Zelda: Skyward Sword First Impressions

June 18, 2010 By Nick Mokey

We got a chance to check out Zelda: Skyward Sword at E3 this year, check out our first impressions of what we saw.

Zelda fans have known since last year’s E3 that Nintendo was hard at work on another Zelda title for the Wii. Then Shigeru Miyamoto himself slashed his way onto stage at E3 with a Wiimote. And it was here.

Despite a botched demo that left Link’s sword meandering all of the screen and ensuing frustration that mirrored Steve Jobs’ frustration with audience Wi-Fi at this year’s WWDC, Zelda managed to impress on stage. And it does even more when the controller actually works.

Wielding a Sword like a Scalpel

Back stage at Nintendo’s E3 booth, with the Wii Motion Plus controller resuming its normal poise, Zelda: Skyward Sword shows its true colors. The Wii remote and nunchuk act as a sword and shield, respectively. One-to-one motion mapping means that each of your sword gestures in real life translates precisely to Link’s on screen. Start a swing by your side and stop with the tip pointing dead ahead, and Link starts a swing by his side then stops with the tip pointing dead ahead. You’re not triggering pre-animated sword gestures as you did with Twilight Princess, you’re crafting them as you go, in real time.

The game worlds and enemies have been crafted specifically to take advantage of this newfound precision. Deku Babas, basically overgrown venus-flytraps, have to be slashed the direction their mouths open, or you’ll simply conk them on the hard, turtle-like shell. Other enemies will raise their own weapons to block blows from one direction, and one peculiar eye-like creature on the wall will snap its eye shut the moment you approach – unless you first confuse it by swirling the sword around in front of it.

The integration of one-to-one swordplay from the ground up makes it more than a novelty– you’ll actually start considering how to swing when you approach an enemy. And other weapons also take advantage of the Wii’s unique controls. The crossbow of course requires the Wii Remote for aiming, and a bomb can either be dropped in place or rolled across the ground like a bowling ball. Again, you don’t just “trigger” a roll by dropping your elbow and pretending to roll a bomb, you control the direction and distance. Small as the distinction seems, not many other adventure games leverage the Wii’s unique capabilities with so much precision.

No Visual Masterpiece

Nintendo saw fit to skim over any mention of the graphics for Skyward Sword – most likely because there’s not much impressive to report. The overall style has moved away from Twilight Princess’ darker, more realistic tone toward a brighter, cartoonier feel more in tune with the rest of the Wii. According to some interviews with Miyamoto, the altered art style was actually utilitarian because it made the directional weaknesses of different characters – which Link must exploit with specific maneuvers – more obvious.

The level of detail and effects remains fairly stagnant. While the world itself is inviting and whimsical, you won’t find any “wow” moments where Nintendo has found new ways to leverage the Wii’s fading graphical prowess. It works, but that’s about it.

Sitting Still, or Forging Its Way Forward?

There’s no question that the latest Zelda will fly off the shelves when it arrives there some time in 2011 – the franchise has a built-in fan base to rival any in the world. But from the looks of it, it will earn every sale it gets. Despite treading water in the graphics department, Skyward Sword exploits Nintendo’s MotionPlus innovations as well as just about any game we’ve seen to date, and should deliver an experience wholly different – and even more immersive – than its predecessors.

