/https://www.gamesradar.com/legend-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-review/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
| GSpy_WII = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="gamespy"/>
| IGN_NGC = 9.5/10<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/11/18/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-review-2 |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review |website=] |publisher=] |first=Matt |last=Casamassina |date=December 15, 2006 |access-date=November 13, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061217071324/http://cube.ign.com/articles/751/751266p1.html |archive-date=December 17, 2006}}</ref>
| IGN_WII = 9.5/10<ref name="ign wii review"/>
| IGN_WIIU = 8.6/10<ref name="IGN review">{{cite web|last=Otero|first=Jose|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD Review|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/03/01/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-review|website=]|publisher=]|access-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302103003/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/03/01/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-review|archive-date=March 2, 2016|url-status=live|date=March 1, 2016}}</ref>
| NLife_WIIU = {{Rating|9|10}}<ref name="Nintendo Life review">{{cite web|last=Whitehead|first=Thomas|title=Review: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/wiiu/the_legend_of_zelda_twilight_princess_hd|website=]|publisher=]|access-date=April 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160301140054/http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/wiiu/the_legend_of_zelda_twilight_princess_hd|archive-date=March 1, 2016|url-status=live|date=March 1, 2016}}</ref>
| NP_NGC = 9.5/10<ref>{{Cite magazine|magazine=]|publisher=]|title=The Best for Last|volume=212|date=February 2007|first=George|last=Sinfield|page=95}}</ref>
| NP_WII = 9.5/10<ref>{{Cite magazine|magazine=]|publisher=]|title=The Strongest Link|volume=211|date=January 2007|first= Chris|last=Hoffman|pages=98–99}}</ref>
| NWR_WII = 10/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=12434 |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review—Review |website=Nintendo World Report |date=November 18, 2006 |access-date=March 25, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100529190314/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=12434 |archive-date=May 29, 2010}}</ref>
| NWR_WIIU = 9/10<ref name="NWR review">{{cite web|last=Ronaghan|first=Neal|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD (Wii U) Review|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/42027/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-wii-u-review|website=Nintendo World Report|access-date=April 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302095153/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/42027/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-wii-u-review|archive-date=March 2, 2016|url-status=live|date=March 1, 2016}}</ref>
| Poly_WIIU = 8/10<ref name="Polygon review"/>
| ONM_WII = 97%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/2417/reviews/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-review/|title=Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess ONM Review|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009235814/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/2417/reviews/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-review/|archive-date=October 9, 2014}}</ref>
| SN_WIIU = 7/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Watts |first=Steve |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD Review: Cry Wolf |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/93498/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-review-cry-wolf |website=] |date=12 September 2021 |access-date=12 September 2021 |archive-date=June 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625011659/https://www.shacknews.com/article/93498/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-review-cry-wolf |url-status=live}}</ref>
| USG_WIIU = 4/5<ref>{{cite web |last=Bailey |first=Kat |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD Wii U Review: The Long, Twilight Struggle |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-wii-u-review-the-long-twilight-struggle |website=] |date=12 September 2021 |access-date=12 September 2021 |archive-date=September 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921074639/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd-wii-u-review-the-long-twilight-struggle |url-status=live}}</ref>
| VB_WIIU = 90/100<ref>{{cite web |last=Minotti |first=Mike |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD erases my Wii resentment |url=https://venturebeat.com/2016/03/01/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-erases-my-wii-resentment/ |website=] |date=12 September 2021 |access-date=12 September 2021 |archive-date=May 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517152406/https://venturebeat.com/2016/03/01/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-erases-my-wii-resentment/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
| XPlay_WII = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/reviews/1315/The_Legend_of_Zelda_Twilight_Princess.html| title=Reviews—The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|website=]|first=Michael|last=Leffler|access-date=March 19, 2007|year=2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061206201527/http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/reviews/1315/The_Legend_of_Zelda_Twilight_Princess.html|archive-date=December 6, 2006}}</ref>

<!-- Awards; no limit -->| award1Pub = ]
| award1 = Game of the Year (2006)
| award2Pub = ]
| award2 = Game of the Year (2006)
| award3Pub = ]
| award3 = Game of the Year (2006)
| award4Pub = ]
| award4 = Game of the Year (2006)
| award5Pub = ]
| award5 = Game of the Year (2006)
| award6Pub = ]
| award6 = Game of the Year (2006)
| award7Pub = ]
| award7 = Game of the Year (2006)
| award8Pub = ]
| award8 = Game of the Year (2006)
| award9Pub = ]
| award9 = Game of the Year (2006)
| award10Pub = ]
| award10 = Nintendo Game of the Year (2016)
}} }}


''Twilight Princess'' was released to critical acclaim and commercial success. It received perfect scores from major publications such as '']'',<ref name="1UP"/> '']'',<ref name="CVG"/> '']'',<ref name="EGM">{{Cite journal|first=Jeremy|last= Parish|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess review| journal=]|volume=211|pages=56–58|date=January 2007}}</ref> '']'',<ref name="game informer">{{cite web|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/E9CD9493-4C3A-4FB9-BF2E-7A1E9E157B9E.htm |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|accessdate=December 5, 2006|work=]|publisher=]|first=Andrew|last=Reiner |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20061129162801/http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/E9CD9493-4C3A-4FB9-BF2E-7A1E9E157B9E.htm |archivedate = November 29, 2006}}</ref> '']'',<ref name="GamesRadar Wii" /> and '']''.<ref name="gamespy">{{cite web|url=http://wii.gamespy.com/wii/legend-of-zelda-wii/745573p1.html |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review |first=Bryn |last=Williams |date=November 13, 2006 |accessdate=December 5, 2006 |work=] |publisher=] |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061202120515/http://wii.gamespy.com/wii/legend-of-zelda-wii/745573p1.html |archivedate=December 2, 2006 |df= }}</ref> On the review aggregator ], ''Twilight Princess'' holds scores of 95/100 for the Wii version and 96/100 for the GameCube version, indicating "universal acclaim".<ref name=metacritic-wii/><ref name=metacritic-gcn/> It is the ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Best Video Games for 2006|url=http://www.metacritic.com/browse/games/score/metascore/year/all/filtered?year_selected=2006|website=]|publisher=]|accessdate=February 21, 2017}}</ref> '']'' in their review called it one of the greatest games ever created.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/ytj1x4/the-legend-of-zelda--twilight-princess-review |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review |work=] |publisher=] |date=November 21, 2006 |accessdate=April 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150828085021/http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/ytj1x4/the-legend-of-zelda--twilight-princess-review |archivedate=August 28, 2015 |df= }}</ref> ''Twilight Princess'' was released to critical acclaim and commercial success. It received perfect scores from major publications such as '']'',<ref name="1UP"/> '']'',<ref name="CVG"/> '']'',<ref name="EGM">{{Cite magazine|first=Jeremy|last= Parish|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess review| magazine=]|volume=211|pages=56–58|date=January 2007}}</ref> '']'',<ref name="game informer">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/E9CD9493-4C3A-4FB9-BF2E-7A1E9E157B9E.htm |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|access-date=December 5, 2006|magazine=]|publisher=]|first=Andrew|last=Reiner |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061129162801/http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/E9CD9493-4C3A-4FB9-BF2E-7A1E9E157B9E.htm |archive-date = November 29, 2006}}</ref> '']''<ref name="GamesRadar Wii"/> and '']''.<ref name="gamespy">{{cite web|url=http://wii.gamespy.com/wii/legend-of-zelda-wii/745573p1.html |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review |first=Bryn |last=Williams |date=November 13, 2006 |access-date=December 5, 2006 |work=] |publisher=] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061202120515/http://wii.gamespy.com/wii/legend-of-zelda-wii/745573p1.html |archive-date=December 2, 2006}}</ref> On the review aggregator ], ''Twilight Princess'' holds scores of 95/100 for the Wii version and 96/100 for the GameCube version, indicating "universal acclaim".<ref name=metacritic-gcn/><ref name=metacritic-wii/> It is the ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Best Video Games for 2006|url=http://www.metacritic.com/browse/games/score/metascore/year/all/filtered?year_selected=2006|website=]|publisher=]|access-date=February 21, 2017|archive-date=April 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170413200412/http://www.metacritic.com/browse/games/score/metascore/year/all/filtered?year_selected=2006|url-status=live}}</ref> '']'' in their review called it one of the greatest games ever created.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/ytj1x4/the-legend-of-zelda--twilight-princess-review |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review |work=] |publisher=] |date=November 21, 2006 |access-date=April 6, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150828085021/http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/ytj1x4/the-legend-of-zelda--twilight-princess-review |archive-date=August 28, 2015}}</ref>


