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[Shadow of the BEAST]

so you mean the artstyle? because even back in the 80s and early 90s, it seemed to resemble anime at the time.

 

[cajunator]

Also, I have been watching the playthroughs at that link I posted for over a day and a half now from the original to OOt so far and the differences have not been jarring. Each game has a particular style, but there are so many different kinds of enemies, locations, stories, and NPCs in these games that there IS NO SET TEMPLATE for their design or direction. There just isnt. Each game contains its own interpretation of the Zelda world and THATS WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THE SERIES.

 

[Lunar15]

"Zelda" is basically when they put you on a boat or a train or make you a wolf and it still feels like zelda somehow.

Cajunator is right, the series is great because there is no archetype in terms of design. Mario is the same in that sense. The gameplay mechanics are nearly timeless, so in many cases the setting does not matter. Zelda and Mario act as a frame of reference for fans to try out new ideas. This is how the series have gone on for as long as they have.

 

[cajunator]

This wasnt even in-game though. This was concept art.
You wanna see Skyward Sword concept art?

 

[Lunar15]

This wasnt even in-game though. This was concept art.

It wasn't even concept art. It was made for a strategy guide. I don't even think Nintendo had anything to do with it.

 

[farnham]

Look at the artwork from the old Zelda games. It says all there is to say about what it was, and what has been lost. Now it looks like what Naruto did with ninjas

zelda adopted animelike artstyle ages ago and its now part of that series. thats hardly a valid complaint. if you want more western artstyle you need to go somewhere else (darksiders for example)

 

[Regulus Tera]

Finally had the chance to watch the Gametrailers review. The actual script sounded like they had been much more critical of the game that what the score implies. I hate to use the word, but it was almost as if they were blaming it for being "archaic". Yet they still gave it a 9.1 and remind myself why gaming journalism is so laughable.

Cheap stabs at the quality of writing in video game criticism aside, it seems like this is the most streamlined Zelda game yet? That might be different than what I was expecting, but it certainly doesn't sound bad. It clarifies to me some of the qualms TSA had with how backtracking was implemented. I think it might be tolerable as long as such recycling of content is not padded for the sake of it. A compact world brimming with things to do at every crevice is not necessarily better or worse than The Wind Waker's approach to a mostly empty yet still inviting Great Sea. Difference does not have to be damning.

 

[GamerSoul]

Now I agree with this. Changing the stories around and the reason for events in the game and dungeons existing is a viable change. It doesnt always have to be about Ganon or have the "collect 6 stones/instruments/amulets/rescue sages" in order to advance structure. however, this structure allows for all the dungeons and things to have a cohesive reason to actually exist, and I''m not really sure how they could give you incentive to go to each one unless it unlocks a part of the story in some sort of pattern. This is where it is very difficult to change the dynamic without changing what people love about the series. Perhaps if people could brainstorm exactly WHAT kinds of htings to incorporate or how the structure should go instead of just saying "the current way is old and tired". then suggest a new way to do it without compromising the overall idea of a Zelda game.

I agree with the story aspect because I think The story is the main thing that keeps Zelda a Zelda game. The way the story begins kind of sets the tone. You are a new, inexperienced Link on a new adventure. MM was the only 3D Zelda that comes to mind that kind've changed that and that cocept was pretty cool, imo. I loved how you were able to transform yourself into the other races and gain different perspectives story and gameplay wise.

I think dungeons, weapons and exploration should always be apart of Zelda no matter what, but everything else could be manipulated in the formula.

Who says Link always has to be inexperience or in-training. Or even a Hylian or whateverthey call them? Ganondorf isn't Hylian and has a piece of the Tri-force so it's possible. Wouldn't just doing that have a crazy effect and changed the perspective? What if he was a trained Sheikah who was in trusted to gaurd the royal family and we were able to do so for ourselves to understand how that's. Instead of being some random guy who was "destined" to save Zelda why not make us someone who was born to do it and did it from the shadows instead. Going through dungeons with a character that's would be more physically gifted, traveled lighter, and could learn magic. Just name the character Link and there you go. lol. That would be the coolest thing ever, and the concept was already there in MM.

