I've been indulging in some Zelda action lately, and I'm finally going to be adding both The Minish Cap and Twilight Princess to my list of cleared Zelda titles (bringing the unfinished list down to Majora's Mask, Phantom Hourglass, and Spirit Tracks).

I truthfully should have had TP finished years ago, but it is SO DAMN LONG for a Zelda title that I always get sidetracked and stop playing after a while...but hopefully not this time.

Also playing the most recent Mario vs. Donkey Kong game, and I must say it's a lot more fun than my initial impression of it (I only picked it up to begin with because I wanted a non-falling block puzzle game for my DS). It's got a heck of a lot of content, too (over 100 stages, including hard mode versions of the levels once the game is cleared), and it even has a construction mode that is extremely reminiscent of Megaman Powered Up's (in that you can create and upload/download to/from the internet; of course, most of the custom levels I've seen so far suck royally, but that shouldn't discourage you). It should keep anyone busy for a good long while.

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Posted by Ailure

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I thought Twilight Princess was fairly short for a Zelda game? Then again, the timesink elements of Wind Waker made TP seem shorter probably cause you didn't spend as much time on mindless quests.

Which version of TP? Despite what most fans seems to think, I actually really like the Wii controls.

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I spend an average of 10 hours on most Zelda titles (though the first two are doable in 3-6 for me since I know them well), but first clears are usually 12-20 hours for me.

My first TP file had about 20 hours and I wasn't even halfway through the game...second file was 25 hours and I was about to go to Snowpeak. Third (current) file is at 17 hours and I'm going to Snowpeak now...so I guess it isn't too long provided you know exactly where to go, but there certainly are lots of extra cutscenes and running around compared to the other Zelda titles. I don't see anyone beating it (with equal skill/knowledge) faster than any of the first four Zelda titles...nor many others.

Also, Gamecube version all the way since I couldn't be bothered to wait to get a Wii. In spite of the protest of my friends, I have never once regretted this purchase decision.

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Well, Christmas and my birthday have come and gone and I got some new toys to play with.

First is Donkey Kong Country Returns. So far, it lives up to the hype it's generated. The physics feel floatier to me for some reason, but it'll just take some getting used to and I'll be golden. It sure would've been nice if I could choose to play as Diddy (I completely neglected Donkey in the original DKC). I've only played the first level so far, but if every level is at least as good as that...then woah.

Second is Castlevania: Lords of Shadow. Everywhere I've been on the internet has accused the game of being a God of War clone, but since I've never played that game, I could never see the resemblance because it seems more like an enhanced version of the two PS2 Castlevania titles. Now that I've finally gotten to play it, all I've got to say is wow...I'm disappointed. It's basically Lament of Innocence on steroids...and more linear. :\ I'll offer more input as I get further, but so far, I'm not impressed...and I had to repeat a boss fight like literally 15 times because I couldn't figure out what I was supposed to do after I grab him to "finish him off."

Thirdly is Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light (why they don't spell out "4" is beyond me). I was actually very hyped for this game before its release, but since I've played both FF3 and FF4 for the DS (and have yet to finish either due to my dislike of them) I tried to remain skeptical. Looks like my skepticism paid off; I can't say it's got me hooked in the least. Like the other two, I'll give it a while longer before placing my judgment upon it. I normally love the cutesy cel-shaded art style, but here it honestly seems to detract from the experience.

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