On release, ''Twilight Princess'' was considered to be the greatest ''Zelda'' game ever made by many critics including writers for ''1UP.com'',<ref name="1UP" /> ''Computer and Video Games'',<ref name="CVG"/> ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'',<ref name="EGM"/> ''Game Informer'',<ref name="game informer"/> ''GamesRadar'',<ref name="GamesRadar Wii"/> '']''<ref name="ign wii review"/> and '']''.<ref name="Washington Post">{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/15/AR2007031500560.html |title=Zelda Brightens GameCube's Twilight Years |first=Gregory |last=McDougal |work=] |accessdate=October 17, 2008 |date=March 16, 2007 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112035837/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/15/AR2007031500560.html |archivedate=November 12, 2012 |df= }}</ref> ''Game Informer'' called it "so creative that it rivals the best that Hollywood has to offer".<ref name="game informer"/> ''GamesRadar'' praised ''Twilight Princess'' as "a game that deserves nothing but the absolute highest recommendation".<ref name="GamesRadar Wii" /> ''Cubed3'' hailed ''Twilight Princess'' as "the single greatest videogame experience".<ref name="Cubed">{{cite web|title=C3 Reviews :: ''The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess'' |url=http://www.cubed3.com/review/433/1/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-nintendo-wii.html |work=Cubed3 |first=James |last=Temperton |date=December 8, 2006 |accessdate=October 29, 2008 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522000845/http://www.cubed3.com/review/433/1/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-nintendo-wii.html |archivedate=May 22, 2013 |df= }}</ref> ''Twilight Princess''{{'}} graphics were praised for the art style and animation, although the game was designed for the GameCube, which is technically lacking compared to the next generation consoles. Both ''IGN'' and ''GameSpy'' pointed out the existence of blurry textures and low-resolution characters.<ref name="ign wii review"/><ref name="gamespy"/> Despite these complaints, ''Computer and Video Games'' felt the game's atmosphere was superior to that of any previous ''Zelda'' game, and regarded ''Twilight Princess''{{'}} Hyrule as the best version ever created.<ref name="CVG"/> '']'' praised the game's cinematics, noting that "the cutscenes are the best ever in ''Zelda'' games".<ref name="PALGN">{{cite web|url=http://palgn.com.au/article.php?id=6017|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review|first=Chris|last=Sell|date=December 12, 2006|work=]|accessdate=May 22, 2008|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070616143454/http://palgn.com.au/article.php?id=6017|archivedate=June 16, 2007}}</ref> Regarding the Wii version, '']''{{'}}s ] said the Wii controls felt "tacked-on",<ref name="GameSpot Wii review">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-review/1900-6161993/ |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review |work=] |publisher=] |first=Jeff |last=Gerstmann |authorlink=Jeff Gerstmann |date=November 17, 2006 |accessdate=December 5, 2006 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031094651/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-review/1900-6161993/ |archivedate=October 31, 2013 |df= }}</ref> although ''1UP.com'' said the remote-swinging sword attacks were "the most impressive in the entire series".<ref name="1UP"/> ''Gaming Nexus'' considered ''Twilight Princess''{{'}} soundtrack to be the best of this generation,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamingnexus.com/Default.aspx?Section=Article&I=1404|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review|first=Sean|last=Colleli|work=Gaming Nexus|accessdate=May 22, 2008|date=February 28, 2007|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070803025943/http://www.gamingnexus.com/Default.aspx?Section=Article&I=1404|archivedate=August 3, 2007}}</ref> though ''IGN'' criticized its ]-formatted songs for lacking "the punch and crispness" of their orchestrated counterparts.<ref name="ign wii review"/> '']''{{'}}s Javier Glickman commended the game for its "very long quests, superb Wii controls and being able to save anytime". However, he criticized it for "no voice acting, no orchestral score and slightly outdated graphics".<ref>{{cite journal|last=Glickman|first=Javier|date=January 2007|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|journal=]|publisher=]|issue=159|pages=48, 49, 50|issn=1320-7458}}</ref> On release, ''Twilight Princess'' was considered to be the greatest ''Zelda'' game ever made by many critics including writers for ''1UP.com'',<ref name="1UP"/> ''Computer and Video Games'',<ref name="CVG"/> ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'',<ref name="EGM"/> ''Game Informer'',<ref name="game informer"/> ''GamesRadar'',<ref name="GamesRadar Wii"/> '']''<ref name="ign wii review"/> and '']''.<ref name="Washington Post">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/15/AR2007031500560.html |title=Zelda Brightens GameCube's Twilight Years |first=Gregory |last=McDougal |newspaper=] |access-date=October 17, 2008 |date=March 16, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112035837/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/15/AR2007031500560.html |archive-date=November 12, 2012}}</ref> ''Game Informer'' called it "so creative that it rivals the best that Hollywood has to offer".<ref name="game informer"/> ''GamesRadar'' praised ''Twilight Princess'' as "a game that deserves nothing but the absolute highest recommendation".<ref name="GamesRadar Wii"/> ''Cubed3'' hailed ''Twilight Princess'' as "the single greatest videogame experience".<ref name="Cubed">{{cite web|title=C3 Reviews :: ''The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess'' |url=http://www.cubed3.com/review/433/1/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-nintendo-wii.html |work=Cubed3 |first=James |last=Temperton |date=December 8, 2006 |access-date=October 29, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522000845/http://www.cubed3.com/review/433/1/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-nintendo-wii.html |archive-date=May 22, 2013}}</ref> ''Twilight Princess''{{'}} graphics were praised for the art style and animation, although the game was designed for the GameCube, which is technically lacking compared to the next generation consoles. Both ''IGN'' and ''GameSpy'' pointed out the existence of blurry textures and low-resolution characters.<ref name="ign wii review"/><ref name="gamespy"/> Despite these complaints, ''Computer and Video Games'' felt the game's atmosphere was superior to that of any previous ''Zelda'' game and regarded ''Twilight Princess''{{'}} Hyrule as the best version ever created.<ref name="CVG"/> ''PALGN'' praised the game's cinematics, noting that "the cutscenes are the best ever in ''Zelda'' games".<ref name="PALGN">{{cite web|url=http://palgn.com.au/article.php?id=6017|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review|first=Chris|last=Sell|date=December 12, 2006|work=PALGN|access-date=May 22, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070616143454/http://palgn.com.au/article.php?id=6017|archive-date=June 16, 2007}}</ref> Regarding the Wii version, '']''{{'}}s ] said the Wii controls felt "tacked-on",<ref name="GameSpot Wii review">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/thelegendofzelda/review.html|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review |first=Jeff |last=Gerstmann |author-link=Jeff Gerstmann |website=] |publisher=] |date=December 14, 2006 |access-date=June 18, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061206071832/http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/thelegendofzelda/review.html |archive-date=December 6, 2006}}</ref> although ''1UP.com'' said the remote-swinging sword attacks were "the most impressive in the entire series".<ref name="1UP"/> ''Gaming Nexus'' considered ''Twilight Princess''{{'}} soundtrack to be the best of this generation,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamingnexus.com/Default.aspx?Section=Article&I=1404|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review|first=Sean|last=Colleli|work=Gaming Nexus|access-date=May 22, 2008|date=February 28, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070803025943/http://www.gamingnexus.com/Default.aspx?Section=Article&I=1404|archive-date=August 3, 2007}}</ref> though ''IGN'' criticized its ]-formatted songs for lacking "the punch and crispness" of their orchestrated counterparts.<ref name="ign wii review"/>
==== Wii U version ====
''Twilight Princess HD'' holds a score of 86/100 at the ] ], indicating "generally favorable" reviews.<ref name="Metacritic">{{cite web |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD for Wii U Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd/critic-reviews/?platform=wii-u |access-date=April 19, 2016 |website=] |publisher=] |archive-date=September 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929122034/https://www.metacritic.com/game/wii-u/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-hd |url-status=live}}</ref> The title received the Nintendo Game of the Year award at the ]s in November 2016.<ref>{{cite web |last=Whitehead |first=Thomas |date=November 18, 2016 |title=Eiji Aonuma Wins Golden Joystick Lifetime Achievement Award as Pokémon GO Picks Up Two Gongs |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/11/eiji_aonuma_wins_golden_joystick_lifetime_achievement_award_as_pokemon_go_picks_up_two_gongs |access-date=November 19, 2016 |website=] |publisher=] |archive-date=May 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504035709/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/11/eiji_aonuma_wins_golden_joystick_lifetime_achievement_award_as_pokemon_go_picks_up_two_gongs |url-status=live}}</ref>