Fuck everything else, if they would change the story like that, everything else will follow. PS. Sheikahs are fucking AWESOME and my idea is fucking awesome. i can't fall asleep. -.-

 

[Thoraxes]

Here's your concept art:

 

[cajunator]

I remember something similar in Nintendo Power. They even had a comic.
but even then, it was entirely dependent on the gamer what that world looked like. Why do you think there are so many interpretations of a character, like say, Rydia from Final Fantasy? This is what I love about videogames. They have an abstractness. The problem is that graphics have become so realistic, so detailed, that the imaginary world has a very decisive structure, and this then becomes THE world that gamers expect in future iterations. Where does Elder Scrolls 6 go from here? More realism? an even bigger world? OK. But how long can they keep that up before it, too becomes as stale as they say Zelda is becoming? Except that Zelda has not pigeonholed itself into a single definition of what it is.
However, there are a set of concepts that define what must be present in a Zelda game as well. It is this delicate balance that is so difficult to keep both relevant to the present and future, while also keeping true to the series roots. I think that several currently popular HD series will soon be slamming into this same wall, and without the flexibility of Zeldas ever changing worlds, I dont honestly think they have much room to grow. Uncharted can still go many directions. It is a pretty flexible franchise but they need to be very careful where they go with it.

 

[Branduil]

You can pick em apart, and say im wrong. But the classic games gives me a completely different impression than the modern games does.

Its stuff like this.

Spoiler

That looks like LTTP in 3D to me.

 

[Instro]

You can pick em apart, and say im wrong. But the classic games gives me a completely different impression than the modern games does.

Its stuff like this.

Spoiler

http://www.nintendo-nyheter.se/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/zelda-skyward-sword1.jpg[IMG]

[/spoiler][/QUOTE]
But AlttP was cartoony as fuck dude.

 

[LightofRohan]

Finally had the chance to watch the Gametrailers review. The actual script sounded like they had been much more critical of the game that what the score implies. I hate to use the word, but it was almost as if they were blaming it for being "archaic". Yet they still gave it a 9.1 and remind myself why gaming journalism is so laughable.

Cheap stabs at the quality of writing in video game criticism aside, it seems like this is the most streamlined Zelda game yet? That might be different than what I was expecting, but it certainly doesn't sound bad. It clarifies to me some of the qualms TSA had with how backtracking was implemented. I think it might be tolerable as long as such recycling of content is not padded for the sake of it. A compact world brimming with things to do at every crevice is not necessarily better or worse than The Wind Waker's approach to a mostly empty yet still inviting Great Sea. Difference does not have to be damning.

Yea, that review was interesting. I'm deeply sorry to anyone here, but from what I seen the graphics look utterly atrocious. I kept saying, "It looks alright for a 3ds game" - and then realizing its on a console. Which is totally not a big problem at all, but it makes me baffled how reviewers keep giving it good scores in that department. Poor cinematic touches, no voice acting and the lousy animations, also hinder it. But the gameplay looks top notch which all that matters with this series.

 

[outunderthestars]

Yea, that review was interesting. I'm deeply sorry to anyone here, but from what I seen the graphics look utterly atrocious. I kept saying, "It looks alright for a 3ds game" - and then realizing its on a console. Which is totally not a big problem at all, but it makes me baffled how reviewers keep giving it good scores in that department. Poor cinematic touches, no voice acting and lousy animation also hinder it. But the gameplay looks top notch which all that matters with this series.

Weird. I really like the art style. It has my seriously considering buying a new Wii just to play the game.

 

[TheGreatMightyPoo]

lousy animation also hinder it.

You typoed on that whole part.

 

[cajunator]

the art style is fine. whats wrong with the animations? I haven't seen much but the opening minutes of the game seem to have pretty smooth animation quality. Actually very good.

 

[LightofRohan]

Weird. I really like the art style. It has my seriously considering buying a new Wii just to play the game.

Yea yea I agree (in some instances). I think the painterly style they are going for works for the series. But the tech it's on really holds it back from achieving that goal(to me). The uprezzed HD screenshots look nice, but in game at 480 it does not look as flattering. That style really requires higher definition and some polish. Again, I don't feel that is as important - I understand the gameplay is all that matters. And I don't want to spew negativity in the official thread, not sure where else to post about general stuff.

You typoed on that whole part.

Thanks

 

[TheGreatMightyPoo]

What the style really requires is a STANDARD DEFINITION TV!!!!!!!

I feel the pain of those playing Wii games on HD sets.

I'm sure they look good on some but the prospect frightens me to no end.

I guess I'll see how shitty they look when I get a Wii U.

 

[LightofRohan]

What the style really requires is a STANDARD DEFINITION TV!!!!!!!

I feel the pain of those playing Wii games on HD sets.

I'm sure they look good on some but the prospect frightens me to no end.

I guess I'll see how shitty they look when I get a Wii U.

Yea I agree with that. Probably would help smooth it out a lot and it would feel more nostalgic (classic) as well.

 

[cajunator]

Yeah I kind of wonder how it will look on my HDTV but Ive played stuff like Kirby and Sin and Punishment 2 on it so Im not too concerned. Don't see the big deal really.