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The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword releases new trailer for Comic-Con at 10:55am 21st July 2011 [...] at this year’s E3, we again were treated to a much more complete looking Skyward Sword that had a hands-on demo available, and it looked great.So the game looks good, the controls seemed set, now we just wanna [...]
Coconut at 9:18am 14th January 2011 I'm getting really annoyed at mrelite because he is just being a closed minded wanker who calls everyone who decides to disagree with him an idiot, tool, and other terms which show immaturity. I also grew up with nes and snes and the original zeldas. I have always loved this series because of its constant changes from game to game speaking not only to different art styles but to each of the games themes as a whole. Oot having a darker style when the hero became an adult to show drastic change from his carefree days as youth, a change many of us have to make. MM being the continuation of a story a young boy had lived. WW being a completely different world, as shown through thee cel shading, also this showing yet again through the eyes of youth. Finally TP using the grittier more realistic graphics because of the constant fight between the forces of light and dark. Despite what I have said previously I do agree with mrelite in some cases such as music and gameplay. That is why I am really excited for this game because there is going to be so much change. With the music they are using a live orchestra to record all of the games music. And gameplay is going to be fantastic with the addition of WM+. Nintendo can create whole new experiences and puzzles.
Mark at 7:32pm 7th January 2011 I wish people would chill out about the graphics. Just because a game in a series doesn't have better graphics than the previous game in the series EVERY SINGLE TIME, doesn't mean it will be a boring game. I love Zelda, and it you actually appreciate the game concept and gameplay, then you shouldn't be so anal about the graphics. I think saying its "No Visual Masterpiece" is stooping a little low. I think every Zelda game is a masterpiece. As far as the cell-shading, I kinda like it. With people getting all grumpy about it, I understand its a matter of opinion, but can't you appreciate a game more than its perfect graphics? Not EVERYONE prefers the totally realistic look, so stop knocking on Nintento. They can't please everyone. Either way, its bound to be a fun game for me. Maybe I'm easily entertained? Its the adventure I'm looking for. And I like how they compromised- they are using graphic style from the Wind Waker, but keeping Link looking normal. Chill.
Michael Bianco at 9:27pm 4th January 2011 I'm definitely disappionted with how this game is seemingly going to turn out, I'll admit it. I've played all the major Zelda games: Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask, Wind Waker, Twilight Princess... and I loved every one of them. As pathetic as it sounds, Zelda was a huge part of my childhood. I remember getting to the Temple of Time in Twilight Princess, and when I heard the familiar theme song, I teared up a bit.
Edd at 4:24pm 31st December 2010 glad they are going back to the cartoon look, that is how zelda is meant to be. Not some realistic looking fantasy game - got way too many of them anyway. I enjoyed twilight princess but think that wind waker was better visually/artistically. Looking forward to this!
Kim at 7:55pm 26th December 2010 I can't wait for this game. Just because the graphics aren't as realistic like TP, theyre a heck of a lot better than OOT or WW, and they were amazing games. Graphics isnt what makes a Zelda game, its the game itself. And if people loved OOT as much as they did with those graphics and just pushing buttons, then they should love SS with its graphics and the 1 on 1 swordplay and all the new stuff its got.
Chris at 10:34am 18th December 2010 Waaaaaaaa! The Graphics suck, waaaaaaaaa! Boooooo Hoooooo you big sookies. The same crap comments floated around when Wind Waker was first shown off too, and it was an awesome game. Half of you will end up playing this game and loving it, the other half should stuck to your 360`s and PS3`s.
Mr. E at 4:30pm 17th December 2010 Ya know, there is very little chance that nintendo will be able to please everyones graphical tastes, so if you insist on playing LoZ then just deal with what theyve chosen for graphics. However some of the graphics do remind me of spyro games, and not the newer ones.
MrElite271988 at 1:37pm 13th December 2010 LOL. You're an idiot. While you "MAY" have a valid point regarding new gamers loving particular games on xbox or ps3, you are just horribly under if not totally unqualified to comment about what old school gamers like and shouldn't like. Not only did I actually own and grow up with an NES, many others I knew did as well. And most of these individuals loved Zelda, all the way up to Twilight and this atrocity (although Wind Waker sucked too). Beyond the graphics, the games themselves are nothing more than shells or their previous games. Zelda has essentially become Nintendo's Megaman; nothing more than the same crap over and over. While you and other idiots ramble on about the graphics (which aren't good) the real issue is the trailer showed NOTHING different than the other previous 15 Zelda games. So stop posting senseless crap and try to sound like you know what's up, because you don't.
1. FierceDeity at 4:27pm 13th December 2010 Way to comment so damn late. I don't even care about this anymore, so you can have your opinion and I can have mine. Later.
MrElite271988 at 2:22pm 11th December 2010 Precisely! Only in Zelda do you hear people say "graphics aren't everything". I don't judge a game purely on graphics, but the style here just screams lazy. As you stated, graphics are a category, and should be worked on in a real, honest fashion. I don't care what rationale people give, these graphics suck ass.
MrElite271988 at 2:19pm 11th December 2010 I feel you buddy with the masculinity remark. I've played early Zelda games in front of my girlfriend, and likes them. But when I played Wind Waker, and saw me watching the Skyward Sword trailer, she called me gay. Not saying she's a gaming expert, but that's the feeling I get with this new game. And no I don't hate gays by the way, just saying.
Dakota Knight at 5:51pm 27th November 2010 this game will be good. if you think its stupid then f*** you. leave it in the damn store for a real zelda fan who wont complain about graphics
1. MrElite271988 at 2:20pm 11th December 2010 You're such an idiot, must be like a 10 year old loser
Dakota Knight at 5:44pm 27th November 2010 how lazy can they be? how lazy can you be mr.elite? its ZELDA its supposed to look cartooney mayby they wanna use those graphics. and you should care that you can roll bombs. its more fun than just pushing a button and watching link do it. you need to get the s*** beat out of you. the day that nintendo makes a zelda game with xbox or ps3 graphics will be the day every guy in the world cuts his balls off with a dull rusty butter knife
1. MrElite271988 at 2:13pm 11th December 2010 You're an idiot
JTP at 7:23pm 23rd November 2010 I am sad that they took this art direction. If might be that Monster Hunter Tri was to blame. I remember reading that the Zelda team was absolutely stunned by it's graphics and as a result may have taken this route. But really I can go with the impressionist approach, just not the cartoony one. Link for example looks great, while the environment he was in seemed flat and bland. The bright colors did not disguise the fact that the leaves were just a 2D texture there was no depth. A brighter color pallate does not justify an art style that clearly lacks dimension. Now as unfinished as the graphics may have been, they could not be so incomplete as to make the moblins look like absolute crap. The Stalfos they showed dual wielding swords looked excellent though. Fact is I played "A link to the past" first and at six years old the graphics seemed absolutely real to me. I loved how everything looked, because it was the best that could be done at the time. I have a feeling that we are getting a huge dose of Japanese pop-culture here. They like cartoony looking things. Cartoon type and exaggerated artwork is a part of the popular culture in the Franchises birth place. As a result their videogames look more like their pop-culture. European and American based game developers produce more dark looking games, because that is our culture. We like realism in North America. So long as those who buy these games are mainly Japanese, it will continue to cater to that pop-culture. I mentioned Monster Hunter Tri. Beautiful graphics but not safe from Japanese pop-culture. The base character body types are whimpy, I have more muscle mass than the male, also they incorporated Cha-Cha as an assistant, something no game developer of a hardcore game in Europe or America would ever attempt. The last thing they would incorporate as an assistant is a whimsical elf-thing. Don't get me started on the meat roasting song. It is however a necessary evil when playing Japanese games these days, for the most part. Castlevania may have broken the chains. With all this said, I look forward to controlling the master sword with perfect precision, it will finally allow me to really do all the stuff I have wanted to do in this game since the first one. I personally don't need weak points pointed out to me. The great thing about the new interface is that it should allow people to try new things with boss fights. I would actually prefer the weak points to be hard to find, so that only by being clever can I find the bosses weakness. I would not at all be opposed to having two versions of the game, where one is more challenging for those who are familiar with the franchise, like master quest in Ocarina of time. I love this franchise, but to be honest, it is hard to maintain my masculinity or maturity while playing my favorite games these days. They just did not grow up with me. If Nintendo needs to appeal to younger generations, then develop a new franchise. My generation has taken this one, and we need something to continue to challenge and engage our senses.
John at 3:46pm 16th November 2010 Wow. MrElite, you just should've never considered yourself a fan of this series. The whole point of Zelda is plot, exploration, and gameplay. They have always had great graphics. You see, they didn't want gritty realism. They wanted a beautiful moving painting. If you listened to Nintendo, they explicitly stated that it was supposed to look like impressionism. Just because you don't like the graphical approach doesn't mean its horrible. For what they wanted, it looks absolutely stunning. Also, why do we play video games? To just have fun and play out a story. Its called fiction. Its not supposed to look exactly like real life. Its supposed to be an adventure.
1. MrElite271988 at 2:13pm 11th December 2010 First off, you can't say I'm not a fan of the series since I've played Zelda since the original, so you're comment is fully off the mark. And you seem like everyone else who's overly defensive about the graphics. Look, if you like cartoon graphics, good for you. And if you want to believe the rationale Nintendo has for the graphics, that's cool too. My point is that such graphics will more likely than not deter casual, non-Zelda fans. Moreover, my primary complaint is not the graphics, but the fact that the game (in the trailer at least) seems to be a rehash of all the previous Zelda games. I didn't see enough new elements to make me play. Obviously that can change, but thus far, I have little hope. To your last point, it won't be fun if I feel I've played this game in its previous incarnations like Link to the Past or Ocarina.
