The definitive Twilight Princess Wii vs. Gamecube thread

[Zing]

I had trouble finding concrete, neutral impressions on which of the two versions is best. Most "reviews" just assume the Wii version is the best. Most reviews barely compare the two since the reviewer had already been playing the Wii version for months before the cube version hit stores.

I have recently spent some time between the two versions. I have primarily played the Wii version. Here are my impressions. I will speak of it in terms of the Wii version compared to the Gamecube version, instead of giving pros and cons of each.

The first thing I noticed was that the image quality seemed worse than the Gamecube version. This is likely due to the anamorphic widescreen. What this means is that the same 480 lines of resolution are changed into non-square pixels and spread across a greater area. Many games suffer some loss in image quality due to this (a great example is Super Paper Mario). I do admit that the widescreen is nice. It should be mentioned that the meat of the gameplay and menus are still constrained to a 4:3 area, so the extra viewable area on the sides is just icing on the cake.

The flipped world didn't bother me at all. It was insanely confusing when I first switched to the Gamecube version, but I got used to it. I haven't played Ocarnia of Time since it was first released on the N64, so I can't comment on how annoyed a long-time fan of that game would be with the flipped world.

What about the waggle? To be honest, after playing Wii Sports Resort, all waggle feels pointless, but this game takes it to the extreme. Every attack is just waggling the control while hitting different buttons. Want to slash? Waggle. Jump and slash? Waggle while holding A. Spin attack? Waggle the nunchuck. The controls do not feel intuitive at all. I found myself constantly using Z-targeting, which is exactly how you resolve combat on the Gamecube. So the Wii controls were actually a hinderance for me in normal combat. I have to admit that ranged attacks felt much more natural, however again, I found myself using Z-targeting anyway, so the benefits were small.

I think the ideal controller setup for this game would be the same as Super Mario Galaxy. SMG has waggle, but it is only for the spin attack. This would have worked great here. Use the normal buttons for combat and waggle for spin attack.

I am all for games using motion controls and the nunchuck combo. I am the guy with 100% wheel use in Mario Kart. I am the guy who strictly uses the motion controls in Punch Out. The motion controls in Twilight Princess, other than the ranged targeting, are pointless. I am greatly anticipating the next Zelda game for the Wii, which will hopefully have Wii Motion Plus support, but even without it, I assume the motion controls will be much more developed than they are here.

One last thing that many people would never notice. The load times in the Gamecube version are slightly shorter. When traveling to a new area or going in a building, the already short wait time is about 1/3 less on the cube.

My decision: Gamecube. The two major Wii bullet points, widescreen and motion controls, ended up being a minor addition and an inconvenience, respectively.

I am interested in others' opinions and experiences.

[joshnickerson]

The Gamecube version also has a free camera controlled with the C-Stick, which is a major plus in my book.

[BHvrd]

All I can say is I watched my friend play it on Wii and it looked terrible on his widescreen, so I can concur that is indeed true and a drawback to that version.

[Leo_A]

You're correct about the graphics. Switch it to 4:3 at 480p and it looks identical to the GameCube version at 480p.

It's ashame the GameCube version didn't have a widescreen mode, since that's the only thing the Wii version has going for it over that one.

[eskobar]

Don't forget that a game as polished as ZELDA takes years to fully implement in a game system so it's normal that if NINTENDO rushed the team to implement a Wii version, the game will not be as perfect as any ZELDA.

My vote is for the GAMECUBE version, the game is incredible and it plays better on the CUBE. But the difference is not abismal, both games are incredible and if you have a Wii, you would want to play it too.

[j_factor]

I wouldn't mind the "waggle", but I really didn't like the whole mirroring the world to make Link right-handed thing. I really would have preferred he remain left-handed, or at least be given the option. I also can't fathom why they mirrored the entire game instead of just altering the character model. I'm not bothered by the flipped world itself, but just the fact that they did it irks me a bit. Some other Wii games give you the option of left- or right-handed controls, so why can't such a flapship first-party game have it?

The only reason I got the Wii version was because I got a Wii at launch, and there was some sort of deal on it at the time. I'd have gladly gotten rid of it in favor of the Gamecube version, but I never found the latter for a reduced price anywhere.

[TonyTheTiger]

I think it was something about collision detection. If they just flipped Link then he wouldn't have made proper contact with the enemies or something like that. It was still a dumb idea anyway, though. It's not like the wiimote controls were so accurate that it would have been disorienting to control a left handed Link. They weren't even accurate at all. Swinging the damn thing was just a replacement for pushing the A button.

What I think is that they had an ulterior motive for hitting the "flip horizontal" button beyond just the fact that most people are right handed. They probably did it to add some other difference to the Wii version. Otherwise the Gamecube version would have been obsolete before it even came out. That's most assuredly the reason why they didn't add Gamecube controller support to the Wii version, too.

[Icarus Moonsight]

I'd say you can't go wrong having both versions. They're mirrored as far as the world is presented and the control variations make them unique to one another even though they are practically the same game.

