The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword - Impressions
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A lot of people say that The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is the greatest Zelda game of all time. But with Nintendo’s latest Zelda incarnation, some people are saying that The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword can rival or even exceed the greatness of Ocarina of Time. Now that’s a pretty big claim but after playing a bit of Skyward Sword, I can definitely say that it’s giving Ocarina of Time a run for it’s money.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is the latest Zelda game that Nintendo has graced us with and was released on the year of Zelda’s 25th Anniversary. Taking a mix of both the art styles of Wind Waker and Twilight Princess, we have a grown-up Link done in a very gorgeous cell shaded style. I think this is a great middle ground between the light heartedness of Wind Waker and the dark and gritty theme of Twilight Princess and it suits the Zelda franchise very well.
Despite being properly proportioned (lol Wind Waker melon-head kid Link), characters show a great deal of emotion and it really brings out a lot of personality in this game. I found it funny when a shop keeper sighed and frowned as I walked away from his shop while not buying anything. The graphics of this game also pushes the Wii’s ability to its peak. Environments are very bright and colourful and are generally just fun to run around in.
Combat was never really something to talk about in previous Zelda games. In the 2D ones you’d just press a button and Link would swing his sword where he is facing. In past 3D Zelda’s you’d have the Z targeting and just mash B till the enemies died. Future people, takes notes cause this is how motion control is done. Skyward Sword still has Z targeting but since we have a legitimate right-handed Link and 1-to-1 motion control with the Wii Motion Plus, combat is a little more interesting this time around. Link would swing his sword in accordance with the direction you swing the Wiimote for the most part feels very good and responsive. What also adds to the tension of combat is that your shield has a durability gauge so aside from having to watch your opponent, finding their weak point, and striking with the right slashes, you also have your shield durability to worry about. Oh and taking damage from enemies costs 1 full heart. Swordplay in past Zelda games wasn’t really bad but it was mostly just more of the same and sometimes a chore but in Skyward Sword’s case, it’s pretty interesting and keeps you on your toes.
Some controls do feel a little awkward at first such as having to hold the sprint button, run and then shake the nunchuck to roll is still a bit confusing to me as I have to do all that while watching the spring meter at the same time but I’m sure it’s something that I will get used to.
I’m about maybe 3+ hours in so far but I am having a blast which is more than I can say for Twilight Princess’ first few hours. If you own a Wii and haven’t picked this up yet then what the hell is wrong with you? Go out there and get this game now because it is not something you want to miss.
If you are worried about not having a motionplus, you can pick up a bundle of the game with comes with a golden Wiiremoteplus (the wiimote with the built-in motionplus) and I think also includes an orchestrated soundtrack as well as an art book and a cloth map. Speaking of soundtracks, this game has a kickass one.
