Timeshift Thursday – Hyrule Field (Twilight Princess)

Welcome to another segment of Timeshift Thursday! It’s great to have you join me as we discuss some of my favourite areas from past Zelda games and I would go so far as to say that this will probably be my most controversial editorial yet. I say this because I’ve read so many different opinions about this particular area and the actual Zelda title itself. Yet, I’m welcome to any comments you have about my different tastes in the Zelda series so let’s get into it!

Because almost all Zelda titles take place in the land of Hyrule, Nintendo can always be counted on to give us a beautiful Hyrule Field for Link to explore. Starting with the original NES adventure and fast forwarding all the way to Twilight Princess, Hyrule Field has been a memorable experience for players to travel in. By the time Ocarina of Time was being developed Nintendo even implemented a new method of travel, horse riding, by adding Epona to the Zelda series and giving us plenty of memories for our gaming childhood. We’re not here to talk about Ocarina of Time’s Hyrule Field, though. No, Nintendo created a greater, more expansive Hyrule Field which I love exploring to this day and hope to convince at least some as to why I thoroughly think Twilight Princess’ Hyrule Field as the greatest in the Zelda series.

Are you interested in taking a look at and sharing your opinions about Hyrule Field in Twilight Princess? If so, please hit the jump below and read my thoughts as to why I enjoy this area!

I’m sure there is one thing everyone agrees on about Twilight Princess’ Hyrule Field; it’s the biggest overworld area in the Zelda series (not counting The Wind Waker’s Great Sea). Obviously it isn’t as fun walking through this gigantic area yet it’s great that Nintendo allowed Epona to be accessible from the beginning of the game so exploring Hyrule Field may be a joyous occasion. To me, what makes this version of Hyrule Field so epic is how much space you’re given to explore. Nintendo seemed to size the area based on the size of the world we live in and this Hyrule Field Link explores is indeed HUGE! It’s riddled with multiple enemies, glorious environments, beautiful architecture, amazing viewpoints, and hidden caves while giving plenty of room and pathways for Link to travel to his destination.

Hyrule Field in Twilight Princess also happens to be home to some of the game’s most epic battles including the rescuing of Colin from King Bulblin and the stunning cutscene as Link and Epona triumph after striking the King off the edge of the gorgeous Bridge of Eldin. Link also needs to help Telma, Ilia, and the Zora prince, Ralis, direct their caravan safely over the Hyrule Field to Kakariko Village by eliminating the enemies which appear over the course of the trek. A wild and dangerous journey, this part of the adventure was awesome to play as Telma would charge off and prove to be an awful driver! The final two fights in the game featuring Ganondorf were a delight as well as the first required Link and Zelda to ride Epona and get close enough so Zelda could shoot a light arrow to pierce the body of their hated enemy while the final battle between Link and Ganondorf is just as epic as swords clash and Link gains the chance to finish with an ending blow in the heart of Hyrule Field.

I’ve been playing Twilight Princess over the past few weeks and one thing that stood out for me was the ability to see such beautiful viewpoints. For example, while standing on the Bridge of Eldin you can look and catch a glimpse of Hyrule Castle in the distance surrounded by the dark twilight encompassing it. It’s gorgeous while also enchanting and showcases the need to save the beautiful land of Hyrule. Also, the Great Bridge of Hylia allows the gamer to take a breathtaking view of Lake Hylia and its surroundings. To me, no other Zelda game gives me the feeling as if Hyrule is actually a real place as Twilight Princess does. Seriously, those who say this version of Hyrule Field is empty and dull must not like Xenoblade Chronicles’ overworld as that is gigantic as well as being emptier than Twilight Princess’. At least, Nintendo gives you the chance to search for golden bugs, explore lantern caverns, and enjoy Hyrule in its glory, while also detailing the area with superb artwork. This Hyrule Field is life-size as video gaming should deliver.

The music of Twilight Princess’ Hyrule Field is another monumental achievement in the game! From the moment you enter into the area for the first time, the stunning orchestra gives you a sense that you have just accomplished something great by reaching that point. It’s the music of adventure and exploration and it made me feel so excited to explore a new part of the Hyrulean world. If you ride Epona through Hyrule Field a more powerful version of the composition is played as brass instruments are included to produce more volume and exhilaration! Alternatively, hearing the Hyrule Field music played at night was spooky with its scary synthesizer feature as it seemed to express a theme of insecurity and sadness as if to say the twilight still rules Hyrule. It is one of my favourite pieces, alongside “Midna’s Desperation”, out of all the beautiful music in the entire game.

Do you enjoy exploring Hyrule Field in Twilight Princess? Did it leave you with a memorable experience to reflect on? Are you a fan of the day/night themes of this Hyrule Field? Please let me know your opinions in the comments below!