Also guys, please stop saying this wouldf be better in HD. WE get it. The system is limited by being SD. WE GET IT. WE REALLY FUCKING GET IT. but there's nothing that Zelda can do about what system it is developed for. So stop holding that against it!

 

[dwu8991]

The GT review complains about backtracking, needing to upgrade equipment and spending time going from point A to point B.
Will be interesting to say how SS compares to MP3.

 

[Regulus Tera]

Yea, that review was interesting. I'm deeply sorry to anyone here, but from what I seen the graphics look utterly atrocious. I kept saying, "It looks alright for a 3ds game" - and then realizing its on a console. Which is totally not a big problem at all, but it makes me baffled how reviewers keep giving it good scores in that department. Poor cinematic touches, no voice acting and the lousy animations, also hinder it. But the gameplay looks top notch which all that matters with this series.

Games shouldn't try to be movies and I will truthfully cry the moment Nintendo tries to do with Zelda what Square did to Final Fantasy in terms of putting far too much emphasis on visual presentation.

 

[Übermatik]

I dont necessarily want realism. Id love an zelda with ww artstyle, or something like the classic art work. I just want it to be cohesive and grounded in its own fantasy world. Zelda these days feels way to zanyme.

I always wanted a zelda game with artstyle reminiscent of the tove janssons swedish bilbo illustrations.

Wha-? Is that cover illustrated by Tove Jansson?

 

[cajunator]

Hasn't Zelda always had some backtracking?
I guess I will have to see the extent that it happens here, but the idea of having something blocked only to be able to go back to that spot and access it later has been a staple of nintendo games SINCE MARIO BROTHERS. Remember the switch blocks? Same concept in a more complex setting. I loved the idea of seeing a tube that required the morphball in Metroid Prime and once I would get the powerup I needed I could go back and access whole new areas hidden right behind where I had been hours before. That concept is fucking awesome to me. If that is how Skyward Sword is, then I am very much looking forward to it.
I mean hell, LTTP had tons of backtracking all over the place to access new places, even going into an alternate realm to access new dungeons and things. So did Ocarina of time. Backtracking is NOT a bad gameplay mechanic.

 

[disap.ed]

That looks like LTTP in 3D to me.

+1

 

[LightofRohan]

Yeah I kind of wonder how it will look on my HDTV but Ive played stuff like Kirby and Sin and Punishment 2 on it so Im not too concerned. Don't see the big deal really.

Also guys, please stop saying this wouldf be better in HD. WE get it. The system is limited by being SD. WE GET IT. WE REALLY FUCKING GET IT. but there's nothing that Zelda can do about what system it is developed for. So stop holding that against it!

Eh, its a big game up for GOTY awards. Going up against a lot of big (pretty) contenders. It just stands out more than ever. I don't think people are holding it back for that, just noticing it a little extra lately.

 

[TheGreatMightyPoo]

I like backtracking as well.

Castlevania, Metroid, backtracking makes them what they are!!!!

I am sure it could be implemented poorly but not really in the games I have played that relies on it.

 

[braves01]

Backtracking is NOT a bad gameplay mechanic.

Unless it's Temple of the Ocean King.

 

[cajunator]

Unless it's Temple of the Ocean King.

I guess I really need to watch this being played to understand why people hate it so much. People hate the water temple in OOT but I didnt have much trouble with it.

 

[GamerSoul]

I guess I really need to watch this being played to understand why people hate it so much. People hate the water temple in OOT but I didnt have much trouble with it.

If it weren't for the FAQs back then I'd probaby still be there.

 

[Regulus Tera]

Backtracking is not a bad mechanic as long as it doesn't take too much time to get to the new content. It gives a sense of continuation from level-to-level.

I'm not surprised at the backtracking comments. The games that get rated highly nowadays contain very little material recycling, to the point where six-hour campaigns are tolerable as long as the environments are varied enough.

 

[TheGreatMightyPoo]

For me, backtracking actually makes the game more exciting and adds some logic to it.

I'd rather find so and so ability which makes it possible to get past so and so region/obstacle that I have already visited than to just go on to the next section using that powerup or beating a boss.

It gives me a sense of satisfaction and is rewarding to me.

 

[outunderthestars]

sigh. this game looks incredible. I had kind of written it off as just another Zelda but it really does look like something special.

Any awesome Wii deals for Black Friday?

 

[Barrow Roll]

If it weren't for the FAQs back then I'd probaby still be there.

This is why we can't have hard Zelda's. Aside from the constant boot switching in the original (which has been remedied in OoT3D), it's really not so bad.

