A fitting entry in a franchise spanning 25 years, Skyward Sword isn't perfect, but it is one flight worth taking.
Not only is the Wii Remote Plus required to even play Skyward Sword (the original Wii Remote will not work), it is also a crucial component in its gameplay, adding a whole new dimension to a tried-and-true formula that has remained a core staple of the franchise for the past two and a half decades. The manner in which you flick your wrist will determine the direction Link will swing or move his sword (much like the sword-fighting mini game found in Wii Sports Resort) This will factor into how you effectively attack your enemies and solve certain puzzles. For example, the player will have to rely on precise horizontal sword slashes when they are fighting a certain monster with three alternately-moving heads that must be taken out at the same time, or concentrate their wrist flicks on an enemy's point of vulnerability as the enemy is burying itself with a flimsy shield. Also, your sword will come into play during non-combat situations such as twirling the Wii Remote Plus in a circular motion in order to get a sentry eye to follow its point of movement, or when you're rotating a block key to precisely fit in a keyhole. The motion response can be a bit of a problem at times, but it certainly isn't anywhere close to becoming a major, game-breaking obstacle. On the contrary, the Wii Remote Plus functionality is used to its fullest effect with some interesting results, and a remarkably noticeable improvement over the Wii port of Twilight Princess' tacked-on scheme which was plagued with far more debilitating issues.
Apart from the benefits of the Wii Remote Plus, Skyward Sword also introduces some new features to its familiar infrastructure. Of course, if you're a die-hard Zelda fan, you will instantly recognize many franchise hallmarks such as puzzle solving, linear dungeon exploration, rupees, tried-and-true Zelda combat, pushing blocks, lighting torches, item collections, and the sight of that legendary green tunic. But what you might not count on are some notable changes and additions that almost seem to separate this game from its predecessors. Item management has been facilitated into a surprisingly user-friendly system that allows for quicker access to nearly all of your tools and items on the fly during specific situations. Since most dungeons no longer rely on any one item as they did in the past, this boon in particular is a heavensend when it truly matters the most.
Furthermore, unlike past games, many of Link's physical actions are limited by the advent of a stamina meter that depletes each and every time he dashes faster than usual by holding down the B button whilst running. It also drains when he climbs vines, runs up steep cliffs, and furiously attacks enemies. Stamina is only really useful when you're dashing for obvious reasons and recovers fairly quickly overtime, but it can also be instantly replenished by Stamina Fruit found in various, curiously-placed areas of the game. Unfortunately, it becomes a relatively minor issue when it is implicated with most of his other physical character actions that he uses on a regular basis. You cannot attack a group of monsters relentlessly as you could in previous games without depleting your stamina in the process. The problem here is that once it runs out, it needs to quickly charge back up, and the small window of resulting downtime that forces Link in a weakened state of near-paralysis is enough to put the player at a serious (and often fatal) disadvantage. Hardcore gamers will appreciate this added challenge precedent, but it can prove to be an unnecessary frustration for most everyone else.
Taking dog-eared pages out of Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks for the DS, the player can enhance, create and craft shields (among other things) by means of trinket-like materials dropped from fallen enemies or found throughout the environment. While this activity (interesting as it is) may not be entirely necessary and could have been further fleshed out, it is a well-enough incentive to add a few more hours to your time spent. And the time you spend playing Skyward Sword is made all the more easier to bear with a slightly revamped save system that places save statues in nearly every area of convenience. Not only can they record your progress, but they can also instantly teleport you to and fro between the surface and the sky world, which is extraordinarily handy when you must restock on items back in Skyloft (the game's central hub) before facing a major situation and do not wish to waste your time or energy backtracking.
Exploring the world of Skyloft in the clouds above harkens back to Wind Waker's ocean-faring days; only this time, you're soaring in the air on top of a giant bird known as a Loftwing. Your new feathery mount is certainly no Epona, but it has a charm all its own and you will grow to be fond of it as you progress in the adventure. Control of your Loftwing is as simple as tilting your Wii Remote for changing direction, gliding, diving or gaining altitude. It can get a little slow and irksome at times, but you cannot help but feel a sense of relaxation and awe as you glide across the expanse of the clouds.
The visual style of Skyward Sword is a colorful, Gauguin-inspired art palette that is far removed from Twilight Princess' dreary and depressing canvas. Anybody that's ever played Wind Waker or Ocarina of Time will appreciate the return of brighter environments, lush landscapes, piercing blue skies and a meticulously detailed gameplay world overall. Whether you're traipsing in the surface world, exploring complex dungeons or flying high in the clouds above, there's no shortage of visual eye candy, and the player is in for a eye-popping treat each and every time they play. The music of Skyward Sword is, by far, a solid effort with many memorable tunes---especially the main theme---and some of the songs are accompanied through a live orchestral sound similar to the likes of Super Mario Galaxy. My only regret is that I wish that held true for the entire soundtrack.
Commemorating two and a half decades of dominance, Skyward Sword is yet another fitting and appropriate tribute. It isn't perfect, but it is well enough to fit among its legendary peers. For Zelda fans, myself included, it is not so much a sincere love letter as it is a heartfelt " thank-you" to the countless legions of gamers that have supported and fallen in love with the franchise for as long a time as it has been in existence. For those just now taking the first steps into the world of Hyrule, it may well be a good start towards greater things and quite possibly a deeper, newfound appreciation of games long past. Whatever side of the wall you find yourself in----Zelda fan, newcomer or a little inbetween---reach for the sky. Skyward Sword is one flight well worth taking.