MIXED BAG. REVIEW OF
THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: SKYWARD SWORD
+
25th Anniv. Collector's Edition
By Sean Barnes
Developer: Nintendo
System: Wii (Released Nov. 2011)
Genre: Action-Adventure
The year was 1986 and the Nintendo Entertainment System (Famicom to the Japanese) was set to reinvigorate a stagnant console market marred by dozens of consoles and doppelganger titles that mostly involved shooting things in space while moving horizontally or vertically through levels. Nintedo's killer ips included but were not limited to....Duck Hunt and Super Mario Bros. Both were fine and classic titles, but it wasn't until a little title came along straight from the childhood experiences of exploration of Shigeru Miyamoto and named after the wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Legend of Zelda.
The game and its subsequent sequels, save a couple of non-Nintendo sequels that are easily forgotten, would create a legacy of classic action-adventure titles that, not only became one of the "big three" (also including Mario and Metroid) franchises of Nintendo but, became a benchmark to compare other games. Over the next 25 years, The Legend of Zelda, a game following the basic storyline of either: a young hero (Link) attempting to save a princess (Zelda) or save the world, has left an undeniable mark on gaming history. To this day, The Legend of Zelda is often regarded as one of the best video game series of all time and each title has brought small innovations, from sound design to game design, over a quarter of a century.
And to cap off 2011, "The Year of Zelda", Nintendo released a brand new game for the Nintendo Wi, Skyward Sword.
Skyward Sword takes place at the earliest part of the Zelda timeline and in many ways shares similarities to the other titles in the series, but innovates in several small ways. Long ago, the goddess Hylia saved humanity from a demonic beast by building them a home in the sky. Our story takes place in their home, Skyloft, and you're a young man training to become a knight and rider of the majestically (goofy) Loftwing. For the purpose of convenience, we will use the default name for the protagonist, Link, when discussing the player character.
Link and his friends live a somewhat sheltered life; most people in Skyloft don't believe in a surface world beneath the clouds, it is always pleasant in Skyloft and everyone is happy. The only thing that worries Link are strange dreams involving a mysterious blue figure. While celebrating a festival, Link's best friend Zelda is sucked down into the cloud cover by a tornado. Link soon discovers that the mysterious blue figure of his dreams, Fi, is the spirit of the "Goddess Sword", a holy artifact created by the goddess Hylia. With her help and the help of his friends, Link must travel to the world below to find Zelda, defeat demon lords, like Ghirahim a very effeminate sorcerer, and save the world from Demise.
As for the execution of the story, the game succeeds in telling a story that is more compelling than many of the titles in the series and the characters are especially likeable. The characters that stand head and shoulder above the rest are this game's version of Zelda, the demon lord Ghirahim, and a big bully by the name of Groose. The story, thematically, doesn't pose many questions or revolve around any particular new theme; instead, it focuses on laying a foundation for the origin of many characters, archetypes, and other parts of the Zelda timeline. The story here isn't enough to pull you in and keep you coming back, but it does its job.
Link and his friends live a somewhat sheltered life; most people in Skyloft don't believe in a surface world beneath the clouds, it is always pleasant in Skyloft and everyone is happy. The only thing that worries Link are strange dreams involving a mysterious blue figure. While celebrating a festival, Link's best friend Zelda is sucked down into the cloud cover by a tornado. Link soon discovers that the mysterious blue figure of his dreams, Fi, is the spirit of the "Goddess Sword", a holy artifact created by the goddess Hylia. With her help and the help of his friends, Link must travel to the world below to find Zelda, defeat demon lords, like Ghirahim a very effeminate sorcerer, and save the world from Demise.
As for the execution of the story, the game succeeds in telling a story that is more compelling than many of the titles in the series and the characters are especially likeable. The characters that stand head and shoulder above the rest are this game's version of Zelda, the demon lord Ghirahim, and a big bully by the name of Groose. The story, thematically, doesn't pose many questions or revolve around any particular new theme; instead, it focuses on laying a foundation for the origin of many characters, archetypes, and other parts of the Zelda timeline. The story here isn't enough to pull you in and keep you coming back, but it does its job.
PRESENTATION
One of the big appeals and risks that Skyward Sword takes is in the visuals; as opposed to going for a more realistic approach they manage to find a nice halfway point between Twilight Princess and Wind Waker that balances somewhat realistic proportions with a gorgeous cell-shaded style. The game can have moments that are totally engrossing; the colors, character designs, and texture effects give the game the appeal of a storybook of gorgeous hand-painted scenes. That doesn't mean the game's visuals are without error as there are several times during the game play that the textures become rough around the edge of character designs and it is easy to see how they are pushing the graphics of the Wii, which are a generation behind, to their limit.
As for the display and menus, the game's menu system is fairly easy to use with the motion controls and the addition of the option to have as little or much as you want of the button configurations high-lighted on the right side of the screen are a lovely touch, especially since it can be customized to your preference from lots of reminders to being completely removed.
