The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword - Impressions

right handed link A lot of people say that The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is the greatest Zelda game of all time.  But with Nintendo’s latest Zelda incarnation, some people are saying that The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword can rival or even exceed the greatness of Ocarina of Time. Now that’s a pretty big claim but after playing a bit of Skyward Sword, I can definitely say that it’s giving Ocarina of Time a run for it’s money.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is the latest Zelda game that Nintendo has graced us with and was released on the year of Zelda’s 25th Anniversary. Taking a mix of both the art styles of Wind Waker and Twilight Princess, we have a grown-up Link done in a very gorgeous cell shaded style. I think this is a great middle ground between the light heartedness of Wind Waker and the dark and gritty theme of Twilight Princess and it suits the Zelda franchise very well.

Despite being properly proportioned (lol Wind Waker melon-head kid Link), characters show a great deal of emotion and it really brings out a lot of personality in this game. I found it funny when a shop keeper sighed and frowned as I walked away from his shop while not buying anything. The graphics of this game also pushes the Wii’s ability to its peak. Environments are very bright and colourful and are generally just fun to run around in.

motion plus

Combat was never really something to talk about in previous Zelda games. In the 2D ones you’d just press a button and Link would swing his sword where he is facing. In past 3D Zelda’s you’d have the Z targeting and just mash B till the enemies died. Future people, takes notes cause this is how motion control is done. Skyward Sword still has Z targeting but since we have a legitimate right-handed Link and 1-to-1 motion control with the Wii Motion Plus, combat is a little more interesting this time around. Link would swing his sword in accordance with the direction you swing the Wiimote for the most part feels very good and responsive. What also adds to the tension of combat is that your shield has a durability gauge  so aside from having to watch your opponent, finding their weak point, and striking with the right slashes, you also have your shield durability to worry about. Oh and taking damage from enemies costs 1 full heart. Swordplay in past Zelda games wasn’t really bad but it was mostly just more of the same and sometimes a chore but in Skyward Sword’s case, it’s pretty interesting and keeps you on your toes.

Some controls do feel a little awkward at first such as having to hold the sprint button, run and then shake the nunchuck to roll is still a bit confusing to me as I have to do all that while watching the spring meter at the same time but I’m sure it’s something that I will get used to.

I’m about maybe 3+ hours in so far but I am having a blast which is more than I can say for Twilight Princess’ first few hours. If you own a Wii and haven’t picked this up yet then what the hell is wrong with you? Go out there and get this game now because it is not something you want to miss.

If you are worried about not having a motionplus, you can pick up a bundle of the game with comes with a golden Wiiremoteplus (the wiimote with the built-in motionplus) and I think also includes an orchestrated soundtrack as well as an art book and a cloth map. Speaking of soundtracks, this game has a kickass one.

 

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword reviews are in

Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Wii's biggest and only game is days away and the reviews started showing up in most sites. What the result?? yet another Zelda game worth playing it seems. Here's a round-up of all the reviews out now. 

EDGE - 10/10

1UP - B+

G4 - 4/5

Gameinformer - 10/10

Gamepro - 4/5

IGN - 10/10

Joystiq - 4.5/5

Cheat Code Central - 5.0

GamesRadar - 9/10

Videogamer - 10/10

Wired - 10/10

Will update any more reviews, but so far the game is looking to be worth a buy as expected. Regardless of you required to swing your controller around your room, it seems like it brings minor issues to the table while playing. While watching some of the game reviews, it made me realize how amazing the game looks. It's definitely the best looking game you'll get out of the Wii. Last time a game looked this gorgeous was Mario Galaxy 2. With the Nintendo Wii's limitations in the graphics department, I'm surprised that up until now they we're able to squeeze out some amazing visuals.

The Big Game List – Games to look out for this month and the next[Part2]

The Big Game List The list continues. Here's part two of the Bit Game list and I have just five more big titles worth mentioning that's coming out even before december.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 - Playstation 3, Xbox 360, PC, Wii

Release Date: November 8, 2011

This is a no brainer really. The current champ in the FPS genre, Call of Duty now releases a new game every year which makes each game getting overshadowed just after a year. The Call of Duty series has always been a fun one, even before they implemented their monster competitive multiplayer which started with the first Modern Warfare. This series is all about multiplayer now and is more for people who prefer a faster pace in gameplay. The multiplayer can either be very addicting or very frustrating if you can't keep your cool against the guy with 40-2 owning you with a helicopter killstreak.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 will bring back Spec Ops which now has a survival mode. Survive waves of enemies with a buddy. Kill them for money, then use that money to buy ammo, new guns, weapon upgrades, and air support. Sounds familiar? yea, it's similar to Gears of War's Horde Mode if you ask me.

Should we consider it? - If you want an addicting multiplayer, then yes definitely. The single player story should prove interesting since it's the start of World War III and they just might finally conclude the search for Makarov (I hope). If you loved the last two games Activision released, then this should be a day one buy. To those who got turned off thanks to the removal of dedicated servers, their bringing it back for PC. A win for PC gamers. Modern Warfare 3 has been quite since the reveal of their multiplayer trailer. My guess is, their waiting out the hype of Battlefield 3, then after it's out, flood us with content to get hyped and hopefully forget about Battlefield 3.  So look out for more gameplay footage of this beast of a game.

Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Playstation 3, Xbox 360, PC

Release Date: November 11, 2011

If Dark Souls isn't your kind of RPG, I'm positive Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim will do. We've been asking for a new one for years, but now it's only a month away. With a new game engine and a world just as big as Oblivion, this game will consume us until next year at least. Like games such as Fallout 3 and Oblivion, the fun comes from exploring dungeons, side quests, or pretty much anything you want. You can focus on just the main story but with how vast the world will be, you'll be eager to explore and wander off on your own.