===Awards=== ===Awards===
''Twilight Princess'' received the awards for Best Artistic Design,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestof.ign.com/2006/cube/22.html| title=IGN.com presents The Best of 2006: Gamecube: Best Artistic Design|work=]|publisher=]|date=December 21, 2006|accessdate=October 26, 2008|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110084417/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/cube/22.html|archivedate=January 10, 2007}}</ref> Best Original Score,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestof.ign.com/2006/cube/23.html|title=IGN.com presents The Best of 2006: Gamecube: Best Original Score|work=]|publisher=]|date=December 21, 2006|accessdate=October 26, 2008|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110101449/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/cube/23.html|archivedate=January 10, 2007}}</ref> and Best Use of Sound<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bestof.ign.com/2006/cube/25.html|title=IGN.com presents The Best of 2006: Gamecube: Best Use of Sound|work=]|publisher=]|date=December 21, 2006|accessdate=October 26, 2008|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110101459/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/cube/25.html|archivedate=January 10, 2007}}</ref> from ''IGN'' for its GameCube version. Both ''IGN'' and ''Nintendo Power'' gave ''Twilight Princess'' the awards for Best Graphics<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestof.ign.com/2006/cube/21.html|title=IGN.com presents The Best of 2006: Gamecube: Best Graphics Technology|work=]|publisher=]|date=December 21, 2006|accessdate=October 26, 2008|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110084407/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/cube/21.html|archivedate=January 10, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestof.ign.com/2006/wii/21.html|title=IGN.com presents The Best of 2006: Wii: Best Graphics Technology|work=]|publisher=]|date=December 21, 2006|accessdate=October 26, 2008|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110000633/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/wii/21.html|archivedate=January 10, 2007}}</ref><ref name="NP Awards"/> and Best Story.<ref name="NP Awards">{{Cite journal| journal=]|publisher=]|volume=215|title=2006 Nintendo Power Awards|pages=50–56|date=May 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://bestof.ign.com/2006/cube/26.html|title=IGN.com presents The Best of 2006: Gamecube: Best Story|work=]|publisher=]|date=December 21, 2006|accessdate=October 26, 2008|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110001234/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/cube/26.html|archivedate=January 10, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestof.ign.com/2006/wii/26.html|title=IGN.com presents The Best of 2006: Wii: Best Story|work=]|publisher=]|date=December 21, 2006|accessdate=October 26, 2008|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110000714/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/wii/26.html|archivedate=January 10, 2007}}</ref> It also received the 2007 award for "Outstanding Achievement in Story and Character Development" from the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.interactive.org/awards/award_category_details.asp?idAward=2007&idGameAwardType=100|title=2007 Awards Category Details - Outstanding Achievement in Story and Character Development|work=]|accessdate=February 11, 2018|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110504041207/http://www.interactive.org/awards/award_category_details.asp?idAward=2007&idGameAwardType=100|archivedate=May 4, 2011}}</ref> ''Twilight Princess'' received ] awards from ''GameTrailers'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/player/16209.html|title=2006 GameTrailers Awards: Game of the Year|work=]|publisher=]|date=January 11, 2007|accessdate=September 12, 2008|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070619120955/http://www.gametrailers.com/player/16209.html|archivedate=June 19, 2007}}</ref> ''1UP.com'',<ref name="1UP GOTY">{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3156878 |title=The 2006 1UP Awards Winners |work=] |publisher=] |date=January 31, 2007 |accessdate=December 29, 2008 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927191800/http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3156878 |archivedate=September 27, 2007 |df= }}</ref> ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'',<ref name="EGM Awards">{{Cite journal|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess review|journal=]|volume=213 |date=March 2007|pages=77–81}}</ref> ''Game Informer'',<ref name="GI Awards">{{Cite journal|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess review|journal=]|publisher=]|volume=165|date=January 2007|pages=88, 102}}</ref> ''Games Radar'',<ref name="Games Radar platinum chalice awards">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/gamesradars-potentially-annual-platinum-chalice-awards-2006/?page=17 |title=GamesRadar's potentially annual Platinum Chalice awards 2006 |work=] |publisher=] |date=December 22, 2006 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304071834/http://www.gamesradar.com/gamesradars-potentially-annual-platinum-chalice-awards-2006/?page=17 |archivedate=March 4, 2016 |df= }}</ref> ''GameSpy'',<ref name="GameSpy Awards"/> ],<ref>{{cite episode|title=Favorite Video Game of 2007|series=Spaceys|network=]|airdate=2007}}</ref> '']''<ref name="g4tv">{{cite web|url=http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/features/54347/XPlays_Best_of_06_ActionAdventure.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070119092909/http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/features/54347/XPlays_Best_of_06_ActionAdventure.html|archivedate=January 19, 2007|title=BEST OF '06: Action/Adventure|work=]|accessdate=March 19, 2007}}</ref> and ''Nintendo Power''.<ref name="NP Awards"/> It was also given awards for Best Adventure Game from the ],<ref name="Game Critics Awards" /> ''X-Play'',<ref name="g4tv" /> ''IGN'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestof.ign.com/2006/cube/2.html|title=IGN.com presents The Best of 2006: Gamecube: Best Adventure Game|work=]|publisher=]|date=December 21, 2006|accessdate=October 26, 2008|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070114180905/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/cube/2.html|archivedate=January 14, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestof.ign.com/2006/wii/2.html|title=IGN.com presents The Best of 2006: Wii: Best Adventure Game|work=]|publisher=]|date=December 21, 2006|accessdate=October 26, 2008|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110101218/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/wii/2.html|archivedate=January 10, 2007}}</ref> ''GameTrailers'',<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.gametrailers.com/player/16145.html|title=2006 GameTrailers Awards: Best Action/Adventure Game|work=]|publisher=]|date=January 9, 2007|accessdate=September 12, 2008|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070912074030/http://www.gametrailers.com/player/16145.html|archivedate=September 12, 2007}}</ref> ''1UP.com'',<ref name="1UP GOTY" /> and ''Nintendo Power''.<ref name="NP Awards"/> The game was considered the Best Console Game by the Game Critics Awards<ref name="Game Critics Awards">{{cite web|title=2005 Winners |url=http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/2005winners.html |work=] |accessdate=December 29, 2008 |year=2005 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090623153723/http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/2005winners.html |archivedate=June 23, 2009 |df= }}</ref> and ''GameSpy''.<ref name="GameSpy Awards">{{cite web|url=http://goty.gamespy.com/2006/overall/index15.html|title=GameSpy's Game of the Year 2006|accessdate=August 26, 2008|work=]|publisher=]|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061231130212/http://goty.gamespy.com/2006/overall/index15.html|archivedate=December 31, 2006}}</ref> The game placed 16th in '']''{{'}}s list of the 100 Greatest Nintendo Games of All Time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=7297| title=20–11 Official Nintendo Magazine|work=]|publisher=]|accessdate=February 25, 2009|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228105305/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=7297|archivedate=February 28, 2009}}</ref> ''IGN'' ranked the game as the 4th-best Wii game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/104/1048874p22.html|title=The Top 25 Wii Games—Wii Feature at IGN|work=]|publisher=]|date=November 26, 2009|accessdate=February 8, 2010|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091202193141/http://wii.ign.com/articles/104/1048874p22.html|archivedate=December 2, 2009}}</ref> ''Nintendo Power'' ranked the game as the third-best game to be released on a Nintendo system in the 2000s decade.<ref>{{cite journal |title=The Best of the Decade |journal=] |publisher=] |issue=252 |pages=68–77 |date=March 2010 }}</ref> ''Twilight Princess'' received the awards for Best Artistic Design,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestof.ign.com/2006/cube/22.html| title=IGN.com presents The Best of 2006: Gamecube: Best Artistic Design|work=]|publisher=]|date=December 21, 2006|access-date=October 26, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110084417/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/cube/22.html|archive-date=January 10, 2007}}</ref> Best Original Score,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestof.ign.com/2006/cube/23.html|title=IGN.com presents The Best of 2006: Gamecube: Best Original Score|work=]|publisher=]|date=December 21, 2006|access-date=October 26, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110101449/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/cube/23.html|archive-date=January 10, 2007}}</ref> and Best Use of Sound<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bestof.ign.com/2006/cube/25.html|title=IGN.com presents The Best of 2006: Gamecube: Best Use of Sound|work=]|publisher=]|date=December 21, 2006|access-date=October 26, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110101459/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/cube/25.html|archive-date=January 10, 2007}}</ref> from ''IGN'' for its GameCube version. Both ''IGN'' and ''Nintendo Power'' gave ''Twilight Princess'' the awards for Best Graphics<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestof.ign.com/2006/cube/21.html|title=IGN.com presents The Best of 2006: Gamecube: Best Graphics Technology|work=]|publisher=]|date=December 21, 2006|access-date=October 26, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110084407/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/cube/21.html|archive-date=January 10, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestof.ign.com/2006/wii/21.html|title=IGN.com presents The Best of 2006: Wii: Best Graphics Technology|work=]|publisher=]|date=December 21, 2006|access-date=October 26, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110000633/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/wii/21.html|archive-date=January 10, 2007}}</ref><ref name="NP Awards"/> and Best Story.<ref name="NP Awards">{{Cite magazine| magazine=]|publisher=]|volume=215|title=2006 Nintendo Power Awards|pages=50–56|date=May 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://bestof.ign.com/2006/cube/26.html|title=IGN.com presents The Best of 2006: Gamecube: Best Story|work=]|publisher=]|date=December 21, 2006|access-date=October 26, 2008|url-status= dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110001234/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/cube/26.html|archive-date=January 10, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestof.ign.com/2006/wii/26.html|title=IGN.com presents The Best of 2006: Wii: Best Story|work=]|publisher=]|date=December 21, 2006|access-date=October 26, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110000714/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/wii/26.html|archive-date=January 10, 2007}}</ref> ''Twilight Princess'' received ] awards from ''GameTrailers'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/player/16209.html|title=2006 GameTrailers Awards: Game of the Year|work=]|publisher=]|date=January 11, 2007|access-date=September 12, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070619120955/http://www.gametrailers.com/player/16209.html|archive-date=June 19, 2007}}</ref> ''1UP.com'',<ref name="1UP GOTY">{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3156878 |title=The 2006 1UP Awards Winners |work=] |publisher=] |date=January 31, 2007 |access-date=December 29, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927191800/http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3156878 |archive-date=September 27, 2007}}</ref> ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'',<ref name="EGM Awards">{{Cite magazine|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess review|magazine=]|volume=213 |date=March 2007|pages=77–81}}</ref> ''Game Informer'',<ref name="GI Awards">{{Cite magazine|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess review|magazine=]|publisher=]|volume=165|date=January 2007|pages=88, 102}}</ref> ''GamesRadar'',<ref name="Games Radar platinum chalice awards">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/gamesradars-potentially-annual-platinum-chalice-awards-2006/?page=17 |title=GamesRadar's potentially annual Platinum Chalice awards 2006 |work=] |publisher=] |date=December 22, 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304071834/http://www.gamesradar.com/gamesradars-potentially-annual-platinum-chalice-awards-2006/?page=17 |archive-date=March 4, 2016}}</ref> ''GameSpy'',<ref name="GameSpy Awards"/> ],<ref>{{cite episode|title=Favorite Video Game of 2007|series=Spaceys|network=]|airdate=2007}}</ref> '']''<ref name="g4tv">{{cite web|url=http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/features/54347/XPlays_Best_of_06_ActionAdventure.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070119092909/http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/features/54347/XPlays_Best_of_06_ActionAdventure.html|archive-date=January 19, 2007|title=BEST OF '06: Action/Adventure|work=]|access-date=March 19, 2007}}</ref> and ''Nintendo Power''.<ref name="NP Awards"/> It was also given awards for Best Adventure Game from the ],<ref name="Game Critics Awards"/> ''X-Play'',<ref name="g4tv"/> ''IGN'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestof.ign.com/2006/cube/2.html|title=IGN.com presents The Best of 2006: Gamecube: Best Adventure Game|work=]|publisher=]|date=December 21, 2006|access-date=October 26, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070114180905/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/cube/2.html|archive-date=January 14, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestof.ign.com/2006/wii/2.html|title=IGN.com presents The Best of 2006: Wii: Best Adventure Game|work=]|publisher=]|date=December 21, 2006|access-date=October 26, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110101218/http://bestof.ign.com/2006/wii/2.html|archive-date=January 10, 2007}}</ref> ''GameTrailers'',<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.gametrailers.com/player/16145.html|title=2006 GameTrailers Awards: Best Action/Adventure Game|work=]|publisher=]|date=January 9, 2007|access-date=September 12, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070912074030/http://www.gametrailers.com/player/16145.html|archive-date=September 12, 2007}}</ref> ''1UP.com'',<ref name="1UP GOTY"/> and ''Nintendo Power''.<ref name="NP Awards"/> The game was considered the Best Console Game by the Game Critics Awards<ref name="Game Critics Awards">{{cite web|title=2005 Winners |url=http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/2005winners.html |work=] |access-date=December 29, 2008 |year=2005 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090623153723/http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/2005winners.html |archive-date=June 23, 2009}}</ref> and ''GameSpy''.<ref name="GameSpy Awards">{{cite web|url=http://goty.gamespy.com/2006/overall/index15.html|title=GameSpy's Game of the Year 2006|access-date=August 26, 2008|work=]|publisher=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061231130212/http://goty.gamespy.com/2006/overall/index15.html|archive-date=December 31, 2006}}</ref> During the ], ''Twilight Princess'' was awarded with "]" by the ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.interactive.org/awards/award_category_details.asp?idAward=2007&idGameAwardType=100|title=2007 Awards Category Details - Outstanding Achievement in Story and Character Development|work=]|access-date=February 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110504041207/http://www.interactive.org/awards/award_category_details.asp?idAward=2007&idGameAwardType=100|archive-date=May 4, 2011}}</ref> while also receiving nominations for "]", "Console Game of the Year", "]", "]", and "]".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2007&idGame=858 |title=D.I.C.E. Awards By Video Game Details The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess |publisher=] |website=interactive.org |access-date=6 November 2023}}</ref> The game placed 16th in '']''{{'}}s list of the 100 Greatest Nintendo Games of All Time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=7297| title=20–11 Official Nintendo Magazine|work=]|publisher=]|access-date=February 25, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228105305/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=7297|archive-date=February 28, 2009}}</ref> ''IGN'' ranked the game as the 4th-best Wii game.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/08/14/the-top-25-wii-games-2|title=The Top 25 Wii Games|work=]|publisher=]|date=November 26, 2009|access-date=November 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091202193141/http://wii.ign.com/articles/104/1048874p22.html|archive-date=December 2, 2009}}</ref> ''Nintendo Power'' ranked the game as the third-best game to be released on a Nintendo system in the 2000s decade.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=The Best of the Decade |magazine=] |publisher=] |issue=252 |pages=68–77 |date=March 2010}}</ref>

