This was my first Zelda game, which I played almost a decade ago and haven't returned to since. I bought the HD version and finally completed it again. This Zelda I feel sits in a weird place for some fans, but it has all of the confidence to be one of the games that defines what a Zelda game actually is. The game's dungeons are consistently the best in the franchise, and the items and mechanics are unique and never overstay their welcome. Nothing, actually, repeats for too long, even the Tears of Light early game quests, which were quicker than remembered, thanks to more patience and a reduce of scope on this HD port. The story struck me now as much as it did back then, elevating the franchise from typical fantasy fare, to a mature and human element of heroism. Link and the people you interface with are way more lively characters that have motivations and depth. Dark turns and tragedy plague the creatures of Hyrule, and much of this is not locked behind side content or am offhand line of dialogue, but front and center. Love, grief, loss, legacy, and responsibility are just a few of the broad strokes that Twilight Princess tackles, and does so with a strength unseen in some of the other story-heavy Zeldas. While the last few hours and post-game content are lackluster, TP helps fans new and old understand why Zelda is such a powerhouse in Nintendo's catalog. It's a really fun ride that deserves a play.