With the Forest Temple out of the way, it dawns on me just how big The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess really is. It’s taken 6 hours to get to this point and, when I look at the world map, I’ve barely left my back yard yet.

Still, ever onwards and all that. Part 7 of my game diary will take us to some of the old haunts that we fans lost many an hour to back in the days of Ocarina; reimagined for their Wii outing. It’ll take us all the way up to the start of our next dungeon. A long journey. We’d better begin then.

hours played 06.11
My extra heart up in the top left of my screen should be a welcome addition but instead it just reminds me how lonely the other three are up there. Although I’ve collected a few heart container pieces on my travels thus far I haven’t yet managed to construct a whole one from the extra shards. Unfortunately I don’t know if this is slow progress or normal on this front.

Midna is intent on getting two more fused shadows so I feel obliged (forced?) to help. Onwards to the Eldin Province!

hours played 06.12
It doesn’t take long to discover that a gate that has been closed for the duration of my play time so far has now been miraculously opened. No cut scene. No explanation. It’s just no longer an obstacle. On the other side is something very special indeed: I’m now in Hyrule Field. It’s night, but Princess Zelda’s castle shines in silhouette like a beacon against the distant horizon.

I’m making that my destination.

hours played 06.15
… but a stone wall blocks my path. Ah well Midna, looks like you’re going to get your way after all. West to Eldin it is.

As the sun creeps over the horizon and that familiar music kicks in, emotions in me that are years since gone resurface again. No matter what now, this game can do no wrong. Zelda is officially back.

hours played 06.17
Oh wow, this is cool. Back in the twilight now – and back in wolf form – I stumble across a strange wooden object sticking out of the ground. Using my senses I sniff at it and pictures of the towns lost children flash in my mind. I’ve learnt their scent! And now I can follow it, breadcrumb-style, to where they’re being held.

This wolf body is pretty handy it would seem.

hours played 06.40
I’ve been collecting a new set of tears to fill another Vessel of Light in a small village whose name you should most definitely recognise: Kakariko.

Because I’m in the twilight the place is devoid of life though I’ve discovered the towns children (spirit-form) holed-up in a building, ready to make their last stand. I’ll make sure it doesn’t come to that of course.

I’ve accidentally blown up someone’s house already in my short visit here. When I restore the light to this place that person ain’t going to be too happy with me I can tell you.

With three tears still to go before I can make any kind of a difference I’ve just discovered a fine example of a familiar race, standing guard. It’s a Goron.

It’s almost too much to take.

hours played 06.42
Just had a little duet with the incandescent wolf who teaches Link his hidden talents. I don’t know what will become of this but it seems that I’ve got to track him again with “sword in hand”. In other words, when I’ve restored light to this province and I’m back in human form.

hours played 06.58
I find my last two insects (they shed the elusive tears that I’m after) in the mountain that we call Death and I return light to the land. Obviously the children are overjoyed, but what’s the deal with the littlest one’s eyebrows? Seriously, look at them, they scare me a lot.

In the cut scene that follows I find out that the children were rescued by the village shaman after the monsters that took them left them to die. I also learn that things have been changing in the community. Not long after the dark beasts first attacked, the Gorons – a friendly and proud race – suddenly turned on the village folks. A strange change of heart? I suppose I’d better look into it then…

hours played 07.00
… but someone doesn’t want me to pass. This Goron is a stubborn one and he’s on a “no humans allowed” policy. They admire strength and, at the rate this guy is knocking me down, that’s something I don’t have. Yet.

It turns out that only one human has ever bested the Gorons: Bo. Otherwise known as the mayor of my village. What a coincidence! I’ll head back to speak to him and tell the parents that their children are fine while I’m at it. Also, I must remember to have a word with my wolf friend and see what the score is. Our first duet was sweet, sweet music. I can’t wait to see our encore.

hours played 07.01
Epona’s just come bounding down the road at me – all the fires of Hades set in her eyes – with some baddies on her back. Cue a minigame to regain control of my mighty steed. Success. Then, I ride.

hours played 07.10
The mayor seems relatively calm to hear that his daughter is still missing, she wasn’t with the others I rescued (a fact I didn’t actually notice at first, oops!). He’s still happy to teach me the secret that he used to beat the Gorons in a test of strength though. Bonus.
“Link, you’ve heard of sumo wrestlin’, right?”

hours played 07.12
Yeah sure I’ve heard of it, but I would never have guessed how much fun it is. Honestly, after you get passed the initial shock of seeing the mayor and Link locked in scantily-clad aggression, this is brilliant. If they ever make it, I’d buy Wii Sports: Sumo Edition in a heartbeat.

hours played 07.14
But sumo skills are not the only thing I’m going to need to win the trust of the Gorons. No, turns out the real secret is a pair of iron boots to weigh you down. With the new footwear in my inventory I start my journey back to Kakariko Village.

hours played 07.18
Mr Wolf didn’t tell me the time when I stopped by to see him on my way back, but he did tell me of another hidden skill. I can now attack with my shield! This will stun enemies, opening up their defences, as well as allowing me to hurtle projectiles back at anyone who cares to shoot. Two down now.

hours played 07.30
Upon my return I find that one of the children has been kidnapped by a very nasty customer that we met a lot earlier at the start of Part 3. What ensues is an absolutely electric horseback chase and battle. The wiimote really comes into its own here. I’m not ashamed to admit that I was on the edge of my seat for the duration.

The epic fight finished on a long and narrow bridge, chicken-style. Damn I’m good, and with the kid safely back with his brothers/sisters/friends it’s time for me to go best this troublesome Goron. These iron boots were made for walking, sir. And that’s just what they’ll do.

hours played 07.35
On my way I pick up a new shield for an extortionate 200 rupees, but it looks cool so I can’t complain. You get what you pay for and all that.

Armed with my new boots the first few rolling Gorons are easy now. But it’s a long way to walk with heavy feet.

hours played 07.45
I set my sights high and aim for the top of the mountain – or at least as high as I can get before something stops me. Using some nifty springboard action I reach a chamber. Inside I find a Goron Elder called Gor Coron. A raised circle in the middle of the room. Why do I foresee some more sumo wrestling here?

hours played 07.50
I was right. Sumo wrestling it is. And he’s good too. But not as good as me and my secret weapons. After throwing him to the floor he tells me that the Goron Patriarch went inside the mountain, investigating its new found anger and protecting their races sacred treasure. But he’s changed, and not for the better either. The patriarch has transformed into a hideous monster.

I’m going to take it upon myself to sort this mess out.

Inside I go.

Come back for Part 8 of our Zelda diary. Come back for the games second dungeon: the Goron Mines!
read previous entries in the series:

• The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess - Part 1
• The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess - Part 2
• The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess - Part 3
• The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess - Part 4
• The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess - Part 5
• The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess - Part 6

This entry was posted on Saturday, March 10th, 2007 at 10:14 pm by WiiWii
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