Gaming Forums => Nintendo Gaming => Topic started by: sudoshuff on July 14, 2016, 09:26:58 AM
Title: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: sudoshuff on July 14, 2016, 09:26:58 AM
Skyward Sword is the only 3D Zelda game I haven't played (I don't think I'm the only one in this camp). I figure it's time to find a copy and at least give it a chance so I can say I've played them all before BotW comes out.
Does anyone have advice for how to best play through this game to maximize its positive attributes and minimize its annoyances? As an example, I've read that I should probably avoid all the sidequests--they are mostly "fetch quests" that aren't worth it.
Also, I'm not committed to having to play through the whole thing. So, your tip may be something like, "play up to point x, the rest of the game sucks".
Thanks in advance!
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: Soren on July 14, 2016, 10:55:09 AM
I don't have any gameplay tips but depending on how far you want to go you should download the Skyward Sword Save Data Update Channel. It's the only way to patch the game to remove the Song of the Hero glitch, which is a pretty nasty game-breaking bug. This part of the game is near the back half, so you might not even get to it, but it's better to be safe.
Link contains spoilers: http://zeldawiki.org/Glitches_in_Skyward_Sword#Song_of_the_Hero_Game_Ending_Error
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: Luigi Dude on July 14, 2016, 11:54:45 AM
When playing the game you're not holding a real sword. Just use slower gentle motions when slashing the sword instead of trying swing like crazy which will make the game not register what you're doing.
Other then that just play the game like you would any other. Yeah the game has it's haters but it also has a lot of people who love it as well. What most people do agree is the desert area is the best in the game so keep playing until you've finished the third dungeon. If by the end of the third dungeon you're not feeling it then you can probably stop, but if you at least like the 3rd dungeon, then keep playing until you've finished the Pirate Ship dungeon since it has a similar theme and is also considered one of the highlights of the game.
So yeah, at least play until the end of the 3rd dungeon since that pretty much will give you an idea on what the game is really like and what it's high points will be.
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: lolmonade on July 14, 2016, 01:23:51 PM
Skyward Sword was one of my favorite games of the year when it came out. I'm not sure if you can avoid its annoyances, as it's kind of part of the core experience.
Fetch Quests before opening up some dungeons.
One redundant boss fight that'll come back several times.
Your companion deciding to repeatedly tell you all the details of an item you pickup, despite having already encountered it.
I personally enjoyed doing this, but you technically don't need to upgrade your weapons/equipment. That could cut down on some of the fetching of miscellaneous materials within the world.
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: sudoshuff on July 14, 2016, 01:29:55 PM
This stuff is all great to know--exactly what I was looking for.
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: Adrock on July 14, 2016, 03:29:07 PM
I want to say, "Don't," but in the interest of discussion, get past the really boring intro where Nintendo insists on telling you how to do every little thing. You probably only need to get through the first dungeon to see if you can stomach the motion controls. I finished the game mainly out of principle. I bought the version bundled with the gold Wii Remote so I wanted to get the most out of the game. I kept hoping Skyward Sword would get better, and it didn't. You may like it though so give it a chance.
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: Ian Sane on July 14, 2016, 03:50:46 PM
When I think about Skyward Sword I realize I hate:
-the controls -the reoccurring boss fight -Fi!! -repeated stealth parts (those who have played it know what I'm talking about) -the segmented level layout of the world
And yet I didn't feel I had to force myself to beat it and I overall had a good time and consider it one of my favourite Wii games. I think that just shows how strong the Zelda formula is. Even with a lot of pretty annoying flaws the game is still really good and I would recommend it to others.
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: MagicCow64 on July 14, 2016, 07:22:35 PM
I'm a Skyward Sword booster, and don't find the generally agreed upon annoying parts to be annoying (aside from the Tadtones sequence, but that's really just a blip in the scope of the whole game). Depending on how far you get, be aware that there are multiple ways to approach the repeating boss that make the fights more interesting, and these ways are not necessarily apparent. Also, there's a whole side-quest system involving various townsfolk that is basically hidden, but I found it very entertaining and that it gave bonus social texture to Skyloft.