The audio is fantastic; with the music and the sound effects living up to the standards of the series by using several songs from the history of the series to great effect and giving the game a gliding epic feel that fits the game's high adventure. The only thing I would've liked to see, believe it or not, is a bigger risk; if all characters besides Link talked (he should remain mute, reference the CD-I games and cartoon show), the game would've been far more cinematic at parts and it would be easier to play this game while joined by a friend. Because of this quality, Zelda has always been a series that is infinitely funner to play than the awful boredom of watching.
All in all, the presentation lives up to the standards of the series and are unmatched on the console, except perhaps by Super Mario Galaxy 1 & 2.
As for the display and menus, the game's menu system is fairly easy to use with the motion controls and the addition of the option to have as little or much as you want of the button configurations high-lighted on the right side of the screen are a lovely touch, especially since it can be customized to your preference from lots of reminders to being completely removed.
The audio is fantastic; with the music and the sound effects living up to the standards of the series by using several songs from the history of the series to great effect and giving the game a gliding epic feel that fits the game's high adventure. The only thing I would've liked to see, believe it or not, is a bigger risk; if all characters besides Link talked (he should remain mute, reference the CD-I games and cartoon show), the game would've been far more cinematic at parts and it would be easier to play this game while joined by a friend. Because of this quality, Zelda has always been a series that is infinitely funner to play than the awful boredom of watching.
All in all, the presentation lives up to the standards of the series and are unmatched on the console, except perhaps by Super Mario Galaxy 1 & 2.
GAME-PLAY
The thing that was intended to be unmatched by any other title on the console, even Super Mario Galaxy, was the title's use of the motion controls. Requiring the Wii Motionplus, an add-on for the wii-mote, the game advertised unmatched accuracy for a motion-controlled game and the simulation of fighting with a sword and shield were intended to be unmatched and, as a matter of fact, the sword fights are the most enjoyable and innovative part of the title. As opposed to Twilight Princess, most of the time, the game accurately matches your sword swings. the And yet...
Even though the sword fight is mostly accurate, by relying on more motion controls, the title was harder and often more frustrating to play than Twilight Princess. The motion controls are used more than ever and, because of their inaccuracy with many repetitive activities like flying or swimming, they are easily the biggest enemy to new players, old players, and fun in general. A little anecdote, I asked several players to help explain how to fly after having trouble rising, they couldn't understand my problem or what was wrong. About the fourth person I ask knew what I was talking about and explained how to fix it; and when a game mechanic is that difficult to explain, a game mechanic that is used several times during the game, it shows there is a problem. Also, the swimming is far worse than in any other Zelda title.
Furthermore, during several moments in the game, the immersiveness and fun were spoiled by a simple limitation of the motion controls. The sensor cannot track the wii mote when it points away from the sensor and, in the middle of many boss fights and intense moments, forced me to have to pause the game and recalibrate. Nothing ruins what could have been a compelling boss fight faster than the controls crapping out and me having to pause, recalibrate, and repeat the process for twenty minutes; it takes you right out of the game.
Also on the downside, the puzzles were few and far in-between, there was far less exploration and the world felt more like an over-world than in past titles, and the times where the game were difficult were mostly to the incompetency of the motion controls. The worst new mechanic was the stamina system; a frustrating waste of holding down the a-button and forcing you to have to pace your actions to keep it up. This doesn't add to the realism or fun because it puts a big dumb green circle on the screen and you end up staring at it, instead of the fight, to keep from getting your butt-kicked.
Regardless of how the game-play was disappointing, it doesn't mean the game wasn't fun, and it lived up to the fun of the series in most aspects. As I just said, the sword fighting was usually a lot of fun, and despite my complaints agains tthe motion controls, it does get a little easier with practice. Furthermore, several of the dungeons, challenges, bosses, and side-quests were funny and worth completing. Also, more than ever the game allows you to adjust the difficulty by allowing you to use your rupees, treasure, and bugs better than ever to create and improve items and gears. Speaking of gear, several pieces of the gear were a lot of fun, like a remote-control beetle and the classic-but-improved bow and arrow.
There are several amazing boss-fights, especially the ones involving Ghirahim, who you fight several times in the game and highlight sword-on-sword fighting. The boss fights alone are the single funnest part of any Zelda game and the game has a variety of fights in Skyward Sword; from fighting a multi-armed statue/robot that uses scimitars to fighting a giant demon with a combination of sword-blows and canon-fire. The set pieces are superb.
A small, but worthy annoyance of note is Link's companion Fi who often serves to reminds of the obvious and reminds you not to die....fifty hours into the game. Fi is one of the most annoying companions in Zelda history, despite having a really cool design.
The problem is that the game overreached to accommodate motion controls and this mars an otherwise fantastic title. In the end, the game was fun, but the fun was spoiled by spurts of frustrations and headaches that may have made another game tosser the controller out a window.
As for replay, you can replay the game in Hero Mode, a far more difficult mode where rupees are harder to find and hard-core Zelda fans and completionists will enjoy the difficulty spike and the inclusion of a special challenge to beat as many bosses in a row as you can.
