The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

"The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword". Just another Zelda game with more confusing puzzle dungeons all tying together the same story from all the previous Zelda games, right? Actually, you couldn't be more wrong. "Skyward Sword" is Nintendo's Ace in the Hole, and is exactly how they plan to bring a whole new hand to the table. Let's begin with the aspect that had the fans clamoring since it was first announced; the Motion Control. If you've ever played any Wii game that was dependent on the motion of the player, and was disappointed in the end ('Red Steel' instantly comes to mind), then fans rejoice at the mastery of the motion control in LoZ: SS. All that you could imagine you would want to do in a submersive game such as the Zelda franchise, is instantly possible in this gaming masterpiece. From directional slashes, jabs, and shield blocks, to finishing blows and the signature sword spin attack. It's all at your fingertips to turn Link's fighting moves into your own concoction of maneuvers, and honestly, it's mindblowing how smooth it is with the Wii Motion Plus. Moving on to the dungeons, they are laid out to start off as easier at the beginning, then progressively getting harder as the game progresses. They force you the think outside of the normal video game cliches in terms of puzzles, but that's to be expected from any Zelda game. So what makes the dungeons and levels here any different from the other games in the series? Three words: The Silent Realm. Meant to make you feel the stresses of being detected by an enemy, and think in a different way you already were, which was more-than-likely the "run up and slash the crap out of any nearby enemies" tactic. Link is item-less throughout the 'Trial', and there are Guardians strewn throughout the familiar landscape that want you dead. Thinking back to "Twilight Princess", the tear container makes a triumphant return in "Skyward Sword". If you have ever played any stealth games, then you will instantly understand what you need to do in these 'Trials'. The catch is to actually do it. New items and more unique characters that you will come to know in the world of Zelda await anyone willing enough to take on the challenges of the Hero. With cellshaded graphics reminiscent of "Wind Waker" in place to offset the dark nature of the game, and a story line set to predate the events of all other Zelda games, this addition to the already sterling series is a must-have for any Zelda fan's collection. My Final Verdict? 10 out of 10.