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Off-Topic Discussion => Gaming Discussion => Topic started by: Retsof on December 02, 2011, 05:26:42 pm

Title: The Skyward Sword Thread
Post by: Retsof on December 02, 2011, 05:26:42 pm
:nervous: I want to know if it's any good before I buy it...
Title: Re: Anyone played Skyward Sward yet?
Post by: sigtau on December 02, 2011, 08:02:29 pm
If you don't mind the swordplay controls (which are actually less awkward than you'd expect), this game has potential to dethrone Ocarina of Time.

Get it.
Title: Re: Anyone played Skyward Sward yet?
Post by: BloodEagle on December 02, 2011, 08:25:22 pm
I don't think anyone anywhere has ever (or will ever) play "Skyward Sward."  ;)
Title: Re: Anyone played Skyward Sward yet?
Post by: Retsof on December 02, 2011, 08:51:03 pm
If you don't mind the swordplay controls (which are actually less awkward than you'd expect), this game has potential to dethrone Ocarina of Time.

Get it.
How very interesting, I am becoming motivated  :drevil:.
I don't think anyone anywhere has ever (or will ever) play "Skyward Sward."  ;)
*facepalm*  I blame Chrome's spellchecker for not noticing.
Title: Re: Anyone played Skyward Sward yet?
Post by: Mongoose on December 02, 2011, 08:55:08 pm
Haven't played it yet, although the gold Wiimote bundle is currently in the house awaiting my possession on Christmas. :D
Title: Re: Anyone played Skyward Sward yet?
Post by: BloodEagle on December 03, 2011, 12:54:05 pm
I'd actually like to know, from a story/plot standpoint, where this stands on the scale of Zeldanian-verisimilitude.

(THE BELOW SCALE IS REPRESENTATIVE OF MY OPINION, I HAVE NO DESIRE TO EXPLAIN IT)

Twilight Princess and Majora's Mask are low; Ocarina, Link to the Past, and Wind Waker are high; Zelda, TAO Link, et. al are mid-range.

Please note that this list excludes (save Link's Awakening) all handheld titles and the series which will not be named.
Title: Re: Anyone played Skyward Sward yet?
Post by: swashmebuckle on December 03, 2011, 02:17:19 pm
30+ hours in here.  The motion controls work really well for swordplay but IMO not as well for anything that requires aiming when compared to the simpler implementation in Twilight Princess (you constantly have to recenter the reticle or you end up not being able to look in the right direction).  The "overworld" is even emptier than it was in Wind Waker, though not nearly as tedious to navigate, and instead there are three medium-sized areas that you revisit over and over, each of which has multiple subdungeons branching off of it.  The story is slightly more involved than in past games and there are some Majora's Mask-esque interactions with the secondary characters, some of which are pretty endearing.  The lack of a "Hyrule Field" type area contributes to the linear feel, but in terms of gameplay it's all very enjoyable, and there are plenty of pleasant surprises.  Looking forward to seeing how it ends.
Title: Re: Anyone played Skyward Sward yet?
Post by: Achillion on December 06, 2011, 02:07:10 pm
+1 for the controls here. They take some getting used to, but once you figure out how to make the most of them, the sword-fighting becomes MUCH more fun, especially considering how Twilight Princess combat was a big waggle-fest.

Not too far into the story myself (start of 3rd real dungeon) but I have already gotten a sense of the linearity that swashmebuckle mentioned.

When all is said and done though, it's still a Zelda game and IMO it lives up to the standard (speaking purely as a fanboi here).
Title: Re: Anyone played Skyward Sward yet?
Post by: Dark Hunter on December 06, 2011, 02:44:45 pm
I'm only three dungeons in but so far I'm loving it. The story and characters are very well-done. And Skyloft is gorgeous. Although the overworld (har, har, pun) could have more stuff in it, the ability to fly with non-sucky flying controls is totally worth it.

And oh my god the sword controls. This is amazing. Enemies now actually require some strategy to beat rather than just "swing sword a bunch, win". Trying to do that in this game leads to a quick death.

My only complaint so far is that most of the puzzles have been pretty easy to figure out, but that's probably a consequence of 1. me having played a lot of Zelda games and 2. it still being pretty early on. Also, Fi needs to STFU sometimes. Not as bad as Navi, but...

Bottom Line: If you're a Zelda fan, GET THIS GAME. People are saying it rivals Ocarina in terms of quality, and I'm highly inclined to agree.
Title: Re: Anyone played Skyward Sward yet?
Post by: mjn.mixael on December 06, 2011, 03:02:01 pm
Played it. Beat it.

It's definitely a high quality Zelda game. It's generally enjoyable, the story is good, and it brings some new ideas to the table. (A few of which, as a long-time Zelda fan, I do NOT like. One of those is having to carry a couple medals to have a full heart meter... which wouldn't be so bad if you could only carry limited items, but given the nature of that addition, my guess is that we'll see it again in later installments.)

