The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 18:05, 12 September 2005

Latest revision as of 19:26, 17 August 2025

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{{Short description|2006 video game}}

{{future game par|Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess}}

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{{Infobox CVG| title = The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

{{Good article}}

|image = [[Image:The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess logo.jpg|256px|center|Official Logo]]

{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2015}}

|developer = [[Nintendo]]

{{Infobox video game

|publisher = [[Nintendo]]

| title = The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

|designer = [[Eiji Aonuma]] (director)<br />[[Shigeru Miyamoto]] (producer)

| image = The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess Game Cover.jpg

|engine =

| 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.

|released = [[Q2 2006]]

| caption =

|genre = [[Action adventure game|Action Adventure]]

| developer = [[Nintendo EAD]]{{efn|[[Nvidia Lightspeed Studios]] developed the Nvidia Shield version.|lead=yes}}

|modes = [[Single player]]

| publisher = [[Nintendo]]

|ratings = [[ESRB]]: Rating Pending (RP)

|platforms director = [[NintendoEiji GameCubeAonuma]]

| producer = [[Shigeru Miyamoto]]

|media = 1 × [[GameCube Optical Disc]]

| artist = {{Plainlist|

|requirements =

* Yusuke Nakano

|input = [[game controller#Nintendo|Controller]]

* Satoru Takizawa

}}

| writer = {{Plainlist|

'''''The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess''''' is an upcoming [[video game]] in [[Nintendo]]'s ''[[The Legend of Zelda series|The Legend of Zelda]]'' series for the [[Nintendo GameCube]]. Originally planned for release in November, Nintendo delayed it to [[2006]] so that the developers could add more content and fine-tune the game[http://cube.ign.com/articles/642/642238p1.html].

* [[Aya Kyogoku]]

* Takayuki Ikkaku

* Mitsuhiro Takano<ref name="story1"/>

* Eiji Aonuma<ref name="storybase"/>

}}

| composer = {{Plainlist|

* [[Toru Minegishi]]

* Asuka Ota

}}

| series = ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]''

| platforms = {{ubl|[[Wii]]|[[GameCube]]|[[Nvidia Shield TV]]<ref>Lawler, Richard.[https://www.engadget.com/2017/12/05/nintendo-wii-gamecube-nvidia-shield-china/ Nintendo Wii, GameCube games come to China on NVIDIA Shield] {{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.[2017-12-05].</ref>}}

| released = {{collapsible list|title=November 19, 2006|'''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}}

'''Nvidia Shield TV'''{{Video game release|CHN|December 5, 2017}}}}

| genre = [[Action-adventure]]

| modes = [[Single-player]]

}}

{{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 [[action-adventure game]] developed and published by [[Nintendo]] for the [[GameCube]] and [[Wii]].<!--DO NOT CHANGE. Ordered alphabetically.--> Originally planned for release exclusively on the GameCube in November 2005, Nintendo delayed the release to refine the game, add more content, and [[Video game port|port]] 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=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |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 [[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.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gamepro.com/news.cfm?article_id=85328|title=GamePro Q&A: Nintendo's Harrison on Zelda|magazine=[[GamePro]]|publisher=[[IDG Entertainment]]|date=November 5, 2006|access-date=December 3, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061126140729/http://www.gamepro.com/news.cfm?article_id=85328|archive-date=November 26, 2006}}</ref><ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Aonuma|2007|loc=Eiji Aonuma's GDC 2007 Presentation}}</ref>

The game takes place over a century after ''[[Ocarina of Time]]'' and ''[[Majora's Mask]]'', in an [[Alternate history|alternate timeline]] from ''[[The Wind Waker]]''.<ref name="nindori">{{cite web |date=February 2007 |title=Long interview with Eiji Aonuma |url=http://www.nindori.com/interview/154zelda/154int_02.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070202030221/http://www.nindori.com/interview/154zelda/154int_02.html |archive-date=February 2, 2007 |access-date=February 3, 2016 |work=[[Nintendo Dream]] |language=ja}}</ref> Players control [[Link (The Legend of Zelda)|Link]], who tries to prevent [[Hyrule]] from being engulfed by a corrupted [[Parallel universes in fiction|parallel dimension]], the Twilight Realm. He takes the form of both a [[Universe of The Legend of Zelda#Hylian|Hylian]] and a wolf, and he is assisted by a mysterious [[imp]] named [[Midna]].

Footage from the game was originally shown at [[E3|E³]] [[2004]] in the form of a short trailer, and a second trailer was later shown at the [[2005]] [[Game Developers Conference]]. It features a realistic art style (similar to but more advanced than that found in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|Ocarina of Time]]''), rather than the cartoon look that ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|The Wind Waker]]'' exhibited, although it will still make use of the [[cel-shading]] lighting effects and a modified version of ''The Wind Waker'''s engine. In a further departure from ''The Wind Waker'', Link is once again a young man, as in the second half of ''Ocarina of Time''. It is also believed that the game takes on a much darker tone than its predecessor, judging from the trailers.

