Skyward Sword isn't a multi-platform release, obviously, but it's so good that I'll forgo my normal cross platform comparison focus. Stop reading this and buy this game! If you don't already own a Wii, Target will be featuring a Wii with the Collector's Edition of Skyward Sword for $149.99 on black friday. Make use of this unique offer and play this game.
Skyward Sword is another game in Nintendo's Legend of Zelda series. This series has had mutliple games spanning multiple platforms though the number of games in the main console series have been few. Each game on the home consoles have actually been very unique amongst each other and this game continues the tradition by providing the very best implementation of motion controls and the most plot of any previous game.
The game's art resembles something out of an anime and impressionistic watercolor. There isn't anything else like it on the market. The engine performs fairly well with some occasional drops in framerate. V-sync is, thankfully, enable like all other Nintendo produced games. The art manages to overcome the limitation of the hardware so it wasn't too distracting playing this game on an EDTV resolution.
The sound is Skyward Sword's largest improvement over previous games. A full orchestrated soundtrack has been implemented and it makes a world of difference. This feels like the most epic journey Link has ever partaken in and it's all due to the wonderful orchestration. Dolby Pro-Logic II support is active so you will receive the benefits of non-discreet surround sound. If you purchase the collector's edition it comes with a soundtrack sampling so I would highly recommend it for acquirement this bonus.
Gameplay is, quite frankly, perfect. The use of motion, pointing, and traditional stick controls are well executed and respond well once you understand the rules on how to perform motions. They aren't immediately intuitive like Metroid Prime's controls but you will quickly adapt to them. Just remember that keep your remote in a center position before you start a fight and move relative to that center. Hitting Down on the control pad also forces a recenter, so you can always pause the game to your item screen, point at the center, and hit down to recenter at any time.
Skyward Sword is a large, well written, and highly entertaining game. This game, along with Elder Scrolls: Skyrim, bookend a perfect year for adventure games with their opposite approaching to epic storytelling. Now go and buy this game!
