Before I start, a word about fishing. I tried, I really did. I actually got okay at it. But the tenth time I caught that same fscking greengill, I decided finding out what the other three types of fish are could wait until I take on the Wii U version, where I’ll try to remember to catch a fish every time I’m near water. I don’t see the appeal of fishing in real life, and playing a simulated version is about doubly meh. Aside from that, there’s nothing left to do (aside from stocking up on consumables), so Link heads to the twilight barrier around Hyrule Castle. Midna takes the moment and brings together the Fused Shadow. Its power overwhelms her at first and sends her bouncing against and eventually over the walls, but she emerges as a giant twilight beast that summons a light spear that shatters the barrier. The scene cuts to Midna, back in her imp form, waking up in Link’s arms as the Hyrule Castle fanfare plays.
Before entering Hyrule Castle, Link and Midna explore the grounds. There are two keys, the map, and lots of rupees to collect out here. One of the keys is held by King Bulblin, who challenges Link to one last sword fight. When it becomes apparent Link is the better swordsman, the King admits defeat and hands over the key, saying, “I follow the strongest side. That is all I have ever known.” As he walks away, Midna emerges from Link’s shadow, astonished that King Bulblin can actually speak.
The first part of the castle interior is a short mix of puzzles and combat. After the first two rooms, the path branches and Link can go one of two ways. The first way is mostly fighting, including another fight against two Darknuts that for some reason gave me more trouble than the fight against three of them in the Cave of Ordeals. At the end of the path, Link can either go forward, or back to the entryway to collect the last two treasure chests and go back and try the other path. (The level designer thought of completionists, hooray!) The other path doesn’t have any enemies harder than Dinolfos, but there’s a tricky puzzle involving lighting torches while being swarmed by Keese.
Out in the courtyard, as Link approaches the chest with the big key, a bunch of enemies stand in his way. Then the archers get shot down, the ones charging at Link explode, and a hawk flies down to Rusl, who’s there with the others from Telma’s bar. Rusl waves, Link nods, and as the group continues on their way, Link heads into the tower. The puzzle there is a simple one once you know what to do: the floor tiles collapse, but there are ghosts Wolf Link can see who’ll point him in the right direction. The stairs up the tower are half missing; one set requires Spider-Linking between grates on the wall to pass, the last brings out the Spinner for one last ride. Then Link fights one final Darknut, and uses the last key to open a room full of chests and pots that make sure he’s well-stocked before heading to fight Ganon.
As Link and Midna enter the throne room, they find a lifeless Zelda suspended in a broken statue depicting the goddesses and Triforce. Ganon, sitting on the throne, holding the sword used to try to execute him, with a giant glowing scar on his chest, welcomes them. He talks about the Twili, how their anguish over their banishment served to help him grow strong, but their power pales before that of the Triforce. When he claims that his link with the Triforce of Power makes him fit to be king, Midna defiantly scoffs at him. Ganon is amused and welcomes the challenge, and moves toward Zelda. Midna tries to protect her, but Ganon splinters into twilight and passes by. Zelda is unharmed – but Ganon has possessed her. Midna moves to strike, but can’t bring herself to do it. She gets blown back, and as Link runs to her, a twilight barrier pops up separating them. Ganon’s puppet Zelda floats down with a few last words about their defiance, and the boss fight begins.
Puppet Zelda has three attacks: charging, creating a glowing triangle on the ground, and throwing an energy ball at Link. The last is the important one, and Link needs to bounce the attack back at her – the old familiar game. After three successfully reflected attacks, Ganon is weakened enough that the barrier comes down, and is powerless as Midna uses the Fused Shadow to drive Ganon out of Zelda’s body. Then, in a great little moment, she comes and leans against Link’s shoulder and the two smile at each other, even as Ganon begins to reincorporate.
Next: Link vs. Ganon.