===Sales ===
In North America, the game was sold with three of every four Wii purchases during its first week.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/over-600000-wiis-served/1100-6162373/|title=Over 600,000 Wiis served|first=Brendan|last=Sinclair|work=]|publisher=]|date=November 27, 2006|access-date=January 7, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926213055/http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/thelegendofzelda/news.html?sid=6162373|archive-date=September 26, 2007|url-status=live}}</ref> The Wii version sold 412,000 copies in the United States during November 2006, representing 87% of Wii launch sales that month, the highest ] for a ] since '']'' launched with the ] in 1996.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gallagher |first=Brendan |title=Nintendo of America Releases Details of November NPD |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/12527/nintendo-of-america-releases-details-of-november-npd |access-date=23 November 2021 |work=Nintendo World Report |date=December 7, 2006 |archive-date=November 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123020459/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/12527/nintendo-of-america-releases-details-of-november-npd |url-status=live}}</ref> It went on to become America's fifth-best-selling ] with 1.5 million copies sold for the Wii and GameCube in the US that year.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=Surette|first=Tim|date=January 16, 2007|title=Madden hoists 2006 sales trophy|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/madden-hoists-2006-sales-trophy/1100-6164113/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-23|website=]|language=en-US|archive-date=November 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131122000551/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/madden-hoists-2006-sales-trophy/1100-6164113/}}</ref> In the United Kingdom, the Wii version received a Platinum sales award from the ] (ELSPA),<ref name=platinumelspa>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090515224703/http://www.elspa.com/?i=3944 |url=http://www.elspa.com:80/?i=3944 |title=ELSPA Sales Awards: Platinum |work=] |archive-date=May 15, 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> indicating sales of at least 300,000 copies in the UK.<ref name=gamasutrasales>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918063107/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/112220/ELSPA_Wii_Fit_Mario_Kart_Reach_Diamond_Status_In_UK.php | url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/112220/ELSPA_Wii_Fit_Mario_Kart_Reach_Diamond_Status_In_UK.php | title=ELSPA: ''Wii Fit'', ''Mario Kart'' Reach Diamond Status In UK | last=Caoili | first=Eric | date=November 26, 2008 |work=] | archive-date=September 18, 2017 | url-status=dead}}</ref>

The game had sold 5.82 million copies on the Wii as of March 2011,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2011/annual1103e.pdf|title=Nintendo Annual Report 2011|website=]|date=August 1, 2011|access-date=January 27, 2012|page=13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111017182453/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2011/annual1103e.pdf|archive-date=October 17, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> and 1.32 million on the GameCube as of March 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2007/070427e.pdf|title=Supplementary Information about Earnings Release|website=]|date=April 25, 2007|access-date=September 17, 2007|page=6|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927171153/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2007/070427e.pdf|archive-date=September 27, 2007|url-status=live}}</ref> As of September 2015, the game had sold 8.85 million copies worldwide across both platforms,<ref>{{cite web |title=ゼルダの伝説 トワイライトプリンセス HD |trans-title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/titles/20010000019307 |website=] |access-date=23 November 2021 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304155123/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/titles/20010000019307 |url-status=live}}</ref> making it the best-selling single title in the series until it was surpassed by '']'' in April 2018.<ref>{{cite web|last=Nunneley|first=Stephany|title=Switch sales stand at over 17M units, Breath of the Wild now best-selling Zelda title|url=https://www.vg247.com/2018/04/26/switch-sales-over-17m-units-breath-of-the-wild/|website=VG247|date=April 26, 2018|access-date=27 December 2018|archive-date=April 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428141737/https://www.vg247.com/2018/04/26/switch-sales-over-17m-units-breath-of-the-wild/|url-status=live}}</ref>


===Sales and Legacy=== ==== Wii U version ====
The remaster sold 52,282 copies during its first week of release in Japan, which placed it at second place in the video-game sales charts.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sato |date=March 16, 2016 |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2016/03/16/week-sales-division-raids-twilight-princess-hd-summon-night-6-follows/ |title=This Week In Sales: The Division Raids In, Twilight Princess HD And Summon Night 6 Follows |publisher=Siliconera |access-date=February 25, 2017 |archive-date=March 21, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160321015539/http://www.siliconera.com/2016/03/16/week-sales-division-raids-twilight-princess-hd-summon-night-6-follows/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The following week, it came in at number 9 on the charts, selling an additional 7,705 copies.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sato |date=March 23, 2016 |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2016/03/23/week-sales-pokkn-tournament-brings-fight-digimon-world-follows/ |title=This Week In Sales: Pokkén Tournament Brings The Fight, Digimon World Follows |publisher=Siliconera |access-date=February 25, 2017 |archive-date=November 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105194113/https://www.siliconera.com/2016/03/23/week-sales-pokkn-tournament-brings-fight-digimon-world-follows/ |url-status=live}}</ref> By comparison, 30,264 copies of ''The Wind Waker HD'' were sold in its first week in Japan.<ref name="Japan sales week 1">{{cite web|author=Sato|date=March 16, 2016|title=This Week In Sales: The Division Raids In, Twilight Princess HD And Summon Night 6 Follows|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2016/03/16/week-sales-division-raids-twilight-princess-hd-summon-night-6-follows/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160321015539/http://www.siliconera.com/2016/03/16/week-sales-division-raids-twilight-princess-hd-summon-night-6-follows/|archive-date=March 21, 2016|access-date=August 8, 2016|website=Siliconera|publisher=]}}</ref> In the first week of ''Twilight Princess HD''{{'}}s United Kingdom release, the remaster was the second-best-selling game and the best-selling game released for a single platform in the country.<ref>{{cite web|last=Whitehead|first=Thomas|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD Leads the Way for Nintendo in UK Charts|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/03/the_legend_of_zelda_twilight_princess_hd_leads_the_way_for_nintendo_in_uk_charts|website=]|publisher=]|access-date=March 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307162252/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/03/the_legend_of_zelda_twilight_princess_hd_leads_the_way_for_nintendo_in_uk_charts|archive-date=March 7, 2016|url-status=live|date=March 7, 2016}}</ref> ''Twilight Princess HD''{{'}}s sales dropped 84% in its second week in the UK, making it the ninth-best-selling game in the country.<ref>{{cite web|last=Whitehead|first=Thomas|title=Twilight Princess HD Holds Top 10 Place in UK Charts|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/03/twilight_princess_hd_holds_top_10_place_in_uk_charts|website=]|publisher=]|access-date=August 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315195609/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/03/twilight_princess_hd_holds_top_10_place_in_uk_charts|archive-date=March 15, 2016|url-status=live|date=March 14, 2016}}</ref> In the United States, it was the third-best-selling game sold in brick-and-mortar retailers throughout March 2016, according to market-research firm ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Grubb|first=Jeff|title=March 2016 NPD: Ubisoft, Nintendo shake up sales chart with The Division, Zelda|url=https://venturebeat.com/2016/04/14/march-2016-npd-division-zelda/|website=]|access-date=August 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420072724/http://venturebeat.com/2016/04/14/march-2016-npd-division-zelda/|archive-date=April 20, 2016|url-status=live|date=April 14, 2016}}</ref> As of December 2022, the game has sold 1.17 million copies worldwide.<ref>{{cite book|title=2023CESAゲーム白書 (2023 CESA Games White Papers)|publisher=Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association|year=2023|isbn=978-4-902346-47-3}}</ref>
During its first week, the game was sold with three of every four Wii purchases.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/over-600000-wiis-served/1100-6162373/|title=Over 600,000 Wiis served|first=Brendan|last=Sinclair|work=]|publisher=]|date=November 27, 2006|accessdate=January 7, 2007|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926213055/http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/thelegendofzelda/news.html?sid=6162373|archivedate=September 26, 2007|deadurl=no}}</ref> The Wii version received a "Platinum" sales award from the ] (ELSPA),<ref name=platinumelspa>{{cite web |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090515224703/http://www.elspa.com/?i=3944 |url=http://www.elspa.com:80/?i=3944 |title=ELSPA Sales Awards: Platinum |work=] |archivedate=May 15, 2009 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> indicating sales of at least 300,000 copies in the United Kingdom.<ref name=gamasutrasales>{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918063107/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/112220/ELSPA_Wii_Fit_Mario_Kart_Reach_Diamond_Status_In_UK.php |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/112220/ELSPA_Wii_Fit_Mario_Kart_Reach_Diamond_Status_In_UK.php |title=ELSPA: ''Wii Fit'', ''Mario Kart'' Reach Diamond Status In UK | author=Caoili, Eric | date=November 26, 2008 |work=] |archivedate=September 18, 2017 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> The game had sold 5.82 million copies on the Wii {{as of|2011|03|31|lc=y|df=US}},<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2011/annual1103e.pdf|title=Nintendo Annual Report 2011|website=]|date=August 1, 2011|accessdate=January 27, 2012|format=PDF|page=13|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111017182453/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2011/annual1103e.pdf|archivedate=October 17, 2011|deadurl=no}}</ref> and 1.32 million on the GameCube {{as of|2007|03|31|lc=y|df=US}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2007/070427e.pdf|title=Supplementary Information about Earnings Release|website=]|date=April 25, 2007|accessdate=September 17, 2007|format=PDF|page=6|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927171153/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2007/070427e.pdf|archivedate=September 27, 2007|deadurl=no}}</ref> {{As of|2015|09|30|df=US}}, the game had sold 8.85 million copies worldwide across both platforms, making it the second best-selling game in the series behind ''Breath of the Wild''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Nunneley|first1=Stephany|title=Switch sales stand at over 17M units, Breath of the Wild now best-selling Zelda title|url=https://www.vg247.com/2018/04/26/switch-sales-over-17m-units-breath-of-the-wild/|website=VG247|accessdate=27 December 2018}}</ref>


