Metareview - Zelda: Twilight Princess (GameCube)

For Wii-less GameCube owners it's a no-brainer; you pro'ly been had your copy of Twilight Princess. But for those few Wii owners who are considering the GameCube edition, still unable to take decisive action, here are several takes on how the two versions match up:

• 1UP (100/100) - "Does the format really make a difference? It does, but ultimately those differences are fairly insubstantial ... Honestly, there are only three differences between the two editions of the game: a different control scheme, lack of widescreen support for GameCube, and the fact that each version is quite literally the mirror image of the other ... As a matter of fact, it's this version which has Hyrule's "true" layout; the game world was designed to echo Ocarina of Time's landscape, and the adventure feels just a little more nostalgic when certain areas accurately coincide with those from the previous game ... The lack of widescreen is more crucial; if you've become accustomed to seeing a more panoramic view of your games...the 4:3 visuals will feel downright suffocating ... And then there's the control scheme. Frankly, going from the Wii interface to the GameCube feels like a step backward; it's less immersive, less precise and considerably slower."

• IGN (95/100) - "Some gamers have resisted the Wii version of Twilight Princess because they feel that the new control scheme is unnecessary. The GameCube build of the title provides a more conventional alternative ... There are even a couple advantages to playing with a traditional controller over the Wii remote. For one, players who enjoyed titles like Wind Waker will understand immediately how to maneuver Link like a pro ... Where the GameCube build comes up short is the area of aiming ... [The] visual differences between the two versions of the game are minimal. While both incarnations support a progressive-scan mode, only the Wii build also features a 16:9 widescreen option. Meanwhile, some gamers have complained that the GCN title is riddled with more framerate slowdowns than the steady running Wii game, but we have not encountered these issues while playing ... As someone who has played both the GameCube and Wii versions of Twilight Princess, I can confidently state that I prefer the latter for its handful of extras, including what I consider to be enhanced controls and an exclusive 16:9 widescreen mode. That being said, though, I can certainly understand why purists might want to stick with the more conventional controls of the GCN build".

• GameSpot (89/100) - "Graphically, the GameCube version is roughly identical to the Wii release ... The combat controls are more conventional on the GameCube...but the Wii controls actually end up feeling more precise in a direct comparison ... Also, in what has to be the weirdest change, the entire GameCube game is a mirror image of the Wii version. Actually, it's probably the other way around ... You can't go wrong with either version of the game, but if you're still trying to decide, the Wii version is just a bit better." [Note: GameSpot scored Wii version 88/100]

Compare to: Twilight Princess (Wii) Metareview