Jack at 1:53pm 8th November 2010 I'm as guilty of this as anyone else, but I believe a lot of the initially poor reception new Zelda games seem to get has to do with how nostalgic a series it is for so many people. Zelda was one of the first great video game franchises and one of the first to go mainstream and appeal to a wide range of players. Plenty of its fans love it primarily for its "good old days," and no matter what the new offering is, or how cool it promises to be, there's just no way it can ever live up to player memories of the SNES and N64 eras. I don't have a problem with favoring a colorful, cartoonish theme over a dark and realistic one (after all, the original Zelda games were goofy as hell and completely cartoonish). Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask had great world building and an overall feeling that was excellently realized that sat well with the somewhat darker theme. Wind Waker and the two DS Zelda games, while good, seemed to lack that level of immersion, and I think this is why history doesn't remember them as fondly. Not sure what Skyward Sword will really be like yet, but I'll be pleased if they make a real effort at building a detailed, interesting world that can surround the core game instead of just focusing on the (admittedly interesting) sword mechanics and taken-for-granted puzzle dungeon formula.
GeneralJ at 6:47am 4th November 2010 Zelda might have bad graphics but out of all the video games I've played, Zelda is #1. no matter which game it is. Zelda a link to the past is known to be one of the best video games of all time. I grew up on these games and nobody should be living without them.
Perrrsssooon at 5:11pm 25th October 2010 I think it this game will be great. I miss realistic things too, and I understand that people might be skeptical. But it's Zelda, it's never really stayed the same throughout the years. Windwaker turned out to be a great game despite people hating on the graphics. I'm kind of new to the zelda series (started when wind waker came out), but i'm already sure that i will always love this franchise. (Heck, windwaker won me over!) Sooo definitely getting this~
edwin at 6:29pm 12th October 2010 you guys just never will be satisfied. you hated majora's mask because it copied the oot art style, you hated wind waker because of its toon art stlye, you hated twilight princess because it had a dull style, and i suppose youll hate this art style too and every other art style you will ever see because you guys are the most immature, childish, and repetitive people of all. i personally liked all the at styles before, and if you guys would just chill and don't complain, maybe you wont be so disappointed with life overall.
1. MrElite271988 at 2:21pm 11th December 2010 So you're just a tool who likes everything that Zelda releases if you "personally liked all the at styles before" right. I mean, considering the stark contrasting styles, its hard to not have a reaction. Way to go puppet.
Wandering SkullKid at 12:46am 6th October 2010 Anyone who feels they need to look past the graphics and focus on the gameplay shows that they don't appreciate perfection of a game in all catagories and clearly doesn't deserve the game. We need graphics and gameplay. Don't focus on one good catagory and call it a day
Wandering SkullKid at 12:45am 6th October 2010 graphics play a key role in a game as well as its game play. It brings out the realism and seriousness of the situations that link constantly is getting himself into. Its really hard to take anything about this game seriously when it looks like winnie the pooh. Any moron can see the reason why nintendo is making so much money is because they simply caught on to a new audience by kidding up the games for the smaller simple minded children who can swing around a remote aimlessly and call it playing the game. Nintendo has furthermore turned their backs on us, the dedicated children who grew up with these games and grew up loving and appreciating them the way they were to please this new and higher populated generation of kids. I for one can't stand to watch my feirce, monster slaying childhood hero be turned into cartoony priss. When the last zelda games came out their wasn't this much complaints so clearly you need to use your head if you can't see the problem. Wii is babying up our favorite games for the new wave kids and insulting the dedicated gamers who loved it the way it was.
1. MrElite271988 at 2:25pm 11th December 2010 100% agree. After playing Other M, i really wished they took their graphical approach for this Zelda. And while we're at it, borrow Other M's control scheme, cause I really hate how over-emphasized the motion controls look here.
Erebea at 9:28pm 14th September 2010 Well first of all, the graphics weren't polished during the release of this stuff, I mean, did anyone even listen when Nintendo said, "Skyward Sword will release in 2011"? when this came out it was maybe a whole year before the actual release? That's such a long time. And about the whole impressionist thing, it seems that would be the only thing that would fit Skyward Sword's features, the game centers around a sky island, would you want the clouds to look like they did in TP? Do you think that would really work? Dull and dark clouds? Excuse my language, but if you do, you are fucking retarded. Although many fans love Twilight Princess' graphics, they weren't at all pleasing to me, it was nice to see a more realistic Zelda but, when you actually look at the game without thinking "omg dark and real roolz" you'll see that, everything is literally dark, and just TOO generic, and I just think the graphics were a way to make HD whores stfu a bit about the series going childish, the graphics are dull-colored. Though this perfectly fits the game's atmosphere and such, it's just not right for the Zelda series, I'm not saying Wind Waker's graphics are the best for it either, I'm just saying, Zelda changes alot in graphics, and if you think each looks "inferior" to the other because it's bright, it has no blood, and it's "Toony". (Emotional sincerity/half rage in 1..2...3..) We nor Nintendo need you in the fanbase, you should just throw your Wii or whatever Nintendo console you have out and buy an xbawx 360 or an overpriced PS3 and play your pointless HD obsessed games like the trend whores you are and stop criticizing these masterpieces that thankfully still have a lot of classic elements. Sorry for the bluntness. Anyway it's just what you're used to, many people that would criticize this played modern games first, and as such it's not really Nintendo's fault if you come from a different, should I say "gaming world" it's not really anyones fault, but if you really want someone to blame, blame yourself, since it's YOUR tastes, but also those who loved classic games just move on with the rest of the world, something I never did, although I'm 15 I'm more oldschool than people older than me, rambling over, I don't want to delete any of this just to seem more calm. Anyway, impressionist artistic graphics isn't childish at all, in fact, since the gaming world works the way it does now, it's flipped upside down, because almost every little kid wants something dark and bloody, so I will use all of my ignorance to say this style is more mature,and it isn't like Link and everyone are chibis, it's just brighter. Anyway, thumbs down do what you like, this comment isn't even organized.
Tim at 7:18am 7th September 2010 I simply like the dark feel of TP but it's still going to be one of the greatest Zelda games ever... Although I regret the loss of TP enemies and the look of Link in the darker atmosphear. I agree that Nintendo is trying to keep the graphics to a "caual" level so that it doesn't become a game like Metroid or any other hardcore only games. Zelda's about good gameplay made not only by fighting but also by puzzles and sidequests, graphics like TP are really cool but they should be left for Metroid games.
James at 5:07pm 28th August 2010 An interesting quality of reality is that is has the capacity to look a lot of DIFFERENT ways. Sometimes it is shiny, and sometimes grainy. Sometimes it becomes foggy while other times the earth can seem crystal clear. Light and color abound, and yet some times, places, and feelings can be unbearably dreary. When you take into account the capacity of human experience to add emotional and conceptual dimensions to what is seen, you multiply this variation by another realm or two of complexity. That's why I just ignore any statement that a game's look is "realistic." The most any game can accomplish is to try to capture just a little bit of the variety that makes up reality as we truly experience it. That's called art, and there is more than one way to do it.
Puck at 8:03pm 16th August 2010 Personally, I like all Zelda games, Wind Waker and Twilight Princess especially. So I'm ok with these graphics; what's more important to me is the plot and charecters. So far the plot sounds fun and I can imagine the Skyword Sword will be interesting; especially if she turned out to be a stoic. I can't wait for this game to come out, especially since it sounds like it'll be coming out near my Birthday.
PikminGeneral at 2:28pm 15th August 2010 I am one of the people who HATE wind waker with a burning passion because it took away the epic feel of zelda and made it too cartoony... but i actually like these graphics because it keeps the epic feel by keeping realistic proportions while adding to the magical and fairy tale atmosphere with the bright, fun colors. I have played zelda since i was 5 and i have grown up playing all types of games and people fail to appreciate each game for it's own strengths. Zelda is an epic fantasy... that doesn't mean go over the top cartoon fantasy or even go to a dark, sinister epic adventure which is more towards TP, which was still good. The point is appreciate the fact that these graphics might not be what you want, but still adds to the feel of zelda without going overboard.
aryanne at 10:53pm 9th August 2010 a game can have good gameplay and more realstic graphics i ment.
aryanne at 10:53pm 9th August 2010 just because TP was dark and stuff doesnt mean they cant use those graphics but make it more colorful? i did like twilight princess graphics way better, a good can have good gameplay AND more realistic graphics you dont have to pick one of the other. you can still have weirdo looking characters too. but that doesnt mean im not going to love skyward sword, any REAL zelda fan wouldnt cancel their pre-ordering thing just because they dont like the graphics. thats stupid.
Marshmallow at 5:10am 9th August 2010 I agree with Mr Elite and Gladly Told. I love Zelda and always have. However since MM I can't help but miss the 'epic' feel of the older games and even though as a fan I play and to an extent enjoy the new ones, I still feel they are somewhat 'lacking'. It's not just about graphics- and I agree they aren't what should make a game. It's also things like the storyline, atmosphere and plot twists. They have started to become a bit dare I say average. As Gladly says- there does seem to be a huge emphasis on fighting scenes. I know that the game will be using a new type of controller which does look like it could be really fun. I just hope that all the focus on this doesn't come at a cost for storyline and the overall experience.
