I must admit, this was the first game I ever played that was designed for an (relatively) older audience. It changed the way I understood media and even the concept of fiction as a whole.

Before I played this game, the only entry in the series I had played was the original The Legend of Zelda. As a child, I enjoyed the experience, but much preferred the exciting zaniness of Mario Galaxy. When I picked up Twilight Princess, primarily for the chance at picking up a darker video game, I was astounded. The scale of this world and the stakes of its stories, combined with enjoyable characters, culminated in an experience that I did not know was possible. I was hooked, not just to Zelda, or to video games, but any and all forms of art.

As an adult, I understand this game is not perfect. It suffers especially from a rough beginning and repeated tutorialization. But I still hold this as the definitive Zelda experience. Some of the best dungeons, characters, bosses, and items in franchise history. A story that is not nearly as dark as it sometimes wishes to be, but still endearing enough to be enjoyed by all ages. Not too mention a fantastic score who's only rival to date is Skyward Sword's powerful orchestra.

I will never tire of watching Link and Epona ride through a sun-soaked Hyrule Field.