Zelda is an odd beast. A fresh spin on the classic, epic franchise, meant to prosper in the same manner as the timeless Ocarina of Time, manages to retain almost everything about the old Zelda games that made them the good Zelda games. They’re formulaic, involving some world-changing quest to save the world and usually a princess named Zelda, often with the same antagonist and hero. Surprisingly, this is a good thing. From the moment we saw Link clad in green tunic and wielding the Master Sword, everyone waiting for Twilight Princess knew that it would deliver on those old formula’s successes.

Twilight Princess can be broken down to fit into the OoT “requirements,” like the three-five dungeon scheme, Ganon in some form, Zelda in trouble, stellar boss battles and Link rushing across Hyrule on Epona. But why bother comparing it? Sequels are horrible creatures, and nobody likes to live in a shadow. Twilight Princess, were it a standalone game, would be an excellent one in and of itself.

The visuals are stunning, despite the Wii’s technological handicap, being more artistic than realistic. The world you travel through feels alive, thanks to the beautiful sights and atmosphere in every inch of every level. Ambient noise levels are appropriate, but the real pleasing sounds are coming from the soundtrack. The music keeps pace with almost every move you make. ‘Riding Epona music’ isn’t the same as ‘Riding Epona and swinging the Master Sword music,’ which on paper seems like common sense but really implemented this well makes the game truly immersive.

Add all of this together with an engaging, somehow original (despite the patterns in the franchise) storyline with, for a change of pace, a less-than-helpless damsel and Twilight Princess stands proudly alongside, rather than in the shadow of, the previous iterations of the series. The manner of narrative pacing makes the player want to always keep going “just a little more,” and that always makes a wonderful game. It’s far from perfect, obviously; but for any action game fan, any Zelda lover, and any respectable Wii owner, Twilight Princess is a necessary experience. A rental probably wouldn’t last long enough, and for anyone with a tight budget, it’s not the Wii game to own, but it is worth your time no matter what your circumstance.