Gunnar at 3:22am 6th August 2010 I like the bright cartoony look, Zelda s supposed to be fun and not super super serious. I mean i Oscarina you were looking for chickens and playing bunch of mini games and Hyrule was full of life. In TP there were way to little to do between dungeons and Hyrule was very empty, i don´t even get the point of kakariko village, it was a ghost town and nobody lived there. Your later point is 100%. I don´t give a crap about the graphics or even the controls i just want some new ideas. Please Nintendo don´t make us start with a forest temple and then go help the Gorons or the Zoras and let us find a weapon in a dungeon that we don´t have to use on the dungeon boss. Super Mario galaxy 1&2 are amazingly inventive and fun and other games like Kirby epic yarn have an original feel to them so hopefully Nintendo is on a roll.
1. MrElite271988 at 2:15pm 11th December 2010 Thank God, someone sensible. I would prefer more serious graphics, but if the game had some cool new levels, bosses, weapons, and music especially (which I think is seriously lacking in modern games) i'd love the game.
Gladly Told at 5:02am 4th August 2010 There is one thing that bugs me about the preview... They only show fightnin scenes, nothing about a little town or something like that... Only Link, very huge places and a huge bunch of monsters...
Braingmes at 5:45am 1st August 2010 Don't get me wrong. I love Zelda games. Many of them are among my very favorite games. I think from this early, it's too soon to tell with Skyward Sword, but in my opinion the releases from Majora's Mask onward are proof that Nintendo thinks (and, quite honestly, I agree) that the bare-bones Zelda formula got old quickly and the switch over to 3D with the Nintendo 64 couldn't stop that from happening. That's why they keep making bigger and bigger changes and additions in gameplay and graphics. For people who can handle change, that's not necessarily always a bad thing, the successful basic concept is still there in every game. Don't forget how long it's been since the first Zelda game was released for the NES, there is a now a younger generation of gamers who Nintendo must appeal to. That is also why the games have become noticeably easier in recent years. I doubt that Nintendo will completely ignore the loyal, older generation of Zelda fans. They heard the fans thoughts on Wind Waker and then made the excellent (and more traditional) Twilight Princess, didn't they? I say don't worry about it, this too shall pass. Even so, I still have an affectionate preference for the pre-Majora's Mask Zelda games, they hold the most memories from when I was growing up.
zaxfla at 5:27pm 30th July 2010 so many people are ignoring the fact that this is a TRAILER. i like the point that someone made earlier: the world in the trailer is the happy bright Skyloft. maybe when Link drops down to the apparently evil-infested Hyrule, the style will change. Also, Nintendo is CERTAINLY still polishing some of the visuals and details. And to say that TwilightPrincess was graphically superior is wrong. It looks like a good Gamecube game. same graphical limitations. When i see this trailer, i see a wider color spectrum, showing the full capabilities of the wii. Yes, i get upset when Nintendo markets to the wider audience and abandons the gamers. and part of me likes the somewhat formulaic style of the series. but even though every game has had the same formula, they've all brought something different (turning into a wolf, sailing, travelling through dimensions and time). the theory is that Link might actually fly in this game :)
TheAlmightyBob at 1:47am 27th July 2010 It has graphically inferior? I see. Well, grammar aside, I have to say I disagree completely. I think the graphics look great.
1. MrElite271988 at 4:23am 27th July 2010 Hey, without proof reading and just typing out of my ass, I think I did well. Anyway, I think the graphical approach is just far too divisive; thus not a smart idea. But my bigger problem is with the game itself, too redundant.
Nandz at 9:43am 26th July 2010 Agree with MrElite271988, this looks too much like TP and Ocarina. Same dungeons, same enemies, same searching for missing items, same master sword. I LOVE Zelda, but I need something new. How can they change the experience?
1. MrElite271988 at 4:27am 27th July 2010 Thank you! While the primary discussion has been the graphics, the bigger problem is just the fact that not much of anything new has been introduced by the creators. I think that Zelda fans are doing a dis-service by being content with nothing but recycled games. Again, I have been playing Zelda since the original in 1986, but after both WW and TP, I think my patience has run out. But it appears no one wants to discuss that, and the debate had centered around the graphics.
2. MrElite271988 at 2:15pm 11th December 2010 That's what I've been asking for a long time
JSC//ZeldaFan at 4:23am 26th July 2010 This game looks awesome. Personally I've never played anything before WW and I love this series. I have to say that I'm not like spastic for the graphics but hey it's a Zelda game for crying out loud!! Zelda games have baffled us before and there's still a big gap before it's released and many things could change. So far I'm so ready to play this game. Oh and honestly these graphics make me feel better. OnTP I about crapper myself in the Aribiters Grounds so this cross over suits me fine. If your a real fan you'll have this game on your shelf no matter what. Absolutely can't wait!!!
1. MrElite271988 at 12:35am 2nd August 2010 Again, I think the graphics are in a style that is too polarizing. Some people, such as yourself, will like or love the graphics, but clearly there are a lot of people that are put off by such style. But that's not really my concern. You mentioned you've never played any Zelda prior to Wind Waker, and that's fine, but had you played many of the previous games, you may be inclined to feel the way I do. Simply put, the series (and what the trailer has shown) seems to be recycling too much of the previous games' content (specifically OoT). I doubt the game will be bad, but nothing great.
MrElite271988 at 8:20pm 23rd July 2010 I am seriously sick of hearing and reading Zelda fanboys saying that either "graphics aren't everything" or that Zelda has always been "cartoony in style". I swear this little debate only emerged with the introduction of Wind Waker, a very shitty game. Obviously, graphics aren't everything, but the way these graphics look, it makes me think that the creators honestly didn't really try at all with the graphics. It appears to me that the creators said to themselves, "since the wii is inferior graphically, why even bother with graphics, people are stupid enough to buy this game since it's Zelda after all". I know the Wii isn't an xbox or overpriced ps3, but when you look at another game that will actually come out in time for the Will (Metroid), I can't help but feel the creators just don't give a fuck about graphics. Also, this argument that Zelda has always been cartoony is complete bullshit. When you look at Zeldas 1 to 3 (NES to SNES games), they all tend to look, according to fanboys, as cartoony. While this is technically true, the point fanboys are trying to make is false. These games at the time were viewed as graphically superior, something Wind Waker or this current game has not been called. One must also realized that during the NES-SNES era of NIntendo, the best looking games were all kind-of cartoony like. Look at games like Castlevania, Contra, Mega Man X, etc, or Metroid. They all have that cartoony look, but those were just the times. It's not indicative of the style being purposely cartoony, but more exploiting the limitations of the NES or SNES. This same point can be made for the music. I would like to close out in saying that obviously, graphics aren't everything. One really shouldn't judge this game or other games purely on graphics. I'm not going to say I refuse to play this game because of the graphics, but the trailer has deterred me from playing this game (and I own all Zelda's from the original up until the Will Twilight Princess). The reason for this, and I think is the major problem of this game and series for the past decade is complete stagnation. The trailer shows Link wielding the Master Sword with Hylian shied. and they look exactly as they did in Ocarina. His rolling movements, jumping backward, side to side, and downward thrust, look almost identical to Ocarina. I mean, how lazy can the creators be. This is worsened by showing Link fighting those deku shrub things and moblins or whatever. Really? Show me something new, not the same enemies, with the same movements, in the same Kokiri or Faron woods. Try something different for God's sake! Also, should I care that I can now roll bombs? How about you give me a lot of new weapons. Sorry, one new weapon (i'm not counting that beetle thing because of how stupid it looks) doesn't count for much if everything else is the same. I mean, was anyone really happy when playing Twilight Princess, and playing levels, with music and bosses, similar to Ocarina. That's the biggest problem with this game and series. Obviously, things can change from now to the supposed release date of 2011, but I doubt it. But this series, which I once loved, is nothing more than a redundant series that has graphically inferior.
Kenny at 7:29am 22nd July 2010 Personally I liked Twilight Princess's graphics but they lacked something earlier games had. The world was too brown and ordinary! What I like about this art style is that maybe the experience will be more fantasy like (OOT when you talked to a giant tree, or explored a dungeon in a fish!) But I honestly loved the epicnes of TP especially the last boss! Fighting a cell shaded overweight Ganondorf was just not as satisfying. And in TP Zelda looked fantastic..hehe... Obviously they will polish the graphics, but they need to keep more vibrant colors but also ditch the cell shading on link! Give him some more detail! Not like a piece of plastic! Oh, and Link, PUT ON SOME TIGHTS! haha those pants make you look fat
zeldaepicnerd101 at 3:54am 18th July 2010 its not that the graphics are bad guys, these graphics are actually extremely advanced, the graphics are just different
dan at 5:00pm 17th July 2010 Come on guys, it's ZELDA. Maybe it's not what you had in mind, but it's still bound to be fun. Honestly, when was there ever a boring Zelda game, graphics and weirdo pants aside? Have some faith!
ethan at 11:41am 14th July 2010 even though i only got into zelda early this year i have played every zelda game except fo fs and fsa, and i am also super excited about this, and any body complaining about the graphics should have their tongue and voicebox removed so they cant make such stupid complaints, seriously because nintendo wants to make games fun for what actually matters, gameplay, instead of being lazy and just focusing on graphics to make people buy these games people complain about the games being "childish" and just because the graphics have a lite feel to them doesnt meen the storyline itself isnt more mature and dark. my one greivance about the game is that we need to wait till 2011 to play such an awesome game!!!!!!!!
