Sword Followers

Sydney Morning Herald

Monday December 18, 2006

Jason Hill

Link gains an enigmatic buddy in the biggest Zelda quest yet, writes Jason Hill.

Game of the week

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

PC Xbox PS2 X360 Wii GC NDS PSP $99.95 *****

Every instalment in the long-running Zelda series is as sharp as Link's sword but Twilight Princess is an absolute masterpiece.

This latest epic quest features a compelling, darker plot and many memorable characters. Players control a grown-up Link, exploring Hyrule on foot, on horseback or as a powerful wolf.

Link is transformed into the beast when entering the mysterious Twilight realm, complete with heightened senses and brute strength. The wolf sections are cleverly integrated into the game, and in latter stages players can transform at will, allowing clever puzzles.

Link's enigmatic, fascinating companion Midna is another brilliant addition, providing helpful assistance and playing a key role in the story, in which Hyrule is consumed by a world of shadows and inhabitants turned to ghosts.

Some gamers were concerned that lengthy sessions with the motion-sensing remote would be too tiring but the controls quickly become second nature and do not require much exertion. Sword swinging works well even though it doesn't require finesse and pointing at targets when unleashing arrows or hurling boomerangs is a terrific addition. Battling enemies from horseback is particularly thrilling.

As usual, most time is spent in carefully constructed dungeons such as forest, water, sky and fire temples. Each features many ingenious puzzles and secrets and concludes with a battle against a memorably massive, fearsome boss.

At more than 40 spellbinding hours, this is the largest Zelda yet and features an almost overwhelming amount of content. Diversions such as fishing, mini-games, collection duties and side quests are extremely engaging time-wasters. The game could be criticised for not radically altering the Zelda template but when the formula is based on some of the best games made (Ocarina of Time and A Link to the Past) it seems churlish to complain. Link's legions of fans would not have it any other way.

ENDGAME: Imaginative and masterfully designed, Twilight Princess is every bit as good as the best Zelda adventures. It is hugely rewarding and absolutely essential for new Wii owners.

Wii Sports

PC Xbox PS2 X360 Wii GC NDS PSP Free with Wii consol ****

Wii Sports is the perfect launch title for Nintendo's radical new console. It brilliantly demonstrates the novelty of the motion-sensing controller without the need for marketing hyperbole. Few spectators will be able to resist having a try.

Of the five sports included, tennis is the most intuitive and enjoyable. Players simply swing the Wii remote as if they were brandishing a racquet, with their dinky characters automatically running around the court.

Your timing affects the placement of shots and players can even use their wrist to apply spin on the ball. Even Icon's four- and six-year-old testers had no trouble building rallies in their very first game, while skilled players can bamboozle rivals with deft ball placement.

Tenpin bowling is also terrific fun, with players required to mimic a real bowling action and apply spin to the ball if they are to earn regular strikes. It just feels right.

Golf has nine holes only but the sensitive swing detection rewards practice and is very satisfying. Players need to carefully judge distance and wind speed.

Baseball is limited to batting and pitching only and while hitting home runs is initially pleasing, it too quickly becomes repetitive.

Boxing, the only game to also use the "Nunchuk" attachment so you can punch with both hands, is similarly limited and too quickly exhausting. Worse, the recognition of your wild flailing is not convincing.

Each sport is much enlivened by playing with friends but the bonus training games are surprisingly addictive when alone. Challenges include converting tricky spares in bowling, hitting golf targets, whacking punching bags and smashing targets with tennis balls. The prospect of beating your high scores is alluring.

Wii Sports lacks the depth of most sports simulations but few games are as accommodating for new players or as much fun with a crowd.

Endgame: Highly approachable and hugely entertaining for all ages, Wii Sports serves as a great introduction and advertisement for the innovative Wii motion-sensing controller. JH

© 2006 Sydney Morning Herald

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