NintendoAfter the HD release of Wind Waker in 2013, Nintendo wanted to remind its fans that both The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess and the Wii U itself are still worth playing, hopefully proving that there's life in the old dog yet. Or, at least until the NX is revealed and hype levels for Nintendo fans go through the roof. Twilight Princess, of course, occupies a strange place in Nintendo's oft-discussed history; once envisioned as a Nintendo GameCube exclusive, its release date was pushed further and further back until we found ourselves in late 2006 with the Wii launch imminent. Thus, Twilight Princess straddled two systems, acting simultaneously as a swansong for the GameCube and a triumphant launch title for the Wii, all whilst everyone waited for Super Mario Galaxy (which was still a full year away from release). It showcased motion controls, a right-handed Link and was definitely a more hardcore game amongst a lineup of shorter, sweeter experiences like Wii Sports and WarioWare Smooth Moves. As we're still waiting for firm details on Zelda Wii U, the newest HD re-release might be enough to keep fans ticking over. But should you buy it? Critics have been fairly kind to the newest edition, whilst recognising that it's a product of its time. Most shout, "I TOLD YOU SO!" to fans who derided the art style of Wind Waker all those years ago because Twlight Princess has not aged as well, despite its more 'mature' art style. Nintendo have made a number of changes to sweeten the deal for fans visiting this game for a second time, but that said, are the changes truly worth your time?
6. Hero Mode
NintendoWhat's the change? The newly-added Hero Mode doubles damage dealt by enemies and no recovery hearts are dropped in the game world, either. It's optional, although welcome for gamers seeking a challenge in a post-Dark Souls landscape and especially welcome for veteran fans of Zelda. Why? The Legend of Zelda has always been a special and streamlined gaming experience: more adventure game than role-playing game. But post-2000, longtime fans have been critical about the decreasing difficulty of combat encounters and the plentiful supply of heart replenishments following a fight. The Wind Waker was criticised in particular as a being an easy game in the franchise, with an added counter move that made many combat scenarios a "sit and wait for the button" encounter. The core appeal in The Legend of Zelda has always been in sending players out on an epic adventure, with all the hardship that should theoretically entail. Enemies should be brutal and difficult and its not as if gamers cannot handle the challenge the success of Demons Souls and Dark Souls is testament enough to this. One hopes Hero Mode and/or Master Quests are included as a standard from here on in to allow fans that have been enjoying Zelda for more than a decade to really feel challenged.
Bryan Langley’s first console was the Super Nintendo and he hasn’t stopped using his opposable thumbs since. He is based in Bristol, UK and is still searchin' for them glory days he never had.