I bought my copy of Z:TP with my Wii in Feb 2007. I'll pick up the Cube version when I can find a complete copy for a little less than I'm finding them priced at now. ~$20 is what I figure. It's worth more, granted, but the probability of scooping one up at that price is not yet outside of possible.

[Sniderman]

I like play it:2gunfire:

I like to kill it with fire.

[DonMarco]

One, the GC version was delayed a year for the Wii launch.

Two, the GC version has a left-handed link.

Three, the GC version never caused a Wiimote to be flung at a TV.

[dao2]

One, the GC version was delayed a year for the Wii launch.

Two, the GC version has a left-handed link.

Three, the GC version never caused a Wiimote to be flung at a TV.

Never heard that anyone lost control of their wiimote cause of zelda... and tbh if they do I think that's a point in the favor of the wii version, they probably deserved it :P

[c0ldb33r]

Swinging the damn thing was just a replacement for pushing the A button.
this killed the game for me. I was expecting it to be 1:1 realtime sword battles and bow pointing. Once I realized how truly limited the wiimote was, I couldn't be bothered continuing in the game.

I'm only a few hours into it. I've never turned it back on. If I ever do play it again, I'll play the cube version, since I've got both.

[Enigmus]

I like to kill it with fire.

Well, Error, good luck with that fire.

[Icarus Moonsight]

I don't know what the big deal is about the waggle to sword swing thing... You can use the A button on the wii remote still. It's more, not less. It's still satisfying at times, for me anyway, to take a final "swing" to kill an annoying enemy. Just has a certain feel to it that a thumb press can not replicate.

Have you ever fist pumped a "Yes!" or raised a fist to the air after finishing something that was giving you hell before? Well, I see it similar to that. I also do not blame or deride games for not having a 'fist pump' or 'victory dance' button. LOL

[Zing]

For me, the waggle is actually less involving than a button press.

When you press a button, you are doing just that, pressing a button. There is no pretense that you are doing anything other than pressing a button to make your avatar on screen do something. It feels accurate, precise, and our thumb is directly connected to the actions of Link's sword.

When I waggle, it creates a sense of flawed realism. While I am physically swinging something, it does not translate into the same movements on screen. Instead of pressing a button on the outside of the controller, I am swinging the controller to trigger an invisible button on the inside. It does nothing but create the sensation of delayed reaction and disconnect.

[j_factor]

I don't mind "waggle" at all. I don't know why anyone would have expected a swing of the Wiimote to translate to a swing on screen with the exact same angle, position, speed, etc. It was pretty clear from all the pre-launch information on the Wii/Revolution that its controller was fairly rudimentary technology, and that controller flicks would just be substitute button presses. Which I don't think is necessarily bad -- I liked Red Steel's control scheme (in FPS mode), which included flicking the nunchuk to reload. It can be a bit easier to get the hang of a game's controls when it involves two buttons and a flick in place of three buttons. However, it may not be the best for Zelda.

[T2KFreeker]

Cube version wins out. I just really liked the way that the game felt compared to the Wii version. The gameplay aeems much stronger with the control pad also. Just my opinion though.

[Icarus Moonsight]

I've been toying with motion input for quite a while now. Pre-Wii, mostly with midi-controls and built-in synth controls/functions... Then you have stuff like a Theremin. It's all perspective, I guess.

[YoshiM]

The waggle in the Wii version was exciting at first but after a while it just became dull. Also with some of the more precision attacks, the wii-mote would sometimes misread my movements and I couldn't pull off the maneuver. That got frustrating. I finished the game but my view on motion control got a bit sullied.

I recently picked up the Cube version from a garage sale for $10 but haven't had a chance to play it.

[Red Warrior]

For me, the waggle is actually less involving than a button press.

When you press a button, you are doing just that, pressing a button. There is no pretense that you are doing anything other than pressing a button to make your avatar on screen do something. It feels accurate, precise, and our thumb is directly connected to the actions of Link's sword.

When I waggle, it creates a sense of flawed realism. While I am physically swinging something, it does not translate into the same movements on screen. Instead of pressing a button on the outside of the controller, I am swinging the controller to trigger an invisible button on the inside. It does nothing but create the sensation of delayed reaction and disconnect.

My thoughts exactly. I played Twilight Princess after coming home with a Wii on launch night... finished the first dungeon, and was done. As far as I was concerned, the waggle motions were best suited for Wii Sports and not much else. So I waited for the Cube version, bought it, played it through to the end, and loved every bit of it. Playing with the Cube controller felt normal, it felt responsive, and I felt much more connected to Link... like I was actually making him do the things I saw him doing on screen. I just never got those connections with the Wii version. That's why I'm a little worried about how the new Wii Zelda is gonna turn out. Unless the motion controls really are spot-on 1-to-1, I may very well pass.

[ubersaurus]

I played the crap out of the Wii TP, and I thought it was fantastic. The "waggle" motion became as routine as pressing a button to swing, really, and I had absolutely no problems with it. Plus they were pretty amazing for the fishing minigame, which I also played the crap out of. Maybe the wiggling was shoehorned in on the combat side of things, but I thought it worked out fine and was a bit more involving and immersive than just slapping "A".

