Zelda: Skyward Sword unsheathed November 20

Zelda fans have been eagerly awaiting Skyward Sword since it was first mentioned by Shigeru Miyamoto a little over two years ago. The wait is almost over, as Nintendo today announced the game will launch in Europe on November 18, with a North American debut following on November 20.

Designed around Nintendo's Wii Remote Plus (or Wii Remote with MotionPlus accessory), Skyward Sword features a new combat system that approximates one-to-one controller-to-sword motion. Beyond giving Link new ways to cut up the usual assortment of carnivorous plants, disembodied eyeballs, and orcish monsters, the game features new gadgets and abilities for the lithe protagonist to employ.

Link can now roll bombs like bowling balls, channel his inner Indiana Jones with a whip attack, or retrieve hard-to-reach items with a remote-control flying beetle. Players will also get a new form of transportation, as Link will be able to ride a bird through the clouds to get from place to place.

Despite those tweaks, Skyward Sword will retain many of the distinctive traits of the series, including its standard breakdown between puzzle-laden dungeons and a sprawling overworld. Nintendo is touting Skyward Sword as "the biggest game in the series yet," with a story that serves as a prequel of sorts to the Nintendo 64 classic The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time (recently remade for the 3DS).

For more on The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, check out GameSpot's previous coverage.