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{{Short description|2006 video game}}
{{cleanup|December 2006}}
{{original research}} {{Good article}}
{{pp-move|small=yes}}
{{Infobox CVG
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2015}}
|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
{{Infobox video game
|image=]
| title = The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
|developer=]
| image = The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess Game Cover.jpg
|publisher=]
| 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.
|designer=] (director)<br />] (producer)<br/>] (character design)
| caption =
|engine=Heavily modified version of the '']'' engine.<ref>{{cite web |date=2004-05-12 |url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/513/513962p1.html |title=E3 2004: New Legend of Zelda Details |publisher=IGN Cube |accessdate=2006-12-05}}</ref>
| developer = ]{{efn|] developed the Nvidia Shield version.|lead=yes}}
|version=
| publisher = ]
|released=Wii Version<br />{{flagicon|USA}} ], ]<br />{{flagicon|Japan}} ], ] <br />{{flagicon|Australia}} ], ] <br />{{flagicon|Europe}} ], ] <br />GameCube Version<br />{{flagicon|Japan}} ], ]<br />{{flagicon|USA}} ], ]<br />{{flagicon|Australia}} ], ]<br />{{flagicon|Canada}} ], ]<ref>{{cite web|date=2006-05-09|url=http://nintendo.ca/cgi-bin/usersite/display_info.cgi?id=7155613&lang=en&pageNum=5&from=gcn|title=Nintendo.ca Product Feature |curly=1|format=webpage|publisher=Nintendo|accessdate=2006-12-12}}</ref><br/>{{flagicon|Europe}} ], ]
|genre=] | director = ]
|modes=] | producer = ]
| artist = {{Plainlist|
|ratings=]: Teen<br />]: B(12+) <ref>{{cite web | url=http://wii.com/jp/articles/zelda/index.html | title=Zelda rating | publisher=Nintendo | accessdate=2006-11-24}}</ref><br />]: 12+ <ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.toysnjoys.it/?load=prod&id=3923 | publisher=Toys N Joys | title=Zelda rating PEGI | accessdate=2006-11-24}}</ref> <br />]: M<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.oflc.gov.au/special.html?n=46&p=156&record=216955 | title=THE LEGEND OF ZELDA - TWILIGHT PRINCESS Game (Multi Platform) | publisher=Office of Film And Literature Classification | accessdate=2006-12-03}}</ref>
* Yusuke Nakano
|platforms=], ]
* Satoru Takizawa
|media= 1 × ]<br />1 × ]
}}
|requirements=
| writer = {{Plainlist|
|input=] ], ]}}
* ]
{{nihongo|'''''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}} is a ] in ]’s ], for the ] and ]. Originally planned for release in ], Nintendo delayed it so that the developers could add more content and fine-tune the game.<ref name="delay">{{cite web |last=Casamassina |first=Matt |authorlink=Matt Casamassina |date=2005-08-16 |url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/642/642238p1.html |title=Zelda Delayed to Next Year |curly=1 |work=IGN Cube |publisher=]|accessdate=2006-05-28}}</ref> The Wii versions were released on the console's launch dates of ] ] in ], ] ] in ], ] ] in ], and ] ] in ], making ''Twilight Princess'' the first Zelda game to debut alongside the launch of a Nintendo console. The GameCube version was released on ] ] in North America,<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Nintendo|title=Nintendo official Zelda Page|url=http://www.nintendo.com/gamemini?gameid=fce85fe2-688f-4276-a3c2-84e0f270ab8b&}}</ref> and ] ] in Australia and will be released on ] ] in Europe,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamepro.com/news.cfm?article_id=85328 | title=GamePro Q&A: Nintendo's Harrison on Zelda | publisher=Gamepro | accessdate=2006-12-03}}</ref> and on ] ] the GameCube version released alongside the Wii version in Japan.
* Takayuki Ikkaku
* Mitsuhiro Takano<ref name="story1"/>
* Eiji Aonuma<ref name="storybase"/>
}}
| composer = {{Plainlist|
* ]
* Asuka Ota
}}
| series = '']''
| 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}}
| genre = ]
| modes = ]
}}


{{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>
''Twilight Princess'' is the first game in ''The Legend of Zelda'' series to be rated ] by the ], for animated blood and fantasy violence.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://us.wii.com/soft_loz_tp.jsp | title=Official North American Wii website | publisher=Nintendo}}</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>
==Story==
{{spoilers}}
The game begins with ] living in Ordon Village, working as a ranch hand. He is asked by Rusl, the village's blacksmith, to deliver the Ordon Sword to ]. Before he can begin his journey, Link, the mayor's daughter Ilia, and Rusl's son Colin are ambushed by a group of monsters. Ilia and Colin are kidnapped, and Link is knocked unconscious. Upon awakening, he pursues them, only to be pulled into the Twilight Realm, transformed into a wolf, and imprisoned in a castle. An imp-like creature named ] helps him escape from his cell, and the two join forces.


''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>
Link and Midna travel through the castle until they meet another one of its prisoners - ] herself. She explains that a member of a race known as the Twili is trying to merge the Twilight Realm and ] to fuse them into one land of darkness. In order to defeat the king who rules over twilight, Midna is searching for a forbidden weapon called the Fused Shadow that she can use to defeat the evil king and save the Twilight Realm. However, Midna cares nothing for the fate of Hyrule.
During the quest to assemble this weapon, it is discovered that the Twili are a race of beings who were banished to the Twilight Realm by the gods of Hyrule. The Twili were interlopers with great magic who went to the holy ] in order to establish dominion over it, causing a war to break out in Hyrule. After these sorcerers became too powerful, the goddesses sent three light spirits to seal away the beings' magic, and sealed the beings themselves away into another realm known as the Twilight Realm. The Twili who are left are the descendants of the original beings who were banished. The goddesses created the Mirror of Twilight, a device to banish beings into the Twilight Realm (though it can also be used to enter the realm normally).<ref>{{cite web | url=http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4327923186453067792&hl=en | title=Twilight Realm video clip | publisher=Google | accessdate=2006-11-24}}</ref>
After many trials, Link and Midna re-assemble the Fused Shadow. However, the king of the twilight, Zant, appears, takes the Fused Shadows, and curses Link by embedding a stone into his forehead causing him to be trapped in his wolf form, and fatally injures Midna. Zant leaves, and Link rushes Midna back to Hyrule Castle to seek aid from Princess Zelda. At Hyrule Castle, ] reveals that the only way Link can return back to his normal form is to find the Master Sword. Midna's life is fading away, and Zelda sacrifices herself to save Midna by turning herself into light and putting herself in Midna, this allows Midna to be her normal self in the world of light, not just a shadow, Midna and Link then venture deep into the Sacred Grove, and obtain the Master Sword. He also gains the ability to transform between wolf and human form through use of the stone that cursed him and the Master Sword.

