Bastion
LQ: 9.15
Recommended Age: 10+
Skills Used: Planning, Working Memory, Mathematics, Reading
In The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, players attempt to save the kingdom of Hyrule from being forever engulfed by the shadowy Twilight Realm. Players will need to solve puzzles, learn new sword techniques, and thoroughly explore the game’s massive world, meeting unique characters and battling monsters throughout their adventure. The game features mild violence, but no blood, and good reading abilities are needed to follow instructions and understand the story, as no voice-acting is used in the game. Due to the amount of reading, fantasy violence and level of challenge, Twilight Princess is recommended for kids ages 12 and up.
Adapting and adjusting to changing conditions and expectations. Trying new things.
The game's protagonist Link can take on two forms throughout the game, one as a human and another as a wolf. Each form has different abilities and limitations. For example, Wolf Link can use his heightened senses to find buried items, but he cannot put any of these items to use. Link on the other hand can use a variety of items and weaponry to fight off foes. The two vary widely in battle tactics as well, with Wolf Link being more agile than regular Link. Since players have little direct control over when Link changes form, they must be ready to adapt to these changing circumstances as they arise.
Furthermore, Link will eventually amass a huge inventory of weapons and items, and players must become proficent in all of them to succeed. Whether battling foes or solving puzzles, the game frequently introduces situations that call for specific items, tasking players to dive into their inventory and experiment with their gear. Players can use the boomerang to stun enemies in battle or activate far-off switches, while arming themselves with the bow and arrow allows them to take out distant enemies and fight on horseback. Unique items like the grappling "Clawshot" can even allow them to travel over wide pits and ascend tall structures. Many of the game's challenging boss battles require Link to put one or more of these specific items to use to win, further enhancing the need for flexible tactics.
Recalling and retaining information in our minds while working. Following directions.
Link is given access to many different tools and weapons in Twilight Princess, and each one uses a distinct set of controls. For example, players can do a basic sword attack by waving the remote from side to side, but in order to do more complex and damaging moves, they must first press Z to target their opponent. Doing so also allows them to dodge left and right, leap backwards and lunge forwards for an airborne strike. Players can also gain additional sword skills as they progress through the game, and each skill requires its own particular commands to activate. Players must memorize the actions required for each move, as well as the unique controls for each item, and be able to perform the corresponding actions when needed. Players who fail to recall such moves and rely on Link's simplest maneuvers will have a hard time defeating the game's tougher foes.
Developing a systematic approach for setting and achieving goals.
Link can carry only a limited amount of stock for useful items like bombs and arrows. While players can sometimes replenish supplies of such items by defeating enemies, the most reliable method to stock up on inventory is to buy goods at shops. It is important for players to keep an eye on their supplies, as they do not want to get stuck in a difficult dungeon without the needed items to advance. Supportive items that can heal link are also very handy during the game's tougher sections, so players that plan ahead and purchase potions for their inventory will have a much easier time finishing difficult dungeons. Players can collect hearts to heal Link as well, which can be found by defeating enemies or by breaking vases scattered around the environment. Taking the time to max out Link's heart gauge before fighting a difficult boss battle is a common form of preparation used throughout the game.
Understanding our own actions, thoughts and feelings.
Each enemy in Twilight Princess has its own unique attacks and weaknesses. Bokoblins, for example, are weak enemies that can be taken down with almost any sort of attack. Later enemies, like the heavily-armored Iron Knuckles, might require players to use more than one weapon, or to use specialized tactics and maneuvers to defeat them. Players who can reflect on their own tactics and evaluate the efectiveness of their approach will be better able to recognize the weaknesses of each enemy, and develop effective strategies to beat them. This skill becomes even more important against the game's difficult boss battles, which require a series of advanced tactics to defeat. Players that fail to recognize their own mistakes will have trouble developing the kind of strategies needed to fell suchpowerful foes.
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