Zelda at 9:04pm 12th July 2010 Wow! Awesome game! I mean, your wii remote is the sword! How cool is that?!? But seriously, I think that the plot is the most important thing in any video/computer game, so I hope it's just as original as the other Zelda games. And Zelda, Ganandorf (or is it Ganon?) better be in here or else I will have to slap all the people who work in IGN. As for the graphics, I think that the people who don't like the graphics will like it more as they play the game, just like I hated the graphics on Twilight Princess (I was practically raised on the Wind Waker) but over time I liked it more and more. For right now, I think that people should put more faith in IGN because really? Have they ever messed up on Zelda before?
link at 4:20pm 12th July 2010 i think this game will be great!!! all the zelda games were great u ppl need to stop woring bout the graphics and focus on the game play like other ppl. i just hope that link will be as cute as ever!! and link and zelda like each other in this game. i love zelink!!!
1. grantski2 at 5:22pm 10th September 2010 There has NEVER been romantic attraction between Zelda and Link. Personally, I don't want it to ever happen. All it would do is appeal to horny teenage fangirls. (If you don't get what I'm talking about, look what happened to the Avatar: The last Airbender series.) There IS no "Zelink" That sounds completely ridiculous. Although, I'm happy that you're focusing on gameplay over graphics.
  1. DarkLink at 11:15am 24th October 2010 Zelda 2 ending??
Leo at 1:18am 8th July 2010 Dude, I bet that Myamoto is hiding a lot of features from the game. if you see the artworks, ALL of them are dark and mature, I bet this is just one map and the rest is like OoT, MM and TP...
1. Zach at 3:40am 8th July 2010 That is true. One trailer from a few years back that was cel-shaded and looked like a Gamecube re-make of Ocarina of Time turned into Twilight Princess. But Even if it turned out as it started i probably would have still bought it. The story is pretty much all I care about, just the art style is a nice push. I still fully intend on purchase the game when it is released. I might even buy a 3DS for that Ocarina Re-make.
  1. Zach at 3:43am 8th July 2010 Oh yeah, Link looks weird in normal pants. Just Saying.
Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword | Skatter Tech at 4:32pm 7th July 2010 [...] Nintendo | Zelda First Impressions by Manish Mamidanna on 7/7/2010 at 04:30 PM in Gaming tags: console, link, motionplus, nintendo, [...]
Zach at 6:27pm 7th July 2010 Personally i don't exactly care for the graphics but i liked the new direction of art style in Twilight Princess. I've played zelda games as long as i can remember and i felt that Ocarina of time, Majora's Mask and Twilight Princess were best due to their dark atmosphere and more mature side by showing a "the world is not perfect and bad things can happen to good people" sort of feel. But i suppose the 1/3 of fans that like the less gritty cel-shaded type will get more of a thrill. Who knows the story could probably kick as much ass as the others, i'll still buy it and maybe it'll change my opinion on the art style story telling of the series.
anticrowdkid at 4:08pm 5th July 2010 itd be great if one day ps3 or xbox had a game that looked as if it was shot with a camera. the graphics were next to real and there were minimal traces of machine and technology in them. all the characters could think on their own and whatnot and the AI was almost human. then when you start playing the only thing you can do is walk around and talk to people. it wouldnt matter that it had no gameplay because it would be SO great because its graphics are so OMG epic. quit complaining about the graphics. all video games should be cel-shaded. cel-shading is the most beautiful and artistic style in video gaming. its not childish or sub-par. its art. save the realism for life and live-action movies.
Spenser at 3:17am 28th June 2010 Are you kidding me? I think the graphics are gorgeous. So what, they aren't realistic and Final Fantasy-esque. They are stunning and original. It looks like a moving painting, it doesn't have to be advanced to be pretty. And like a previous user said, does no one remember when games had to be fun even with crappy graphics?
Steve at 9:14pm 27th June 2010 Graphics are a bit meh, but that hasn't stopped me before (Empire Earth anybody :D). Storyline is what's important, I'm excited at the new feature and seeing where they go with the new 1 to 1 wii remote. If not this one it'll simply be a test and they'll kick some major ass when the next Zelda title comes out (I hope <3)
Max at 7:47am 26th June 2010 This game looks incredible but nobody will play it because it's a) Not online b) Not in HD and c) Not unnecessarily violent and bloody The current generation of gamer is only interested in BioAssassins Call of Gears Effect Redemption IV: ODST.
1. @DVecc1217 at 12:09am 4th July 2010 You're absolutely wack... like the article said It has the largest fanbase ever. We don't care about online because we know every zelda ganes has not been online play and couldn't really be unless they remade 4swords. second any nintendo fan who owns a wii knows its not capable of HD in the first place. And lastly if we've been playing for over 20 years no one cares about that. You fanboys need to quit complaining and get a life apart from trolling the consoles you believe to be "crappy" go back to your xbox or ps3 if you don't like it.
  1. KGB at 6:12pm 21st August 2010 I think that post was supposed to be sarcastic.
2. Dave at 9:11am 15th July 2010 I would play that.
3. DarkLink444 at 11:11am 24th October 2010 I agree on SO MANY levels :D and i think the graphics look nice, i never really had a porblem with any games graphics though..
4. Dakota Knight at 5:22pm 27th November 2010 well la dee da you think it has 2 be violent bloddy online and hd 4 sumone to play it 4 GODS F******* SAKE IT IS ZELDA you dont know s*** "sarcasm" its not violent hd or online its s*** "sarcasm end" im sure you have plenty of games that arent online hd or bloody. you must be from the snot nosed little brats that start their gamer life on xbox those systems are ripoffs . 50 DOLLARS A MONTH TO PLAY ONLINE AND TALK TO YOUR FRIENDS WHEN YOU COULD SAVE THAT MONEY BY GOING TO THAT FRIENDS HOUSE AND TALKING TO HIM IN PERSON INSTEAD OF IN YOUR BASEMENT IN YOUR UNDERWEAR WITH PIZZA BOXES AND 2 LITER BOTTLES OF PEPSI AND AN EMPTY BAG OF CHIPS. IM PUTTING THIS BLOG ON A WII FROM NINTENDO AND ITS FREE F*** YOU
Nanerpus at 4:02am 26th June 2010 I AM SO EXCITED. I love the fact that everyone just puts out their opinion here.... allow me to say that, TRUE: it may have some disappointing flaws, but come on! All of the zelda games have flaws in gameplay, graphics, and story..... can anyone say that completely matters? People who play Zelda should be proud to say that they got a chance to enjoy that blonde, blue-eyed fighter we like to call =insert here=! And also, this demo is better than everyone says, it's actually quite gorgeous! I HAVE A QUESTION THOUGH!!! I thought the E3 people said that this was coming out next year (2011)? Some are saying 6 months from now..... what's what?
jmasso at 6:03pm 24th June 2010 I actually like this cell shaded graphics than the realistic graphics from twilight princess, the game looks brighter and beautiful, the world in twilight princess looks dark and sad, that doesnt fit the fantasy theme of zelda and hyrule, and honestly, link's face in twilight princess looked kind of weird... haha
1. Kim at 7:53pm 26th December 2010 I thought Link looked hott in TP. ;D
Links at 1:30am 24th June 2010 the graphics dont matter to me at all. why does it matter to all of you. i mean, did it matter for OOT or MM? plz just get over it, its a new zelda game and like the others its going to be pretty sweet. they use those graphics because they want. whats the point of buying a game if it isnt fun, but it looks good anyways?
1. Kiane at 5:24pm 9th July 2010 A friend of mine bought a game only for the graphics. I think we played it once. It's cut scenes looked amazing, but the characterization was bad, the diologue was crappy, and there was only annoyance at the battle sequences. I don't care what any Zelda game looks like. I'm buying it, playing it, and probably going to love it just as much as any of the others.
TPLinkDoppleganger at 12:03am 22nd June 2010 No matter what, this game will be on my shelf... The only console game I haven't played and beaten since Ocarina of time is WW, and I sorely regret that and hope to beat it soon. This game looks utterly amazing, everyone needs to chill out and stop complaining. there is still at least around 6 months until release, which gives plenty of time for graphic enhancements.Mellow out people, I was actually very pleased seeing Nintendo went with this art-style. I would be happy if this game was released with these visuals, but its just a shame that there is such a lack of appreciation for this game just over the graphics...While Nintendo has in the past shown great advanced graphics in the past, and guess what they have done it again. Just wait for its release when all of the people who showed a lack of appreciation now are all upset that they can't play the game on release... :P
1. Master Kokiri 9 at 3:04pm 22nd June 2010 Exactly. After all, it's just graphics. Not buying a game just because you don't like the graphics is like throwing away a cupcake because the baker used pink frosting instead of blue. And I can understand not liking a graphical style, but not liking the graphics doesn't mean that you shouldn't buy the game. After all, I bought TP. And yes, I DID go there.
  1. Master Kokiri 9 at 3:04pm 22nd June 2010 And while I'm at it, just let me say that a vibrant, colorful environment can help to create some of the creepiest places imaginable, as opposed to bland dusty browns and grays like in TP. After all, the scariest thing I can imagine in a video game is the Earth Temple from WW. It genuinely creeped me out when I first played the game three years ago and to this day it still takes the cake as the scariest place in a video game to me. Why is that? Because the style actually gave you something to contrast the scary parts to, the Earth Temple had a freeky vibe from it's design, to it's enemies, to it's Austrailian music (the Earth Temple theme always sounded Austrailian to me). All that contrasted to bright colors, light hearted moments, and more normal looking enemies.
    Master Kokiri 9 at 3:05pm 22nd June 2010 In TP, you couldn't really tell the scary parts from the non scary parts. I never really knew whether or not Arbiter's Grounds was supposed to be more like the Spirit Temple or the Shadow Temple, and wonder that to this very day. All because every single enemy in the game is a Dead Hand or a Bongo Bongo in the sense that they're designed to be freaky, thus detracting from the experience of when the game is actually supposed to be scary.
    Kiane at 4:37pm 9th July 2010 Anyway..... I loved Twilight Princess for all that it was and I loved controlling the wolf... and I loved swimming because the ocean was just so beautiful. (They could have made Link look a little different... taller maybe… but Eh....) I beat that game in 2 weeks, and still play it to this day. I've played Wind Waker two or three times. With the lobster shirt. But looking back I remember being upset with their graphics choice for Wind Waker.... Until I played it. And the characters were interesting, and Link was expressive. And the Re-Deads were Creepy!! I agree with MK9. It's part of the story telling process. I've been through ALL of Twilight Princess. I've gotten every Bug, Piece of Heart, and every Poe, and nothing in Twilight Princess made my skin crawl like when those evil Re-Dead's in Wind Waker shrieked.
    