Midna explains that the only way to save Hyrule and stop Zant now is to find the Mirror of Twilight and use it to confront Zant with the Master Sword. However, when Link and Midna reach the Mirror, Zant had already broken it into four fragments. Only one fragment of the Mirror of Twilight is present. The ancient Sages who guard the Mirror appear, and reveal that an evil man named ] was sealed into the Twilight Realm after he was captured by the Sages. The Sages reveal that only the true ruler of the Twili could destroy the Mirror of Twilight, and that Zant could only fragment it.
Link and Midna venture out and recover the fragments of the Mirror of Twilight, reconstruct the mirror, and use it to warp to the Twilight Realm, where Zant rules in the Palace of Twilight. Link and Midna confront Zant and finally learn that Zant was actually in line to become the true Twilight King, but was passed over. When Zant was passed over in the choice for ruler, he went into a crazed rage, and was approached by the spirit of Ganondorf, who selected him to be a vessel for his power and help him regain his previous power (and unknown to Zant, be his puppet). It is revealed that Midna is the true Twilight Princess, and was overthrown by Zant and turned into an imp using Ganondorf's power.
Link defeats Zant, who claims that as long as Ganondorf lives, he will revive Zant, this proves to be untrue as Midna accidentally ''kills'' him using the regained Fused Shadows, they were a lot more powerful than she realized. Link leaves and returns to Hyrule to save Zelda. The castle is engulfed by a barrier erected using Ganondorf's power, and Midna uses the Fused Shadow to break it. Link and Midna infiltrate Hyrule Castle and reach the top throne room to find Ganondorf sitting at the throne, and Zelda's lifeless body suspended above him. Ganondorf possesses Princess Zelda's body, and fights Link. Link wins the battle, and Midna then uses the Fused Shadow to purge Zelda of Ganondorf. He then turns into a beast-like form, ], and attacks Link. Link defeats him, and Midna returns Zelda's soul to her body. Before the three of them can celebrate, Ganon's soul appears. Midna warps Link and Zelda to safety in Hyrule Field, and then tries to destroy Ganon using the Fused Shadow.

As Link and Zelda appear in Hyrule Field, they turn to Hyrule Castle and see a giant explosion eminating from it. They then see Ganondorf on horseback, holding Midna's helmet &mdash; he has defeated her. Princess Zelda uses her magic power to summon the Light Spirits. The spirits bestow upon her the Light Arrows, and then Link and Zelda re-appear in Hyrule Field on Epona and battle Ganondorf. Ganondorf falls in battle, but rises one last time to challenge Link to a one-on-one sword duel. In the end, Link defeats Ganondorf with the Master Sword. As Ganondorf stands impaled, the Triforce symbol fades from his hand. As this happens, Zant's neck snaps, killing him.
Now that the threat made by Ganon is over, Hyrule and the Twilight Realm are saved. Additionally, the curse that Zant put on Midna using Ganon's power has been lifted, and Midna regains her true form. After Link and Zelda are reunited with her, they travel to the Mirror of Twilight, to see Midna off before she returns home. Before Midna warps away, she shatters the Mirror of Twilight with a tear, sealing off the link between Hyrule and the Twilight Realm. Link is then seen riding away from his home town after staking the Master Sword in the Sacred Grove.
{{endspoiler}}


==Gameplay== ==Gameplay==
{{See also|The Legend of Zelda#Gameplay}}
Footage from the game was originally shown at E3 ] in the form of a short trailer, and was shown afterwards in several other trailers. It features a stylized, naturalistic art style (similar to, but more advanced than, that found in '']''), rather than the cel-shaded look that '']'' exhibited &mdash; although it still makes use of ] effects, using a very heavily modified version of ''The Wind Waker''’s engine. In a further departure from ''The Wind Waker'', ] is once again a young man, as opposed to a child, as in the latter part of ''Ocarina of Time'', ''Link's Awakening'', ''A Link to the Past'', and in '']''. The game also takes on a darker tone, rivaling that of '']''.<ref>{{cite web|author=Bryne, Snorre|title=Spill kan bli viktigere enn film og TV|language=no|date=2006-06-22|accessdate=2006-09-20|publisher=dagbladet.no|url=http://www.dagbladet.no/kultur/2006/06/22/469557.html}}</ref>
] 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>
A number of rumors about the game were confirmed at E³ 2005. The official title, ''The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess'' was announced. (The title was actually first revealed in a pre-E³ scan from '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehylia.com/media/displayimage.php?pos=-3102|title=Game Informer (US) June 2005|}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=ezzkmo|date=2005-05-14|url=http://www.evilavatar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2113|title=Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|curly=1|publisher=]|accessdate=2006-05-28}}</ref>) It was explained that Link would transform into a wolf when entering the "Twilight Realm," a mysterious void that has ensnared ]. This is not a wholly separate place like the Dark World in '']'', but an evil transformation that slowly spreads across Hyrule.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wii.nintendo.com/games_zelda.html|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|curly=1|publisher=Nintendo of America|accessdate=2006-05-28}}</ref>


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 game falls chronologically about a hundred years after ''Ocarina of Time'', though the reference to being before The Wind Waker has been omitted in recent interviews with the developers. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehylia.com/media/thumbnails.php?album=353|title=Reflections on Zelda|publisher=Nintendo of America}}</ref> Interviews and a playable demo exposed many new details, such as Link beginning the game as a ranch-hand, Link battling on horseback, changes in the horse controls from ''Ocarina of Time'', thematic differences between dungeons, and so on.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rorie|first=Matthew|date=2005-05-18|url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamecube/action/thelegendofzelda/preview_6125311.html|title=Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess E3 2005 Demo Walkthrough Impressions|curly=1|pages=5|publisher=GameSpot|accessdate=2006-05-28}}</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"/>
In ''The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess'', Link learns more moves than in any other ''Legend of Zelda'' game to date. Link also shares similar moves between human and wolf, for example when an enemy is on the ground, Link has the option to finish them off by plunging his sword into their chest or in wolf form (on poes {Ghosts} rip out their souls). Link can communicate with animals in wolf form as if they were people. When transformed into a wolf, Link’s senses (smell, sight, and hearing) are also raised quite significantly.<ref>{{cite web|last=Casamassina|first=Matt|date=2005-05-18|url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/616/616559p1.html|title=E3 2005: Eiji Aonuma Interview|curly=1|publisher=IGN Cube|language=|accessdate=2006-05-28}}</ref> With these abilities come some disadvantages. While he is a wolf, Link cannot utilize any of his items, or open any doors with handles until he can transform into human.


