The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Preview

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Preview
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A New Zelda Adventure for Wii

Announcements regarding The Legend of Zelda are usually a pretty big deal. Known for its massive adventures, excellent storytelling, and interesting characters, The Legend of Zelda is a one-of-a-kind franchise full of mystery. At this year’s E3, huge details were given regarding The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, and a playable demo was one of the highlights at Nintendo’s booth.

Colorful Visual Style

Link will set out in a colorful, fantasy-filled world.

The first thing that stands out about Skyward Sword is its colorful visual style. While the game’s graphics were originally dubbed a combination of the visuals from Wind Waker and Twilight Princess by fans, Skyward Sword seems to craft its own visual style that sets it apart from those two titles. Skyward Sword isn’t a direct sequel to any other game in the franchise, and Nintendo seems to have created a brand new world for Link to explore; a world that definitely looks different from that of past installments.

Motion-centric Controls

With Wii MotionPlus, Link will accurately mimic players’ motions.

Aside from the new look, Skyward Sword will also feature a new control system that really takes advantage of the Wii’s motion-sensing technology. Because this game will require the Wii MotionPlus add-on, Link will mimic gamers’ movements precisely, creating an experience that will make the player feel like a part of the game.

Swinging sideways with the Wii Remote will cause Link to slash sideways. A downward slash with the Wii Remote will result in Link doing the same onscreen with his sword. Other weapons will also take advantage of Wii MotionPlus. Bombs will now be hurled through the use of motion controls, and many of Link’s new weapons, such as the Whip (previously seen only in Spirit Tracks for the Nintendo DS) and the Beetle will require different motions to use.

The Music of Skyward Sword

The Beetle is one of the new additions to Link’s arsenal, and it will take advantage of the Wii’s motion control technology.

The music in previous Zelda games such as Ocarina of Time and A Link to the Past has always been praised. One of the franchise’s many memorable attributes, Zelda games are always packed to the brim with beautiful songs that range from tranquil to eerie. No details have been given regarding the soundtrack in Skyward Sword, but one little fact has been made clear: Skyward Sword will feature an orchestrated soundtrack.

In the past, every Zelda game has featured digitized music that sounds amazing, but still has that synthesized vibe to it. Skyward Sword looks to change all of that with a clear, crisp, orchestrated collection of themes. It’s been a long time coming, and this is certainly a change that’s very welcome.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Soaring to Wii in 2011

New controls, new visuals, a new world, and a new story await fans of The Legend of Zelda.

Fans of the Zelda series hoped for a 2010 release, but it seems Skyward Sword will actually make its way to Nintendo’s shiny little console in 2011. The delay is saddening to say the least, but if it means the game will be as awesome as it can be when it launches, then the wait is worth it. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword will feature a new look, new controls, new music, and a new tale and is set for launch next year. Wii owners, watch out for this one!