''Twilight Princess'' received critical acclaim, with praise for its art direction, combat, level design, and story. It received numerous [[game of the year]] awards, and has been called [[List of video games considered the best|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 ''[[Breath of the Wild]]'' (2017).<ref name="Nenneley">{{Cite web |last=Nunneley |first=Stephany |date=April 26, 2018 |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/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428141737/https://www.vg247.com/2018/04/26/switch-sales-over-17m-units-breath-of-the-wild/ |archive-date=April 28, 2019 |access-date=27 April 2018 |website=VG247}}</ref> In 2011, the Wii version was rereleased under the [[Nintendo Selects]] label. A high-definition [[Video game remake|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.<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=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |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> An eleven-volume [[The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (manga)|manga series based on ''Twilight Princess'']] by [[Akira Himekawa]] was published between 2016 and 2022.

A number of former rumors about the game were confirmed at E³ 2005. The official title, ''The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess'' was announced, and it was explained that Link would transform into a wolf. It was confirmed that it falls chronologically "decades after ''Ocarina of Time''", but before ''The Wind Waker'', and that "the hero in the adventure is an all-new Link"[http://cube.ign.com/articles/616/616118p1.html]. Interviews and a playable demo exposed many new details, such as Link beginning the game as a sort of shepherd or cowboy, Link battling on horseback, changes in the horse controls from ''Ocarina'', thematic differences between dungeons, and so on[http://www.gamespot.com/gamecube/action/thelegendofzelda/preview_6125311.html]. Live feeds of this demo have also been published.

==Gameplay==

In recent interviews in ''[[Nintendo Power]]'', ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'', and the Spanish magazine ''Hobby Consolas'', director [[Eiji Aonuma]] revealed that [[Princess Zelda]] and [[Ganondorf]] will be returning. What their roles are is unknown, but the new character art shows Princess Zelda with a thin and somewhat effeminate sword, leading many fans to theorise that she will fight at some point, or at the very least defend herself. Nintendo is unclear on whether the [[Master Sword]] will be featured in the game.

{{See also|The Legend of Zelda#Gameplay}}

[[File:Zelda - Twilight Princess - stab.jpg|thumb|left|An arrow points at an enemy whom [[Link (The Legend of Zelda)|Link]] is targeting as he prepares to swing his sword ([[GameCube]] 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 [[action-adventure game]] focused on combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving. It uses the basic control scheme introduced in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|Ocarina of Time]]'', including context-sensitive action buttons and L-targeting (Z-targeting on the [[Wii]]),<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 [[Link (The Legend of Zelda)|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.<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>

Aonuma has also stated that the game will be much larger in size than ''Ocarina of Time'', and will have many more dungeons. He stated that Link can communicate with animals, but did not elaborate on this. He also confirmed that voice acting will not be in the game. However, characters will still grunt, laugh, scream, and make other such noises, just as they have in all 3D ''LoZ'' outings.

The [[GameCube]] and Wii versions feature several minor differences in their controls and gameplay. The Wii version uses 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 [[Wii Remote#Nunchuk|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.<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Pelland|2006|p=168}}</ref>

[[Image:normal_linkstanding.jpg|thumb|158px|right|Character art, showing the new Link]]

There have been claims that celebrities will provide voices for characters in the game, including that rapper [[50 Cent]] will play the horse and that [[Richard Simmons]] will play [[Tingle]]. This is obviously a hoax, stemming from joke entries on the game's IMDb page[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0441877/]. The article also states that the game's name will be changed to The Legend of Zelda: Tingle's Revenge, which furthermore proves it to be a prank. Nintendo has confirmed that the game will not contain any extensive voice acting.

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 (video games)|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 (The Legend of Zelda)|Epona]]; or by teleporting with Midna's assistance.<ref name="ign wii review"/>

When Link enters the Twilight Realm, the void that corrupts parts of [[Universe of The Legend of Zelda#Hyrule|Hyrule]], he transforms into a wolf.<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Pelland|2006|p=35}}</ref> He is eventually able to transform between his [[Universe of The Legend of Zelda#Hylian|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.<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 [[Poe (The Legend of Zelda)|Poe]]s.<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Pelland|2006|p=153}}</ref>

=Project History=

The [[artificial intelligence]] 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.<ref>{{Cite magazine |magazine=[[Nintendo Power]] |publisher=[[Nintendo]] |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>

[[Image:Spaceworld2000zelda.jpg|thumb|200px|left|A demo to show the power of the GCN at Nintendo's 2000 Spaceworld convention fueled hopes and speculation about a new Zelda game with better realistic graphics than ''OoT''.]]

Speculation regarding a realistic Zelda game on the Nintendo GameCube goes back as far as Summer [[2000]]. During its 2000 [[Spaceworld]] convention, Nintendo unveiled the GameCube along with some demos for ''[[Luigi's Mansion]]'', an unnamed ''[[Metroid Prime|Metroid]]'' game, ''[[Super Mario 128]]'', an unnamed ''[[Pokémon]]'' game, and a ''Zelda'' demo where characters [[Link (Legend of Zelda)|Link]] and [[Ganon|Ganondorf]] fight. While Nintendo mentioned that the demos did not necessarily represent upcoming Nintendo projects accurately, the ''Zelda'' demo left a permanent impression on many fans.