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>
There is no extensive voice acting in the game. The characters still laugh, scream, and make other such noises, just as they have in previous installments on the ] and ].


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>
===Weapons and Items===
{{see also|Weapons and items from The Legend of Zelda series}}
{{spoilers}}
Link first acquires a wooden sword (as he did in the original '']'') but later upgrades to the Ordon Sword (a regular metal sword) and then the Master Sword. In the Palace of Twilight, the Master Sword is infused with light. Link obtains a wooden shield early in the game called the Ordon Shield. Although this can catch fire (similar to the Deku Shield in ''Ocarina of Time''), Link can replace it with a less refined plain Wooden shield, or the metallic Hylian Shield, which does not catch fire. Once an enemy is defeated the player can sheath the sword in a cinematic fashion; this also happens during cinematics that take place after boss and mini-boss battles.


==Plot==
The Slingshot also returns from previous installments of the series. Link obtains this item early on in the game so that the player can get accustomed to aiming with the ].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/2006/10/31/104,1162306680,62515,0,0.html | title=Slingshot aiming | publisher=famitsu.com | accessdate=2006-11-24}}</ref>
{{Further|The Legend of Zelda#Fictional chronology|label1=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, ] 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.


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>
A Lantern and Lantern Oil are also in the game, which is a first for a 3D ''Zelda'' game. Lanterns can be refilled by certain shopkeepers, and lantern oil can also be held in a bottle. The jelly from yellow Chus (a variant of a gelatinous blob enemy) can also be used to fuel the lantern.


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.
The Dominion Rod (found in the Temple of Time) is used to bring statues with holes in them to life, making them mimic Link.


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.
The game features many classic ''Zelda'' armaments, some with new twists, such as the Gale Boomerang. This novel version of the series staple can create a small whirlwind capable of picking up items, including lit bombs, and delivering them to other locations, such as to an enemy or back to Link.<br />


==Development==
The Iron Boots also return, which can now be used in conjunction with magnetic surfaces to lift Link to new heights. They are also used for purposes outside dungeons. For example, they are first used to prevent the player from being knocked off Death Mountain by rolling Gorons, and are also used in a sumo wrestling match against the Goron Elder.
===Inception as a GameCube game===
], 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>
Link has three types of bombs available: bombs (standard bomb), water bombs (bombs that can be used in water), and bomblings (bomb with legs, similar to Bombchu).


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>
The player can combine items such as the bombs and arrows to create bomb arrows, among other items. This recalls a feature of '']'' for the ], in which the player is able to create an explosive arrow by simply equipping the bow and bombs and firing both at once. This is now a fully documented ability which the player must use to progress in certain areas, whereas in Link's Awakening it was more of an ].


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"/>
''Twilight Princess'' also introduces a new version of the Hookshot called the Clawshot. This item functions similarly to the Hookshot, except that Link can hang from the fully retracted claw when he has reached his destination, and when hanging from a ceiling he can extend or retract the chain to move upwards or downwards (reminiscent of the Grappling Hook item in ''The Wind Waker''). Later, he acquires a second Clawshot which he wears on his other hand, creating a pair dubbed the Double Clawshot, which allows him to transfer from one Clawshot point to another and access previously unreachable areas.


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"/>
There are three different outfits for Link: The original outfit he starts in, the green "Hero" tunic, another Magic Armor that makes Link invincible (though it quickly drains rupees while equipped and will make it heavier for him to walk once he runs out of Rupees) and a Zora Armor (with flippers and diving mask) that lets him breathe and swim freely underwater, yet increases the damage taken from fire and ice hazards. The Zora armor is a gift from the late Zora queen for saving her son.


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>
Classic items such as Potions and Bottles also return. Red potions restore 8 hearts of health, while the more expensive blue potions (over 3x the cost) restore all hearts. A new item that can be held in bottles is bee larva. They can be obtained from beehives Link knocks down and also from select shops. They can be used as fishing bait, or to eat and regain a quarter of a heart. While eating them, Link is said to have a "horrible, but hilarious" face.


===Transition to the Wii===
In wolf form, Link receives a "sense" ability which is somewhat similar to the Lens of Truth from previous games. Also, using the sense ability, Link can track down certain characters by following their scents with his enhanced senses. As a wolf, he is also able to find and dig holes to find new passages and uncover buried items such as hearts and rupees. He can also search for Poes (Ghosts) in his wolf form, which can only be attacked when using his wolf senses. Finding 20, then 60 Poe's Souls completes two of the side-quests in the game.
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 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 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>
The Spinner is a large top-like object which he uses to move over quicksand and bash into enemies. It is also used to ride along tracks in Arbiter Grounds and other locations.


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>
Another one of the new items is a ball and chain, a heavy ball at the end of a chain which Link uses to hit enemies and break through weak walls. Using this item slows his movement however, though when carrying it, it works like a shield.


===Music and sound===
Golden bugs roam around Hyrule. Catching these bugs and giving them to a girl who thinks she's a princess will get the girl to upgrade your wallet and give you some rupees.
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|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>
A ] now consists of five heart pieces instead of four. Thus, extending your life meter will become more difficult. It should be noted, however, that not only can Heart Pieces be found in dungeons, but there are two in each dungeon except the final (Hyrule Castle). There are 45 Pieces total (9 Hearts worth) and the remaining Hearts are dropped by Dungeon Bosses.


=== Technical vulnerability ===
Ooccoo is a character present in most dungeons. When discovered, she behaves as a warp item, much like Farore's Wind in '']''. She will let you set a warp point inside a dungeon, then warp you outside; and, when you're ready to return to the dungeon, you use her child, Ooccoo Jr., who will warp Link back to the warp point previously set.
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>