On a technical note, I found the motion controls to work flawlessly on first playthrough, but years later on a second run with my brother we had fairly regular issues with the syncing/drifting. I looked it up and though it's anecdotal, it seems like your best bet is to use the integrated Motion Plus wiimote with fresh batteries (on second run I had a motion plus dongle and crummy over-the-hill rechargable batteries).
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: ShyGuy on July 14, 2016, 09:15:16 PM
Play it on a large television. Have a flat surface nearby for calibration. Sitting on a stool fills up your hearts.
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: Dasmos on July 14, 2016, 09:23:15 PM
I think I'm going to start this game again. I stopped midway after I somehow lost my Zelda WiiMotion+ Controller in my own house (it's still missing after 4 years, how?!) and never went back.
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: nickmitch on July 14, 2016, 09:27:44 PM
One of the trailers has a tip for the recurring boss fight.
(completely missed that when I played it)
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: sudoshuff on July 14, 2016, 10:06:53 PM
...it seems like your best bet is to use the integrated Motion Plus wiimote with fresh batteries (on second run I had a motion plus dongle and crummy over-the-hill rechargable batteries).
Got it. I've always had issues needing to recalibrate on motion plus games.
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: pokepal148 on July 14, 2016, 11:35:17 PM
I generally disagree with your opinion of the game, but there is another "gripe-point" you refreshed my memory on, that I DO agree with:
They reuse the same areas for different sections of the game more than they should, and by the end of it, yes, you will be annoyed by it. Particularly, the reason why they send you back to those areas are particularly frustrating collect-a-thons, although I think they do slightly change the landscape in them (I could be wrong, it's been since the game came out as the last time I played it).
Still worth it to me, Breath of the Wild in some ways seems like a hard re-adjustment from feedback in this game, but I think there's a lot of good experience to be had in it. I'm REALLY a fan of the first couple of hours, i'd be interested to hear your feedback once you get started.
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: Stogi on July 15, 2016, 05:56:27 PM
Shield bump is crucial to beating the game. And it doesn't damage your shield.
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: Lemonade on July 18, 2016, 12:00:13 AM
This is an interesting topic. I also plan on replaying the game. I want to have it finished before the new Zelda. I bought SS when it came out, but only got about three or four dungeons in and lost interest.
Since then I have played through WW HD and TP HD, so it should be good to reattempt SS.
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: Soren on July 18, 2016, 01:29:14 AM
I'm still playing through Twilight Princess HD and while the dungeons have been so much fun I am quite ready for it to be over. I am very interested in revisiting Skyward Sword but it will have to wait.
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: sudoshuff on July 19, 2016, 12:16:21 AM
I'm still playing through Twilight Princess HD and while the dungeons have been so much fun I am quite ready for it to be over. I am very interested in revisiting Skyward Sword but it will have to wait.
I was in the same boat...played through TP (not HD) a few months ago and needed a little break. I plan on picking up SS to play in August/September. Surprisingly, the game has been difficult to find for a good price. Used copies are still holding their value at $50 USD.
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: pokepal148 on July 19, 2016, 03:59:30 AM
Twilight Princess is actually really easy to just put down at a certain point and pick back up. It's a surprisingly episodic game.
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: Mop it up on July 25, 2016, 01:26:46 PM
I don't think the side quests are really any different or worse than the kinds of things you had to do in previous Zelda games, there have always been things to collect on the side like OoT's 100 gold Skulltula tokens.
That said, the padding in this game might be worse than some of the previous games, as some of the content it makes you repeat is a bit lame. Even so, I think it's worth sticking with to the end, as the (if I remember the order right) final dungeon is a masterpiece of design, and the whole sequence of the end is some of the best spectacle you'll find in a Zelda game.
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: Khushrenada on July 25, 2016, 01:52:30 PM
Twilight Princess is actually really easy to just put down at a certain point and pick back up. It's a surprisingly episodic game.
