Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword review
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword for the Nintendo Wii may well be the last such game we see on Nintendo’s ageing console. It’s also a beginning of sorts, as the developers take us right back to the beginning of the saga with a prequel. Mike Browne dons his green tunic and picks up his sword to save the girl and kill the baddy.
Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword begins in familiar style with you awakening as our hero Link. This time around it’s very much a return to basics, as you’re playing a trainee knight of Skyloft, which is a town floating in the clouds, and you’re in the first fumbling footsteps of a relationship with Zelda.
What’s more, Zelda isn’t even a princess, she just happens to be the daughter of the headmaster at your academy, which makes for some tense moments early on. It’s not long before disaster strikes and Zelda is thrown down into the world below and it’s up to Link to go off and rescue her.
With three zones to explore, the greenery of Faron, the fire of Mount Eldin and the desert of Lanyru, you know there is plenty to explore and get to grips with.
The good
It’s not just the storyline that has gone back to basics in Zelda: Skyward Sword as the first thing we noticed was that the gameplay had also been given a revisionist approach, so you’ll find that logic, as much as knowing how Zelda games work, will help you through the puzzles. This is great as it means younger players, and those new to the franchise, will be able to play, making it a perfect jump-on point for new players.
And what a treat you’re in for, the graphics have been beefed up and really look the part. There is plenty of detail to all the set pieces, which really adds to your questing, as you’ll be able to discover and explore a lot more than previously was possible.
In order to play Zelda: Skyward Sword you need to have the Nintendo Motion Plus module as there is simply no other way to play it. And play you shall, as Nintendo has made sure that each monster you meet, and even many of the puzzles, needs you to make repeated swipes and motions, often in new and unique ways to defeat them. So, you end up feeling as though the sword is a natural extension of your arm. It’s a great way to play and we want more!
When it comes to defeating the traps and puzzles you’ll find that Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword delivers a blend of familiar kit as well as a bunch of new stuff. Many of these are offered up quite early in the game, which is a good thing as you’ll need them. However, the options on offer have been trimmed back from previous games, once again giving you feeling that Nintendo has refined the game for smoother play.
The bad
For all that we like Motion Plus you will find you need to calibrate it a few times when playing Zelda: Skyward Sword, as it can get a little too sensitive and out of sync.
Gameplay is split between Skyloft and the world below and in order to travel between the two you need to fly. Now, this works out great when you’re trying to calm down or think through a puzzle but if we’re being honest, it does get a little tedious after a time.
Our other main complaint with Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is a fault that has been present since day one. In that, you can spend a great deal of time just walking about and not really getting anywhere. Sure, this version helps speed things up by offering you the hint genie from the get go and also adding little tricks like having thought bubbles above peoples heads so you know they have something useful to say to help push you on.
The bottom line
Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword has a tight and gripping story that’ll keep you going and the improved visuals and game play make this the most compelling and absorbing version of a game that has kept us enthralled and entertained for years. One for old-time fans and those new to the franchise, we think Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is a perfect jumping on point, as well as potential swan song for the platform.