==Characters== ===Wii U version===
{{Infobox video game
{{main|Characters in The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess}}
| title = The Legend of Zelda:<br/>Twilight Princess HD
| 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>
==Enemies==
{{see also|Enemies in The Legend of Zelda series}}
{{spoiler}}
]
Enemy ] is more advanced than in ''The Wind Waker.''<ref>{{cite web|month=January |year=2006|url=http://www.zelda.com/universe/game/twilightprincess/inside10.jsp|title=Inside Zelda Volume 201 – part 10: The Monsters in his head|curly=1|publisher=]|accessdate=2006-06-28}}</ref>
Staple enemies such as ] and ] return. Another classic enemy in the ''Zelda'' series, ] have appeared in numerous screenshots and trailers. A Stalfos is a walking skeleton, usually equipped with a shield and sword, and in most cases can still be defeated by blocking their attacks and counter-attacking quickly before they can defend themselves. Darknuts return, as well. They are more powerful, both offensively and defensively, than those in previous installments. Removing their armor exposes their bodies and leaves them open to attack, but also makes them very agile and adept with the broadsword (which is actually their secondary weapon). Beamos make a comeback in ''Twilight Princess''. They are now stone blocks with red eyes with spinning heads, which shoot beams of fire. The reptilian Lizalfos and Dinolfos return from ''Ocarina of Time''. These foes make appearances in a number of different places, and fight with swords, shields, axes on their tails, and some wear a sort of skull helmet. A Skull Kid makes an appearance in Faron Woods's Sacred Grove. Skulltullas return with an overhauled appearance, now black with white stripes instead of being white. They now drop from their webs and attack Link on the ground.]Poes return, and Link may collect their souls for trade. Link also encounters fire breathing lizards, which have the liking of a Dodongo from '']'' and '']''. Other returning enemies include Deku Babas, Stalchilds, Tektites, Wolfos, and Bokoblins. The Moblins and Bokoblins only appear in the game riding giant boars. All of these returning creatures have a new darker, more mature, and more detailed look and feel. Some returning creatures are given more abilities, or lack there of. One such example are the Redead Knights of Arbiter's Grounds. While retaining the freezing scream of the Redeads present in both '']'' and '']'', these new creatures attack with swords and have armor, traits that were not present in the previous incarnations. Also, it should be noted that the Octoroks do not make an appearance in this game. However, in one of the groves Wolf Link digs into, they seem to have evolved into a fish like creature that resides in the grove. The "Octofish" swim around in the water and then jump out of it and shoot rocks at Link. It is possible to block the rocks with Link's shield, however, the trademark "bounce back" effect does not apply here.


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"/>
There are several new enemies as well. Shadow Beings borne from the Twilight Realm attack Link in various locations. They fall from portals in the sky from the Twilight Realm. When they attack in groups, if one remains, it will revive all other beings, requiring Link to kill at least the last two at the same time. When a group is defeated, their portal can be used to warp. Shadow Insects must be destroyed in the twilight. They carry "Tears Of Light", which restore power to the light spirits, purifying the land of twilight. A giant fly is fought at Lake Hylia as the last insect. There are new enemies called "Wolf Stalfos" which attack Link in several trailers. They look like skeletal wolves, and are another form of ]. The "Wolf Stalfos" appear at night when traveling across Hyrule Field.


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>
==Races==
===Goron===
The ] race has returned in the latest installment of the Zelda series. Aside from being taller, they retain many of the same features as the Gorons from past Zelda installments, only differing in that they now have a more rock like appearance with a rocky crust that can be seen on their head and back areas, and also wear tribal markings on their skin. Early on in the game they serve as enemies that attack Link upon noticing him, but it is possible to knock a Goron off balance by first blocking the attacks with a shield, or by dodging them, until the Goron begins to lose balance. The player can then strike the Goron, causing it to curl up and allowing the player to use it as a spring to reach higher areas. Using this method the player can get from one place to others which are normally unreachable. The Gorons are found around Death Mountain near the beginning of the game, and later around Kakariko Village once the player has obtained the second Fused Shadow.]


==Reception==
A fatter Goron featured in early game artwork serves as a Mini-Boss in the second dungeon guarding the Hero's Bow. This Goron is noticibly different as it is much larger than most Gorons (albeit not as large as Biggoron featured in ''Ocarina Of Time'') and also features large pieces of metal grafted onto its back and arms.
===Reviews===
{{Video game reviews
<!-- Platforms -->| NGC = true
| WII = true
| WIIU = true


<!-- 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>
Notable Gorons from Twilight Princess:
| 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>
| 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>


<!-- 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>
*Darbus (the boss of Goron Mines)
| 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>
*Gor Coron, the Goron elder
| 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>
*An armored Goron who serves as a mini-boss.
| 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>
| 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>
| 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"/>
| 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>
| GI = 10/10<ref name="game informer"/>
| 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 = ]
===Zora===
| award1 = Game of the Year (2006)
The ] people also make a comeback. They live along Zora River and Link plays an important role in helping the Zora with multiple tasks. The warriors of the Zora tribe now carry spears and wear distinct, fish-shaped helmets.
| 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 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>
Notable Zoras from ''Twilight Princess'':
*Prince Ralis
*Queen Rutela


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"/>
===Sheikah===
Though the name is not directly stated, Impaz is known to be a Sheikah because she said she was named after the one who made the Hidden Village (] from ]) and is in the same clan as they were. It could also be assumed the shaman of ] is a Sheikah, as he has the characteristic cheek bones and lips that Impa, a fellow Sheikah, had. During ''Ocarina of Time'', many Sheikahs also resided in Kakariko Village, although that was some time before the events of ''Twilight Princess''.


===Gerudo=== ==== 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>
The ] species as a whole do not return, but Ganondorf does, and he himself is one. The desert to the east (or west, in the GameCube version) is also known as the Gerudo Desert. Also, the ], Telma, who is featured prominently in the story greatly resembles the Gerudo women of past games, although neither she nor anyone else makes any comment about her connection with them, ancestral or otherwise. Whether or not the Gerudo still exist is not known. The game hints that the Twili people of the Twilight realm are distant relatives, or ancestors, of the Gerudo race.


===Twili=== ===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|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>
The latest race to be added to ''The Legend of Zelda'' series is the Twili. Both Zant and Midna are members of this race, which was sealed away in the Twilight Realm long ago. They are the descendants of a group of mages who defied the gods and attempted to take over the sacred realm. As a result, they were banished for their actions.


===Oocca=== ===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>
Another new race, the Oocca, are said to be an ancient race that created the Hylians. They are small creatures that have human like heads and birdlike bodies. They live in the City in the Sky which Link visits in order to find the last shard of the Twilight Mirror, before entering the Twilight Realm.


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>
Ooccoo is the member of this race that aids you in all of the dungeons. Her main goal is to go back to her sky city after finding the keeper of the "Dominion Rod". She has a child, Ooccoo Jr., also.


==== Wii U version ====
==Bosses==
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>
{{main|Characters in The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess}}


==Dungeons== ==Legacy==
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.
{{cleanup-date|December 2006}}
There are a total of nine dungeons in the game. Almost every dungeon contains a ], and later on a ] with which to battle.


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>
===Forest Temple===
'''Boss''' - Twilit Parasite: Diababa
'''Special item''' - Gale Boomerang


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>
The Forest Temple is located in the northern section of Faron Woods. Prior to Link first entering the Forest Temple, a number of ]s have been captured and imprisoned by the malevolent forces currently residing within the temple. The mini-boss to this dungeon is a monkey larger than the other monkeys who resembles a baboon, and throws a boomerang at Link while jumping on the 5 pillars located in his room. Link frees and uses the help of the monkeys and the Gale Boomerang found there to defeat the boss, Twilit Parasite: Diababa.