==Plot==

When Nintendo unveiled a trailer for what would become ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker]]'' during the [[2001]] [[E3|Electronic Entertainment Expo]], many fans were surprised by the change in direction the ''Zelda'' series was taking on consoles. After the game was released in [[2003]], most of the criticism of the new style disappeared, as both reviews and word-of-mouth ratings for the game were generally positive. Many thought this acceptance (and the news that a "sequel", tentatively dubbed ''Wind Waker 2'', was being built on the same engine) signalled that the next Zelda console game, (not counting ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures|Four Swords Adventures]]'') would continue in that style.

{{redirect|Twilight Realm|the novel|The Twilight Realm}}

{{Further|The Legend of Zelda#Fictional chronology|label1=Fictional chronology of ''The Legend of Zelda''}}

A teenage boy named Link works as a ranch hand in Ordon Village. One day, [[Universe of The Legend of Zelda#Bulblin|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 [[Characters in The Legend of Zelda series#Zant|Zant]], the usurper king of the Twili, invaded [[Universe of The Legend of Zelda#Hyrulean geography|Hyrule Castle]] 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 = [[Nintendo Entertainment Analysis & Development#Software Development Group No. 3|Nintendo Entertainment Analysis & Development]] | publisher = [[Nintendo]] | date = November 19, 2006 | platform = [[GameCube]]/[[Wii]] | 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 [[Universe of The Legend of Zelda#Light Spirits|Light Spirits]] by entering the Twilight-covered regions and recovering the Spirits' light from the Twilight beings that have 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 his journey, Link finds Ordon Village's children and assists the monkeys of Faron, the [[Universe of The Legend of Zelda#Goron|Gorons]] of Eldin, and the [[Universe of The Legend of Zelda#Zora|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 and reveals that his power comes from another source, which he uses 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 [[Universe of The Legend of Zelda#Master Sword|Master Sword]] to remove Zant's curse. 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 = [[Nintendo Entertainment Analysis & Development#Software Development Group No. 3|Nintendo Entertainment Analysis & Development]] | publisher = [[Nintendo]] | date = November 19, 2006 | platform = [[GameCube]]/[[Wii]] | quote = '''Midna''': Princess... I have one last request... Can you tell him...where to find the Mirror of Twilight? [''Zelda gasps''] [...] / '''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! [...] [''to herself''] Zelda...I've taken all that you had to give...though I did not want it.}}</ref>

At [[E3|E³]] [[2004]], this misconception ended, when a surprise announcement was made near the end of a Nintendo press conference. In an explanation for the stylistic departure from ''Wind Waker'', game director Eiji Aonuma described the title as being more specifically targeted to the franchise's North American audience.

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 = [[Nintendo Entertainment Analysis & Development#Software Development Group No. 3|Nintendo Entertainment Analysis & Development]] | publisher = [[Nintendo]] | date = November 19, 2006 | platform = [[GameCube]]/[[Wii]] | 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 [[Characters in The Legend of Zelda series#Sages|Sages]] there explain that Zant tried to destroy it, but only managed to shatter it into fragments; only the true ruler of the [[Universe of The Legend of Zelda#Twili|Twili]] can completely destroy the mirror.<ref>{{cite video game | title = The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess | developer = [[Nintendo Entertainment Analysis & Development#Software Development Group No. 3|Nintendo Entertainment Analysis & Development]] | publisher = [[Nintendo]] | date = November 19, 2006 | platform = [[GameCube]]/[[Wii]] | 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 [[Ganon]]dorf, the [[Universe of The Legend of Zelda#Gerudo|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.<ref>{{cite video game | title = The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess | developer = [[Nintendo Entertainment Analysis & Development#Software Development Group No. 3|Nintendo Entertainment Analysis & Development]] | publisher = [[Nintendo]] | date = November 19, 2006 | platform = [[GameCube]]/[[Wii]] | quote = '''Sages''': [''to Midna''] 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 game was believed to be scheduled for release in [[November 2005]], until [[August 16th]], 2005, when Nintendo announced it would be released some time after [[March 31st]] [[2006]], because the development team needed more time to work on the game. A precise date has yet to be announced.

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 = [[Nintendo Entertainment Analysis & Development#Software Development Group No. 3|Nintendo Entertainment Analysis & Development]] | publisher = [[Nintendo]] | date = November 19, 2006 | platform = [[GameCube]]/[[Wii]] | 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.

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 next-gen console, the [[Nintendo Revolution]]. However, Perrin Kaplan, Nintendo's vice president for corporate affairs, has confirmed that it will 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."

==Development==

=Story & Gameplay=

===Inception as a GameCube game===

{{spoilers}}

[[File:Eiji Aonuma - 453606822.jpg|thumb|alt=A photo of a bespectacled Eiji Aonuma near a microphone|[[Eiji Aonuma]], the director of ''Twilight Princess'', at the 2007 [[Game Developers Conference]]]]

The game begins with Link residing in Toaru Village (this name has not been finalized), working as a wrangler. This changes, however, when he is asked by the village's mayor to visit the Hyrule Summit. In doing so, Link leaves behind Ilia, the mayor's daughter (who some believe to be Link's girlfriend, or at least an admirer). It is his journey beyond the village which leads him to first encounter the Twilight Realm.