==Legacy==
A ], penned and illustrated by ], was first released in Japan on February 8, 2016. The series is available solely via publisher ]'s MangaOne mobile application. While the manga adaptation began almost ten years after the initial release of the game on which it is based, it launched only a month before the release of the high-definition remake.<ref>{{cite web |first=Allegra |last=Frank |url= http://www.polygon.com/2016/2/3/10904992/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-manga-release-date |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess is getting a manga, starting next week |work=] |publisher=] |date=February 3, 2016 |accessdate=February 16, 2016 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160216231346/http://www.polygon.com/2016/2/3/10904992/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-manga-release-date |archivedate=February 16, 2016 |deadurl=no}}</ref> {{As of|2016|05}}, an English localization by ] is being produced for release in the West.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Whitehead|first1=Thomas|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Manga Is Coming to the West|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/05/the_legend_of_zelda_twilight_princess_manga_is_coming_to_the_west|website=]|publisher=]|accessdate=August 13, 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531113842/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/05/the_legend_of_zelda_twilight_princess_manga_is_coming_to_the_west|archivedate=May 31, 2016|deadurl=no|date=May 29, 2016}}</ref>
An eleven-volume ], penned and illustrated by ], was first released in Japan on February 8, 2016, and ran until January 30, 2022. The series was made available via physical copies, online bookstores, and publisher ]'s MangaOne mobile application. While the manga adaptation began almost ten years after the initial release of the game on which it is based, it launched only a month before the release of the high-definition remake.<ref>{{cite web |first=Allegra |last=Frank |url= http://www.polygon.com/2016/2/3/10904992/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-manga-release-date |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess is getting a manga, starting next week |work=] |publisher=] |date=February 3, 2016 |access-date=February 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160216231346/http://www.polygon.com/2016/2/3/10904992/the-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princess-manga-release-date |archive-date=February 16, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> ] began releasing an English localization of the series in 2017<ref>{{cite web|last=Whitehead|first=Thomas|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Manga Is Coming to the West|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/05/the_legend_of_zelda_twilight_princess_manga_is_coming_to_the_west|website=]|publisher=]|access-date=August 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531113842/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/05/the_legend_of_zelda_twilight_princess_manga_is_coming_to_the_west|archive-date=May 31, 2016|url-status=live|date=May 29, 2016}}</ref> and was finished in March 2022.


To commemorate the launch of the ] loyalty program in March 2016, Nintendo released ''My Nintendo Picross: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess'', a ] ] developed by ] for download to the ].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Makuch|first1=Eddie|title=Legend of Zelda Picross Revealed As "My Nintendo" Bonus - Report|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/legend-of-zelda-picross-revealed-as-my-nintendo-bo/1100-6435416/|website=]|publisher=]|accessdate=April 4, 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404231453/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/legend-of-zelda-picross-revealed-as-my-nintendo-bo/1100-6435416/|archivedate=April 4, 2016|deadurl=no|date=March 7, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=My Nintendo Picross: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|url=https://my.nintendo.com/rewards/e0bd3a7355ae978b|website=]|accessdate=April 16, 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416143433/https://my.nintendo.com/rewards/e0bd3a7355ae978b|archivedate=April 16, 2016|deadurl=no|date=2016}}</ref> To commemorate the launch of the ] loyalty program in March 2016, Nintendo released '']'', a ] ] developed by ] as a downloadable title for the ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Makuch|first=Eddie|title=Legend of Zelda Picross Revealed As "My Nintendo" Bonus - Report|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/legend-of-zelda-picross-revealed-as-my-nintendo-bo/1100-6435416/|website=]|publisher=]|access-date=April 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404231453/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/legend-of-zelda-picross-revealed-as-my-nintendo-bo/1100-6435416/|archive-date=April 4, 2016|url-status=live|date=March 7, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=My Nintendo Picross: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|url=https://my.nintendo.com/rewards/e0bd3a7355ae978b|website=]|access-date=April 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416143433/https://my.nintendo.com/rewards/e0bd3a7355ae978b|archive-date=April 16, 2016|url-status=live|date=2016}}</ref>


Midna; in both her imp and Twili forms, Zant, and NPC character Agitha, all appeared as playable warriors in the Zelda crossover title, Hyrule Warriors, and it's various iterations.<ref>{{Citation|title=Unlockable Characters and Weapons - Hyrule Warriors Wiki Guide - IGN|url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/hyrule-warriors/Unlockable_Characters_and_Weapons|language=en|access-date=2019-06-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.zelda.com/hyrule-warriors/|title=Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition for the Nintendo Switch™ home gaming system – Official Site|website=www.zelda.com|language=en|access-date=2019-06-30}}</ref> Curiously, Nintendo has since retroactively acknowledged Agitha as a "main character" of ''Twilight Princess'', despite her only role in ''Twilight Princess'' being that of a bypassable sidequest NPC.<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Legend of Zelda Encyclopedia|last=|first=|publisher=Dark Horse|year=2018|isbn=978-1-50670-638-2|location=|pages=275}}</ref> Midna, in both her imp and Twili forms, Zant, and NPC character Agitha, all appeared as playable warriors in the ''Zelda'' crossover title '']'' and its various iterations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.zelda.com/hyrule-warriors/|title=Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition for the Nintendo Switch™ home gaming system – Official Site|website=zelda.com|language=en|access-date=2020-04-02|archive-date=October 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028144703/https://www.zelda.com/hyrule-warriors/|url-status=live}}</ref> Since the release of ''Hyrule Warriors'', Agitha has been recognised as a "main character" of ''Twilight Princess''.<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Legend of Zelda Encyclopedia|publisher=Dark Horse|year=2018|isbn=978-1-5067-0638-2|pages=275}}</ref>


==See also== ==See also==
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==Notes== ==Notes==
{{reflist|25em|group=lower-alpha}} {{Reflist|25em|group=lower-alpha}}


==References== ==References==
* {{cite speech |first=Eiji |last=Aonuma |author-link=Eiji Aonuma |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Reflections in the Hourglass |date=March 2007 |event=] |via=''Nintendo World Report'' |access-date=September 12, 2008 |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/specialArt.cfm?artid=13085 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140420103351/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/13085/eiji-aonumas-gdc-2007-presentation |archive-date=April 20, 2014 |url-status=live}}
===General references===
* {{cite speech |first=Eiji |last=Aonuma |authorlink=Eiji Aonuma |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Reflections in the Hourglass |date=March 2007 |event=] |via=''Nintendo World Report'' |accessdate=September 12, 2008 |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/specialArt.cfm?artid=13085 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140420103351/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/13085/eiji-aonumas-gdc-2007-presentation |archivedate=April 20, 2014 |deadurl=no |ref=harv}} * {{cite book |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess instruction booklet |url=http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/gameslist/manuals/Wii_Legend_of_Zelda_Twilight_Princess.pdf |publisher=] |access-date=February 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140831121250/http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/gameslist/manuals/Wii_Legend_of_Zelda_Twilight_Princess.pdf |archive-date=August 31, 2014 |url-status=dead |date=March 28, 2014}}
* {{cite book|editor1-first=Scott|editor1-last=Pelland|title=Official Nintendo Power The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Player's Guide|publisher=]|date=November 19, 2006|isbn=1-59812-004-2}}
<!-- * {{cite book|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess instruction booklet|url=http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/gameslist/manuals/Wii_Legend_of_Zelda_Twilight_Princess.pdf|website=]|accessdate=February 24, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140831121250/http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/gameslist/manuals/Wii_Legend_of_Zelda_Twilight_Princess.pdf|archivedate=August 31, 2014|deadurl=no|format=PDF|date=March 28, 2014}} -->
{{Reflist}}
* {{cite book|editor1-first=Scott|editor1-last=Pelland|title=Official Nintendo Power The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Player's Guide|publisher=]|date=November 19, 2006|isbn=1-59812-004-2|ref=harv}}

