Great game...same old style though.
PUZZLES:
1. This game is a fantastic game for not only RPG fans, but for puzzle solving fans alike, with a slew of weapons and items it'll keep you busy for a while, the puzzles are pretty easy for older gamers to figure out or anyone with a sharp eye, while younger gamers might have a tougher time with the puzzles. Sometimes throughout the game you'll turn into a wolf and have to use the wolf's instincts to solve your puzzles.
2. The puzzles are pretty cool for the new items you get, but if you've played a Zelda before, then you know what to expect and you'll solve the puzzles fairly fast, it's basically: activate the right button with the right weapon, move an item/block into a slot, and move on. A couple of the items create a new challenge to the game, but don't make up for all of the others you've done before.
ITEMS:
1. In the hero's arsenal are weapons from lanterns to bows, some are mainly used as puzzle solving, some are used for combat, and most are needed to proceed through the game. You'd be surprised at what you'll use to free Hyrule form the twilight.
2. You've seen most of them before, bows, bombs, and boomerangs, there are few new weapons to use, and most of them are only used in the boss fights, I was disappointed in the weapon system, although I thought one was pretty cool.
STORY:
1. The story is a fresh twist to most you've known before, as in the hero's journey, hero starts in small town as average Joe, some event changes him to an unlikely hero, he grows to become a great hero, climax/ main fight between good and evil, the hero wins, and everything is back to normal, there are a bunch of twists and turns throughout the game.
2. You're link, you go through dungeons, you save Zelda from Ganon, The End. (although there are some new people in the story)
SWORDPLAY:
1. The sword is the main weapon you'll use to get through the game, you'll have a few different ones as you progress. There are also skills for the sword hidden throughout the game, and since you've never played a Zelda game before you'll be impressed they're nifty little tricks and spins, very cool.
2. Only 3 of the skills are skills that I haven't seen in a Zelda, although I've seen one in another game, the last skill may disappoint you though. The only thing I can think of that makes up for the last skill, is that when you defeat a tougher enemy in the game and put your sword away fast enough, you'll sheath it in a fairly cool manner.
AUDIO/VISUAL:
1. This game is one of the most beautiful games on the Gamecube, stunning visuals will make your eyes drool, yes, it's that good. The audio is fairly nice, although you don't get to hear many actual words being spoken.
2. You've heard most of the music before, although I'm not an expert on this game's sound, I liked hearing the songs I've heard before, even if a wolf howls them.
OVERALL:
1. This game is incredible for newbies to the series, it should ease you in at just the right level, it's easy to pick up, it's not too long, not too short, it's beautiful and I think you'll love exploring Hyrule.
2. 2nd best in the series...It's close, but it's not quite as good as O.o.T. I know it seems like I'm being biased and unfair towards this game, but although I loved playing through it, I'm gonna have to give it the silver medal, trust me, it's a close race, the only thing stopping it from tying completely are a few minor annoyances I had.
BUY/RENT:
1. Buy it, you'll probably fall in love with it.
2. Buy it, it's another Zelda to the collection and a darn good one at that.