In 2003, [[Nintendo]] announced a new ''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=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |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 [[Cel shading|cel-shaded]] ''The Wind Waker''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/05/20/interview-eiji-aonuma |title=Interview: Eiji Aonuma |work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |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 [[Game Developers Conference]], director [[Eiji Aonuma]] unintentionally revealed that it 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=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |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> with a similar graphical style.<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=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |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> [[Nintendo#Nintendo of America|Nintendo of America]] told Aonuma that North American sales of ''The Wind Waker'' were sluggish because its cartoon appearance created the impression that it was designed for a young audience. 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.<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= [[Kotaku]]|publisher= [[Gizmodo Media Group]]|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 presentation, suggested the team should focus on 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 [[The Legend of Zelda (video game)|original ''Legend of Zelda'']] was inspired by [[J. R. R. Tolkien]]'s [[The Lord of the Rings|''The Lord of the Rings'' novels]],<ref>{{cite magazine |magazine=[[Club Nintendo]] |volume=1996 |issue=2 |title=Classic: Zelda und Link |trans-title= Classic: Zelda and Link |language=de |date=April 1996 |page=72 |publisher=[[Nintendo of Europe]] |quote=[The two program designers Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka were responsible for the game, who set themselves the goal of developing a fairytale adventure game with action elements... ...Takashi Tezuka, a great lover of fantasy novels such as Tolkien's ''Lord of the Rings'', wrote the script for the first two games in the Zelda series].}}</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 [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''Lord of the Rings'']] 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> It was developed with 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>

==Animals==

Animals play a big part in the game. Although it is confirmed that Link will be able to talk to some animals, and maybe even his horse, the exact roles of most of them are unknown. Dungeons are animal-themed, as revealed on the show [[Xplay]].

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 [[E3#Events|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'';<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=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |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 [[Nintendo DS]] in 2007, in the form of ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass|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.<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=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |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'' [[Game engine|engine]].<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=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |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>

===Link, the wolf===

[[Image:LinkandMidna.jpg|thumb|256px|right|Link (in wolf form) and Midna (on his back)]]

Link will also be able to enter the Twilight Realm and transform into a wolf, much like the transformation into a bunny when entering the Dark World in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past]].'' Link will be unable to use any weapons or items in this form, but will team up with Midna, a small character who rides atop Link wearing an odd helmet. As the Twilight gets pushed back, Link will regain his human form, altering Link and Midna's partnership[http://cube.ign.com/articles/616/616559p1.html].

Prior ''Zelda'' games have employed a theme of two separate, yet connected, worlds. In ''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past|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''.<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 a while for him to remember where he was.<ref name=":0"/> The story was created by Aonuma, and it later underwent several changes by scenario writers Mitsuhiro Takano and [[Aya Kyogoku]].<ref name="story1">{{cite web|url=http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/wii/twilight_princess/0/2 |title=Iwata Asks: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess: Like Trying to Mold Clay |date=November 2006 |work=Iwata Asks |publisher=[[Nintendo]] |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=[[Nintendo]] |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 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 being kidnapped was an example of the darker story elements.<ref name=":0"/>

===Link's horse===

In this game, Link's horse is apparently not [[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time characters#Epona|Epona]], despite looking very similar. While the E³ footage shows the horse's name as Epona, this time around, gamers can choose their own name for the horse. Whether or not it has a [[default]] name (as with Link) is currently unknown. In the gameplay trailers, Link picks some "[[horse]] [[grass]]", and plays Epona's Song, which has been confirmed to summon the horse.

The Twilight Realm portions were 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"/>

Confirmed new mechanics for riding include Link doing battle with his sword or bow while on horseback, and the possibility of being thrown from the saddle.

Aonuma left his team working on the new idea while he produced ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap|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 [[touchscreen|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.<ref group="lower-alpha">{{harvnb|Aonuma|2007|loc=E3 2005 and 120% ''Zelda''}}</ref>

===Link's hawk===

The hawk can be used much like the [[boomerang|Boomerang]]; Link can target objects, and send the hawk out to hit (and, probably, retrieve) things from afar. Whether the hawk can be used to attack enemies or is merely a puzzle-solving ally is unclear. It is called upon using "Hawk weed" found in patches.

===CuccosTransition 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 created 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.<ref name=wii-transfer group="lower-alpha"/>

As in the past games, Link can grab hold of [[cucco]]s to hover for short distances. This enables him to access secret or hard-to-reach places he could not normally get to. Unlike previous games in which they were always white, the cuccos in the E³ footage are brown, much like everyday [[chicken]]s.

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 [[E3 2005]], Nintendo released a small number of [[Nintendo DS game card]]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=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |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=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |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=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |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>

===Goats===

Aonuma mentioned that Link "takes care of the goats" in Toaru Village, so we can expect to see these creatures in the 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.<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 ''[[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.<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=[[1UP.com]]|publisher=[[IGN]]}}</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=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |year=2006}}</ref> and ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' 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=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |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=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |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 [[E3 2006]], Nintendo confirmed that both versions would be available at the [[Wii launch]],<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=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |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=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |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>

===Cats===

The second trailer showed Link petting some cats, and later picking up one of them and running off with it (with the others chasing after). What their role will be is unknown, and they were only seen washing themselves in the expanded third trailer. A cat was also seen in some gameplay footage where Link had to get it off a roof and return it to its owner.