BUT, it's definitely a fresh take on the Zelda franchise. I personally prefer TP because it felt bigger and more epic, same reason why I loved WW too. While this one's story is of the epic "world doom" scale, it tells it from a very intimate standpoint.

In the end though, it's worth the $50.

Also, I'm guessing Four Swords in the series that won't be named? FSA was actually somewhat enjoyable! A very interesting way of trying multiplayer Zelda too! I give Nintendo props for even trying that.
Title: Re: Anyone played Skyward Sward yet?
Post by: Mongoose on December 06, 2011, 04:33:13 pm
Also, I'm guessing Four Swords in the series that won't be named? FSA was actually somewhat enjoyable! A very interesting way of trying multiplayer Zelda too! I give Nintendo props for even trying that.
No, those were different, but from everything I've heard they were just fine.  I'm assuming he means the real black sheep...*cough*CD-i*cough*
Title: Re: Anyone played Skyward Sward yet?
Post by: Dark Hunter on December 06, 2011, 04:53:19 pm
Nope. Those don't exist. Nintendo said so.
Title: Re: Anyone played Skyward Sward yet?
Post by: Klaustrophobia on December 06, 2011, 06:00:59 pm
i've got no idea what yall are talking about with the series that doesn't exist.  then again, i only really know the console titles from OOT on, plus link's awakening.
Title: Re: Anyone played Skyward Sward yet?
Post by: Dark Hunter on December 06, 2011, 08:51:16 pm
The CDi games.

They don't exist.
Title: Re: Anyone played Skyward Sward yet?
Post by: Scourge of Ages on December 06, 2011, 09:16:02 pm
Wait, the what games?
Title: Re: Anyone played Skyward Sward yet?
Post by: Aurora Paradox on December 06, 2011, 09:41:02 pm
I'm a little bit over 26 hours into the game and just finished the fourth dungeon.  I haven't devoted much time to mini games or side quests so far.

Overall, I'm impressed with what I've seen so far.  The motion controls are quite accurate the majority of the time.

I'd like to pose a question to those on HLP who are in the process of playing or have beaten Skyward Sword.  Did you opt to upgrade any of your items or shields?
So far, I've upgraded my bomb bag and my wooden shield to their second level.  I'm debating on whether to upgrade anything else.

EDIT:  FI could certainly learn to talk a bit less.  She has any annoying tendency of stating the obvious.
Title: Re: Anyone played Skyward Sward yet?
Post by: Klaustrophobia on December 06, 2011, 10:33:15 pm
The CDi games.

They don't exist.

what does that stand for? 
Title: Re: Anyone played Skyward Sward yet?
Post by: LHN91 on December 06, 2011, 10:39:33 pm
The CDi games.

They don't exist.

what does that stand for? 

Phillips CD-i. A more or less failed game console/entertainment device/thingy from the early 90's. Stands for CD-interactive.

EDIT: For more accurate description
Title: Re: Anyone played Skyward Sward yet?
Post by: Achillion on December 07, 2011, 03:45:33 am
I'm a little bit over 26 hours into the game and just finished the fourth dungeon.  I haven't devoted much time to mini games or side quests so far.

Overall, I'm impressed with what I've seen so far.  The motion controls are quite accurate the majority of the time.

I'd like to pose a question to those on HLP who are in the process of playing or have beaten Skyward Sword.  Did you opt to upgrade any of your items or shields?
So far, I've upgraded my bomb bag and my wooden shield to their second level.  I'm debating on whether to upgrade anything else.

EDIT:  FI could certainly learn to talk a bit less.  She has any annoying tendency of stating the obvious.

I'm much less into the game than you but I already upgraded both shields once. I guess it depends on how much you use the shield. Since raising the shield is no longer done automatically when you target now, I find that I dodge a lot more than I block. Then again, I don't know if further in there will be fights where shield bashing is necessary and failing to time it right will require an upgraded shield for all the damage it takes.

Also, yes FI does state the obvious a lot. It makes me wonder if I feel that way because I've played a lot of Zelda games and I "get" how they work, or because they're trying to make it easier by pointing out every little mechanism that differs from conventional games.
Title: Re: Anyone played Skyward Sward yet?
Post by: butter_pat_head on December 07, 2011, 08:36:38 am
I'm much less into the game than you but I already upgraded both shields once. I guess it depends on how much you use the shield. Since raising the shield is no longer done automatically when you target now, I find that I dodge a lot more than I block. Then again, I don't know if further in there will be fights where shield bashing is necessary and failing to time it right will require an upgraded shield for all the damage it takes.

Also, yes FI does state the obvious a lot. It makes me wonder if I feel that way because I've played a lot of Zelda games and I "get" how they work, or because they're trying to make it easier by pointing out every little mechanism that differs from conventional games.

