Defending the Legend of Zelda

As I am sure you have heard, not everybody was crazy about Skyward Sword’s reveal. Some disliked it, likening it to the transition between The Zelda 2000 tech demo and 2003’s Wind Waker. Others despised it for its seemingly convoluted, confusing control scheme, and others turned a blind eye on it because it embraces a more tactical approach. Kotaku’s Stephen Totilo has addressed some of these concerns in his recent article., you can read my thoughts and impressions after the jump.

Let’s start by tackling the issue of graphical detail: Kotaku made a point of highlighting the various complaints with regards to graphical direction by comparing the flack SS is getting with the flack WW got after the 2000 demonstration of the Gamecube. Frankly, that is a perfectly justified point. People have a right to express their opinion. If they want to bash Skyward Sword for not being Twilight Princess, be my guest. Although, let me state that such an opinion does not hold any real merit: on one hand, art style does not make or break a game, it all comes down to gameplay. Does the gameplay hold up? Is it fun, challenging, and immersive? On the other hand, it all comes down to personal taste: basically, tomato tomato.

Next up, the control scheme; this one is rather simple. Kotaku makes a point of stating that the complexity of the the controls adds a tactical layer to the game, which in my opinion is absolutely correct and worthy of merit. Will there be those who once again find reasons to complain and bemoan this game for being too difficult? Of course. As always, haters gonna hate, but let me make a point of my own: when Ocarina of Time first came out, we were forced to relearn the fundamentals of the Zelda franchise, yet we managed. We made the transition from relatively simple 2d mechanics to the seemingly overwhelming world of three dimensions. If we could do it then, we can do it now. Zelda fans are extremely resilient and adamant, and we will manage. We will thrive.

In closing, let me just remind you: Mr. Shigeru Miyamoto has said that if this does not trump Ocarina of Time, that it will be the end of the Legend of Zelda series. Miyamoto and the rest of the team know what they are doing and know what is at stake. They are not going to mess this up, and we will grow used to whatever changes come to the franchise. Now let me reiterate: haters gonna hate.

So, what do you guys think about what has been said? Do you agree with the notion that gameplay should be what matters at the end of the day, despite artistic direction? Do you agree that we will adapt and that the changes on the way are for the better? I look forward to hearing your thoughts and comments on this sensitive issue. 🙂

Sources:
Kotaku