Even though the sword fight is mostly accurate, by relying on more motion controls, the title was harder and often more frustrating to play than Twilight Princess. The motion controls are used more than ever and, because of their inaccuracy with many repetitive activities like flying or swimming, they are easily the biggest enemy to new players, old players, and fun in general. A little anecdote, I asked several players to help explain how to fly after having trouble rising, they couldn't understand my problem or what was wrong. About the fourth person I ask knew what I was talking about and explained how to fix it; and when a game mechanic is that difficult to explain, a game mechanic that is used several times during the game, it shows there is a problem. Also, the swimming is far worse than in any other Zelda title.
Also on the downside, the puzzles were few and far in-between, there was far less exploration and the world felt more like an over-world than in past titles, and the times where the game were difficult were mostly to the incompetency of the motion controls. The worst new mechanic was the stamina system; a frustrating waste of holding down the a-button and forcing you to have to pace your actions to keep it up. This doesn't add to the realism or fun because it puts a big dumb green circle on the screen and you end up staring at it, instead of the fight, to keep from getting your butt-kicked.
There are several amazing boss-fights, especially the ones involving Ghirahim, who you fight several times in the game and highlight sword-on-sword fighting. The boss fights alone are the single funnest part of any Zelda game and the game has a variety of fights in Skyward Sword; from fighting a multi-armed statue/robot that uses scimitars to fighting a giant demon with a combination of sword-blows and canon-fire. The set pieces are superb.
The problem is that the game overreached to accommodate motion controls and this mars an otherwise fantastic title. In the end, the game was fun, but the fun was spoiled by spurts of frustrations and headaches that may have made another game tosser the controller out a window.
As for replay, you can replay the game in Hero Mode, a far more difficult mode where rupees are harder to find and hard-core Zelda fans and completionists will enjoy the difficulty spike and the inclusion of a special challenge to beat as many bosses in a row as you can.
PROS VS. CONS
+ A fun and unique spin on the series's characters, stories, and world
+ Visuals, despite graphical limitations, are unique and lighthearted
+Cool dungeons, funny side-quests, and awesome boss-fights
+ The sword-fighting is usually amazing
+ Visuals, despite graphical limitations, are unique and lighthearted
+Cool dungeons, funny side-quests, and awesome boss-fights
+ The sword-fighting is usually amazing
VS.
- Motion controls can head-ache inducing and even be rage-quit worthy.
CONCLUSION
4/5.
The game stands as a solid title in the series, but is neither a classic or game-of-the-year material, but it stands as one of the best games on the Nintendo Wii and for hard-core Nintendo fans, it delivers a pretty cool experience. The only thing that holds it back from being a classic or standing up to titles like Elder Scrolls: Skyrim is that it doesn't take enough risks, outside of those involving motion controls, and that are what spoiled my fun. Still, it is a definite recommendation for anyone out there with a Nintendo Wii.
COLLECTOR'S EDITION CONTENTS:
CONTENT:
25th ANNIVERSARY LEGEND OF ZELDA CD
LEGEND OF ZELDA WIIMOTE
I don't buy a ton of special editions but, when I do, its usually for a series I love and/or the content of the edition captures my eyes. The first bit of fluff content that, while nice to have, is hardly worth a collector's edition alone is the "Zelda Music CD". This CD has 8 tracks, all orchestral scores and melodies of classic Zelda games from the last 25 years and is a very enjoyable listen. Where the collector's edition goes a step further is in the main attraction, the special edition wii-mote controller with a motion plus.
Some people didn't like the finish of the wii-mote, but it has instantly become my default controlelr for the wii and was the main reason I purchased the collector's edition. Not only is it pleasing to the eye with a golden coat and tri-force decal, it came with wii-motion plus a necessary peripheral for playing the game. Not only can you expect me to praise the wii-mote, but you can expect me to use it for the wii and for the inevitable purchase of the Wii-U.
LEGEND OF ZELDA WIIMOTE
I don't buy a ton of special editions but, when I do, its usually for a series I love and/or the content of the edition captures my eyes. The first bit of fluff content that, while nice to have, is hardly worth a collector's edition alone is the "Zelda Music CD". This CD has 8 tracks, all orchestral scores and melodies of classic Zelda games from the last 25 years and is a very enjoyable listen. Where the collector's edition goes a step further is in the main attraction, the special edition wii-mote controller with a motion plus.
Some people didn't like the finish of the wii-mote, but it has instantly become my default controlelr for the wii and was the main reason I purchased the collector's edition. Not only is it pleasing to the eye with a golden coat and tri-force decal, it came with wii-motion plus a necessary peripheral for playing the game. Not only can you expect me to praise the wii-mote, but you can expect me to use it for the wii and for the inevitable purchase of the Wii-U.
SCORE: FAN-BUY
Initially, for $30 more than just buying the game (priced originally at $50) you get a decent Zelda CD and Wii-Mote, this was a must-buy at its release in November of 2012. Eight months later? The price has ballooned from $80 to $100 or more (I saw as high as $150) and it is hard to come by. If you see it for $80 at your best buy or gamestop, pick it up, but if you are not a hard-core Zelda fan, don't bother. Just pick up the game for around $40 and start your adventure today.
