Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Review
Platform: Wii
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Author: S.A.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is an action-adventure game much like its predecessors and is the sixteenth, yes sixteenth, entry into the Legend of Zelda series. For your understanding gamers it’s important to note that despite this being the latest installation into the Zelda universe it’s actually the earliest game in the series own personal time line. That is to say, all other adventures that have come, ranging from the Ocarina of time, to Windwaker and beyond, have been due to this Link’s journey. With that in mind, to properly understand all the game’s we’ve played up to date, it’s important to delve into this world with an observant eye and the understanding that this is our ‘original’ hero.
The first model of link…looks very very familiar.
The game itself starts on the floating island of Skyloft, where our forever hero Link, is preparing for the annual Wing Ceremony. This is an important ceremony for the denizens of Skyloft and serves as an initiation for their up and coming Knights. After a successful ceremony Link’s friend, and seemingly love interest, Zelda falls from the floating island to the surface down below due to a sudden storm that shakes the citizens of the island. Link barrells in pursuit but finds himself incapable of penetrating the thick fog between the surface and the floating island paradise. However that very night after our unsuccessful foray into the world below, Link is visited by Fi, an individual sent by the goddess Hylia in order to search for Zelda. Fi leads Link to the Goddess Sword, and with it he manages to penetrate the clouds that were previously impenetrable with a little divine intervention. Thus starts our search for our friend, and our fight against evil. The game will feature monsters, self proclaimed demon lords, and various trips through time.
This is our new foe…what a looker.
The game play for this type of title should come as no surprise, given it’s many predecessors in the series. With that in mind, we recogonize that Skyward Sword is an action adventure game mixed with with various puzzle elements to spruce up this forever changing world. Link will be fighting primarily with his sword and shield, but do not forget the assortment of weapons he has at his disposal. This ranges from fan favourites such as his bow, and bomb collection, and also new contributions such as a whip and mechanical flying beetle.
Link’s adventure involves him travelling between his home up in the sky, which acts as the game’s main safe zone, Skyloft and the surface. It’s important to visit Skyloft now and again due to the bazaar, where players can purchase or even upgrade potions, shields, and weapons. For travel purposes we have lost our trusty Epona, and been given a giant flying bird called a Loftwing. This creature allows us to travel to various entry points to the surface below and the scatered floating islands that make up Skyloft’s habitat.
O Epona, Why couldn’t you fly?
The game stays true to it’s traditional Zelda motif and has players various dungeons and hidden gems scattered through the land. Link will, as always, solve various puzzles through the explored dungeons and have a boss fight at the end to scrape through. All in the pursuit of furthering the games plot, and gaining a much needed and new shiny item.
Players will have to use the Wii remote and Nunchuk combo to make full use of Link’s abilities, so get ready for some physical work from time to time. A cool new feature this time around for the Zelda universe was the Stamina Meter, which decreases while you perform a variety of moves. Once depleted Link will tire out and leave himself open to counterattack, so it’s important for gamers to be careful on how you progress.
Also a new feature to the game is the different “pouches” available to our hero. One of which contains all our weapon goodies such as the slingshot, clawshot, bow and so forth. These are nearly always available to us during the game. Following this however is our adventure pouch, which contains our potions, questions items, shields, ammunition expansion and what not. Throughout the course of the game players will have to decide what is important to carry around in this pouch because unfortunately, we can’t carry everything! So choice is now added to maximize our role play adventure, and we must plan on what would best suit link in any given area.
Finally, an element of extreme importance for an dungeon adventurer, is the knowledge that Link’s shields aren’t a one size fits all situations. Rather he has a variety availble to him throughout his quest and each has it’s distinct advantages and disadvantages. For example, an iron shield can block fire attacks and is more durable, however it isn’t good against electrical attacks. While a wooden shield can block electrical attacks but will catch fire if it comes in contact with flame related injuries. On top of that scary thought, the shields themselves can and will break. Wherein which a trip to Skyloft will be needed to replace the hole in your gaping defence.
The music, like always, proves to be both moving and soothing through your trip through this magical world. With graphics that leave very little to be desire, and a story that always captures your heart, I would say get this game if you have a Wii. That said, if your looking for a reason to buy the Wii…look no further.
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