My Dearest Link's Crossbow Training,
I love you. And not just cos of the coverart.
Don't look directly at the biceps, lest ye be mesmorized.
Okay so maybe a little cos of the biceps. But other than that, I think you're very clever, fun to play, and fill a couple gaps within the Zelda series.
I, for one, don't find myself missing multiplayer in Zelda. I actually actively do not want it incorporated. But if multiplayer was to be done, you are how they should do it. The path of the hero is a lonely one, and I don't need, you know, like, other people gettin' all up in my business. Link and I are busy, okay? Go play somewhere else. *Shudder* People... Anyway, Aonuma actually wanted to make a sequel to you, and I wish he had. I do like sharing Zelda with more casual friends and family in some capacity, and we can take turns here. That doesn't interfer with the story or the overall "feeling", but others still get to play competitively. Personally, I could have seen a follow up to you set before the events of Skyward Sword where four people could play together and choose to be either Link, Zelda, Groose, or Fledge/Pipit/Other 3rd tier character in the Knight Academy, with archery and sword events. Anyway, the point of my saying that is to say that if Nintendo wants mulitplayer in Zelda, please no online junk, no Miiverse; you are the way to do it.
Another gap--and one I actually feel--is that I cannot really replay levels in a Zelda game without replaying the entire game. I really can't just pick up and play a Zelda game for giggles. Maybe that's just me though. I get sucked in and I play for hours... determined... steely resolve takes over, the weight of Hyrule, nay, the world, on our shoulders, and I must help Link in his quest...nothing can stop us on--okay I so I have a problem. Point is: I can decide to have a little target practice with Link, again, just for giggles. Oh, and what gigles there are.
Giant stalfos! Activate rapid-fire-machine-gun crossbow! Ha, sucka!
Aside from the smooth and non-invasive introduction of mulitplayer and casual play, you are just really fun to play and very well put-together. There is a whole lot to see in you with a variety of different levels from Twilight Princess. And more of Twilight Princess? Why, yes thank you, I'll have some of that.
Here's my money Nintendo. Yeah, all of it. Just go ahead and take it. This is all I need.
For if something can be truly Zelda, then surely this be...truly Zelda.
I don't know. I just wanted to say something other than "ZOMG EPONA YAYZ!!!"
The various levels are pretty and fun, but they're also switched up. Each section sort of operates like a classic Mario game with World 1-1, 1-2, and 1-3. Each stage has Link practicing a different position or skill: Target Practice, Defender, and Ranger. Freakin' Ranger. The target practice is pretty much straight forward.
Gorons are always so nice, letting Link blast them this way. Good people, those Gorons.
Salt of the Earth, you know?
The Defender stages have Link stationary and being assailed by waves of enemies that he has to keep from hitting him (which costs points--cos you're a points-based game). This mode is fun, especially when I get the machine-gun style upgrade and take out "mini-bosses" of the area that require multiple, quick hits.
But kargaroks, srsly...eff kargaroks.
The ranger mode... oh the ranger mode. Best. Mode. Ever. It actually operates--now stay with me on this--similarly to Kid Icarus Uprising's land mode--wait, I said stay with me! It's kinda like that in that the farther Link points his crossbow of doom to the left or right, the camera moves in that direction. It's very intuitive, smooth, and easy to control. And so very much fun. Link is sort of always the Batman of Hyrule, the "enforcer", and this ranger mode kinda makes that very clear.
"Ah, being evil I see...*BOOM* Not today, sir. Not today. Not in my Hyrule.
*sound of crossbow being reloaded*"
Clearly, I really love you, game. I think sometimes people treat you like a joke, and I have no idea why. You were just $20, but I would have bought you for full price. You're very well done with a lot to see and do, and you give us another way to get into Hyrule. The execution and style fit Link perfectly and make sense in the context of Twilight Princess. You have some humor, some challenge, great design that works perfectly, and are outright fun to play. And the zapper you come with is actually pretty darn cool (even though you don't have to use it). No complaints from me. You're like the Zelda version of Mario Kart, and I'm all about that.
Plus...you know...biceps.
Lovingly yours, my sweet Crossbow Traning,
Jenn xoxo