A beautiful, unique platformer, and a great way to start off Wiiware.
The story for the game is very, very retro in delivery. Similar to how Mario was just saving Peach and Sonic was just helping the critters, you're just helping defeat an ancient evil. In that way, it hearkens to the storylines of Zelda, but with the simplicity of Mario. It delivers on what it should, and doesn't get in the way too much.
The games control, on the other hand, are in a league of their own. Using the Nunchuk to move Toki along the screen and the pointer to control Enril, god of wind, it couldn't really be any more intuitive. As a plus, they work well. Uing Enril to launch Toki to new heights with a sweep of the pointer is a very cool feeling, and makes you feel as though you actually can control the wind. Considering that Toki is defenseless without Enril, it's important to stay on top of the action with both the Wiimote and Nunchuk. It's rare that controlling two entities at once is so fufilling, granted that Toki doesn't require that much attention most of the time. Combat is simple, using the wing to splatter your enemies against the walls and ground of levels. It's very simple, even overly simple, but it's effective nonetheless. It may have been improved by giving Toki more of a role than your material minion who opens doors which Enril cannot. Still, it all works fluently.
The game hosts many different puzzle types for you to solve. Different actions include sending fire from torch to torch, blowing boulders onto switches, using large umbrella-like clovers to fly across pits, and so on. The puzzles are rarely challenging to figure out or perform, much like Zelda puzzles. They do allow you to use the wind in unique ways, and gives the game a good output for your powers.
Graphically, the game is stunning for a Wiiware title, and is even better than some retail Wii games-a fact which makes me sad. There's great loghting, character models have a cel-shaded effect, and the whole game has a massive amount of polish to its look. The soundtrack fits with the whimsical look perfectly, with flutes and strings subtlely tagging along wherever you go.
The only real downside to the game is its length. It stands at a solid three hours. For ten dollars, it's not that bad, but it still leaves you shocked when its over. They already have plans for a sequel, so that's good news. The downside to it is that it will probably cost you another ten bucks.
Despite its length, LostWinds delivers a whimsical, charming, and altogether beautiful experience to people willing to pay the price. It's living proof that platformers aren't all old tricks. There's still room for innovation in the classic genre, and for said innovation, LostWinds delivers an experience unlike any other.