Just for Gamer

Skyward Sword Bundle Reviews

Buy it now on Amazon

Reviewed by M. Brown

Alright, everyone has already talked graphics and better story. I think the graphics are slightly under what the Wii can really do, and find the distance effect annoying. Other games (Xenoblade Chronicles) do draw distance better. My point isn't to fight here, though, so don't hurt me. Let me talk about what's good in this game.

Pros-
Art Style:I like the fusion between Twilight Princess and Windwaker to make expressive, though not cartoony, watercolor-esque characters. They nail this-I really like watching the cutscenes between Zelda and Link and how expressive they are due to this style. Good idea.

Story: The cut scenes nail it, too. I haven't got this much depth from a game in awhile; very complex relationships going on here, all rendered artistically.

No Lame Fetch Quests: TP made me wrangle goats for an hour before I could play, and I really struggled with the game because of its maddeningly slow pace. SS has you, in the actual game, in around 10-15 minutes. Thank you.

Freedom: Once you are set loose, have fun. See that island over there? Fly to it and check it out for yourself. Also, the game treats you like you have been paying attention, not repeating instructions and bothering you for exploring a little bit (...Navi! Shut up!).

New Moves: Dash, Wall Run Climbing, Ledge Hanging, Skyward Slash, 1:1 Wii Motion Plus Swordplay. Awesome. By far my favorite part so far.

Cons-
Graphics: Rough edges, weird view distance blur. I think they could have done a little bit better here.

Flight Control: Sucks. Rather unresponsive and hard to aim. Flapping mechanic whomps.

All in all, two gripes. Not too shabby. Go buy it.

Update: Spent some time playing with the flight mechanic and it is more intuitive than I initially realized. Twisting the Wii mote gives you a sharper turn. Didn't know that without trying it out in depth. I still have the occasional hiccup, but nowhere near where it was when I first was trying to control the bird. I am going to leave my negative above, with the caveat "flying takes some practice."

Also, I love the atmospheric music and ambiance of each area. Thanks.

Reviewed by Nerfman

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is simply the best Wii game, and possibly the the best Zelda game. It perfects motion controls, and shows the true power of the Wii. I will break up the parts.

Gameplay- The game uses Motion+ controls to make swing a sword fluent, indeed as if you are Link himself, saving Zelda and defeating mind-bending puzzles. You slash a sword, aim a slingshot, throw bombs and other things, and much, much more. Other than that, moving, dashing, looking around, and doing other things are great. Level design is great.

Story- The plot differs from other games. You live in a city in the clouds named Skyloft. There is no knowledge of the land below, and is forbidden, blocked by a cloud barrier. The only thing the residents know is flying birds named Loftwings. Link is a young man at the Knights Academy, training to become one of Skyloft's revered knights. Little does he know that he and a childhood friend named Zelda are part of something much larger-the destiny of their home, the Triforce, and the Master Sword.

Graphics- The Wii has never been the most powerful system this generation, but for this outing it is really pushed to its limits. The art is bright and colorful, perfect for the setting of the game. It blends Twilight Princess's maturity, and Wind Waker's colorful, playful graphics. Perfect for fans who are split on the art styles.

Sound- Grunts and small noises make up the dialogue, but the most surprising moment comes early in the game, when Zelda actually sings! This, I believe, is the most actual words in any Zelda game to date. It is in Japanese (I think), but let's just all say it's ancient Hylian. The soundtrack is fully orchestrated and beautiful, and accompanies the game perfectly.

Overall: 10 out of 10- PERFECT SCORE

You can not miss this game is you own a Wii. Thanks for reading.

Reviewed by M. Barrowes

My kids will do anything to play this game. Dishes? Sure, mom. Clean your room? Already done. Practiced the piano early this morning, mom. And vacuumed. In other words, they love it and so do I. My husband has loved every Zelda since the first and this is no exception. And they have a hard time getting me to play too, but I have to admit this game design is FUN! Flying is fun. Swinging a sword using the Wii controller (which is even sensitive to how your wrist is turned!) while targeting/shielding with the nunchuck is FUN! Even the training levels are fun. The story is fun, too. True, the Wii can't compare with HD graphics of the Xbox 360, but that doesn't mean the art is not beautifully rendered. I like that this world is light and bright and fresh-feeling. Nicer than the dark, shadowy feel of the last game.

And now for the extras. Can I say the soundtrack CD is amazing!?! I can't believe what effort went into that. Full-on orchestral soundtrack and these songs are gorgeous! No midi nothin' here. I was a little worried my son was going to be listening to beepity songs all day, but I am a music teacher and spend a fair amount of time listening to (and analyzing) classical music, and this soundtrack lacks nothing. It's may favorite part of the bundle. Other than the kids doing all their jobs before they've been asked. And their dad sneaking them out of bed to come play Zelda with him late at night. (Wait, that part is not my favorite, but it is theirs.) The gold controller is also a pretty cool little bonus for Zelda fans.

Anyway, if you're wondering if this is the one Wii game to get your family for Christmas, the answer is a resounding yes! And get the bundle - you won't regret it.