    Zant's Follower at 8:13pm 23rd October 2010 the Australian sound might have been due to the didgeridoo thing
2. Kiane at 4:37pm 9th July 2010 I remember the end of WW. ...... I tried to used the laws of Physics to defeat Ganondorf. Yeah.... That was funny. I figured if Zelda was over there.... and Ganon was over there, then if I'm here I should stand at this angle... that way the arrow will hit him.... It did hit him.... it just wasn't the way that would allow the cut scene. Which was kind of upsetting because I had it down to a science. I was like "This is a really long battle! This man just won't die!" And all I was supposed to do was L-Target. Looking back it was hilarious. I liked taking pictures in that game too, but they never appreciated my pics for their artistic beauty....
S dude at 9:46pm 21st June 2010 you tell 'em KM9 your correct
Kalo at 7:03am 21st June 2010 This game is definitely gonna end up on my shelf. Even though I wasn't exposed to Zelda until just 7 years ago (better late than never) I've played the crap out of each one I've been able to get my hands on. Its gonna take a major screw up on Nintendo's part to shake my loyalty for this series, and so far, I haven't seen any so far with this game. Even without the promise of graphics better than this demo-version, I'd still be charging forward. "Don't be shallow. If graphics matter more than game play to you you should own a PS3. " lulz... couldn't agree more XD
1. Master Kokiri 9 at 10:05am 21st June 2010 Meh, I have to say that I like the graphics of SS. In fact, I love them almost as much as the graphics of WW. Seriously, the Zelda series is not supposed to be a super realistic gore fest and people need to realize that. Ever since the very first Zelda game, the Zelda series has had the essence of a fairy tale, and that's why people need to realize that the Cel Shading is good for the series because it helps to capture that fairytale essence. Even with it's pseudo realism, SS captures the feelings of a fairytale with it's Cel Shading, not to mention it's actually making a reference to OoT and MM with it's style (OoT and MM had an almost identical style to SS, minus the Cel Shading). Other than your sayings that SS isn't visually impressive, I agree with everything you're saying.Also, the thing is that graphics can help to capture an essence or feeling. I won't lie that graphics matter. After all, it's only with recent games like Kingdom Hearts that I've truly felt sorry for characters (it happened in FFV, but that's another story). But, there's stuff that matters a whole heck of a lot more like the gameplay (which makes SS look incredible) and story (take any of the 16bit Final Fantasy games or any of the Zelda games as an example).Another thing is that Nintendo's content is mostly childish because most of their fans are actually *sarcastic gasp* children. And it's nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, it's thanks to Nintendo that me and my Mom are so close. Granted, we haven't been as close as in the past, but if it weren't for Nintendo I swear my relationship with my Mom would be the same as every other teenager's relationship with their parents: hate and arguements. So in a way, I owe my relationship with my Mom to Nintendo for having family friendly actually FUN games like Super Mario Bros and Donkey Kong. Sony and Microsoft just make games with mediocre gameplay and terrific graphics and DON'T bring families together like Nintendo.
  1. Master Kokiri 9 at 5:07pm 21st June 2010 That was supposed to be just a normal comment, not a reply. Sorry.
  2. Nanerpus at 4:47am 26th June 2010 I'm so glad you understand! I feel that graphics are not the MOST important thing to a game, but the style of this game matches so nicely... YAY!!! :) I heart.... ummmmmmmmmmmmm.... THIS SITUATION!
@Over9000Gingers at 4:34am 21st June 2010 Why is the writer of this article so uneducated? Nintendo said themselves the graphics still need polishing. The style will look better by release.
Lucky at 4:27am 21st June 2010 While the graphics do not look the way I expected or hoped they would they still look very good. I feel they look, at worst, good. But graphics are not what makes Legend of Zelda titles so special. Look at Wind Waker, many people complained about the graphics in that game when it was first shown but when they played it all was forgiven. Don't be shallow. If graphics matter more than game play to you you should own a PS3.
1. kate at 4:53am 22nd June 2010 you mean a barbecue grill / blueray player? lol
2. JOSEPH at 7:02am 26th June 2010 exactly nobody cried that the original zelda looked crappy. the play is the actual game not graphics. there are plenty of stupid games with awesome graphics
Dag at 2:12am 21st June 2010 The answer is simply this. Yes, Nintendo DOES in fact have a very childish feel to it. But this so appealed to me when I was younger, mostly because I WAS a child, I played OOT for 64 and A Link to the past on GB color. Nowadays, myself being 18 years old and off to college, Nintendo has at least Somewhat maintained their childishness that everyone loved when THEY were ages 13 and below. Its not that Nintendo is failing, its that we are growing up, our tastes are changing, and we begin to outgrow things. Its the reason we arent up at 6 AM to watch cartoons. And I have always been a nintendo fan, not as much as i have been in the past, but I will purchase this new Zelda title for nostalgic and sentimental reasons.
1. jmasso at 5:58pm 24th June 2010 finally someone who actually thinks xD everybody is like dissapointed cause nintendo is childish, it has always been liek that, but just as you say, we grew up and our tastes changed
2. Zant's Follower at 8:07pm 23rd October 2010 Link to the past was on SNES and GBA. Do you mean Links awakening or the oracle games?
curt at 7:09pm 20th June 2010 Umm, did anyone else notice, or am I the only one... those screens are obviously better than 480p. Downloading comfirms the resolution is beyond 720p and nearly 1080p... WTF are they running Wii games on over there, and where can I get one?
Gump at 1:45am 21st June 2010 These comments are absurd. "Nobody should own a Wii. The graphics are a joke and frankly make Nintendo look dated and silly. " Really? because of the graphics nobody should own a Wii? remember back in the 80's and 90's where games had to rely on their game play to be fun, remember that? probably not because you only started playing games when Halo came out on 360. And Nintendo has always had a childish image they strive on it, it is in no way something they should be ashamed of, every time I think about Nintendo I get an image of me playing Donkey Kong at a young age, Mario and Bonk on the superness. These things ARE childish, it's what WE remember and they're going to keep doing that, anybody have anymore stupid things to say? of course you do.
1. Lucky at 4:33am 21st June 2010 Nice to see an intelligent person online once in awhile. Personally, I began my video game love with an Atari and NES shortly thereafter. I cut my teeth on Pacman, Mario, and The Legend of Zelda. When I got to be about 9 and had a lovely 486 PC to play with I got into Doom, Quake, Heretic and the like. As time progressed I grew to miss the old Nintendo games I loved so much from my youth and eventually moved farther and farther away from bloody FPS games and back to the childish, cartoony but so well made Nintendo franchises. Maybe it's just me but focusing on a games graphics, mature content, gore, and sex seems so much more childish and immature then playing a game for the reason games are meant to be played; for fun.
  1. Frankie at 8:09am 16th July 2010 Totally agree.
2. Mike at 11:58am 21st June 2010 You're absolutely right. I remember playing Super Mario RPG when I was a little kid with my brother, and we were amazed at how awesome the graphics were (hehe, my brother and I even thought that RPG stood for "really powerful graphics" because it was the first RPG that we played). Graphics have evolved over time, but having played them as a kid, I really do enjoy the old graphics as well. Gameplay should ALWAYS be more important than graphics. I'd rather have a mediocre looking game with great gameplay than a visually stunning masterpiece with broken controls. That being said, while I'm most likely going to buy the game, I am getting a little tired of motion controls. Skyward Sword looks like it'll be interesting and I hope the motion controls are implemented well, but sometimes I just wanna forgo the motion and just be able to play the game with a normal controller.
3. Dakota Knight at 4:33pm 27th November 2010 dude you are right those 8 year old bastards dont know s***.halo is a knock off of metroid, the best 1st person game ever. i've only played metroid prime recently but other m is gonna be Awesome. i'm 15 and i'm with you NINTENDO 4 EVER
making at 1:24am 21st June 2010 Twilight princess has the worst art style and least impressive graphics of any Zelda game IMO. Anyone who thinks Zelda is about realist graphics should go back and actually play Link to the Past (link has pink hair for crying out loud), or hell, even Ocarina of time, those super deformed villagers with exaggerated features just scream realism don't they?
mothrpe at 12:58am 21st June 2010 Thers no reason this game can't look great, twilight princess looked good, wii is capable of good graphics.
1. jOSEPH at 6:52am 26th June 2010 because with TP's graphics they couldnt do what they wanted to do to piont out the weaknesses (they should still make it the same as b4 though, its not a zelda game if not hard)
  1. Zant's Follower at 8:04pm 23rd October 2010 ... Zelda games are too easy...
Skyward Sword Impressions Galore « Zelda Dungeon – Legend of Zelda Walkthroughs, News, Guides, Videos, Music, Media, and More at 5:00pm 20th June 2010 [...] Sword is the Next Wind Waker by Noah Glazer Digital Trend First Impressions by Nick Mokey Roboawesome Skyward Sword Impressions by Carl Baker Nintendo World Report Detailed [...]
Skamando at 8:07pm 20th June 2010 I like the art style a lot, but I really hope the detail is improved. I see no reason why they should be using that PSX style of detail, with the flat images meant to look foresty, for the trees. They have no reason to be pulling that. Anyway, I think that, even if the graphics aren't quite up to par, the whole game is going to be fantastic with WM+, and gameplay over graphics have always been what Nintendo has been about.
MrG at 7:21pm 20th June 2010 Yeah you think the graphics are not that good now but my bet is once link jumps off that island in the sky to the world below then the true grasp of the graphics will come into play and they will be awesome and dark like the original poster. thats why Nintendo only showed that island
1. Frankie at 8:08am 16th July 2010 I never thought of it that way, that's cool e-e maybe it will lol
Jeremy at 7:05pm 20th June 2010 I canceled my pre-order of this game. I can't even begin to describe how disappointed I am in this game. Maybe one day NIntendo will realize that their fans prefer a less childish feel. Look at what Retro did with Donkey Kong, why can't Nintendo do something like that with the Zelda titles? Go back to your roots Nintendo. This is one sale you've lost.
1. Orachilum at 8:05pm 20th June 2010 Many Nintendo fans are children, they take pride in the fact that their games are accessible to all ages. You're disappointed simply because of the graphics? The gameplay looks solid, and if your priority is graphics over gameplay, you shouldn't even own a Wii in the first place.
  1. Otto at 9:44pm 20th June 2010 Nobody should own a Wii. The graphics are a joke and frankly make Nintendo look dated and silly. This is the first Zelda game ever that I will not buy, simply because it's on the Wii platform. I love the series. But the Wii just makes every game franchise into a awful, awful joke.
    Dodongo at 12:35am 21st June 2010 If it's an awful joke, why is Nintendo making money hand over fist, while the competitors struggle to imitate four year old technology? When has any Zelda game been about graphics? You don't deserve this game.
    JTSomebody at 3:05pm 21st June 2010 "When has any Zelda game been about graphics?" Since ever? lol. Zelda a Link to the Past on SNES had some of the best graphics of any SNES game. Then the pushed the envelope with Ocarina of Time. The only game they have made that hasnt been about graphics was Wind Waker and thats because they went with a unique art style. Twilight Princess won awards for its graphics and animation was considered by most critics the greatest in the franchise. You really made yourself sound like a silly fanboy with that statement. Nintendo makes money hand over fist because it appeals to casual gamers. Most people I know that bought or owned wiis have either traded them in or seldom play it. But as far as the game goes, there has yet been a Zelda game that has been sub par so its probably going to be just as good. It is disappointing that they went away from the Twilight Princess graphics and art style but those guys at nintendo love to always change things up.
    Jason at 5:17pm 21st June 2010 I think everyone is implying that Wind Waker and cel shading in general can't lend themselves to a beautiful and engaging visual experience. They can and did, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the "cartoony" look, and there's nothing particularly BETTER about a more "realistic" look. Since when have Zelda games had a 100% serious tone/attitude? Never. Maybe in the main plot, but the worlds are always brimming with goofy characters and lighthearted content. Personally my favorite visual style so far has been Wind Waker because it was unique, stylish and visually pleasing. Any thing a game can do to break away from graphical homogeneity and carve a specific identity for itself is fine by me.
    JTSomebody at 6:21pm 21st June 2010 Which is typical nintendo and thats what you have to love about them. The only thing people should remotely worry about is the wii controls and how they can really effect the gameplay. But I'm pretty excited to have a zelda game specifically designed for the wii. TP felt more like a gimmick port, but it was fun on the wii none the less. Hopefully they'll bring us a new 4 swords with the 3DS o.O
    