===Inline citations===
{{reflist|30em}}


==External links== ==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{official website|http://www.zelda.com/tp/}}
{{Wikiquote}}
* {{Official website|http://www.zelda.com/tp/}}


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Latest revision as of 09:56, 22 December 2024

2006 video game

2006 video game
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
The game's title is in the center-top. A line runs diagonally through the image; in one section, the series' main protagonist—Link's face is shown. In the other, there is the head of Link's wolf form.
Developer(s)Nintendo EAD
Publisher(s)Nintendo
Director(s)Eiji Aonuma
Producer(s)Shigeru Miyamoto
Artist(s)
  • Yusuke Nakano
  • Satoru Takizawa
Writer(s)
  • Aya Kyogoku
  • Takayuki Ikkaku
  • Mitsuhiro Takano
  • Eiji Aonuma
Composer(s)
SeriesThe Legend of Zelda
Platform(s)
ReleaseWii
  • NA: November 19, 2006
  • JP: December 2, 2006
  • AU: December 7, 2006
  • EU: December 8, 2006
GameCube
  • JP: December 2, 2006
  • NA: December 11, 2006
  • EU: December 15, 2006
  • AU: December 19, 2006
Genre(s)Action-adventure
Mode(s)Single-player

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess is a 2006 action-adventure game developed and published by Nintendo for the GameCube and Wii. Originally planned for release exclusively on the GameCube in November 2005, Twilight Princess was delayed by Nintendo to allow its developers to refine the game, add more content, and port it to the Wii. The Wii version was a launch game in North America in November 2006, and in Japan, Europe, and Australia the following month. The GameCube version was released in December 2006 as the final first-party game for the console.

The story focuses on series protagonist Link, who tries to prevent Hyrule from being engulfed by a corrupted parallel dimension known as the Twilight Realm. To do so, he takes the form of both a Hylian and a wolf, and he is assisted by a mysterious imp named Midna. The game takes place over a century after Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask, in an alternate timeline from The Wind Waker.

Twilight Princess was critically acclaimed upon its release, received numerous game of the year awards, and has been called one of the greatest video games ever made. By 2015, it had sold 8.85 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling Zelda game until being overtaken by Breath of the Wild in April 2018. In 2011, the Wii version was rereleased under the Nintendo Selects label. A high-definition remaster based on the GameCube version, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD, developed by Tantalus Media, was released for the Wii U in March 2016.

Gameplay

See also: The Legend of Zelda § Gameplay
A boy in a green tunic holds a shield while swinging his sword towards an enemy.
An arrow points at an enemy whom Link is targeting as he prepares to swing his sword (GameCube version).

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess is an action-adventure game focused on combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving. It uses the basic control scheme introduced in Ocarina of Time, including context-sensitive action buttons and L-targeting (Z-targeting on the Wii), a system that allows the player to keep Link's view focused on an enemy or important object while moving and attacking. Link can walk, run, and attack, and he will automatically jump when running off of or reaching for a ledge. Link uses a sword and shield in combat, complemented with secondary weapons and items, including a bow and arrows, a boomerang, and bombs. While L-targeting, projectile-based weapons can be fired at a target without the need for manual aiming.

The context-sensitive button mechanic allows one button to serve a variety of functions, such as talking, opening doors, and pushing, pulling, and throwing objects. The on-screen display shows what action, if any, the button will trigger, determined by the situation. For example, if Link is holding a rock, the context-sensitive button will cause Link to throw the rock if he is moving or targeting an object or enemy or place the rock on the ground if he is standing still.

The GameCube and Wii versions feature several minor differences in their controls and gameplay. The Wii version of the game makes use of the motion sensors and built-in speaker of the Wii Remote. The speaker emits the sounds of a bowstring when shooting an arrow, Midna's laugh when she gives advice to Link, and the series' trademark "chime" when discovering secrets. The player controls Link's sword by swinging the Wii Remote. Other attacks are triggered using similar gestures with the Nunchuk. In the GameCube version, players can control the camera freely, without entering a special "lookaround" mode required on the Wii; however, in the GameCube version, only two of Link's secondary weapons can be equipped at a time, as opposed to four in the Wii version.

The game features nine dungeons—large, contained areas where Link battles enemies, collects items, and solves puzzles. Link navigates these dungeons and fights a boss at the end in order to obtain an item or otherwise advance the plot. The dungeons are connected by a large overworld, across which Link can travel on foot; on his horse, Epona; or by teleporting with Midna's assistance.

When Link enters the Twilight Realm, the void that corrupts parts of Hyrule, he transforms into a wolf. He is eventually able to transform between his Hylian and wolf forms at will. As a wolf, Link loses the ability to use his sword, shield, or any secondary items; he instead attacks by biting and defends primarily by dodging attacks. "Wolf Link" gains several key advantages in return—he moves faster than he does on foot as a human, digs holes to create new passages, and uncover buried items, and has improved senses, including the ability to follow scent trails. On his back, he also carries Midna, a small imp-like creature who gives him hints, uses an energy field to attack enemies, helps him jump long distances, and eventually allows him to "warp" to any of several preset locations throughout the overworld. Using Link's wolf senses, the player can see and listen to the wandering spirits of those affected by the Twilight, as well as hunt for enemy ghosts named Poes.

The artificial intelligence (AI) of enemies in Twilight Princess is more advanced than that of enemies in The Wind Waker. Enemies react to defeated companions and to arrows or slingshot pellets that pass by, and they can detect Link from a greater distance than was possible in previous games.

Plot

Further information: Fictional chronology of The Legend of Zelda

The game begins with a teenage boy named Link, who works as a ranch hand in Ordon Village. One day, Bulblins take away the village's children. Link pursues and encounters a wall of Twilight. A Twilight monster pulls him beyond the wall into the Twilight-shrouded forest, where he is transformed into a wolf and imprisoned. Link is soon freed by a creature named Midna, who offers to help him if he obeys her unconditionally. She guides him to Princess Zelda, who explains that Zant, the Sorcerer/Usurper King of the Twili, invaded Hyrule Castle and forced her to surrender. The kingdom became enveloped in Twilight, turning all its inhabitants besides Link and Zelda into invisible spirits. To save Hyrule, Link, aided by Midna, must first revive the Light Spirits by entering the Twilight-covered regions and recovering the Spirits' light from the Twilight beings that had stolen it. Once revitalized, each Spirit returns Link to his Hylian form and informs Link and Midna of the hidden location of a Fused Shadow; one of the fragments of a powerful relic that will have to be used to match Zant's power to defeat him. During this time, the ghost of a departed swordsman (the same incarnation of Link from Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask), the Hero's Shade, also appears to provide swordsmanship training he had failed to pass on before his untimely death, as well as information regarding Link's destiny in Hyrule.

During his journey, Link also finds Ordon Village's children and assists the monkeys of Faron, the Gorons of Eldin, and the Zoras of Lanayru. After restoring the Light Spirits and obtaining the Fused Shadows, Link and Midna are ambushed by Zant, who takes away the fragments. Midna calls him out for abusing his tribe's magic, but Zant reveals that his power comes from another source, and he uses it to trap Link in his wolf state. Failing to persuade Midna into joining forces with him, Zant attempts to dispose of her by exposing her to the light of Lanayru's light spirit. Bringing a dying Midna to Zelda, Link learns from her that he needs the Master Sword to remove Zant's curse and she proceeds to sacrifice herself to heal Midna, vanishing mysteriously. Moved by Zelda's act of selflessness, Midna starts to care more about Link and the fate of his world.

After gaining the Master Sword, Link is cleansed of the curse that kept him in wolf form. Deep within the Gerudo Desert, Link and Midna search for the Mirror of Twilight, the only known gateway between Hyrule and the Twilight Realm, but discover that it is broken. The Sages there explain that Zant tried to destroy it, but only managed to shatter it into fragments; only the true ruler of the Twili can completely destroy the mirror. They also relate that they once used it to banish Ganondorf, the Gerudo leader who attempted to steal the Triforce, to the Twilight Realm after failing to execute him. Link and Midna set out to retrieve the missing shards of the mirror. Once it has been fully restored, the Sages reveal to Link that Midna is actually the true ruler of the Twili, usurped and cursed into her current form by Zant. Confronting Zant, Link and Midna learn that he forged a pact with Ganondorf, who asked for his assistance in subjugating Hyrule. After Link defeats Zant, Midna recovers the Fused Shadows and kills Zant after learning that only Ganondorf's defeat can release her from her curse.

Returning to Hyrule, Link and Midna find Ganondorf in Hyrule Castle, with a lifeless Zelda suspended above him. Ganondorf fights Link by possessing Zelda and then transforming into a gigantic boar-like beast, but Link defeats him by using his wolf form, and the power Midna received from Zelda is able to resuscitate her. Ganondorf revives, and Midna teleports Link and Zelda outside the castle so she can hold him off with the Fused Shadows. However, as Hyrule Castle collapses, Ganondorf emerges from it victorious, crushing the Fused Shadow piece that Midna wore on her head, and pursues Link on horseback. Assisted by Zelda and the Light Spirits, Link eventually knocks Ganondorf off his horse and duels him on foot before finishing him off with the Master Sword. With Ganondorf dead, the Light Spirits revive Midna and restore her to her true form. After bidding farewell to Link and Zelda, Midna returns home and destroys the Mirror of Twilight, ultimately severing the link between Hyrule and the Twilight Realm. As Hyrule Castle is rebuilt, Link leaves Ordon Village, heading to parts unknown.

