New Information Released on Twilight Princess
Product: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight
Company: Nintendo
Date: 05/10/2006
Avaliable On:

During the 2006 pre-E3 Nintendo press conference, a few new details emerged about the release plans for The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, including its release date, well almost. Twilight Princess is slated for release on the same day that the Wii launches. Unfortunately, that date is still unknown. The more interesting news is that the game will be released on two separate platforms, both on the Nintendo GameCube, and as a launch title for the Wii.

During the press conference, we were given an extensive look at just how the Wii version of Twilight Princess would utilize the unique Wii-mote control. Making use of both the standard Wii-mote as well as the analog stick "nunchuck" attachment, the Wii version offers an entirely unique user interface.

The analog stick will be used to move Link around, and the nunchuck itself is motion sensitive, an aspect that is put to good use during some of Link's more complex maneuvers. Link's secondary items are assigned to the Wii-mote's D-pad. You will control a fairy on-screen with the Wii-mote and the trigger on the underside will make selections. All ranged weapons, such as the bow and boomerang, also make heavy use of the Wii-mote.

Nintendo also took this opportunity to announce a previously unknown feature of the Wii-mote, a speaker. Calling the new concept "depth of audio", the remote will make use of both the speaker and built-in rumble features of the Wii-mote to pull player's even further into their game world. The example they gave was of firing a bow. You will both hear and feel the bow string tighten as you aim for a shot. Once you fire, you will hear the whistling arrow travel from your hand to the screen.

Now I know what you're wondering. Do I get to swing the Wii-mote around like a sword? Well, not so much. Standard sword swings are performed using the B button on the Wii-mote. Thankfully, more advanced techniques require some more interesting control schemes. Spinning the Wii-mote in a circle causes Link to perform his patented 360 degree swing, while other moves, such as the downward thrust, require players to move the nunchuck in specific ways.

Playing The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess last year on the GameCube was fun. Playing it on the Wii looks like it may be a revolutionary experience. I'll be sure to let you know how it goes once I get a hands-on taste.

Alucard aka Stephen Triche

GameVortex PSIllustrated TeamPS2