What is The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD?
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD is a "high definition" remake of the GameCube/Wii adventure of the same name. Playing as series hero Link, a tunic wearing forest child who never speaks, it falls to you save the world from impending disaster, as a darkness known as the Twilight spreads across the land...
How do you play The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD?
A adventure game with a strong emphasis on story and puzzle solving, Twilight Princess is a game that's all about exploration. One minute, you'll be galloping across the Hyrule Field on the back of your trusty steed, Epona - the next you'll be solving puzzles in one of the game's many, heavily puzzle based dungeon. Whether you're using Iron Boots to sink to the bottom of a lake and flip a switch, or stick yourself to a magnetic platform; firing an arrow through a flame to create a burning arrow and burn through a spider's web, or cut a rope to lower a drawbridge; or water bombs to blow things up under water, there's a wide range of ways to put your grey matter to the test. In fact, in the game's dungeons, almost every room you go into is a puzzle of its own that needs to be solved.
In Twilight Princess, you also have the ability to play as a wolf, creatively known as Wolf Link, leading to a markedly different style of gameplay (and puzzle solving). Without Link's trademark sword and shield, Wolf Link can talk to other animals for help, follow scent trails, and find people hidden in the Twilight.
How easy is The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD to pick up and play?
In terms of accessibility, this is one of the easier Zelda games to pick up and play, along with fellow Wii U Zelda game, Wind Waker HD. With the ability to aim arrows and your hookshot by tilting the GamePad, removing the need for precision analogue controls, and a handy map present on the GamePad's screen at all times, this isn't too tough to pick up and get stuck into - although with freedom to explore as you wish, and some sometimes tricky puzzles (the answer can be staring you right in the face, but you might not see it), it isn't as forgiving as other games either. That said, while some of the late-game puzzles and challenges can be a bit tricky, your ethereal assistant Midna will always be on hand to offer hints if you need them. On top of that, you don't have to worry about having played any of the previous games in the series, as the story here may be set in the same universe (loosely), but there's no foreknowledge needed.
With nothing in the way of sex, nudity, or swearing, all parents may want to be aware of in Twilight Princess HD is a mild amount of violence. While you'll be attacking enemies with swords, a bow and arrow, and sometimes bombs, there's nothing in the way of blood, gore, or even anything in the way of realistic impacts, with weapons simply making the enemy glow momentarily, as small flash of light appears to show you've made contact.
Age Ratings
Format Reviewed: Nintendo Wii U