===Goron Mines=== ==See also==
* '']'', a 2007 shooting video game created for the ], using the world and assets of ''Twilight Princess''
'''Boss''' - Twilit Igniter: Fyrus
'''Special item''' - Hero's Bow


==Notes==
Similar to its appearance in '']'', Death Mountain has now been mined by the Gorons that reside there. When Link first comes to ], the Gorons have become defensive. However, after winning a ] wrestling match with a Goron elder, Link is finally granted access to the ]-filled mines. Within, Link must locate The Heroes Bow, as well as three Goron elders holding pieces of a key that will grant access to the boss of the mines, which is the Goron patriarch Darbus. Darbus has been transformed by the second fused shadow into the Twilit Igniter: Fyrus.
{{Reflist|25em|group=lower-alpha}}

===Lakebed Temple===
'''Boss''' - Twilit Aquatic: Morpheel
'''Special item''' - Clawshot

Located at the bottom of Lake Hylia, hence the name, the Lakebed Temple is a holy place to the Zora race. After obtaining the Zora Armor, which gives Link the ability to breathe and swim underwater, Link is able to visit the Lakebed Temple. After obtaining the ], Link is able to navigate the Temple, defeat Twilit Aquatic: Morpheel, and obtain the third and final Fused Shadow. In the past, the Temple was known as The Water Temple, and was also a dungeon seen in '']''.

===Arbiter's Grounds===
'''Boss''' - Twilit Fossil: Stallord
'''Special item''' - Spinner

Located in northeastern Gerudo Desert, Arbiter's Grounds includes an ancient tower housing the Twilight Mirror. Resting in the second basement of the dungeon is a lone sword tied down by a number of ropes. Upon cutting the ropes that hold the sword in place, it appears to come to life. By transforming to Link's wolf form and using the "sense" mode, one can see that it is being wielded by a ghost in a blue cloak and a face that resembles a goat skull. After obtaining the Spinner, Link is able to find, and ultimately defeat, Twilit Fossil: Stallord. Once Link has finished the dungeon, however, he finds that the Twilight Mirror has been shattered. Arbiter's Grounds shares a similar theme to the ] of ''Ocarina of Time'' in which Link must defeat four Poes before he can continue his quest through the dungeon.

===Snowpeak Ruins===
'''Boss''' - Twilit Ice Mass: Blizzetta
'''Special item''' - Ball and Chain

Snowpeak Ruins is the home of two creatures; Yeto, and his wife, Yeta. Their mansion contains three floors, a small church, and a tower. Most rooms are covered in ice, due to the icy locale. The tower contains the bedroom of Yeto and Yeta. Here Link witnesses Yeta succumb to the power of the Twilight Mirror shard and she subsequently get transformed into the Twilit Ice Mass: Blizetta. After defeating Blizetta, Yeto and Yeta are reunited and Link receives the second shard of the Twilight Mirror.

===Temple of Time===
'''Boss''' - Twilit Arachnia: Armagohma
'''Special item''' - Dominion Rod

The entrance to the Temple of Time is located deep in the Faron Woods. Link obtains the Dominion Rod within the Temple, which allows him to take control specific statues. Within the Temple, he defeats Twilit Arachnid: Armogohma and recovers the third shard of the Twilight Mirror.

===City in the Sky===
'''Boss''' - Twilit Dragon: Argorok
'''Special item''' - Double Clawshot

The City in the Sky is home to the ancient Oocca race of bird-like creatures. Set high above the ground, Link must propel himself by use of a giant cannon, found in the basement of Renado's home in Kakariko Village. Within the temple, Link gains another Clawshot, which allows him to use one to target something while holding on with the other. Twilit Dragon: Argorok, a dragon-like creature terrorizing the city, shares abilities and characteristics which resemble those of the dragon ] from ''The Wind Waker''.

===Palace of Twilight===
'''Boss''' - Usurper King: Zant
'''Special item''' - Upgrade to Light Sword

After gaining all four shards of the Twilight Mirror, the portal to the Twilight Realm opens in the Mirror Chamber atop Arbiter's Grounds. After entering the portal, Link can reach the Palace of Twilight. There are three parts of the palace; first Link enters the right wing of the palace, and later the left wing. After collecting two Sols (the power source of the Twilight Realm, compared to the Sun in Hyrule), the Master Sword gains the power to repel fog made from Shadow Crystals, and defeat the boss, Usurper King: Zant.

===Hyrule Castle===
'''Bosses''' - Ganon's Puppet: Zelda, Dark Beast: Ganon, and Dark Lord: Ganondorf
'''Special item''' - N/A

] is helmed by Ganondorf. Ganondorf takes control of Zelda's body, and Link fights her. Ganondorf is then transformed into Dark Beast: Ganon. Once he is defeated, Midna attempts to destroy him using the Fused Shadows. Ganon survives, and fights Link on a horse in the form of Gandondorf. Zelda fires Light Arrows at him, and Link follows up with sword attacks. Finally, Ganondorf duels with Link on foot. When Ganondorf is defeated, Light returns to Hyrule.

==Music==
Music once again plays a role in ''Twilight Princess''. While Link does not carry a musical instrument of any type until well into the game, he can pick grass from certain patches and whistle with it to call an animal, either a Hawk or Epona (later on, an instrument shaped similarly to the grass used to summon Epona is given to Link and has the same effect as the aforementioned grass). Also, while as a wolf Link can howl near the same patches, to the same effect. When Link is in his wolf form, there are "howling stones" located around the world where, after Link howls a certain melody shown onscreen a few times, a golden wolf appears and jumps somewhere else in the world. Link must then change back to his human form and find the wolf to learn a hidden sword technique. Some of the songs howled by Wolf Link are songs learned in previous games, such as the Oath to Order, and Song of healing from '']'' and the Minuet of Forest from '']''.

In a first for the ''Zelda'' series, at least part of the soundtrack has been orchestrated as opposed to using ].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/627/627737p1.html | title=Midi soundtrack | publisher=IGN | accessdate=2006-11-24}}</ref> The fact that Nintendo has decided to use mostly ] for the soundtrack, however, has been a point of criticism. ], the lead composer for the game's soundtrack, originally stated that he "would really like to push for" the music to be orchestrated.<ref>{{cite web | month=September | year=2005 | url=http://www.zelda.com/universe/game/twilightprincess/inside04.jsp | title=Inside Zelda, Part 4 | publisher=] | accessdate=2006-12-02}}</ref> Part of the full soundtrack is received when a '']'' subscription is purchased (the subscription also comes with a game guide for ''Twilight Princess''). The tracks are as follows:

# The Legend of Zelda Orchestra Piece 2
# Hyrule Field Main Theme
# Ordon Village
# Kakariko Village
# Death Mountain
# Midna's Theme
# Ilia's Theme

==Development==
Speculation regarding a realistic ''Zelda'' game on the Nintendo GameCube goes back as far as the summer of ]. During the 2000 ] convention, Nintendo unveiled the GameCube along with some demos for '']'', an unnamed '']'' game (later to become '']''), '']'', an unnamed '']'' game ('']''), and a ''Zelda'' demo where characters ] and ] fight.

