The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess - updated hands-on

As before, collecting all the pieces of light disperses the choking cloak of darkness, bringing the people to their senses and returning Link to his natural body. Your trusty steed Epona also returns (in a rather convenient cutscene), a fortuitous event that couldn't happen at a better time. The people of Kakariko Village used to be on good terms with the Death Mountain-dwelling Gorons, but lately the hulky beings have been rather inhospitable. To even speak with them, you've gotta prove your strength, something that's pretty impossible given that they're heavy as boulders and angry to boot.

The village leader happens to be friends with Link's mayor, who, in turn, happens to be one of the few humans the Gorons have accepted. Thus, it's a horse ride across Hyrule Field back to Ordon to learn the mayor's secret, friendly ways. When you get there, of all things, it's carefully planned sumo wrestling that'll save the day.

Here you play a minigame to prove you're capable of besting the Gorons at their own sport. The goal is to push the other guy off the mat using slaps, strategic pushes and careful dodging. When you win, you're given the iron boots - a secret trick the mayor used to overcome the Goron's immense size. Boots in tow, we headed back to Kakariko Village, ready to climb Death Mountain one more time and show the Gorons what's what.

That was the plan, at least. But once you get there, that boar-riding creature from earlier has just arrived in town and runs down one of your pals during a stunning cutscene. Link gives chase into the outskirts of town, entering the game's first horseback battle.

Brett Elston

A fomer Executive Editor at GamesRadar, Brett also contributed content to many other Future gaming publications including Nintendo Power, PC Gamer and Official Xbox Magazine. Brett has worked at Capcom in several senior roles, is an experienced podcaster, and now works as a Senior Manager of Content Communications at PlayStation SIE.