    Zelda at 11:32pm 7th October 2010 I agree with you it doesn't matter just look at twilight princess it's exactly the same and from my word I can't wait for the new Zelda it allows more movement and controls and cooler items from my perspective I think its great Nintendo always change things just look at all Zelda series if you put them all together they don't look nearly the same stop relying on graphics and start focusing on the game play its an awesome game if anyone doubts that then their either stupid or have no idea on how to play a game!
    
    Slvblrn at 7:43pm 23rd October 2010 That isn't even true. Statistic have shown that people who own a Wii tend to play their system more often than people who own other consoles. And Zelda games always have an excellent graphical presentation, but it has never been about the graphics. That's why Zelda games are considered some of the greatest games. Also, Wind Waker had an amazing art style. The graphics were amazing. Also, it's far from disappointing that they decided not to go with the Twilight Princess art style.
    Otto at 5:19pm 18th December 2010 Umm.. No, you've read that wrong. Statistics *actually* show that most Wii owners stop playing them within months and never touch them again. Google. Use it.
    
    Wanderer at 12:28am 6th October 2010 graphics play a key role in a game as well as its game play. It brings out the realism and seriousness of the situations that link constantly is getting himself into. Its really hard to take anything about this game seriously when it looks like winnie the pooh. Any moron can see the reason why nintendo is making so much money is because they simply caught on to a new audience by kidding up the games for the smaller simple minded children who can swing around a remote aimlessly and call it playing the game. Nintendo has furthermore turned their backs on us, the dedicated children who grew up with these games and grew up loving and appreciating them the way they were to please this new and higher populated generation of kids. I for one can't stand to watch my feirce, monster slaying childhood hero be turned into cartoony priss. When the last zelda games came out their wasn't this much complaints so clearly you need to use your head if you can't see the problem. Wii is babying up our favorite games for the new wave kids and insulting the dedicated gamers who loved it the way it was. You're the one who clearly doesn't deserve this game.
    