Development

Inception as a GameCube game

A photo of a bespectacled Eiji Aonuma near a microphone
Eiji Aonuma, the director of Twilight Princess, at the 2007 Game Developers Conference

In 2003, Nintendo announced a new The Legend of Zelda game for the GameCube by the same team that had created the cel-shaded The Wind Waker. At the following year's Game Developers Conference, director Eiji Aonuma unintentionally revealed that the game's sequel was in development under the working title The Wind Waker 2; it was set to use a similar graphical style to that of its predecessor. Nintendo of America told Aonuma that North American sales of The Wind Waker were sluggish because its cartoon appearance created the impression that the game was designed for a young audience. Concerned that the sequel would have the same problem, Aonuma expressed to producer Shigeru Miyamoto that he wanted to create a realistic Zelda game that would appeal to the North American market and meet Miyamoto's original vision of realism for the series. Miyamoto, hesitant about solely changing the game's presentation, suggested the team's focus should instead be on coming up with gameplay innovations. He advised that Aonuma should start by doing what could not be done in Ocarina of Time, particularly horseback combat. Early development of what would become Twilight Princess began and special care was taken to improve the realism of the horseriding, with lead character designer Keisuke Nishimori riding a horse for himself to feel what it was like.

Just as the original Legend of Zelda game was inspired by J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings novels, the aesthetic of Twilight Princess was inspired by the Lord of the Rings films, as they had just come out and were very popular at the time. The game was developed with having a large convincing world in mind, one with a vast scale to meet the expectation for fantasy worlds that audiences had become accustomed to with The Lord of the Rings.

In four months, Aonuma's team managed to present realistic horseback riding, which Nintendo later revealed to the public with a trailer at E3 2004 that was met with enormous praise. The game was scheduled to be released the next year and was no longer a follow-up to The Wind Waker; a true sequel to it was released for the Nintendo DS in 2007, in the form of Phantom Hourglass. Miyamoto explained in interviews that the graphical style was chosen to satisfy demand and that it better fit the theme of an older incarnation of Link. The game runs on a modified The Wind Waker engine.

Prior Zelda games have employed a theme of two separate, yet connected, worlds. In A Link to the Past, Link travels between a "Light World" and a "Dark World"; in Ocarina of Time, as well as in Oracle of Ages, Link travels between two different time periods. The Zelda team sought to reuse this motif in the series' latest installment. It was suggested that Link transform into a wolf, much like he metamorphoses into a rabbit in the Dark World of A Link to the Past. The concept for Link to transform into a wolf and its surrounding narrative elements came from a dream that Aonuma had while overseas on a business trip. He dreamt that he was a wolf, locked inside a cage, and, after he woke up, he was confused and disoriented and it took awhile for him to remember where he was. The story of the game was created by Aonuma, and it later underwent several changes by scenario writers Mitsuhiro Takano and Aya Kyogoku. Takano created the script for the story scenes, while Kyogoku and Takayuki Ikkaku handled the actual in-game script. Originally, Link was planned to be a wolf from the game's start to bluntly contrast the Ocarina of Time formula, but this was changed so that new players could be eased into the Zelda series' traditional gameplay and narrative formula. The narrative premise in the story regarding the children of Ordon village getting kidnapped was an example of the game featuring darker story elements than any past iteration.

From a gameplay perspective, the Twilight Realm portions of the game were vaguely inspired by the fact that prior Zelda games had always distinctively separated dungeons from the overworld. The team wondered what the result would be if a traditional Zelda dungeon was placed inside the open world instead. This resulted in the hunt for Tears of Light the player partakes in when in the Twilight-covered world. The atmosphere of the Twilight-covered Hyrule, as well as the Twilight Realm dungeon later in the game, were intended to make players feel uncomfortable. Special care was taken, however, to ensure that this was balanced right, so that it did not make the player so uncomfortable that they did not want to progress further or could not enjoy the experience.

Aonuma left his team working on the new idea while he produced The Minish Cap for the Game Boy Advance. When he returned, he found the Twilight Princess team struggling. Emphasis on the parallel worlds and the wolf transformation had made Link's character unbelievable. Aonuma also felt the gameplay lacked the caliber of innovation found in Phantom Hourglass, which was being developed with touch controls for the Nintendo DS. At the same time, the Wii was under development with the code name "Revolution". Miyamoto thought that the Revolution's pointing device, the Wii Remote, was well suited for aiming arrows in Zelda, and he suggested that Aonuma consider using it.

Transition to the Wii

Aonuma had anticipated creating a Zelda game for what would later become the Wii, but had assumed that he would need to complete Twilight Princess first. His team began work developing a pointing-based interface for the bow and arrow, and Aonuma found that aiming directly at the screen gave the game a new feel, just like the DS control scheme for Phantom Hourglass. Aonuma felt confident this was the only way to proceed, but worried about consumers who had been anticipating a GameCube release. Developing two versions would mean delaying the previously announced 2005 release, still disappointing the consumer. Nintendo President Satoru Iwata felt that having both versions would satisfy users in the end, even though they would have to wait for the finished product. Aonuma then started working on both versions in parallel.

Transferring GameCube development to the Wii was relatively simple, since the Wii was being created to be compatible with GameCube software. At E3 2005, Nintendo released a small number of Nintendo DS game cards containing a preview trailer for Twilight Princess. They also announced that a Zelda title would appear on the Wii (then codenamed "Revolution"), but were not clear to the media if this meant Twilight Princess or a different game.

The team worked on a Wii control scheme, adapting camera control and the fighting mechanics to the new interface. A prototype was created that used a swinging gesture to control the sword from a first-person viewpoint but was unable to show the variety of Link's movements. When the third-person view was restored, Aonuma thought it felt strange to swing the Wii Remote with the right hand to control the sword in Link's left hand, so the entire world map was mirrored for the Wii version. Details about Wii controls began to surface in December 2005 when British publication NGC Magazine claimed that when a GameCube copy of Twilight Princess was played on the Revolution, it would give the player the option of using the Revolution controller. Miyamoto confirmed the Revolution controller-functionality in an interview with Nintendo of Europe and Time reported this soon after. However, support for the Wii controller did not make it into the GameCube release. At E3 2006, Nintendo confirmed that both versions would be available at the Wii launch, and had a playable version of Twilight Princess for the Wii. Later, the GameCube release was pushed back to a month after the launch of the Wii.

Nintendo staff members reported that demo users complained about the difficulty of the control scheme. Aonuma realized that his team had implemented Wii controls under the mindset of "forcing" users to adapt, instead of making the system intuitive and easy to use. He began rethinking the controls with Miyamoto to focus on comfort and ease. The camera movement was reworked and item controls were changed to avoid accidental button presses. In addition, the new item system required use of the button that had previously been used for the sword. To solve this, sword controls were transferred back to gestures—something E3 attendees had commented they would like to see. This reintroduced the problem of using a right-handed swing to control a left-handed sword attack. The team did not have enough time before release to rework Link's character model, so they instead flipped the entire game—everything was made a mirror image. Link was now right-handed, and references to "east" and "west" were reversed. The GameCube version, however, was left with the original orientation. The Twilight Princess player's guide focuses on the Wii version, but has a section in the back with mirror-image maps for GameCube users.

Music and sound

The game's score was composed by Toru Minegishi and Asuka Ohta, with series regular Koji Kondo serving as the sound supervisor. Minegishi took charge of composition and sound design in Twilight Princess, providing all field and dungeon music. For the trailers, three pieces were written by different composers, two of which were created by Mahito Yokota and Kondo. Michiru Ōshima created orchestral arrangements for the three compositions, later to be performed by an ensemble conducted by Taizo Takemoto. Kondo's piece was chosen as music for the E3 2005 trailer and for the demo movie after the title screen. Midna has the most voice acting—her on-screen dialogue is often accompanied by a babble of pseudo-speech, which was produced by scrambling English phrases sampled by Japanese voice actress Akiko Kōmoto.

Media requests at the trade show prompted Kondo to consider using orchestral music for the other tracks in the game as well, a notion reinforced by his preference for live instruments. He originally envisioned a full 50-person orchestra for action sequences and a string quartet for more "lyrical moments", though the final product used sequenced music instead. Kondo later cited the lack of interactivity that comes with orchestral music as one of the main reasons for the decision. Both six- and seven-track versions of the game's soundtrack were released on November 19, 2006, as part of a Nintendo Power promotion and bundled with replicas of the Master Sword and the Hylian Shield.

Technical vulnerability

Following the discovery of a buffer overflow vulnerability in the Wii version of Twilight Princess, an exploit known as the "Twilight Hack" was developed, allowing the execution of custom code from a Secure Digital (SD) card on the console. A specifically designed save file would cause the game to load unsigned code, which could include Executable and Linkable Format (ELF) programs and homebrew Wii applications. Versions 3.3 and 3.4 of the Wii Menu prevented copying exploited save files onto the console until circumvention methods were discovered, and version 4.0 of the Wii Menu patched the vulnerability.

Wii U version

2016 video game
The Legend of Zelda:
Twilight Princess HD
Developer(s)
Publisher(s)Nintendo
Director(s)Tomomi Sano
Producer(s)Eiji Aonuma
Programmer(s)Sean O'Sullivan
Artist(s)Paul Court
Composer(s)
Platform(s)Wii U
Release
  • NA/EU: March 4, 2016
  • AU: March 5, 2016
  • JP: March 10, 2016
Genre(s)Action-adventure
Mode(s)Single-player

A high-definition remaster of the game, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD, was developed by Tantalus Media for the Wii U. Announced during a Nintendo Direct presentation on November 13, 2015, it features enhanced graphics and Amiibo functionality. The game was released worldwide in March 2016.

The idea for a high-definition version of Twilight Princess first originated during the production of Breath of the Wild. Nintendo experimented with an HD version of Twilight Princess running on Wii U development kits when trying to settle on a graphical style for the new game. This ultimately led to the production of The Wind Waker HD, whose success encouraged the Zelda team to pursue other high-definition remasters. After its release, which was developed internally at Nintendo in only six months, the Zelda team settled on an HD remaster of Twilight Princess. At the time, most of the Zelda team was preoccupied with Breath of the Wild, so Nintendo sought a partnership with an external development studio, the Australia-based Tantalus Media, to work on Twilight Princess HD.

