We were all expecting big things from Nintendo at this year’s E3 conference, but not many of us were expecting what we saw from their Legend of Zelda demo for the Skyward Sword. After the success of the dark, realistic graphical style of Twilight Princess and the acclaim it brought to the series, many figured Nintendo would continue with this style for at least one more title. Early artistic sketches even seemed to suggest the same. However the first thing one notices from the video is that Nintendo has returned to a Ocarina of Time/Windwaker style. The game is cel shaded, but features adult link and is less cartoon like, in a more Ocarina of Time like manner.
With this new style of graphics also comes a brand new control scheme. Once again the Wii-mote will control the sword, but by utilizing the Wii motion plus it is more accurate than before and fully emerses the gamer into the sword play. Rather than simple flicking your wrist to swing, the sword stays in place based on where and how you are holding the wii-mote. To do a vertical cut you have to swing vertically and so on with a horizontal slice. If the player swings and holds the wii-mote outwards, the sword will stay held outwards in Link’s hands. The sword spin attack move is also back which is done by swinging both hands at the same time. Something new to the recent series is a charged up attack that shoots a beam. By holding the sword upwards to the heavens, it will become charged allowing you to release a beam outwards.
While the Wii-mote is the sword, the nun chuck is now the shield. It shows the standard shield position to allow Link protection, but also shows a shield bash that can knock enemies or even send projectiles back at the attacker. Also, when not in combat mode or targeting an enemy, the gamer can hold the A button to make Link run (hello Pegasus boots?).
Traditionally we had to pause the game to switch items, but now Nintendo has given us a new pocket system. When you hold down B it will reach Link’s hands into his pockets and bring up a live action menu to quickly access and choose your weapon or item of choice without interrupting the game. And we have already seen that classics like the bomb, sling shot and bow and arrow will be making a return.
For more information about The Skyward Sword visit its official page or join our Legend of Zelda Forums for discussion on the game.
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