Yes Fi, I do know my Wiimote batteries are low...

Took me a while to get used to the new shield mechanic.  I had to do the first boss with no shield at all.  Defeating some of the later monsters pretty much requires the use of shield bash to defeat them, especially as some monsters are smart enough to run away from your bombs!  Buying (and upgrading) the sacred shield asap helps a lot.  It can handle both fire and electricity and self repairs any damage it receives.  It can even deflect Beamos beams with the right timing. 

The treasures are a little annoying.  You see a chest in a dungeon and you go out of your way to get to it only to find its a malice crystal or when you load your savegame and in the heat of battle with half a dozen moblins or so and all of a sudden 'jingle you just found a skull emblem, blah blah blah'.  I have 20 or so allready, shut up!  To be fair Twilight Princess was worse for this.  Load a save and bam, you just picked up a green rupee, thats worth 1 rupee, you just picked up a blue rupee and so on...

Anyhoow, I finished the game a couple of days ago.  My wrists are still recovering...
Title: Re: Anyone played Skyward Sward yet?
Post by: Retsof on December 07, 2011, 05:30:50 pm
Bought it, not very far in.  I have no idea where to find
Spoiler:
the missing little girl
Title: Re: Anyone played Skyward Sward yet?
Post by: mjn.mixael on December 07, 2011, 05:38:43 pm
The shield is full of win once you learn how/when to use it.
Title: Re: Anyone played Skyward Sward yet?
Post by: Dark Hunter on December 07, 2011, 07:27:28 pm
Bought it, not very far in.  I have no idea where to find
Spoiler:
the missing little girl

Go talk to the old guy in the Lumpy Pumpkin. He'll point you in the right direction.

(Yeah, that sidequest confused the **** out of me, too.)
Title: Re: Anyone played Skyward Sward yet?
Post by: swashmebuckle on December 07, 2011, 07:29:32 pm
Other than with Octoroks, I pretty much never used the shield before the final battle.  I also never died before the final battle, which was a little disappointing--hoping Hero mode will be a good challenge when I get around to playing the game again.
Title: Re: Anyone played Skyward Sward yet?
Post by: Achillion on December 08, 2011, 03:25:39 pm
I died quite a bit before I got the hand of the controls.
Also, I managed to lose an upgraded wooden shield last night. That was harsh. The worst part is that you can easily avoid the damage to the shield by taking it yourself (or jumping out of the way), but I just stood there like a moron.

Also, those flying baddies that shoot rockets need shield bashing to go down as well.
Title: Re: Anyone played Skyward Sward yet?
Post by: Aurora Paradox on December 08, 2011, 05:18:34 pm
I died quite a bit before I got the hand of the controls.
Also, I managed to lose an upgraded wooden shield last night. That was harsh. The worst part is that you can easily avoid the damage to the shield by taking it yourself (or jumping out of the way), but I just stood there like a moron.

Also, those flying baddies that shoot rockets need shield bashing to go down as well.

It takes awhile to get used to the shield controls.  I lost 3 or 4 wooden shields in the first dungeon.  I also lost an upgraded one at one point or another.  Since that time my skills have improved.  However, I still need to work on the timing of my shield bash

Title: Re: Anyone played Skyward Sward yet?
Post by: Dark Hunter on December 08, 2011, 05:27:44 pm
Sacred Shields FTW.

As long as you prevent them from breaking in the first place, they "heal" themselves.
Title: Re: Anyone played Skyward Sward yet?
Post by: Achillion on December 08, 2011, 05:28:42 pm
Don't have it yet
Title: Re: Anyone played Skyward Sward yet?
Post by: mjn.mixael on December 08, 2011, 08:02:03 pm
Pssh Sacred shield is for losers...
Spoiler:
I use the Hylian Shield.
Title: Re: Anyone played Skyward Sward yet?
Post by: Aurora Paradox on December 08, 2011, 10:10:15 pm
I'm at the stage where I have the Sacred Shield but I don't use it often.  I primarily use my Banded Shield and my Iron Shield.  The only time I use the Sacred Shield is in one of two scenarios.  Either my other two shields are too damaged and might break or cursed enemies are present.  I'm off the opinion that a regenerating shield takes some of the skill out of the game.