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>

===Dogs===

In new gameplay footage Link could pick up a bone and toss it to a dog. This could become useful later in the game.

===MonkeysMusic and sound===

The score was composed by [[Toru Minegishi]] and Asuka Ohta, with series regular [[Koji Kondo]] serving as the sound supervisor.<ref>{{Cite video game|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|developer=[[Nintendo Entertainment Analysis & Development#Software Development Group No. 3|Nintendo Entertainment Analysis & Development]]|publisher=[[Nintendo]]|date=November 19, 2006|platform=[[GameCube]]/[[Wii]]| 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=[[Nintendo Power]] |publisher=[[Nintendo]] |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=[[Nintendo Power]] |publisher=[[Nintendo]] |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 [[Mahito Yokota]] 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=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |publisher=[[Condé Nast]] |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> [[Michiru Ōshima]] 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 [[Akiko Kōmoto]].<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=[[VG247]]|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>

In the new dungeon shown in E³ footage and in the playable demo, it appears that the dungeon is monkey-themed. Link rescues monkeys from cages; in return they help him cross a bridge to the mini-boss's lair, where he battles the bewitched baboon who locked them up.

Media requests at the trade show prompted Kondo to consider using orchestral music for the other tracks, 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=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|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 [[video game music|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.<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>

==Enemies==

Not much is currently known about the enemies in the game; while some enemies from previous Zelda games return, as seen in the third official trailer, there are also many new creatures. Enemy [[artificial intelligence|AI]] is more advanced than in ''The Wind Waker.''

=== Technical vulnerability ===

===Skulltula?===

Following the discovery of a [[buffer overflow]] [[Vulnerability (computing)|vulnerability]] in the Wii version of ''Twilight Princess'', an [[Exploit (computer security)|exploit]] known as the "Twilight Hack" was developed, allowing the [[Execution (computing)|execution]] of custom code from a [[Secure Digital]] (SD) card on the [[Video game console|console]]. A specifically designed [[saved game|save file]] would cause the game to load [[unsigned code]], which could include [[Executable and Linkable Format]] (ELF) programs and [[Wii homebrew|homebrew Wii applications]].<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=[[Joystiq]]|publisher=[[AOL]]|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 [[Wii Menu]] 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=[[Joystiq]]|publisher=[[AOL]]|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=[[Joystiq]]|publisher=[[AOL]]|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 [[Patch (computing)|patched]] 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=[[Lifehacker]]|publisher=[[Gawker Media]]|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>

[[Image:Ss6.jpg|right|200px]]

The identity of this monster is unknown, but it is most likely a Skulltula. Its appearance is reminiscent of a Skulltula, although the skull is only a pattern on the abdomen, whereas the Skulltula in the N64 games had a skull-shaped armored carapace.

===''Twilight Princess HD''===

These spider-creatures are seen in the dungeon in the new gameplay footage. They hang from webs much like Skulltula, and they may also leave their webs and attack Link from the ground. This enemy appears to have the ability to encase Link in a web as seen in the second trailer.

{{Infobox video game

| title = The Legend of Zelda:<br/>Twilight Princess HD

| image =

| alt =

| developer = {{plainlist|

* [[Tantalus Media]]

* [[Nintendo Entertainment Planning & Development|Nintendo EPD]]

}}

| publisher = [[Nintendo]]

| director = Tomomi Sano

| producer = [[Eiji Aonuma]]

| designer =

| programmer = Sean O'Sullivan

| artist = Paul Court

| writer =

| composer = {{ubl|[[Toru Minegishi]]|Asuka Ohta|[[Koji Kondo]]}}

| series =

| platforms = [[Wii U]]

| released = {{Video game release|[[North America|NA]]/[[Europe|EU]]|March 4, 2016|AUS|March 5, 2016|JP|March 10, 2016}}

| genre = [[Action-adventure game|Action-adventure]]

| modes = [[Single-player]]

}}

A [[High-definition video|high-definition]] [[Video game remake|remaster]], ''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.<ref name="HD announcement"/> It 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=[[Nintendo]]|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 ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild|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.<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=[[YouTube]]|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 ''[[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 [[Video game remake|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 [[Video game developer|development studio]], the Australia-based [[Tantalus Media]], 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=[[Nintendo Life]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |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>

===Keese===

These staple enemies return with a new look. Keese fly around to attack Link and are easily defeated, taking only one hit to subdue. They are seen in a forest in the third trailer and a dungeon from gameplay footage.

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 [[Video game console|consoles]]' 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=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|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 [[frame rate]] 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 [[3D modeling|models]] of objects to go with the higher [[Display resolution|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".<ref name="NL interview"/>

===Stalfos===

[[Image:Normal stalfos.jpg|right|230px|thumb|Stalfos]]

Another classic enemy in the Zelda series, Stalfos have appeared in numerous screenshots and trailers. A Stalfos is a walking skeleton, usually equipped with a shield and sword, and most cases they are easily defeated by blocking and counter-attacking. Like the Keese, they have been give a new, darker and more detailed look.

