• Review: The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword

    by
    Kris "Kayris" Cullen
    Published on 12-06-2011 12:43 AM
    3 Comments Comments
    The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword



    Developer: Nintendo EAD
    Publisher: Nintendo
    Platform: Wii
    Genre: Action-adventure
    Rating: Everyone
    Release Date: November 20, 2011

    Link is back in the latest installment of the Legend of Zelda series with Skyward Sword, and he must save his childhood friend Zelda from… demise! Nintendo brings us what is sure to be another classic, that maybe even surpasses that of Ocarina of Time. So grab your Deku Nuts and prepare yourself for what is sure to be this years best title on the Wii.

    Presentation
    Skyward Sword elaborates on the origins of the Master Sword, Ganondorf, and various other things that can be seen throughout most of the series. According to legend, after the creation of Hyrule, the Triforce was entrusted by the Golden Goddesses Din, Farore, and Nayru to the deity known as Hylia. However, the Demon King Demise gathered an army to take the Triforce for his own evil intent. Using her power to create the floating islands called Skyloft to keep the Hylians and the Triforce safe, Hylia and the remaining tribes—the Ancient Robots, the Parella, the Kikwis, the Gorons, and the Mogmas—battled Demise's horde before the demon was defeated.

    Fast forward a couple of thousand years and now the story continues with Link, who was born and raised in Skyloft, learns that he was the one chosen by the goddess after Zelda is taken to a far away land. Now it's up to Link to fulfill the prophecy left by the Goddess Hylia.

    Graphics
    Although the Wii is on the lower end of all the home entertainment consoles currently on the market in ways of high definition and graphical capabilities, Skyward Sword is one of the very few titles that shows the potential the Wii still has. Skyward Sword has all the vibrant colors and nostalgic, unforgettable design qualities of Wind Waker, with all the detail and precision that Twilight Princess wanted to have. Skyward Sword uses graphics that resembles impressionist art. This style allows for more exaggerated enemy designs, which emphasizes their attacks and weaknesses. This also allows for less complicated puzzles that are still difficult, but are in turn slightly obvious due to their design. All in all, this title being on the Wii, is nothing but eye candy through out the game.

    Sound/Music
    In this day and age we are all use to every individual character now having an actual voice, but Nintendo still hasn’t given one to our green hero just yet. Link doesn’t have to have a voice just yet, but when it comes down to sound it seems that Nintendo just recycled previously used grunts and yells that have been heard in previous titles. Although this is pretty lazy on the part of the developers, this can be over looked.

    The music leaves the player speechless when it comes right down to it. From new ballads to our favorite melodies re-mastered, this title has the music flawlessly mesh with what the player is experiencing in the game. Nintendo’s musical maestros have once more waved their magical batons to craft a masterful soundtrack.

    Gameplay
    The Legend of the Zelda: Skyward Sword puts to shame any previous Wii title that utilizes the motion plus technology. The motion plus works well in the cases of sword slashing, bird riding, and maneuvering your beetle equipment, but here comes the bad portion of the controls. When it came to the point and shoot aspect of the game (like when using arrows, clawshots, or sling shot) the controller would have to be calibrated over and over again. Lucky calibration is just the push of a button, but not having to do this is something that would have made the gaming experience all together a lot more enjoyable. It was a nuisance for me to have to constantly recalibrate (especially when using the dust bellows). The second problem during game play can be seen in the delay of the shield. To deploy your shield you must shake the nunchuck forward, but what seemed to me like a half second delay can be the deciding factor on whether a boss is defeated or not. Beside these two things that actually got bothersome every once in a while, this game has solid game play.

    Lasting Appeal
    Dungeons are not the be-all and end-all of Zelda games, and although there are plenty of meaty lairs to prowl through and clever boss encounters to witness, a hefty chunk of the time spent with Skyward Sword will come from soaking in the game’s overall atmosphere, chatting away to locals, and completing the wealth of side-quests on offer.

    Conclusion
    An argument can be stated that having to go back and forth through some of the dungeons can be time consuming and a bit tedious at times, it's safe to say that Skyward Sword incorporates new elements when playing back through the same dungeons the second time. This game provided new characters, a new form of game design similar to what can only be described a digital watercolor, and new game play elements never seen in previous titles. From little things that tie in other story lines to new plot twists and enjoyable but memorable characters, this game has done exactly what it set out to do on The Legend of Zelda’s 25th anniversary. So for those with the time to put in about 50 plus hours of play, this game is nothing but amazement throughout its play and the perfect title to pick up for those willing to challenge themselves.

    Score:
    9.5/10

  • Review Scale

    Score 10- Flawless Victory: A score not handed out to every game. Games earning this rare score sit at the very pinnacle of excellence. These games act as the examples for which all others should be measured with. They are instant classics from the beginning. These games not only deliver what was expected of it, but also exceed the player’s expectations. The game’s features are innovative and original. No game is without its absolute flaws, but the finished product you bring home surpasses the anticipation the game has formed. A day one buy is a must. The game you hold in your hands with this score is a video game jackpot.

    Score 9 - 9.5- Outstanding: Games earning scores such as these absolutely must be played. Games that achieve this high ranking do so because they define the genres that they are in. Flaws are few and barely noticeable. Features seen in the game have been renovated to provide something new and fresh. The story, gameplay, graphics, and lasting appeal are all fantastic and is reason enough to bring the game home and to enjoy with family and friends. Every penny you spend on the game is so worth it.

    Score 8 - 8.5- Great: Any flaw the game may possess is overshadowed by its fun factor. These games would be great for gamers to play. These great games appeal to gamers more and more outside its normal player base because of what it brings to the table.

    Score 7 - 7.5- Good: Flaws do exist in these games, but the positive features of the game can counterbalance the flaws. Additionally, players who are predisposed to liking a game of a particular series or genre with this score should enjoy the game. These are in no way bad games, and much fun can be had with them. An overall good game is worth taking a look at, whether you are willing to buy the game or rent it first. That or you can also wait for the game to reach a good price.

    Score 6 - 6.5- Decent: Games falling into this category may suffer from numerous flaws (for example, graphics or gameplay), but are still worth playing. Granted, the player should be aware that a game with these scores may not guarantee them full satisfaction.

    Score 5 - 5.5- Average: An average game is one in which a game’s features are neither good nor completely terrible. Instead, the finished product is manageable. Little has been done to hold the player’s interest. If anything, rent this game before you consider buying it so that you can at least get a feel for the game’s overall experience.

    Score 4 - 4.5- Poor: Games falling into this category may only keep gamers entertained for a short while. While the game may seem enjoyable for moments at a time, it can quickly grow old and may never be revisited again. The game’s overall function is lacking in quality and may not hold the player’s attention for long. The game leaves little or nothing else to return back to.

    Score 3 - 3.5- Bad: If any positive qualities about a game in this category exist, it is not enough to redeem the game for its shortcomings. Sure you may find yourself playing it, but for how long? You will wind up not giving the game a second glance.

    Score 2 - 2.5- Horrible: Games such as these may not be totally unplayable, they nearly are. Additionally, they may lack, or greatly suffer in, the fundamental functionality of the software as a whole. The game simply does not come close to meeting industry standards at the time of its release.

    Score 1 - 1.5- Appalling: Gamers should avoid this game at all costs. The game was clearly not ready to make its way to store shelves in its status. Save your money and find something else. See it in the bargain bin? No! Stay away! Keep moving and look for something else.

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