Edit: Oh wait, were you talking about that Phantom Hourglass temple that you had to revisit a thousand times? If so, then fuck that temple.

 

[Regulus Tera]

I guess I really need to watch this being played to understand why people hate it so much. People hate the water temple in OOT but I didnt have much trouble with it.

Time limit + 1HKOs + Stealth + Having to redo big portions of the dungeon a bazillion times = Phantom Hourglass is shit.

 

[dwu8991]

I guess I really need to watch this being played to understand why people hate it so much. People hate the water temple in OOT but I didnt have much trouble with it.

I think though people will hate backtracking to Skyloft just to upgrade weapons or repair.
Zelda has never had an extensive upgrade system and it's a strange decision to start now.
For example, breakable shields, means the game is going to be a lot more punishing and failure means a trip back to Skyloft all over again.

 

[LightofRohan]

sigh. this game looks incredible. I had kind of written it off as just another Zelda but it really does look like something special.

Any awesome Wii deals for Black Friday?

100 bucks at Walmart and other places.

 

[outunderthestars]

100 bucks at Walmart and other places.

Awesome. That means Amazon will have some sort of deal.

 

[cajunator]

I think though people will hate backtracking to Skyloft just to upgrade weapons or repair.
Zelda has never had an extensive upgrade system and it's a strange decision to start now.
For example, breakable shields, means the game is going to be a lot more punishing and failure means a trip back to Skyloft all over again.

I could see that being annoying but it isnt much different than if a likelike swallowed your weapons in OOT. again, I'll have to play the game before I can agree or disagree with Skyward Sword specific criticisms.

 

[Kard8p3]

I think though people will hate backtracking to Skyloft just to upgrade weapons or repair.
Zelda has never had an extensive upgrade system and it's a strange decision to start now.
For example, breakable shields, means the game is going to be a lot more punishing and failure means a trip back to Skyloft all over again.

If you handle your shield correctly that won't be a problem.

 

[Regulus Tera]

I could see that being annoying but it isnt much different than if a likelike swallowed your weapons in OOT. again, I'll have to play the game before I can agree or disagree with Skyward Sword specific criticisms.

Like-Likes were scarce in OoT and them eating your shield only happened if you were absolutely careless. Shield-breaking is about resource management.

I like shield-breaking though. It gives a nice incentive to switch between dodging and defending constantly.

 

[TheGreatMightyPoo]

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Punchout

 

[GamerSoul]

This is why we can't have hard Zelda's. Aside from the constant boot switching in the original (which has been remedied in OoT3D), it's really not so bad.

It's really wasn't, there was just that one thing I kept missing. I wasn't really use to being extremely observant of the cause and effect that one switch could have on another thing. The lightbulb went off eventually, heh.

And nah I'm talking about OoT.

 

[cajunator]

I kind of like this extra strategy, and even the stamina meter. These are the sorts of subtle things that CHANGE THE GAMEPLAY that people have been pining for. Lets give them a chance and see whether we like it or not.

 

[TheGreatMightyPoo]

Not sure I like the Stamina Meter but it is interesting.

 

[Regulus Tera]

Most of the changes are very Monster Hunter-like. I wouldn't be surprised if the game gets more praise in Japan for the minuscule additions than on this side of the pond.

 

[GamerSoul]

Not sure I like the Stamina Meter but it is interesting.

You could still roll if you would like. Idk if it has been altered in anyway though. It kinda reminds me of Halo Reach's sprint since it has a visible meter. It does come in handy when used right, plus it feels great having that extra speed.

 

[Cygnus X-1]

Gametrailers review is out.
YOU WILL BE SPOILED!
9.1

These people are plain stupid. One of the worst reviews ever. No HD is not a reason at all to judge a game. Nintendo could start developing again on the SNES and make a fantastic game even on that outdated system.

It's really nonsense.

 

[GrotesqueBeauty]

These people are plain stupid. One of the worst reviews ever. No HD is not a reason at all to judge a game. Nintendo could start developing again on the SNES and make a fantastic game even on that outdated system.

It's really nonsense.

I'd be happy if Nintendo could just make a LttP caliber Zelda game on a modern system.

 

[TheGreatMightyPoo]

I'd be happy if Nintendo could just make a LttP caliber Zelda game on a modern system.

Think they'll ever do that???

Many want a topdown new Zelda, a 2D Metroid, etc...

I think those games would be amazing but with all the horseypower, I think they aren't big enough in the minds of Nintendo.

Of course they have New Super Mario Brothers though but it might end there.

You said "caliber" though, not sure why it made me think of "style".