Certain bundles 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=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|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 ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild|Breath of the Wild]]''.<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=[[Eurogamer]]|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=[[Eurogamer]]|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 [[Princess Zelda#Sheik|Sheik]] restore Link's health, and Ganondorf causes Link to take twice as much damage.<ref name="HD changes"/> A CD containing 20 musical selections was available as a [[GameStop]] 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=[[Curse, Inc.]]|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 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=[[CraveOnline]]|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>

Possibly related to the Stalfos are the skeletal beasts which Link fights in a graveyard in the second trailer.

==Reception==

===Lizalfos/Dinofols(?)===

===Reviews===

These reptilian foes, originally from ''Ocarina of Time'', make appearances in a number of different places in the trailers. They appear to fight with swords and shields, and some wear a sort of skull helm.

{{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=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |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>

===Moblins and Bokoblins===

| 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=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |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>

These familiar creatures attack Link in various locations, including (a new addition to the series) from the backs of boars while he's on horseback, in what appears to be a new rendition of Hyrule Field.

| 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=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |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>

===???===

| 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=[[1UP.com]] |publisher=[[IGN]] |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>

Strange creatures, which bear a disturbing resemblance to something out of [[Lovecraft]]'s [[Cthulhu mythos]] or ''[[Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem]]'', have also been featured in the latest trailer. Apparently related to the incursion of the Twilight Realm into Hyrule, they are seen falling from an odd portal in the sky, and later being attacked by Midna and wolf-Link.

| 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=[[AllGame]] |publisher=[[All Media Network]] |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>

| rev1 = ''CGMagazine''

| rev1_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=CGMagazine |date=1 March 2016 |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=[[Computer and Video Games]]|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=[[Future plc]]}}</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=[[Destructoid]] |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=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |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=[[Famitsu]]|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=[[Enterbrain]]|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=[[GameRevolution]] |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=[[GamePro]] |publisher=[[IDG Entertainment]] |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=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |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=[[GameSpot]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|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=[[GamesRadar]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |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=[[GamesRadar]] |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=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |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=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|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=[[Nintendo Life]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|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=[[Nintendo Power]]|publisher=[[Nintendo]]|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=[[Nintendo Power]]|publisher=[[Nintendo]]|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=[[Shacknews]] |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=[[USgamer]] |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=[[VentureBeat]] |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=[[G4 (American TV network)|G4]]|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 = ''[[GameTrailers]]''

==Bosses==

| award1 = Game of the Year (2006)

One of the new mini-bosses is a giant [[baboon]], who taunts Link and throws a boomerang. Simultaneously, Link is being attacked by an uprooted Deku Baba with three joined heads; it crawls on the ground and snaps at him. Link needs to deflect the baboon's boomerang back by hitting it, then roll into pillars to knock the baboon off. He then hits its red bottom several times until it is defeated. As demonstrated in the second trailer, enemies' attacks can hurt each other. The baboon is revealed to be good once it is defeated by Link and a red-and-black cap falls off its head.

| award2Pub = ''[[1UP.com]]''

| award2 = Game of the Year (2006)

Another boss or mini-boss battle is a sort of jousting match with a Moblin riding a huge boar. To up the stakes, the creature has abducted a village boy, Colin, and is dangling him from the end of a pole! The goal of this match is apparently to knock the other rider from his mount and off the bridge on which they are jousting.

| award3Pub = ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]''

| award3 = Game of the Year (2006)

Gohma is also back, with a larger eye than in ''Ocarina of Time''. In the second trailer, Link is running headlong from it through a network of caves.

| award4Pub = ''[[Game Informer]]''

| award4 = Game of the Year (2006)

==Other Playable Character(s)==

| award5Pub = ''[[GamesRadar]]''

[[Image:ZeldaTP.jpg|160px|right]]

| award5 = Game of the Year (2006)

| award6Pub = ''[[GameSpy]]''

| award6 = Game of the Year (2006)

| award7Pub = [[Spacey Awards]]

| award7 = Game of the Year (2006)

| award8Pub = ''[[X-Play]]''

| award8 = Game of the Year (2006)

| award9Pub = ''[[Nintendo Power]]''

| award9 = Game of the Year (2006)

| award10Pub = [[Golden Joystick Award]]

| 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 ''[[1UP.com]]'',<ref name="1UP"/> ''[[Computer and Video Games]]'',<ref name="CVG"/> ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'',<ref name="EGM">{{Cite magazine|first=Jeremy|last= Parish|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess review| magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|volume=211|pages=56–58|date=January 2007}}</ref> ''[[Game Informer]]'',<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=[[Game Informer]]|publisher=[[GameStop]]|first=Andrew|last=Reiner |url-status=dead |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> ''[[GamesRadar]]''<ref name="GamesRadar Wii"/> and ''[[GameSpy]]''.<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=[[GameSpy]] |publisher=[[IGN]] |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 [[Metacritic]], ''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 [[2006 in video gaming#Critically acclaimed titles|highest-rated game of 2006 on Metacritic]].<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=[[Metacritic]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|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> ''[[GameTrailers]]'' 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=[[GameTrailers]] |publisher=[[Defy Media]] |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>

Midna, a new character (who some speculate may be evil), is a resident of the Twilight Realm. At a certain point in the game she decides to team up with Link to fight a "greater evil" that she cannot overcome alone (fans assume this is [[Ganon]]). For these parts, the player controls her while she rides on wolf-Link's back.