Not if you are missing one Poe's Soul and haven't played the game in years.
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: Soren on July 25, 2016, 03:35:03 PM
One good thing about the remaster is the ghost lantern that lets you locate Poes during daytime hours.
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: sudoshuff on September 02, 2016, 12:15:29 AM
So...I'm really glad I held off on purchasing this game in August since they announced its arrival on the Wii U eshop today in the direct. I'll be downloading it tomorrow! Surely, this comes with that critical patch pre-installed...
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: Fatty The Hutt on September 02, 2016, 10:58:00 AM
Oooh good question about the critical patch. I wonder. I actually have my doubts, so be careful how you play.
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: King of Twitch on September 02, 2016, 05:30:58 PM
I recommend playing this game while standing up. You'll feel like a true video game hero and get good exercise in the process. If you're worried about glitches, copy your save file to an SD card after every temple.
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: ejamer on September 02, 2016, 07:47:02 PM
Oooh good question about the critical patch. I wonder. I actually have my doubts, so be careful how you play.
Yeah, I think assuming the digital version will be pre-patched is giving Nintendo too much credit. It might be patched, and I certainly hope it is... but don't just automatically assume.
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: Shorty McNostril on September 04, 2016, 02:57:01 AM
Oh.....This game.
I was so disappointed. I have to admit that the repetition in areas didn't worry me in the slightest.
What bothered me were the controls. They were awful. That last boss had me screaming in frustration because the damn controller wouldn't detect the sword pointing up. It forced me to fight that boss so many more times then I should have due to completely un-Nintendo like issues, my rage increasing exponentially each time.
That that giant beast that you had to kill before it got to the top of the hole. Frustrating, unenjoyable fight.
I would like to play it again, but won't be going anywhere near it unless it changes to a more traditional control style. Until that day comes it will be forever resigned to the back of my shelf.
Take two panadol before you start, and every 2 hours into your sessions.
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: Luigi Dude on September 04, 2016, 02:13:46 PM
What bothered me were the controls. They were awful. That last boss had me screaming in frustration because the damn controller wouldn't detect the sword pointing up. It forced me to fight that boss so many more times then I should have due to completely un-Nintendo like issues, my rage increasing exponentially each time.
Sounds like your controller was broken or you have something in your game room interfering with the signal. The final boss is pretty easy and I beat him just fine without any control issues. The controls themselves work great in the game, so any issue's are from external factors messing with your Wiimote and not the games fault.
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: MagicCow64 on September 04, 2016, 04:53:06 PM
It's funny, because despite the general hinkiness of the controls on my second playthrough, my brother and I had distinct problems. I could never get the stab motion to execute, so he had to take out the scorpion bosses, and he could never get the Skyward Strike to activate, so I had to do that stuff.
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: pokepal148 on September 04, 2016, 08:31:46 PM
or you have something in your game room interfering with the signal.
Really...? I never thought of that. Here, let me just rearrange my entire f-ing living room so I can play a video game? That's seems like a reasonable expectation.
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: King of Twitch on September 04, 2016, 08:38:36 PM
Get reorgaNized or get out.
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: Shorty McNostril on September 05, 2016, 06:54:08 AM
What bothered me were the controls. They were awful. That last boss had me screaming in frustration because the damn controller wouldn't detect the sword pointing up. It forced me to fight that boss so many more times then I should have due to completely un-Nintendo like issues, my rage increasing exponentially each time.
Sounds like your controller was broken or you have something in your game room interfering with the signal. The final boss is pretty easy and I beat him just fine without any control issues. The controls themselves work great in the game, so any issue's are from external factors messing with your Wiimote and not the games fault.
I don't think so, but it's certainly possible. I've never had any noteworthy issues with any other game. Either way as Pokepal mentioned I shouldn't have to turn my house upside down to play it. What I would have given for a regular controller option.
If motion is never used for a game again it will be a day too soon.