According to Eiji Aonuma, who directed the original release and produced Twilight Princess HD, ensuring the remaster would take advantage of the Wii U GamePad was a point of focus early in the title's development. The control scheme used in the GameCube version was adapted for the remaster due to similarities between the button layouts of the two consoles' controllers. Aonuma considered underwater gameplay in the remaster to be significantly improved. Other enhancements include speeding up a handful of cutscenes that seemed overly long by modern standards and reducing repetitive gameplay elements, such as collecting Tears of Light while in the Twilight Realm. A commitment to "preserving the feel of the original" inspired several design decisions, such as keeping the frame rate at 30 frames per second. Tomomi Sano, the assistant director of the Wii U version, noted the degree of refinement the graphics would receive required much consideration: "When we created more precise models of objects to go with the higher resolution, we found that everything was too clear and we lost that soft and delicate atmosphere that you get in particular at twilight or with the light in a forest".

Certain bundles of the game contain a Wolf Link Amiibo figurine, which unlocks a Wii U-exclusive dungeon called the "Cave of Shadows" and can carry data over to Breath of the Wild. In the Cave of Shadows, Link fights waves of enemies while restricted to his wolf form. Comparable to the optional "Cave of Ordeals" present in the original release, opportunities to recover health during the trial are sparse. Other Zelda-related Amiibo figurines have distinct functions: Link and Toon Link replenish arrows, Zelda and Sheik restore Link's health, and Ganondorf causes Link to take twice as much damage. A CD containing 20 musical selections from the game was available as a GameStop preorder bonus in North America; it is included with the limited-edition bundle in other regions. A three-disc original soundtrack consisting of 108 pieces from the game was released in Japan in July 2016.

Reception

Reviews

Reception
Aggregate score
AggregatorScore
GCWiiWii U
Metacritic96/10095/10086/100
Review scores
PublicationScore
GCWiiWii U
1Up.comA+A+
AllGame
Computer Games Magazine8.5/10
Computer and Video Games10/10
Destructoid8/10
Edge9/10
Electronic Gaming Monthly30/30
Famitsu38/40
GamePro
GameRevolution
GameSpot8.9/108.8/109/10
GameSpy
GamesRadar+
IGN9.5/109.5/108.6/10
Nintendo Life
Nintendo Power9.5/109.5/10
Nintendo World Report10/109/10
Official Nintendo Magazine97%
Polygon8/10
Shacknews7/10
USgamer4/5
VentureBeat90/100
X-Play
Awards
PublicationAward
GameTrailersGame of the Year (2006)
1UP.comGame of the Year (2006)
Electronic Gaming MonthlyGame of the Year (2006)
Game InformerGame of the Year (2006)
GamesRadarGame of the Year (2006)
GameSpyGame of the Year (2006)
Spacey AwardsGame of the Year (2006)
X-PlayGame of the Year (2006)
Nintendo PowerGame of the Year (2006)
Golden Joystick AwardNintendo Game of the Year (2016)

Twilight Princess was released to critical acclaim and commercial success. It received perfect scores from major publications such as 1UP.com, Computer and Video Games, Electronic Gaming Monthly, Game Informer, GamesRadar and GameSpy. On the review aggregator Metacritic, Twilight Princess holds scores of 95/100 for the Wii version and 96/100 for the GameCube version, indicating "universal acclaim". It is the highest-rated game of 2006 on Metacritic. GameTrailers in their review called it one of the greatest games ever created.

On release, Twilight Princess was considered to be the greatest Zelda game ever made by many critics including writers for 1UP.com, Computer and Video Games, Electronic Gaming Monthly, Game Informer, GamesRadar, IGN and The Washington Post. Game Informer called it "so creative that it rivals the best that Hollywood has to offer". GamesRadar praised Twilight Princess as "a game that deserves nothing but the absolute highest recommendation". Cubed3 hailed Twilight Princess as "the single greatest videogame experience". Twilight Princess' graphics were praised for the art style and animation, although the game was designed for the GameCube, which is technically lacking compared to the next generation consoles. Both IGN and GameSpy pointed out the existence of blurry textures and low-resolution characters. Despite these complaints, Computer and Video Games felt the game's atmosphere was superior to that of any previous Zelda game and regarded Twilight Princess' Hyrule as the best version ever created. PALGN praised the game's cinematics, noting that "the cutscenes are the best ever in Zelda games". Regarding the Wii version, GameSpot's Jeff Gerstmann said the Wii controls felt "tacked-on", although 1UP.com said the remote-swinging sword attacks were "the most impressive in the entire series". Gaming Nexus considered Twilight Princess' soundtrack to be the best of this generation, though IGN criticized its MIDI-formatted songs for lacking "the punch and crispness" of their orchestrated counterparts.

Wii U version

Twilight Princess HD holds a score of 86/100 at the review aggregator Metacritic, indicating "generally favorable" reviews. The title received the Nintendo Game of the Year award at the Golden Joystick Awards in November 2016.

Awards

Twilight Princess received the awards for Best Artistic Design, Best Original Score, and Best Use of Sound from IGN for its GameCube version. Both IGN and Nintendo Power gave Twilight Princess the awards for Best Graphics and Best Story. Twilight Princess received Game of the Year awards from GameTrailers, 1UP.com, Electronic Gaming Monthly, Game Informer, GamesRadar, GameSpy, Spacey Awards, X-Play and Nintendo Power. It was also given awards for Best Adventure Game from the Game Critics Awards, X-Play, IGN, GameTrailers, 1UP.com, and Nintendo Power. The game was considered the Best Console Game by the Game Critics Awards and GameSpy. During the 10th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, Twilight Princess was awarded with "Outstanding Achievement in Story and Character Development" by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, while also receiving nominations for "Overall Game of the Year", "Console Game of the Year", "Action/Adventure Game of the Year", "Outstanding Achievement in Game Design", and "Outstanding Achievement in Gameplay Engineering". The game placed 16th in Official Nintendo Magazine's list of the 100 Greatest Nintendo Games of All Time. IGN ranked the game as the 4th-best Wii game. Nintendo Power ranked the game as the third-best game to be released on a Nintendo system in the 2000s decade.

Sales

In North America, the game was sold with three of every four Wii purchases during its first week. The Wii version sold 412,000 copies in the United States during November 2006, representing 87% of Wii launch sales that month, the highest attach rate for a launch game since Super Mario 64 launched with the Nintendo 64 in 1996. It went on to become America's fifth-best-selling game of 2006 with 1.5 million copies sold for the Wii and GameCube in the US that year. In the United Kingdom, the Wii version received a Platinum sales award from the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA), indicating sales of at least 300,000 copies in the UK.

The game had sold 5.82 million copies on the Wii as of March 2011, and 1.32 million on the GameCube as of March 2007. As of September 2015, the game had sold 8.85 million copies worldwide across both platforms, making it the best-selling single title in the series until it was surpassed by The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild in April 2018.

Wii U version

The remaster sold 52,282 copies during its first week of release in Japan, which placed it at second place in the video-game sales charts. The following week, it came in at number 9 on the charts, selling an additional 7,705 copies. By comparison, 30,264 copies of The Wind Waker HD were sold in its first week in Japan. In the first week of Twilight Princess HD's United Kingdom release, the remaster was the second-best-selling game and the best-selling game released for a single platform in the country. Twilight Princess HD's sales dropped 84% in its second week in the UK, making it the ninth-best-selling game in the country. In the United States, it was the third-best-selling game sold in brick-and-mortar retailers throughout March 2016, according to market-research firm The NPD Group. As of December 2022, the game has sold 1.17 million copies worldwide.

Legacy

An eleven-volume manga series based on Twilight Princess, penned and illustrated by Akira Himekawa, was first released in Japan on February 8, 2016, and ran until January 30, 2022. The series was made available via physical copies, online bookstores, and publisher Shogakukan's MangaOne mobile application. While the manga adaptation began almost ten years after the initial release of the game on which it is based, it launched only a month before the release of the high-definition remake. Viz Media began releasing an English localization of the series in 2017 and was finished in March 2022.

To commemorate the launch of the My Nintendo loyalty program in March 2016, Nintendo released My Nintendo Picross: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, a Picross puzzle game developed by Jupiter as a downloadable title for the Nintendo 3DS.

Midna, in both her imp and Twili forms, Zant, and NPC character Agitha, all appeared as playable warriors in the Zelda crossover title Hyrule Warriors and its various iterations. Since the release of Hyrule Warriors, Agitha has been recognised as a "main character" of Twilight Princess.

See also

Notes

  1. Nvidia Lightspeed Studios developed the Nvidia Shield version.
  2. Japanese: ゼルダの伝説 トワイライトプリンセス, Hepburn: Zeruda no Densetsu: Towairaito Purinsesu
  3. Aonuma 2007, Eiji Aonuma's GDC 2007 Presentation
  4. ^ Pelland 2006, p. 20
  5. Pelland 2006, pp. 22–23
  6. Pelland 2006, p. 22
  7. Pelland 2006, p. 12
  8. Pelland 2006, p. 168
  9. Pelland 2006, p. 35
  10. Pelland 2006, pp. 17–20
  11. Pelland 2006, p. 21
  12. Pelland 2006, p. 153
  13. ^ Aonuma 2007, The fate of Wind Waker 2
  14. Aonuma 2007, A lupine direction and Minish Cap
  15. Aonuma 2007, E3 2005 and 120% Zelda
  16. ^ Aonuma 2007, A Revolutionary idea
  17. ^ Aonuma 2007, The first attempt at Wii control
  18. Aonuma 2007, E3 2006 lesson
  19. Aonuma 2007, Camera and item controls
  20. Aonuma 2007, Sword controls
  21. Pelland 2006, pp. 170–191
  22. Based on 16 reviews
  23. Based on 73 reviews
  24. Based on 74 reviews

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