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The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii Version)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 12.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Glitches make this Zelda just short of perfect.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 12 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Not an issue.
  • Messages:

    As Link matures as a hero, players will help him save endangered children, assist various villagers, and even unite feuding peoples.

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Lots of sword fights, shootings with arrows, bombing, etc., but no blood. A cut scene shows a character being driven through by a knife.
  • Sex:

    Some characters are depicted partially naked (hair over breasts, skimpy underwear).
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Zelda is a strong Nintendo franchise.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Some of the action takes place in a bar. Bottles appear in the background.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii Version) was written by Chris Jozefowicz

Parents need to know that this fantastic game has a game-ending flaw that can trap players about 40 hours into the 50-hour game. However, players can avoid the glitch and experience a rich gaming experience IF they follow our directions about saving: create multiple save files at frequent intervals and DO NOT SAVE in the room with a broken cannon. This fantasy adventure features a lot of sword-and-sorcery fighting, but no blood or gore. A few cut-scenes show more intense violence, and in general, the game's tone is darker than many previous Zelda games.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about fantasy violence vs. realistic violence. Is killing monsters less disturbing than killing people? Do you think Link is a good heroic figure? What does he do to make him a hero? Since this game has a known (but avoidable) glitch, families may also wish to discuss bugs and glitches in games.
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OK for Your Kids to Play?

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More on The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii Version)

What’s the Story?

One of the Wii launch titles, THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: TWILIGHT PRINCESS picks up the adventures of Link, the hero of Nintendo's previous Legend of Zelda games. Link begins as a simple village boy, but after a few hours, players are guiding him into a wide, dangerous world as he embraces his destiny in a battle to save the world from forces of darkness. The darkness in Twilight Princess is literal: To save the world of Hyrule, Link must venture into the Twilight Realm, using slingshots, bows and arrows, cannons, and a new ability to morph into a wolf to conquer challenges and defeat enemies.

Is It Any Good?

Link may not have as high of a pop culture profile as his video game relative Mario, but gamers have been feverishly awaiting his newest adventure for more than three years, and the wait was worth it. This adventure is massive, spanning more than 50 hours, and the combination of the wonderful world and thrilling action makes it a truly incredible game.

Yet the game cannot be called perfect. In fact, it contains at least one glitch that will destroy a player's game roughly 40 hours in. Our advice: Do NOT save the game in the room with a broken cannon, and use multiple save files. Aside from that jarring glitch, Twilight Princess is a long, stirring adventure and one of the best games in the Zelda series.

Publisher’s Details

Developer: Nintendo
Released on: 11/22/2006, Price: $49.99, not online enabled
ESRB Rating: T for animated blood, fantasy violence

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 4.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    can be for kids almost Age: 12+

    i rent this game at blockbuster sometimes its prtty hard but i still like it.

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models
    • Safety isn't an issue
    • Easy to play

    Perfect really for anyone that loves puzzles and adventure great game, loved it, great first teen game and Not a problem at all.

    It is a game of puzzles which requires someone to think. proving to be an educational value. Kids and Teens love the new older mature link and an adventure that feels as their own. Link is a great role model and a good hero, proving to be a good person as he saves his entire world. Your child will feel motivated to equip their sword(no not litteraly) and help others. Some people dont enjoy getting stuck, this Game is for someone who loves to think on their own. I loved and i hope you and your child will too.

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models
    • Safety isn't an issue

    perfect for nearly anyone

    I love the legend of zelda series. This is game is only second to ocarina of time which makes it one of the best. As far as rolemodels go Link is very responsible for his village at the begging. There are some scences that would scare younger kids and thats probaly why it is rated t for teen. There is no blood what so ever through the game all though at the end Link stabs Gandorf through his stomach. It is educational because the whole game is praticaly puzzle. It is a great game for anyone.

  4. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    I rate this title off for age 9 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models
    • Safety is an issue

    just love it

  5. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models
    • Safety isn't an issue
    • Easy to play

    Good Game For Anyone

    This game is amazing. But... there is no blood, no gore,etc. I say that this game is good for any age. I say this because this is a very perspective like game. Kids who have played Zelda games before know there are mild scary sequences, but others at a young age might get a scare. I think this is a good "First T game". It is mild but yes it has some scary sequences. I would say this game is for anyone who has played the previous Zelda games or at age 9+

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