Seriously, people deciding to not play the game because they don't want to flick their wrist around lazily instead of pushing a button lazily is pretty weaksauce.

[JSoup]

personally, I'm a fan of the Gamecube version. I've played both, but the Wii version just came off as clunky to me.

Then again, Twilight Hack....

[YoshiM]

Seriously, people deciding to not play the game because they don't want to flick their wrist around lazily instead of pushing a button lazily is pretty weaksauce.

And how's that weak? It's a preference. Why play a game with motion controls if you don't like how they work? I don't like playing Zelda: Phantom Hourglass because I don't like moving Link with a stylus. People might love it to death but I don't care-it's my time I'm using to decide to play a game. If it's not fun to me, I'm not going to force myself to plod through a control scheme I don't agree with. Simple as that.

[Icarus Moonsight]

A button still works... Hence, weaksauce. LOL

You don't have to play anything that you don't want to, but c'mon... I could at least understand if you had no access to the A = sword swing on the Wii version. Nothing like Phantom Hourglass, which I can easily understand and somewhat agree with. Though, it's a change of pace at least. And that is welcome, until you get tired of poking around to do everything. LOL

[Zing]

I played the crap out of the Wii TP, and I thought it was fantastic. The "waggle" motion became as routine as pressing a button to swing, really, and I had absolutely no problems with it. Plus they were pretty amazing for the fishing minigame, which I also played the crap out of.
I didn't notice any difference with fishing. The difference between using the gamepad and the remote is that with the first you press up on the controller and with the second you aim high on the screen. There is no need for precision aim, such as with the hawk/slingshot/etc. It's just "press up" or "aim up".

[Soviet Conscript]

seeing as i play alot of my games at night as i lay in the bed the person next to me tends to not appriciate the movement of me swinging around a wiimote all night.

which is ok with me since after a day at work i just want to lay down and relax with a game and not swing a wiimote around, needless to say i preefer the cube version.

[greedostick]

seeing as i play alot of my games at night as i lay in the bed the person next to me tends to not appriciate the movement of me swinging around a wiimote all night.

which is ok with me since after a day at work i just want to lay down and relax with a game and not swing a wiimote around, needless to say i preefer the cube version.

I think alot of people don't realize that Twilight Princess was originally developed for the Gamecube. It was obviesly delayed to sell Wii consoles. It will always be a Gamecube game in my opinion.

[VG_Maniac]

The Game Cube version is the original, and true version of the game. I did play through the Wii version first (as it was the obvious game to buy alongside the system when it launched)...and it was the only version of Twilight Princess that I played for about 2 years. However, I finally bought and played through the GameCube version last year. I definitely prefer it over the Wii version, and I'm only holding onto the Wii version for collecting purposes.

[ubersaurus]

I didn't notice any difference with fishing. The difference between using the gamepad and the remote is that with the first you press up on the controller and with the second you aim high on the screen. There is no need for precision aim, such as with the hawk/slingshot/etc. It's just "press up" or "aim up".

No, the difference is that it feels more like fishing vs. pushing up on a controller.

[awbacon]

I got like 3 hours into Twilight Princess then stopped playing..and I don't know why? I did like it, but every time I picked it up to play, I changed my mind

I think Zelda is getting a bit stale...everything after Ocarina just seems like upgraded graphics and a diff. story. No real inspiration anymore

[Zing]

I got like 3 hours into Twilight Princess then stopped playing..and I don't know why? I did like it, but every time I picked it up to play, I changed my mind
I had the same feeling as you. I am only a few hours into the game and I am having doubts.

I had a lot of fun running around the town doing the beginning quests. The wolf part wasn't any fun since it just felt like a tutorial. I am running around while Midna is telling me exactly what to do. I still don't see the skill, or fun, in running around until I see Midna's icon light up so I know to press a button which will magically allow me to jump great heights without fail.

I just now reached the moment when you turn back into a person (somehow magically wearing Link's costume as well), so hopefully the game starts allowing me to play the game, instead of just controlling a wolf through one long cut-scene.

[Zing]

No, the difference is that it feels more like fishing vs. pushing up on a controller.

I guess I would care if the motion controls allowed some variance in fishing. As it is, it is just like combat. The motion controls have no effect on the final result, they are just a strict replacement for pushing a control stick.

The motion controls allow you to move the line around while in the water, but it has zero effect on the result. Sure, I may be moving my arm in a similar fashion to holding a stick, but how I move my arm has zero effect on the result. I just move my arm up at the same time I would move a control stick up. There is no gameplay difference between the two.

I think fishing is the worst example of motion controls in this game. I can understand aimed attacks, but fishing needs no aim or precision or even movement. It just needs something to trigger putting the line in the water and something to trigger pulling it out. It should have just used the nunchuck.

[j_factor]

I can understand aimed attacks, but fishing needs no aim or precision or even movement.

Fishing would need aim/precision, if they'd made a better fishing minigame.