Elder Scrolls has always been an RPG in a First Person perspective, and with one button covering each hand, there will be tons of play styles to choose from. It's said to have a total of 100+ hours of content. If it's true then damn, I'm honestly sold with just 60+ hours. Only japanese RPG's provide that much game time.

Should we consider it? - If your interested in RPG games then definitely. Elder Scrolls is one of the best western RPG's out there and with Bethesda building this game from the ground up, it will not disappoint. With the tons of hours you can invest in just one play through, it will be worth the purchase. I suggest buying this game on the PC though if it can handle Skyrim. Just like past bethesda games, they will be releasing the mod kit, which means players can make changes in the game that will most likely make it a better game. When you get your copy of Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, get ready - your family might just see you next year.

Zelda: Skyward Sword

Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword - Wii

Release Date: November 20, 2011

The Nintendo Wii's latest flagship title, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. The Wii this year hasn't been releasing that many games, actually can't remember a good title coming out of the Wii in the first half of this year. That's why it's good that a new Zelda is coming out this year so we can blow the dust out of the Wii. If your familiar with  past Zelda games then you know what Skyward Sword is going to bring.

This Zelda game is going all out with the Wii's motion controller though.  Maximizing the Wii Motion Plus peripheral, the angle on how you attack with you're in game sword is based on how you swing your controller. Enemies of Skyward Sword have certain openings in their defenses that can be hit by swinging your controller on a specific angle. Just like in any Zelda game, there will be tons of gadgets to use as you progress through the game. With the number of side quests available, they say the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword can clock around 50-100 hours.

Should we consider it? - I consider any Zelda game worth a buy, and frankly If you own a Wii, I'm sure your itching for a new Wii title. What's amazing about the Zelda franchise is that each Zelda always brings something unique or different each time. From the ability to go from young Link to old Link in Ocarina of Time to the amazing art in Wind Walker. The same old formula we love but with a new twist. For Skyward Sword, it's the heavy use of the Wii Motion Plus in sword fighting and gadget use. Wii owners shouldn't miss this title since I can't see anything big coming for the Wii in 2012. This might be Wii's last hurrah since Nintendo is hard at work on making Wii U the console to get next year.

Assassin's Creed Revelations Assassin's Creed: Revelations - Playstation 3, Xbox 360, PC

Release Date: November 15, 2011

Yet another game that comes out every year for some reason. Assassin's Creed: Revelations is the next chapter in the Assassin's Creed series. Desmond Miles goes back to relive  Ezio Auditore da Firenze(Assassin's Creed 2 and Brotherhood) final chapters. The games first protagonist, Altaïr ibn La-Ahad will be in Revelations. Question is, if he's playable. If you played Asssassin's Creed 2 or brotherhood then you know whats coming. Core gameplay hasn't changed but hey, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. An open world with you blending with the crowd to silently take down your target without anybody noticing you, that's Assassin's Creed. Well that and the crazy conspiracies with the templars, the Animus, and everything happening in Desmond's world.

Multiplayer was first introduced in Assassin's Creed Brotherhood and will have a similar concept in Revelations. I've tried the Revelations multiplayer beta and it was to keep your mind off the main story line. Will I be playing it over and over? doubt it, but some of you might have a blast with it. Assassin's Creed is all about the free roam single player anyways, multiplayer is added to keep the franchise as a full package.

Should we consider it? - Aren't you dying to whats going to happen next, or what they'll uncover next? that's the problem really. Fans of the series will love the next installment but there are some gamers out there that haven't picked up even the first game. The game tried to keep it less confusing for the new gamers but this series is a direct sequel to each other and is best played from the first game to get updated with the story. It might come out confusing. If you're not interested in the story and just want some Assassin fun, by all means. The stealth gameplay is still solid and the game is another free roam game with lots of things to do. When you do like this game, might be a good idea to check out the past games.

Dr. Strange vs Nemesis

Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 - Playstation 3, Xbox 360

Release Date: November 15, 2011

Some of you might be going, damn it! I'll have to buy it again. True, Marvel vs Capcom 3 came out a couple of months back, then they dump this on us. With twelve new characters being added to the current 36 roster, this standalone title will be priced on a lower price similar to when they released Super Street Fighter 4. Now as much people hate the fact that an expansion is made into a standalone title, when you start playing the updated Marvel vs Capcom 3, you'll be reminded on how fun this game is for fighting game gamers. When I heard about the release of Ultimate, I sold my copy of the vanilla version right away to get some money back. Sadly, the value of vanilla was already in effect thanks to this expansion. Oh well.

Balance changes is also being done at the same time old characters are getting new or improved skills for us to play around with. They also announced a new mode called Heroes and Heralds, a mode to play as galactus(what?), and an improved online system with actual spectator mode. No more card grinding thank god.

Should we consider it? - Depends. If your happy with what the vanilla has, and not interested in buying it twice then no. Fans of the series will definitely get this. If you think your library of games are lacking great fighting games, then this would be a good choice. It's definitely fun to play with friends and use your favorite Marvel or Capcom characters to own your friends.The price will come out reasonable, but for some who actually bought the vanilla, it's still you buying the game again.

That's it. What games are you planning to buy in the next few month? Skyrim? Battleflield 3? or a game not even mentioned above?

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Skyview Temple Trailer [Update: Opening Cinematic]

fly In this new trailer we get a glimpse of what we might expect in our dungeon crawling adventures in the upcoming new Zelda title and it's looking really nice.

Grrrhh!! Words cannot express how much I want this game right now. The game just looks so good and you hear those music ques when striking enemies? Wind Waker much? I LOVE IT!

 

Ok, now Nintendo's just being an ultimate tease. I completely agree with the top comment on this video.

"y u no realease it now ლ(ಠ益ಠლ)"