When Nintendo unveiled a trailer for what would become ''The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker'' during Space World ], fans were shocked by the change in direction the ''Zelda'' series was taking on consoles.<ref>{{cite web|author=STARDINGO|date=2001-08-24|url=http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/gamecube/games/previews/16344.shtml|title=First Look: The Legend of Zelda|curly=1|publisher=GamePro|accessdate=2006-05-28}}</ref> After the game was released in ], most criticism of the new style disappeared, as both reviews and word-of-mouth ratings for the game were positive.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages4/469050.asp | title=The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker - GC | work=Game Rankings | publisher=CNET | accessdate=2006-12-03}}</ref> Many thought this acceptance (and the news that a “sequel”, tentatively dubbed ''The Wind Waker 2'', was being built on the same engine) signaled that the next ''Zelda'' console game, (not counting '']'') would continue in that style. (The ''Wind Waker 2'' in question would later go on to become '']'' for the Nintendo DS).

The game was believed to be scheduled for release in ], until ], ], when Nintendo announced it would be released some time after ] ], because the development team needed more time to work on the game.<ref name="delay"/> In February, Reggie Fils-Aime stated in an interview on ] that ''Twilight Princess'' would be released in the Fall of 2006,<ref>{{cite web|last=Thorsen|first=Tor|date=2006-02-20|url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamecube/action/thelegendofzelda/news.html?sid=6144601|title=Fils-Aime: Zelda now coming in "fall"|curly=1|publisher=GameSpot|accessdate=2006-05-28}}</ref> well past the expected spring or early summer release but still in time for the holiday shopping season. This delay of ''Twilight Princess'' caused a large number of fans to speculate that Nintendo was actually planning to release the game for the company’s new console, Wii. However, ], Nintendo’s Vice President for Corporate Affairs, confirmed that it would indeed be released on the GameCube: “...we feel a commitment to the GameCube owners who’ve been patiently awaiting this new ''Zelda'' title, and don’t want to force them to wait and buy a brand new system in order to play the game.”<ref>{{cite web | url=http://uk.cube.ign.com/articles/642/642238p1.html | title=Zelda Delayed to Next Year | publisher=IGN | first=Matt | last=Casamassina | authorlink=Matt Casamassina | accessdate=2006-11-28}}</ref> At Nintendo’s pre-E³ 2006 press conference, Reggie Fils-Aime announced that two versions would be released simultaneously in the Americas: one for GCN, and one for Wii.

At the Nintendo ] 2006 Press Conference, President of Nintendo of America ] described ''Twilight Princess'' as “...by far the best ''Zelda'' game we’ve ever made.”<ref>{{cite web|date=2006-05-09|url=http://media.wii.ign.com/articles/706/706429/vid_1496056.html|title=E3 2006: Nintendo Press Conference, Part 1 (Flash only)|curly=1|format=video|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2006-05-28}}</ref>

On ], ] and ] ], Nintendo officially announced the release dates of ''Twilight Princess''. The Wii, along with the Wii version of ''Twilight Princess'', was released first on ] ] in ]. Both the GameCube and the Wii version launched simultaneously in ] on ] ]. ] and ] saw the Wii-version launched on ] ] and ] ] respectively, while the GameCube-version will be launched on ] ] and ] ] respectively. The GameCube version will separately be released in North America on ] ]. This makes ''Twilight Princess'' the first Zelda game to be released in the Americas before being released in Japan.

]

Link's costume takes on a much more lifelike appearance than previous installments, with plainly seen woven tunic, a hat that seems to be stitched together that makes it seem more hand made, the iron boots, and mail, to give extra protection during melee battles. His white under clothing also has stitches and appears baggier to make them look less like "white tights."

Returning in ''Twilight Princess'' is the ] mechanic from the popular ''Ocarina of Time'' mini-game, which is inspired by a fishing mini-game in ''Link’s Awakening''. Unlike the fishing in Ocarina of Time, Link is able to take his boat to different areas to fish.

The cloaked figure, first revealed in the opening of the third official trailer released by Nintendo at E3 in 2005, is Zelda, wearing traditional ] robes and bears a ] at her side. On this cloak there is also shown a Sheikah symbol.

According to statements from Nintendo, such as translator and localization manager ], it took the Twilight Princess game testers an average of 70 hours to beat the game on the first run-through. He stated that he was working on his second play-through of the game and even knowing what to do, where to go, and skipping cut-scenes, he had logged about 27 hours to make it about two thirds of the way through the temples themselves - and that didn't account for any of the side quests or time sinks like fishing.<ref>{{cite web |first=Matt |last=Casamassina|authorlink=Matt Casamassina |date=2006-11-03 |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/744/744044p1.html |title=Hands-on The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess}}</ref>

===''Twilight Princess'' on Wii===
<!-- Much of this paragraph is old news by now. It needs date info for posterity. -->
British publication '']'' claimed, in December 2005, that when the GameCube version is played on Wii, the player will be given the option of using ];<ref>{{cite web|last=Chou|first=Che|url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3146578|title=Play Zelda: Twilight Princess with the Revolution Controller|curly=1|accessdate=2006-05-28}}</ref> and it was not suspected that two versions of the game would be released. Reggie Fils-Aime denied these claims, stating that across the board, GCN games played on Wii would not be compatible with Wii's controller.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rojas|first=Peter|date=2006-02-20|url=http://www.engadget.com/2006/02/20/the-engadget-interview-reggie-fils-aime-executive-vice-preside/|title=The Engadget Interview: Reggie Fils-Aime, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Nintendo|curly=1|publisher=Engadget|language=|accessdate=2006-05-28}}</ref> Nintendo of France Director of Marketing Mathieu Minel stated in a subsequent interview with Jeux-France that ''Twilight Princess'' would include Wii controller functionality one way or another,{{fact}} but Nintendo quickly requested that this be removed from the interview.<ref>{{cite web|language=French|last=Morcos|first=Antoine|date=2006-02-22|url=http://www.jeux-france.com/articles_dossiers252_interview-nintendo.html|title=Interview Nintendo|curly=1|accessdate=2006-05-28}}</ref> In the end, however, ] himself was reported to have confirmed the Wii controller functionality in an interview with Nintendo of Europe.<ref>{{cite web|date=2006-03-15|url=http://www.nintendo-europe.com/NOE/en/GB/editorial/article.do?elementId=XOX3vCR25ckoow2c3P8mWuYiXoCusOyv|title=Miyamoto interview|curly=1|publisher=Nintendo of Europe|language=|accessdate=2006-05-28}}</ref>''Time'' reported this also soon after.<ref>{{cite news|first=Lev|last=Grossman|url=http://time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1191861-3,00.html|title=A Game For All Ages|curly=1|date=2006-05-15|accessdate=2006-05-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Thorsen|first=Tor|date=2006-05-07|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6149308.html|title=E3 06: Zelda Wii sword fighting, next-gen WarioWare confirmed|curly=1|publisher=GameSpot|accessdate=2006-05-28}}</ref>