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"/> ''[[IGN]]''<ref name="ign wii review"/> and ''[[The Washington Post]]''.<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=[[The Washington Post]] |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 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 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, ''[[GameSpot]]''{{'}}s [[Jeff Gerstmann]] 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=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |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 [[Musical Instrument Digital Interface|MIDI]]-formatted songs for lacking "the punch and crispness" of their orchestrated counterparts.<ref name="ign wii review"/>

There is also some speculation&mdash;mostly unfounded&mdash;that Princess Zelda herself may be playable in the game. The primary basis for this theory is a piece of official concept art (shown right) in which Zelda holds a sword. No official confirmation exists (indeed, there have been statements to the contrary), however, and the fan community is largely divided on the prospect and implications of such a move.

==== Wii U version ====

==Twilight Princess==

''Twilight Princess HD'' holds a score of 86/100 at the [[review aggregator]] [[Metacritic]], 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=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |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 [[Golden Joystick Award]]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=[[Nintendo Life]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |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 origin of the game's title is currently unknown. It is believed to refer to a person, such as Midna or [[Princess Zelda|Zelda]].

==Weapons=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=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|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=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|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=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|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=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|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=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|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=[[Nintendo Power]]|publisher=[[Nintendo]]|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=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|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=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|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 [[List of Game of the Year awards|Game of the Year]] awards from ''GameTrailers'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/player/16209.html|title=2006 GameTrailers Awards: Game of the Year|work=[[GameTrailers]]|publisher=[[Defy Media]]|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=[[1UP.com]] |publisher=[[IGN]] |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=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|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=[[Game Informer]]|publisher=[[GameStop]]|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=[[GamesRadar]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |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"/> [[Spacey Awards]],<ref>{{cite episode|title=Favorite Video Game of 2007|series=Spaceys|network=[[Space (Canadian TV channel)|Space]]|airdate=2007}}</ref> ''[[X-Play]]''<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=[[G4 (American TV network)|G4]]|access-date=March 19, 2007}}</ref> and ''Nintendo Power''.<ref name="NP Awards"/> It was also given awards for Best Adventure Game from the [[Game Critics Awards]],<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=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|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=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|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=[[GameTrailers]]|publisher=[[Defy Media]]|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"/> It 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=[[Game Critics Awards]] |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=[[GameSpy]]|publisher=[[IGN]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061231130212/http://goty.gamespy.com/2006/overall/index15.html|archive-date=December 31, 2006}}</ref> During the [[10th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards]], ''Twilight Princess'' was awarded with "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Achievement in Story|Outstanding Achievement in Story and Character Development]]" by the [[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]],<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=[[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]]|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 "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Game of the Year|Overall Game of the Year]]", "Console Game of the Year", "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Adventure Game of the Year|Action/Adventure Game of the Year]]", "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Achievement in Game Design|Outstanding Achievement in Game Design]]", and "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Technical Achievement|Outstanding Achievement in Gameplay Engineering]]".<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=[[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] |website=interactive.org |access-date=6 November 2023}}</ref> The game placed 16th in ''[[Official Nintendo Magazine]]''{{'}}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=[[Official Nintendo Magazine]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|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 it 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=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|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> and the 5th-best GameCube game.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/the-best-gamecube-games-of-all-time|title=The 25 Best GameCube Games of All Time|work=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=September 1, 2023|access-date=March 24, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121020928/https://www.ign.com/articles/the-best-gamecube-games-of-all-time|archive-date=November 21, 2023}}</ref> ''Nintendo Power'' ranked it 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=[[Nintendo Power]] |publisher=[[Future US]] |issue=252 |pages=68–77 |date=March 2010}}</ref>

The game will feature some as-yet-unrevealed new weapons/items, and many classic Zelda armaments - some with new twists, such as the Gale Boomerang. This novel version of a cherished tool 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.

===Sales ===

It has also been confirmed that some weapons can now be combined, as with the bomb-arrows seen in one trailer. (This combo actually originated in the classic [[Game Boy]] adventure ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening|Link's Awakening]]'', and fans have been clamoring for the feature's return ever since.)

