So I've had about 48 hours with Skyward Sword (of which, i spent like 5-8 hours playing. A guy has to sleep and work) and so far, I definitely approve. I intend to write a full-blown review of it someday, but right now, this is just my opinion on the first chunk of the game.
Let me start by saying I'm not going to compare this game point for point to Ocarina of Time. Yes I'm aware OoT is a fantastic game, one of my favorites of all time and arguably the best in the Zelda franchise but this is NOT Ocarina of Time and people should stop treating it as such. If you want a prettier version of Ocarina of Time, then go buy a 3DS.
The first thing many of you will notice about Skyward Sword is the art style. I am personally a fan of this. I feel like Wind Waker was TOO over the top cartoon-y (and honestly, a fantastic game, you just have to accept it for being a different piece) and Twilight Princess took the series towards a more realistic, even darker side than the light-heartedness we call came to love from Ocarina and Majora's Mask. SS kept some of the more realistic looks and expressions of Twilight Princess, especially noticeable in cutscenes when you can see the emotion played out on the characters' faces, but they chose to also do a colorful, partial cel-shading. Honestly, it just feels like the next natural transition.
One of the other things you'll be quick to notice is the setting. Skyward Sword initially takes place in Skyloft, a bustling civilization set high up in the clouds among floating islands. Skyloft is a peaceful place where there aren't any monsters or trouble lurking about, and everyone is enjoying their day-to-day life. All of the main characters (mostly students at the Knight Academy) have a giant bird called a Loftwing that they use to travel around on, and this is your mode of transportation through the sky when you're not directly standing on Skyloft itself.
Next up is the story-telling of Skyward Sword. LoZ games usually have a very brief intro, then you're dropped into the action. Skyward Sword differs on this a little, as the whole first section of the game is getting introduced to characters, acquainting yourself with the area, and learning the controls. There IS more story and background than usual, but it really is a nice touch. For those who aren't aware, chronologically this is the FIRST entry in the franchise, so a great many things have not been established. The game has a nice flow to it, and the pace feels just right. You don't spend TOO much time in Skyloft before taking off on adventure, but they could've shortened the experience a LITTLE.
Controls have been a huge selling point that Nintendo has been pushing with this game since it requires a Wii Motion Plus attachment, and I will admit it has ups and downs. Sword fighting feels more natural. Instead of randomly flicking the remote and hoping, you have to actually swing the remote vertically, horizontally, or diagonally to hit your targets. You can also thrust forward for a jab. You will occasionally have to recalibrate the wii motion plus (done from one of the pause menus) if you feel the controller isn't accurately depicting your motions, but this is a minor nuisance. Spin attacks are done by shaking the Wii remote and nunchuck horizontally, and your shield is controlled by flicking the nunchuck. One thing I love about the controls in Skyward Sword are the way they have streamlined items. No more are the days of pausing, going to an item select screen and equipping stuff in a menu. Now, while moving/fighting you can hold down a button, and flick the Wii remote to the item you want, and it's instantly ready to go. Motion controls have been included for certain items, such as small pots and bombs. Instead of pressing A to throw an object like it has been for years, now you flick the remote while it is pointing upwards to throw, or a new feature is if you point the wii remote downwards and flick you will roll an object, giving it further distance and clearing certain puzzles. Overall the controls aren't the dream we wish they were, but they're definitely not horrible.
Gameplay is still as golden as ever. My biggest complaint is flying around on your Loftwing...it can feel unresponsive at times, but I think it's just the bird because when you use the exact same controls for something else later in the game it works flawlessly. Puzzles are still scattered around and they have just the right amount of difficulty that you might be stumped at first, but as soon as you figure it out it's a good feeling. Newly added to the series is a Stamina meter. You can hold A to make Link dash, but this will quickly deplete the Stamina guage (which will then refill immediately after). Using a spin attack or too many back-to-back slashes will also deplete the meter, as well as climbing or hanging on ledges. When I first saw it, I was a little put off by this addition, but as I progress through the game it's starting to feel more natural. Also newly added is a feature called Dowsing. by going into first person view, you point the Wii remote around and a reticule will blink faster and louder as you get closer to the target (be that a person, item, goal, etc). Unfortunately they made this more required than optional and I really feel the game could have done without it, or again, at least make it optional to use.
I've completed the intro (dare I say, prologue) for the game, cleared the first explorable area, and also the first temple. I'm not going to tell you what item you get in this temple, but it's really cool, and if you've watched videos/trailers I'm sure you've already seen it before.
Again, I'm only a short ways into this 40-hour game, and reviews have said after clearing the game, there is incentive to go back through again, so I'll be curious to see how that plays out. As long as you aren't looking for an exact replica of Ocarina of Time or Twilight Princess, and you can accept this game as its own separate entity in the franchise, I have to say it's a solid title so far, and I'm leaving this review now so I can go play more. :) Please leave any comments, thoughts, questions, etc on the comments! See ya next time!
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