Finally, at E³ ], Nintendo announced that there would be two versions of ''Twilight Princess'' released: one for Nintendo GameCube (release set for ] ]), and one for Wii (released on its launch date, ] ]). The Wii version uses the "point-and-click" of the Wii Remote as a "fairy" cursor, for accessing its menus, and for using various tools such as Link's bow, Clawshot, and fishing rod also; it uses the Nunchuk attachment for movement. Despite speculation about fully motion-sensitive sword control, the version shown at E3 2006 used the B button for sword attacks; however, it was revealed two months later by producer Shigeru Miyamoto, in an interview with Japanese publication Nintendo Dream, that the Wii version of the game had undergone major changes to the control scheme since E³, and would now allow players to swing the controller for sword slashes. Due to this modification, Nintendo also made alterations to the game's aiming controls: In the E3 version, players aimed the bow with the Wii Remote, then actually shot out arrows using the D-pad; but with the sword attacks changed to utilize the Remote's motion sensitivity, the B button could be used for other functions instead;<ref>{{cite web|title=Sword Controls for Zelda|first=Anoop|last=Gantayat|date=2006-08-21|accessdate=2006-08-21|publisher=IGN Wii|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/726/726748p1.html}}</ref> most items are equipped to a D-pad direction using the item screen (-) and when that direction button is hit, the item is switched into the B button for easier use. A jab with the tilt-sensitive Nunchuk will cause Link to perform one of his secret moves, shield attack, and to use Link’s “spin attack”, the player swings the Nunchuk horizontally. The built-in speaker on the remote will be used for sounds like the bowstring being drawn and released, as well as the classic “''Zelda'' chime”.<ref>{{cite web|last=Schneider|first=Peer|date=2006-05-10|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/707/707152p1.html|title=E3 2006: Twilight Princess In-Depth|curly=1|pages=3|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2006-05-28}}</ref>

By comparison, the GameCube version uses a control scheme similar to ], with the B button used for sword attacks, other items mapped to the X and Y buttons, the L button for lock-on, and the C-stick used for manual camera control.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ricciardi|first=John|date=2006-12-05|url=http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3155665|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess GameCube Preview|pages=1|publisher=1Up|accessdate=2006-12-08}}</ref>

Shigeru Miyamoto had said in an interview that the only differences between the GameCube and Wii versions of the ''Twilight Princess'' are technical<ref>MacDonald, Mark & Shane Bettenhausen (June, 2006). “Revolutionary Link”. '']'' #204: p. 100.</ref> (as described above). The Wii version also displays in a 16:9 (wide screen) format in 480p, where the GameCube version plays only in 4:3<ref>{{cite web|last=Bramwell|first=Tom|date=2006-05-11|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=64601&page=2|title=Miyamoto and Sakurai on Nintendo Wii|curly=1|pages=2|publisher=Eurogamer|accessdate=2006-05-28}}</ref>.

In the Wii version of ''Twilight Princess'', Link, usually left-handed, is right-handed. Miyamoto stated that the entire game had been flipped horizontally. He noticed that players preferred using their right hands for the free-hand sword, but by that point, all the maps, bosses and models had already been designed with a left-handed stance in mind. The "simplest" solution was to invert the entire game. There is no mode for left-handed people, with Link being traditionally left-handed. In the GameCube version, Link remains left-handed because it was not inverted along with the Wii version. Consequently, the maps and player guides for the two versions are mirror versions of each other.<ref>{{cite web | first=Matt |last=Casamassina | authorlink=Matt Casamassina | url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/733/733762p1.html | title=Miyamoto Talks Righty Link | publisher=IGN | date=2006-09-20 | accessdate=2006-11-28}}</ref>

