My final reproduced effect in Unity.

Reference

Recorded GIF / video reference from gameplay footage in HD Twilight Princess Let's Play

Frame by frame captures of the effect with frame number marked. Useful for identifying FX stages and elements.

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Analysis

Distinct elements present in the effect are recorded, so I can plan the different prefabs I want to make for the combined effect.

Below, you can see my unity prefabs that make up the final effect, as I've isolated each in view. 

Smoke Core

Smoke Balls

Smoke Spikes

Twilight Flakes

Spirit Balls

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Attempts & Iteration

An example of an early version of the effect, and notes I would take down when compared to the reference. Like with character animation, play-blasting and reviewing results outside of the play window helps formulate feedback. The accuracy of the study comes from not only making the prefab pieces, but timing them to each other.

An early test. The pieces are there.

Refinement included creating and tweaking my own 2D sprite images to better match the intended effects. Adding a variety of piece shapes to the twilight flakes was especially impactful.

Sprite PNGs for Effect

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Final Result

With each of the prefabs fine-tuned based on notes and comparison, I arrived on a visual that more closely resembles the reference footage, with much better understanding of the contributing elements.

final reproduced effect in Unity

Reference for Comparison

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Next in this series, I tackle Midna's Portal effect from the same game.  >>