    matt at 9:12pm 21st June 2010 then you're forgetting Twilight Princess man, that was the first one for the Wii
    chris at 4:27am 22nd June 2010 Yeah, but it was on the Gamecube too.
    Otto at 5:20pm 18th December 2010 And it was *better* on the GameCube.
    
    Master Kokiri 9 at 2:51pm 22nd June 2010 Yes, it was on the Wii. But that was a port with badly done graphics. It was built for the Gamecube and was delayed so much they tacked on bad motion controls and called it a Wii game, while still releasing the original GC version.
    Master Kokiri 9 at 2:51pm 22nd June 2010 Not badly done graphics, badly done motion controls. Sorry, my bad. The MOTION CONTROLS were badly done, not the graphics.
    
    kate at 4:50am 22nd June 2010 umm, what about twilight princess? it's on the wii.
    Sarah at 6:34pm 23rd July 2010 Twilight was made for the Game cube. Only later did they alter it to work on the wii, so I would count it as gc and not wii.
    
    Frankie at 8:06am 16th July 2010 You just need to be happier with your life lol
    
    Otto at 5:20pm 18th December 2010 Vote me down if you like. You still know it's true.
  2. silverblade at 9:18pm 21st June 2010 it's all about the graphics. that's what makes it look real and awsome when you fight the enemy. really i thought they would do better after twilight princes. i'll rent it but i'm not buying it just by seening the video.
    Frankie at 8:07am 16th July 2010 okay, buy a game with the best graphics ever, but you can only move left and right to avoid death from both directions if you think that's fun, you're retarded
    
    KGB at 5:51pm 21st August 2010 Zelda is about game play. Stop being a graphic whore.
2. AntiWhiners at 4:41am 28th June 2010 if you play a game for the graphics, go watch a movie, or go outside. maybe that'll be real enough for you. enough said. I've never, ever wanted to replay a game, no matter how good it was, except for a zelda game, without a bias and any real gamer who doesnt just like shooting the crap out of unidentifiable alien/zombie/other fodder would likely agree that gameplay will give you more play hours than a pretty picture. so sit down, shut up, and relax until it comes back and then you can complain when it doesnt meet standards.
3. Colton at 8:28pm 11th July 2010 Why would you do that? Sure the graphics may be childish but we're talking about one of the greatest game series ever!
4. Mike at 7:39am 8th September 2010 Personaly, I think the graphic style fits. The Zelda Series has never been realistic so why should the graphics differ from the world of Zelda. I'm not saying that I don't want a realistic looking Zelda game but I think zelda doesn't really need realistic graphics to look good
5. Asdf at 8:55am 12th September 2010 Twlight Princess was incredibly boring. Majora's mask was the height of entertainment of the zelda series for me. And it seems they are bringing that Majora's mask feel. And i'm all for it. Skyward's sword doesn't look like the graphics are neglected at all. What it looks to me is just a different art style. And if you bothered reading the wiki it says they wanted-- "a hybrid of graphics from Twilight Princess and The Wind Waker, resulting in a style resembling a painting come to life,[25] inspired by French artist Paul Cézanne, and Miyamoto's love for impressionist art." -- which they pretty much nailed. Its all intentional. This game looks like it'll finally have more content then just a trite lanescape that just "looks pretty".
6. Zant's Follower at 8:03pm 23rd October 2010 F*** you. If you can't get over graphics (which I find to be very nice, myself) you don't deserve to even like Zelda. I swear, you're probably one of those idiots who still haven't played Wind Waker.
=== popurls.com === popular today at 10:20am 20th June 2010 === popurls.com === popular today...yeah! this story has entered the popular today section on popurls.com...
Princess profile: Meet Croatian princess Kristie Fabanich | Wii Blog at 5:37pm 19th June 2010 [...] Zelda: Skyward Sword First Impressions Zelda fans have known since last year’s E3 that Nintendo was hard at work on another Zelda title for the Wii. Then Shigeru Miyamoto himself slashed his way onto stage at E3 with a Wiimote. And it was here. Despite a botched demo that left Link’s sword meandering all of the screen and ensuing frustration that [...] Read more on Digital Trends [...]