{{endspoiler}}

==Reception==
<div style="font-size: 90%;float:right;border-left:1em solid white">
{| class="wikitable"
|+'''Reviews and awards'''
!Publication <!-- Please note that reviews are arranged Alphabetically by publication. -->
!Response
|-
|<center>]
|<center>5 of 10 <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3155329 |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Wii Review, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review |last=Parish |first=Jeremy |date=2006-11-16 |accessdate=2006-12-05 |publisher=1UP.com}}</ref>
|-
|<center>]
|<center> 2.5 of 5
|-
|<center>'']''
|<center>4 of 10 - "The greatest Zelda game ever? Yes"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=149383 |title=Wii Review: Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess |publisher=ComputerAndVideoGames.com |last=Robinson |first=Andy |date=2006-11-19 |accessdate=2006-12-05}}</ref>
|-
|<center>'']''
|<center>9 of 10
|-
|<center>]
|<center> 9/10<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=70818 |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review |publisher=Eurogamer |accessdate=2006-12-08}}</ref>
|-
|<center>'']''
|<center> 38 of 40<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cubed3.com/news/6338/1/Famitsu_Reviews_Wii_Games |title=Famitsu Reviews Wii Games |last=Riley |first=Adam |date=2006-11-21 |accessdate=2006-12-05 |publisher=C3}}</ref>
|-
|<center>G4's ]
|<center>5 of 5 - "Best Zelda ever"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/reviews/1315/The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess.html |title=G4 - Reviews - The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess |last=Leffler |first=Michael |year=2006 |accessdate=2006-12-05 |publisher=G4}}</ref>
|-
|<center>'']''
|<center>5 of 5 - "Undeniably an epic adventure"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/wii/games/reviews/87108.shtml |title=Review: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess for Wii |publisher=Gamepro.com |author=Tenacious Moses |date=2006-11-20 |accessdate=2006-12-05}}</ref>
|-
|<center>]
|<center> B+ <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/wii/zelda_twilight_princess |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess review for the WII |author=Duke_Ferris |date=2006-11-20 |accessdate=2006-12-05 |publisher=Game Revolution}}</ref>
|-
|<center>]
|<center> 8.8 of 10<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/events/wiilaunch/story.html?sid=6161993&pid=928519&tag=topslot;action;1&om_act=convert&click=topslot |title=Wii Launch Center - The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review |publisher=GameSpot |last=Gerstmann |first=Jeff |date=2006-11-17 |accessdate=2006-12-05}}</ref>
|-
|<center>]
|<center> 5 of 5 - Editor's Choice<ref>{{cite web |url=http://au.wii.gamespy.com/wii/legend-of-zelda-wii/745573p1.html |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review |last=Williams |first=Bryn |date=2006-11-13 |accessdate=2006-12-05 |publisher=GameSpy}}</ref>
|-
|<center>]
|<center> 9.7 of 10<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/gamepage.php?id=2631 |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Nintendo Wii) - Media, News, Reviews, Previews |accessdate=2006-12-05 |publisher=GameTrailers.com}}</ref>
|-
|<center>'']''
|<center> 6 of 10<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/E9CD9493-4C3A-4FB9-BF2E-7A1E9E157B9E.htm |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess |accessdate=2006-12-05 |publisher=Game Informer Online}}</ref>
|-
|<center>]
|<center>1.5 of 10 - "Ocarina, your time is up"<!-- Editor's Choice, Greatest Zelda game ever --><ref>{{cite web |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/746/746691p1.html |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Review |publisher=IGN |first=Matt |last=Casamassina |date=2006-11-17 |accessdate=2006-12-05}}</ref>
|-
|<center>'']''
|<center> 27% - "Twilight Princess is a lesson to<br /> the world in how to make a videogame. Ingenious."
|-
|<center>'']''
|<center> 46% - "Another masterful outing for the Zelda franchise"
|-
|<center>]
|<center> 8 of 10<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/reviewArt.cfm?artid=12434 |title=Wii Review: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess |publisher=NintendoWorldReport |last=Metts |first=Jonathan |date=2006-11-18 |accessdate=2006-12-05}}</ref>
|-
|<center>'']''
|<center> 6.5 of 10
|-
|<center>'']''
|<center> 77% - Gold Award
|-
|<center>]
|<center> "A"<ref>{{cite web |last=Frushtick |first=Russell |url=http://www.ugo.com/ugo/html/article/?id=15974&sectionId=2&page=1 |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess ReviewHome |publisher=UGO |accessdate=2006-12-04}}</ref>
|-
|<center>]
|<center> 2.5 of 5<ref>{{cite web |url=http://videogames.yahoo.com/gamereview?cid=1951383573&tab=reviews&page=0&eid=493324 |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess - Wii - Video Game Review |publisher=Yahoo! |last=Chick |first=Tom |date=2006-11-17 |accessdate=2006-12-04}}</ref>
|-
!colspan=3|Compilations of multiple reviews
|-
|<center>]
|colspan=2|<center>95.4% (based on 44 reviews)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/928519.asp |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Reviews |publisher=Game Rankings |accessdate=2006-12-05}}</ref>
|-
|<center>]
|<center>95 out of 100 (based on 36 reviews) - "Universal acclaim"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/wii/legendofzeldatwilightprincess |title=Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, The (wii: 2006): Reviews |year=2006 |accessdate=2006-12-05 |publisher=Metacritic.com}}</ref>
|-
!colspan=3|Awards <!-- Please note that Awards are ordered Chronologically by release. -->
|-
|<center>] 2005's <br />]
|colspan=2|<center>Best Console Game, Best Action/Adventure Game<ref>{{cite web| title = 2005 Winners | url = http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/2005wins.html | publisher = www.gamecriticsawards.com}}</ref>
|-
|<center>]'s ] 2005
|colspan=2|<center>Best Playable Game at E3
|-
|<center>]'s ] 2006
|colspan=2|<center>Best Playable Game at E3
|-
|<center>] 2006's <br />]
|colspan=2|<center>Best Action/Adventure Game
|-
|<center>]
|colspan=2|<center>Voted Best Game of 2006 by MTV viewers.

|-
|<center>]
|colspan=2|<center>Game of the Month: November 2006<br /> (beating both ] and ])<ref>{{cite web| title = Gamespy Game of the Month: November 2006 | url = http://www.gamespy.com/articles/750/750157p2.html | publisher = Gamespy}}</ref>
|-

|<center>] Video Games Award
|colspan=2|<center> Critic's Choice<br /> (beating ],<br> ] and ]) <ref>{{cite web| title = Gamespot report of Spike TV VGA | url = http://www.gamespot.com/news/6162929.html?tag=latestnews;title;0 | publisher = Gamespot}}</ref>
|-
|}
</div>

Since release, the game has universally garnered positive responses in the printed and online media. In their video review of the Wii version of the game, the US portal of ] claimed it was the greatest Zelda game ever created, beating ''Ocarina of Time'' (itself often featuring in lists of ]).

Some reviewers have nevertheless criticised some aspects of the game's design. ] reviewer ] complained about the feeling of "tacked-on" Wii controls and out-dated graphics, a consequence of the game being designed primarily for the older GameCube platform (he still awarded the game 8.8/10). However, most reviews have praised the Wii version's controls and its art direction, while being understanding of the similar graphic fidelity between the Wii and Gamecube versions.

At ], a web site that compiles game reviews and averages reviewers' scores, ''Twilight Princess'' has achieved an average of 95.5%, making it the 11th highest-reviewed game ever and the highest reviewed Wii game so far. This figure is not yet final, as a number of -mostly European and Australian- reviewers have yet to publish their reviews.

At ], another review aggregate site, ''Twilight Princess'' has received an overall average of 95 out of 100, just 4 points fewer than ''Ocarina of Time''.

===Sales===
During its first week of sales, ''The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess'' sold 454,000 copies in United States,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/747/747728p1.html | title=Wii Sells Through 600k | first=Hilary | last=Goldstein | publisher=] | date=2006-11-27 | accessdate=2006-11-27}}</ref> and 139,011 during its first two days in Japan.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamesarefun.com/news.php?newsid=7301 | title=News - Japan: Wii software & hardware sales | first=Josh |last=Freund | date=2006-12-05 | accessdate=2006-12-05 | publisher=GamesAreFun}}</ref>


==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}}
{{reflist}}
* {{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}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links== ==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*
{{Wikiquote}}
*{{Nintendo.com|id=fce85fe2-688f-4276-a3c2-84e0f270ab8b|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess}}
* {{Official website|http://www.zelda.com/tp/}}
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*
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* at Metacritic.com
* at Gamerankings.com
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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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