WARNING: The following article contains spoilers for the video game "The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword". do NOT read if you do not want to see spoilers.
(written 3 months ago on November 22nd, 2011)
Skyward Sword has been an interesting experience 20 hours in. Nintendo has taken a game winning formula and enhanced it to the level of a "lite" RPG. It seems the magic meter has taken a hike in the Zelda series and instead, Link has a stamina gauge that allows him to burst run. As you do exhausting activities, the gauge goes down. Nintendo probably got the idea from Mario's health bar in Super Mario Galaxy as the dials look exactly alike.
*Dungeons have been downsized to just one floor, something that will help new gamers get into the series. Despite the obvious inclination to feel disappointed at the downgrade, it does not change the challenge or complexity of each dungeon. The compass and big key have been removed. The dungeon map remains a staple, and the new "boss keys" are actually shapes that fit into the dungeon door. You simply rotate the part until it fits in the slot.
*Loftwing flying has a small learning curve. After two hours you should get the hang of it. Controls for this game are smooth, but also require a small learning curve. By hour 10 of the game, you should have a good feeling with the Wii mote.
*Bottles have been changed to a "pouch" item instead of an inventory. There is no more inventory screen per se- there is actually a little menu you bring up to present inventory gear. Potions have been expanded- there are an additional two potions, as well as the ability to mix and match potions with caught insects. Your shield has a tolerance, and too much abuse will break it in half. I should know, Ghirahim stole the Goddess sword from me and split my shield in two!
*The map function also lets you place markers/waypoints which glow after you place them. This is unheard of for a Zelda game, and has been a handy and welcome feature.
*In regards to the storyline and lore, Skyward Sword jumps out of the gate by turning lore upside down on its head. We learn that the three Goddesses created Hyrule... blah blah blah... but then... and then... they entrust the care of the Triforce to "the Goddess", who has been referred to in previous games as the Goddess of the Sands... the Goddess of Time... and so on. Because she leaves messages for Fi indicating that she dwells on the edges of time, she may be the Goddess of Time. She had two primary instruments- the Goddess Sword and the Harp.
*Yes, THAT harp from Ocarina of Time. Shiek is seen wielding it. It is probably given to Shiek by Impa to aid the Hero of Time in his adventure. The harp has many magical properties. Wait, what the heck? you just said Impa.
*Yup, I did, didn't I? The servant of the goddess protecting Zelda from Ghirahim is none other than Impa from Ocarina of Time. The one and the same. She is also badass, countering Ghirahim's attacks with shadow magic. The Shiekah have been very present in this game, and I can't wait to learn more. Of course there are gossip statues in Skyward Sword. Guess what happens if you plant a bomb near it? Yep, that easter egg is also in the game xD
*The Goddess sword is wielded by Link. We know it eventually becomes the Master Sword. I have not finished the game, and two questions remain. Well, three.
1) The Temple of Time. YES, a temple exists in the game known as the Temple of Time. It is located in the Lanaryu Desert. But hold on there archaeologists, this Temple of Time looks nothing like the Temple of Time from "Ocarina of Time". It is a large, open complex with the Hyrule Royal Family Crest statue standing above the area. All I know is that a device, or wall, known as the Gate of Time rests in the temple, and Impa destroys it as they make their escape.
2) A large, bullet bill wannabe that looks like a felhound (see World of Warcraft) wants to destroy the Temple of the Goddess. You put it in its place, but is this the "master" Ghirahim is trying to revive?
3) What is Impa doing exactly with Zelda? What is the Goddesses' plan with Zelda, or Link for that matter?
4) Where is Hyrule Castle? I have not seen the word "Hyrule" ONCE in this game yet.
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