Everything you'd want from a video game, with seldom a single flaw.
If I need to justify myself further, I'll break my score down.
-Gameplay - Brilliant. The fun that is to be had with the game will more than satisfy veteran Zelda players and anyone who is new to the franchise. The new combat system can be more complex with added moves and techniques, but the problem with some games that do this is that older players would feel that too much is added on. The beauty of Twilight Princess is it doesn't have to be. If players feel more comfortable with the classic Zelda combat system, they can avoid learning the new moves taught in the game with little to no consequence. The puzzles in the game's dungeons and overworld alike are expertly designed and require as much thought possible without having to resort to a trip to Gamefaqs. When a dungeon is completed and the player actually has a distinct sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, you know the gameplay has been done beautifully. 10
-Graphics-
The purpose of good graphics is to draw the player in and immerse them in the fictional (or non-fictional) world of the game. I believe there is a false analogy that good graphics are the ones that have high polygon counts and are as close as possible to realism. This is not what is necessary to harness the immersion that graphics can provide. Wherever the game took me, I was wowed by the beautiful artistic design and believable architecture. Even if the technical quality of the graphics is inferior to some other games, the fact of the matter is that if they do that much to immerse you into the game, the graphics have done their part. Twilight Princess does this flawlessly.
10
-Sound-
Well-recorded and vastly used. The sound effects of the game are varied and used in many different situations, none of which grow to the point of annoyance as I'm sure many of us have seen in other games. Yes, the game uses a nearly exclusively MIDI soundtrack. Some might say that this and this alone removes all possibility of the game getting a perfect in sound, but I would gladly argue with them. The game's composition is very impressive, with all the charm that the Zelda classics treated us with. Even if the instruments are synthesized, they are of convincing quality. I do not believe that a video game requires a full orchestra to be considered excellent, because that would truly be missing the point.
10
-Value-
$50US for all this game has to offer? I think the government should require us to pay more, but for now its mockingly cheap price is sure to please all patrons. 10
All of this, and a story that effortlessly captivates just to seal the package. The only thing I'd say negatively is that while many have said the game's main quest should take 70 hours or more, it only took me a little less than half of that sum. Sure, it's a very long game, but it isn't an RPG.
No hesitation should come to one's mind when considering purchasing the game. As for what system to buy it on, it all really comes down to your personal preference. Although I much prefer the Wii's precision aiming system, one might disagree and buy the Gamecube version instead and have no complaints from me.
To sum up my review, I just need to say two words: It's Zelda. Anyone who's played their share of the games will know exactly what I mean.