Reviews

Grace H, Roving reporter

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

Nintendo
(Wii)

Here’s the latest installment in the Legend of Zelda series and, at first glance, it might look like a bit of a combination of the last two games, Wind Waker and Twilight Princess, especially in terms of the graphics, but let me assure you that Nintendo have gone above and beyond with this game, putting a new spin on a beloved classic.

The game takes place in a floating land called Skyloft and sees Link as a Knight in training. After dreaming of a strange figure, his childhood friend Zelda comes in to wake him up to get ready for the Wing Ceremony, a tradition that’s part of becoming a Knight.

However, after he completes the ceremony, things start going wrong. Zelda is taken by a storm down to the dangerous world below Skyloft. Link instantly sets off after her and is soon joined by the spirit of the Goddess Sword, named Fi, who helps him out on his quest.

Gameplay takes a page from Twilight Princess’s book in terms of swinging the Wii remote around to control your sword. However, the game uses Wii Motion Plus, which means first of all you’ll need the attachment to play it. Secondly, it means that you’re in for some amazing sword fights.

The way Link handles his sword directly relates to how you’re holding the Wii remote, and it really feels as though you’re in control of every swing. Sword fights aren’t the only thing you have to look forward to, though, as over the course of the game there are a wide range of gadgets at Link's disposal which can be used to solve puzzles or beat up enemies.

Another change is… well, the whole world, really. Instead of the traditional set-up of towns and dungeons being entirely separate, instead you use Skyloft as a central hub area, with the entire world beneath being a dangerous land filled with monsters.

It’s like one giant dungeon, but you have a map which is thankfully very user-friendly, making navigating absolutely no problem at all. Considering how beautiful the environments are, thanks to the game's gorgeous cell-shaded graphics, you’ll want to take your time and explore.

The game also introduces a brand new upgrade feature, letting you increase the power of your equipment, and a stamina meter that lets you sprint or run up walls. I must admit, though, for an action game where you’re always on the move, having a stamina meter can become a bit frustrating at times.

The other thing that becomes frustrating is Link’s new companion, Fi. If you’ve played a Legend of Zelda game before, especially something like Ocarina of Time, you might be familiar with this issue. Fi is constantly spouting advice at you, and there is no option to turn it off. Most of the time, the advice is things that should just be common sense, extremely obvious, or not helpful in the least.

These two small issues are nothing, though, compared to an overall amazing game that puts a new spin on a loved franchise. With amazing areas to explore, fun gadgets to play with, an engaging story and some of the best sword fighting action on the Wii, this is not a game to be missed and a great example of how the Wii still has a lot to offer.

4.5 out of 5.

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