Thanks in advance. I'm curious about this game but still not convinced if I should buy it or not. Looking forward to it. :)

On topic: I think I mostly agree with your review of the game. I both liked and disliked the motion-controller, probably more disliked it than liked though. The rest is pretty spot on and I liked the story a lot. And it wouldn't have hurt with a bit more open world like OoT or the original Zelda. Zelda U looks really interesting with the open world, but I hope it's not too big so it gets boring to travel. Last part off topic, sorry. :)

I would probably rank story, graphics and controls 2 points lower each but I'm a tough grader. This was my least favorite 3d Zelda (only played ALTTP out of the 2d ones) other than Majora's Mask

Glad you liked it. I was a hater after my first playthrough but I tried it again over Christmas Break, and while it was still my least favorite 3d Zelda, it was a lot better than I remembered.

I watched the video. Don't get me wrong, I think it looks fantastic either way, but for some reason I think the game looks better in SD. I kinda feel like it's...too clean or something in HD. I guess it's just preference, kinda like how some people like the original Wind Waker rather than WWHD.

Hiku said: Skullwaker said: I watched the video. Don't get me wrong, I think it looks fantastic either way, but for some reason I think the game looks better in SD. I kinda feel like it's...too clean or something in HD. I guess it's just preference, kinda like how some people like the original Wind Waker rather than WWHD. I think the water colors in particular makes it look like it's not just a bunch of empty surfaces due to lacking highly detailed textures, which can be a problem for some old games that are up rezzed to HD. The graphics actually motivated me to play it more, as it looks quite unique. Though I can guess what you mean about low res and blurry graphics looking better, but in this particular case I can't really see it much. I could look at these and try to look at it from an artsy perspective, as if it was on purpose: -snip- But that would require quite the stretch of my imagination. And I'll probably just squint my eyes like in Ocarina of Time for N64 and it's infamous blurry fog. I'd rather look at these distant backgrounds blending together in HD. They're still a bit blurry, but not in a low res grainy/foggy kind of way, but in a really nice water-color painting kind of way. -snip- (Zoom in/view the full size of the pic above. Looks like a painting.) Although it's good that it worked for you and you were able to enjoy it. But seeing the difference, I probably won't be able to pick SD if I had a choice. Anyway, one thing that I found interesting about your review was the gratitude crystal system, and how you get to know and care for the characters in the game. That reminds me of Majora's Mask, and that was also one thing I really liked about that game. Though I noticed that you mentioned saving Zelda. Not that that comes as a surprise, but it made me realize that I'd like to see a Zelda game where Zelda is present, and you don't have to save her. In fact, I'd like it if she saved Link for a change. Perhaps for a small portion of the game, you get to control Zelda,a nd rescue Link.

That's pretty much how I view it, as if it was on purpose and was always meant to look grainy and SD. Regardless, the water color style is brilliant in both definitions imo and I hope they bring it back someday (although I think I read some time ago that they don't plan on it).

I don't think the gratitude system's as effective as the side quests in Majora's Mask, but they're certainly a nice addition and worth collecting.

I completely agree with you. I mean, Zelda has been present in the games and has helped Link before, but I wouldn't say she's ever really saved him and, other than Hyrule Warriors, we've never been able to play as her. It would be a nice change and I think most people would welcome it.

Veknoid says pretty much exactly what I wanted to say.

I think you have some fair points. I would give it a lower grade, but I'm a harsh judge. Getting an 8 and above is rare in my book. I like the game a lot though, it's an excellent Zelda game. The series has such a high standard that me saying I think it's the second worst 3D Zelda definitely doesn't mean it's bad.

I agree with most of your points, except the motion control. I loved the combat in Skyward Sword an the way the Wii Remote is used in puzzles. Really the only thing I felt motion control was a bit unnecessary for was the swimming, the rest felt natural. I agree the dungeons were top notch and the game looked very good, but I'm with Veknoid on the game's overworld. The linearity doesn't do it much favors.

I stopped playing this game because of the repetitiveness and the silent realms. Worst 3D Zelda by a longshot. Game looks ugly, even in 1080p.

In terms of emotional impact of sidequests, I believe Majora's Mask is far superior. For example, I'm going to take the most emotional sidequest of SS and compare it to the most emotional sidequest of MM.

In Skyward Sword, the overall purpose of the gratitude crystals is to (SPOILERS) return them to Batreaux, a monster that lives below Skyloft. He wants the crystals so he can ultimately become human and coexist within the town without everyone hating him for his appearance. Once you collect all of the crystals, he turns into a human and you later see him mingling in the bazaar. It's a really nice sidequest overall and it's satisfying to see your hard work affect someone in a positive way.

Now, with Majora's Mask, the most impactful sidequest in the game is arguably that of Kafei and Anju. Kafei was turned into a child by Skull Kid and ran away, while Anju spends her final moments waiting for him to return. Link then goes through a series of events to reunite them in her home, where they then exchange their Sun and Moon masks, which then merge to form the Couple's Mask and it's given to Link for his efforts. Anju and Kafei, moments before the moon crashes, hug each other and wait for their impending doom. During the ending credits, you can see their wedding if you successfully complete the quest.

There's a pretty big difference there. Obviously, the main cause of this is because Majora's Mask is naturally a more dark and sidequest-driven game, while Skyward Sword is more about the dungeons and is much lighter in tone. They both do a fantastic job of world building, but ultimately MM is just more gripping in its characters and the struggles it puts you through. At least, in my opinion.

SS it is just good! starts slow but picks up very nicely... yes.. the SKY is a bit too empty

Glad to see many people acknowledging how good is this game. Hopefully, as time pass, many other will begin to give credit for the things this game did right rather than just focusing on the wrong ones.