Reviews// The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

They've grown together, much in the same way that we've grown up with the Zelda games – and now we finally have the most adult orientated game in the series. There's a huge story in here, especially with Demon Lord Ghirahim, a character who isn't just a bad guy: he's actually properly sinister and cruel. From the first meeting between himself and Link, where he beats our hero to within an inch of his life just because he can get away with it... well, we're not dealing with black and white here.

Skyward Sword deals with chaos, terror, murder... it's incredible to see where Nintendo has taken the series in its latest iteration. However, despite it being a relatively dark game, there's incredible joy in there too. You are, after all, still Link, wandering around a brand new world and discovering amazing things. New gadgets and abilities add a whole extra level to the game, a personal favourite being the Scarab Beetle: sending it flying off, you get a view from behind as you control its flight path. Again, the excellent implementation of the motion controls is evident as you send the Scarab soaring and banking through the air. It's a brilliant addition that really adds to the puzzle solving side of the game.

Of course, no game is utterly perfect and Skyward Sword does indeed have a couple of minor flaws. First of all, it requires you to consider your movements, especially when in a combat situation.

If you get flustered, you will screw up. You need to take your time when attacking and make sure that your actions are clear. Second, you need to have a Wii Motion Plus, which means that it'll cost you an extra twenty quid to play if you don't already own one. Minor quibbles, but I can see a few people excitedly opening this up to play then wondering why it's not working...

It's a Masterpiece
All in all though, it's a masterpiece. A beautiful game that is a joy to play. A massive world to explore, packed with enemies of all sizes (and some of them are huge!) for you to defeat. A story that you'll actually care about, that you'll want to invest time in to unravel it. With the main storyline topping out at around forty hours (there are plenty of side quests too) it's an incredibly satisfying affair as you watch relationships blossom and die before your eyes, evil rise and fall and good eventually win through. It's a Zelda game, after all.

It's a glorious swansong for the Wii – after this it's pretty much going to be babysitting simulators and more dance games than you can shake a Wii Remote at – but if you're looking for a classical adventure with some interesting twists, you must get hold of a copy. If Nintendo had actually managed to release this a couple of years back, I reckon the Wii wouldn't be regarded as the poor man's console against the 360 and PS3. That can't be changed though, so just get it out of the cupboard or from under your bed, cable it in and play this: The Last Great Wii Game.

Pros:
+ An incredible story that give the feeling that the Zelda games have finally grown up.
+ Excellent controls that really feel like your actions are matched on screen.
+ Beautiful graphics and incredible music.
+ Cracking new gadgets and abilities. I want a Beetle of my own. Now.

Cons:
- Feels like it's too little too late.
- Needs a Motion Plus add-on or controller.
- Occasional glitches in combat situations if you're rushing. SO SLOW DOWN.

SPOnG Score: 91%, 9.1 out of 10, 5 stars, A grade or whatever we're using this week.