I actually carry all three shields around with me.  Once I add Link's signature shield to my collection, I might stick to using that.  I haven't made up my mind yet.
Title: Re: Anyone played Skyward Sward yet?
Post by: Retsof on December 12, 2011, 06:23:00 pm
By the way, the orchestral CD is awesome.  Track 4 is very hard not to drive fast to...
Title: Re: Anyone played Skyward Sward yet?
Post by: Dark Hunter on December 12, 2011, 07:18:59 pm
Finished it. Final battle is officially the most epic Zelda fight ever. Yeah, a bit easy, but nonetheless... epic. With the music and the environment and the lightning and...
Title: Re: Anyone played Skyward Sward yet?
Post by: Achillion on December 12, 2011, 07:26:39 pm
Easy on the spoilers there :)
Title: Re: Anyone played Skyward Sward yet?
Post by: Dark Hunter on December 12, 2011, 08:39:01 pm
What? I didn't spoil anything.
Title: Re: Anyone played Skyward Sward yet?
Post by: Aurora Paradox on December 12, 2011, 11:40:38 pm
I've just entered the 6th dungeon but I've only done two of the side quests so far.  There is plenty left to do before the end.
Title: Re: Anyone played Skyward Sward yet?
Post by: Achillion on December 13, 2011, 05:07:42 am
What? I didn't spoil anything.

I know. I like to warn people off spoilers pre-emptively. I'm annoying that way I guess. :P

On a side note: Can't we change the thread topic? I feel a bit weird every time I get an email about a new post and I see the topic in my inbox written like that :(

Title: Re: The Skyward Sword Thread
Post by: Retsof on December 13, 2011, 01:17:38 pm
On a side note: Can't we change the thread topic? I feel a bit weird every time I get an email about a new post and I see the topic in my inbox written like that :(
Done.
Title: Re: The Skyward Sword Thread
Post by: Achillion on December 16, 2011, 06:56:33 am
Ok this weekend I'm definitely getting some Zelda time in. I started the game a couple of weeks ago but I haven't been in the right mood for Zelda during weekdays. When I get home late and I'm going to have a couple of hours of game-time, I prefer something you can just jump right into (e.g., BF3). For Zelda, I always feel like I have to be in a certain mood to enjoy it properly.

Is that weird?
Title: Re: The Skyward Sword Thread
Post by: Dark Hunter on December 16, 2011, 02:23:08 pm
Not really. I find I can only play Zelda for a few hours at a time. As much as I love the game, there is a point where I'm just... done playing for now.
Title: Re: The Skyward Sword Thread
Post by: Achillion on December 16, 2011, 02:32:34 pm
For me it's kinda the opposite. I need to know I have lots of time ahead to be able to get into it. I can't play for 30 mins or 2 hours. I need to know I have 4 hours (for instance) of free time to just lose myself in the game's world.
Title: Re: The Skyward Sword Thread
Post by: deathfun on December 16, 2011, 03:12:54 pm
This is a terrible game! I tried putting it in my PS3 and the damned thing just never worked!
I returned it the day I got it



But in seriousness, I was actually considering this as a gift to my sister for Christmas. I got her Twilight a couple ago, and figured eh, this could go either way. We've always been a fan of Zelda...
Title: Re: The Skyward Sword Thread
Post by: watsisname on December 16, 2011, 09:41:10 pm
Quote
This is a terrible game! I tried putting it in my PS3 and the damned thing just never worked!
I returned it the day I got it

Did you try taking it out of the system, blowing on it real hard, and reinserting?
Title: Re: The Skyward Sword Thread
Post by: yuezhi on December 16, 2011, 10:18:12 pm
This is a terrible game! I tried putting it in my PS3 and the damned thing just never worked!
I returned it the day I got it



But in seriousness, I was actually considering this as a gift to my sister for Christmas. I got her Twilight a couple ago, and figured eh, this could go either way. We've always been a fan of Zelda...
wat a PS3? :wtf:

how's a first party game from nintendo suppose to work on anything else?
Title: Re: The Skyward Sword Thread
Post by: Dark Hunter on December 16, 2011, 10:27:41 pm
He's joking, yuezhi.

See below where he says "in seriousness..."
Title: Re: The Skyward Sword Thread
Post by: deathfun on December 17, 2011, 03:20:11 am
Quote
This is a terrible game! I tried putting it in my PS3 and the damned thing just never worked!
I returned it the day I got it

Did you try taking it out of the system, blowing on it real hard, and reinserting?

Ah naw man, I completely forgot to try that out! Bullocks!
Title: Re: The Skyward Sword Thread
Post by: Retsof on December 26, 2011, 01:02:48 pm
 :bump:
Well I got to the part where
Spoiler:
you loose all your stuff and have to sneak around to get it back
a while ago and kind of stalled out.  I also have to say I'm disappointed with Fi's characterization, or rather, lack thereof.
Title: Re: The Skyward Sword Thread
Post by: Aurora Paradox on December 27, 2011, 12:47:09 pm
:bump:
Well I got to the part where
Spoiler:
you loose all your stuff and have to sneak around to get it back
a while ago and kind of stalled out.  I also have to say I'm disappointed with Fi's characterization, or rather, lack thereof.

What item are you having trouble getting back? 
Title: Re: The Skyward Sword Thread
Post by: Retsof on December 27, 2011, 05:46:48 pm
Not a problem of finding it, just lost motivation to play the game.