Why are some of you guys acting like the sword controls don't work in the new Zelda? Did you just watch the conference and ignore the fact that the game is playable at the show and there are tons of impressions out there and they all confirm that the sword stuff is smooth and it was indeed interference messing up the conference?
1-Up
That being said, the current version of the game plays remarkably well. While most viewers of Nintendo's press conference this morning were probably put off by Miyamoto's fumbling attempts to play the game, his issues apparently resulted from wi-fi interference rather than any sort of technical failings on the game. Played in a more intimate setting than a massive press conference, Skyward Sword's new control scheme works quite well. The player swings the Wii remote to simulate the motion of Link's sword, as in Twilight Princess. The difference here is that the player's motions translate precisely into the angle and velocity of the on-screen sword attacks. The game feels precise, accurate, and surprisingly untiring.
IGN
Keep in mind that Nintendo had a pretty dreadful live demo at its press conference, so anyone watching might be concerned that the game might not work as advertised. Watching that demo first hand I can tell you exactly why Miyamoto was having a problem: Wii Motion Plus can use the infrared sensor bar to recalibrate itself, and with the audience filled with devices emitting infrared, it was throwing off the device something fierce. I had the same problem when trying to play Wii Sports Resort last year in our video studio: infrared pollution.
Luckily, the game works. The Wii MotionPlus definitely helps with Link's ability to slice and stab with 1:1 precision.
Gamespot
Forget the not-so-elegant swordplay show put on by Shigeru Miyamoto at Nintendo's E3 press conference. We just got back from playing the new Legend of Zelda adventure, Skyward Sword, and found the new control system to be quite responsive. The one-to-one sword motion works well, and though it does require a more methodical approach than Hyrulian adventurers might be used to, it is easy to trigger sideways slashes and overhand chops once you get the hang of it.
Etc.
Of course, anyone who has played Wii Sports Resort sword-fighting could have told you that Nintendo has a working sword control base to move from.
Now, I'll admit, the graphics didn't impress quite as much as they could have. Actually, Link and the enemies looked awesome, but the environments looked very, very empty. I like the style they are going for, but it still needs works. Could just be that it is still early on though, since it is a 2011 game. A lot of the items looked like a lot of fun, but other than that, the trailer was just kind of there for me. Like hey, cool, a new Zelda. I know it will be awesome, but I think it will have a much better showing in the future when it is a bit more polished (graphically) and they can show off puzzles and such.
I think I was more impressed with Donkey Kong and Kirby. Not that I think they will be better games, just kind of shocked to see both of them at the show looking sweet. Especially Kirby, that style is a bit difficult to wrap your head around, but it leads to a lot of interesting gameplay moments...
This post has been edited by xvszero: 17 June 2010 - 10:51 PM