In North America, ''Twilight Princess'' 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=[[GameSpot]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|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 [[attach rate]] for a [[launch game]] since ''[[Super Mario 64]]'' launched with the [[Nintendo 64]] 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 [[2006 in video games|game of 2006]] 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=[[GameSpot]]|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 [[Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association]] (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=[[Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association]] |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=[[Gamasutra]] | archive-date=September 18, 2017 | url-status=dead}}</ref>

The game had sold 5.82 million copies on the Wii as of March 2011,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2011/annual1103e.pdf|title=Nintendo Annual Report 2011|website=[[Nintendo]]|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=[[Nintendo]]|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=[[Nintendo]] |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 ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild]]'' in April 2018.<ref name="Nenneley" />

== Environment ==

''Twilight Princess'' will feature many different types of environments. In the trailers, aside from the dungeons which are an important ''Zelda'' feature and the mysterious Twilight Realm, forest and open field settings were shown, along with the small village where Link lives. There are also mountain areas, where Link was seen apparently sparring with a Goron. In the most recently released pictures, a market scene was introduced (most likely Hyrule Market), and snowy area where wolf-Link was running.

==== Wii U version ====

==Races==

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 name="Sato">{{Cite web |last=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=February 25, 2017 |publisher=Siliconera}}</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="Sato" /> 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=[[Nintendo Life]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|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=[[Nintendo Life]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|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 [[The NPD Group]].<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=[[VentureBeat]]|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, it had 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>

===Gorons=Legacy==

An eleven-volume [[The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (manga)|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 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=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |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> [[Viz Media]] 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=[[Nintendo Life]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|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.

These rock eating creatures from ''Ocarina of Time'' are back, as seen in one of the trailers, although it has been stated the these will not be the same Gorons seen in ''OoT''. In the trailer, the Goron is standing opposite Link, fists up and bouncing around a bit, as though they were having a boxing match (though Link is using his shield). Link takes a hit and is knocked down.

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 [[nonogram]] [[puzzle video game]] developed by [[Jupiter Corporation|Jupiter]] as a downloadable title for the [[Nintendo 3DS]].<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=[[GameSpot]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|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=[[My Nintendo]]|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>

===Zoras===

The Zoras ''may'' also be making a comeback. In an interview from [[Electronic Gaming Monthly|EGM]] #195, Eiji Aonuma said "...Because it [''Twilight Princess''] is several decades after ''Ocarina'', it's possible some of the characters from that game might still be alive in this world. We've already shown the Goron in an earlier trailer; I think people can look forward to seeing if we include Zoras as well..." Nothing else official has been said regarding the Zoras.

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.<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>

==Other==

Returning in ''Twilight Princess'' is the popular fishing minigame from ''Ocarina of Time'', although its exact place and purpose in the game is not yet confirmed; i.e., a mini-game sidequest or part of the larger, main quest; it has been hinted that one of its final uses may be to fish up a boss which Link must then defeat.

==See also==

Also worth noting is a rumored return of the [[Sheikah]], a supposedly extinct tribe of ninja-like warriors loyal the Hyrulean throne, originally found in ''Ocarina of Time''. This speculation is based on the presence of a Sheikah symbol on the back of Zelda's robes in the trailer. The symbol is a stylized eye with 3 spike-like lashes fanning out above it and a tear falling below. Originally seen on the chest of Impa, a survivor of the Sheikah people, in ''Ocarina of Time'', it was also worn by Sheik (who was actually Princess Zelda in disguise). It is not yet known what role, if any, the Sheikah play in ''Twilight Princess''. The symbol may just be a treat for fans, nothing has been officially said about it.

* ''[[Link's Crossbow Training]]'', a 2007 shooting video game created for the [[Wii Zapper]], using the world and assets of ''Twilight Princess''

==Notes==

The character in the dark cloak with the Sheikah symbol on it in the previews appears to be Princess Zelda due to the similarities in the face and the headband Zelda is seen wearing in the artwork.

{{Reflist|25em|group=lower-alpha}}

==References==

=External links=

* {{cite speech |first=Eiji |last=Aonuma |author-link=Eiji Aonuma |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Reflections in the Hourglass |date=March 2007 |event=[[Game Developers Conference]] |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}}

* [http://www.zelda.com/universe/game/legendzelda/ Official site with trailers and screenshots]

* {{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=[[Nintendo]] |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}}

** [http://www.zeldauniverse.net/gallery/displayimage.php?album=237&pos=2','trailer','width=600,height=540'.focus() Trailer 1]

* {{cite book|editor1-first=Scott|editor1-last=Pelland|title=Official Nintendo Power The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Player's Guide|publisher=[[Nintendo]]|date=November 19, 2006|isbn=1-59812-004-2}}

** [http://zelda.com/universe/_pop/trailer.jsp?trailer=2&band=1','trailer','width=600,height=540'.focus() Trailer 2]

{{Reflist}}

** [http://zelda.com/universe/_pop/trailer.jsp?trailer=3&band=1','trailer','width=600,height=540'.focus() Trailer 3]

* [http://media.cube.ign.com/media/572/572738/vids_1.html Trailers and gameplay footage on IGN]

* [http://cube.ign.com/articles/615/615045p1.html Latest IGN impressions]

* {{Nintendo.com|id=fce85fe2-688f-4276-a3c2-84e0f270ab8b|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess}}

* {{imdb title|id=0441877|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess}}

* [http://cube.ign.com/articles/642/642238p1.html IGN: Zelda Delayed to Next Year]

==External links==

{{Zelda_series}}

{{Commons category}}

{{Wikiquote}}

* {{Official website|http://www.zelda.com/tp/}}

{{Zelda}}

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