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: Wah on September 05, 2016, 07:18:47 AM
Pro tip for playing Skyward Sword: Don't.
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: sudoshuff on September 05, 2016, 11:58:59 AM
I'm REALLY a fan of the first couple of hours, i'd be interested to hear your feedback once you get started.
I've already made it through the first 6 hours (at the second dungeon) and I have quite enjoyed the beginning of the game. There is a good bit more text than in other Zelda games, but the setting, story, and general pace more than made up for it. I especially loved the Beetle item in the first dungeon.
Also, I read a gamefaqs guide to the motion controls before playing which gave me a better sense of what to expect and how best to execute each move. I haven't had any issues at all with the controls.
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: Mop it up on September 05, 2016, 01:39:49 PM
I was curious about the glitch and its fix so I was looking around to try and find any information on it. Typically, they release a new "version" of the game with any glitch fixes, and then mark the game discs as "1.1" or something like that, but I can't find anything saying this happened with Skyward Sword. Looking around, I've only seen a few people asking about if this version still has it, and no one has provided any answers yet.
Considering the VC version of Pandora's Tower still has the freeze problems, this may not be a fixed version. However, unlike Pandora's Tower, this glitch is easy to avoid.
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: pokepal148 on September 05, 2016, 08:54:58 PM
I hope you like dowsing.
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: Lemonade on September 05, 2016, 11:16:54 PM
Also, I read a gamefaqs guide to the motion controls before playing which gave me a better sense of what to expect and how best to execute each move. I haven't had any issues at all with the controls.
Who said motion controls were supposed to be easy to learn and intuitive anyways.
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: Lemonade on October 06, 2016, 09:56:10 AM
I started replaying this last night. Im only up to Faron Woods so far. I wish the game has classic controller support. I miss having proper camera controls and I dont really care about the motion controls anymore.
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: lolmonade on October 06, 2016, 10:31:51 AM
I'm REALLY a fan of the first couple of hours, i'd be interested to hear your feedback once you get started.
I've already made it through the first 6 hours (at the second dungeon) and I have quite enjoyed the beginning of the game. There is a good bit more text than in other Zelda games, but the setting, story, and general pace more than made up for it. I especially loved the Beetle item in the first dungeon.
The pacing in the start is great. I felt like I was on a hunt against time to catch the kidnapper and Save Zelda from her assailant, and it felt like a fresh sense of urgency I hadn't felt in a Zelda game before.
Unfortunately, while I think they could have, they lose that sense of urgency as you continue playing the game. I think the game overall still has great moments in the deeper hours, but you're going to encounter some of these non-control gripes that could hinder your overall perspective of the game, depending on how you weigh them against the good parts.
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: sudoshuff on November 21, 2016, 06:03:29 PM
Well, it's been nearly three months and I've finally beat the game! I'm not sure how much commentary I can add beyond what has already been said, but here are some random observations.
The controls worked pretty well for me throughout the game. I would have preferred the game without motion controls but, hey, we'll probably never get them again so why not live 'em up? Interestingly, I never had trouble with the skyward strike until the last boss (as Shorty mentioned).
Dowsing wasn't as bad as people made it out to be. It wasn't a great idea, just not that terrible.
Things I absolutely loved: the beetle, the silent realms, art style, most of the dungeons, and timeshift stones.
Things I absolutely hated: item upgrade system/repairs, overlong quest, the last boss, Groose, flying
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: Mop it up on November 21, 2016, 07:37:53 PM
I thought Groose was one of the best characters to come out of a Zelda game. I agree about flying though, it was like the boring ocean all over again (though thankfully much smaller so it wasn't as bad).
I realised it's now been five years since this game came out. Dang, it doesn't feel so long. I've gotta find time to play it again, meself...
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: lolmonade on November 22, 2016, 01:32:04 PM
Glad to hear you enjoyed it, sudoshuff.
I also didn't care for Groose when I was playing through it, but the character grew on me as I neared the end of the game. I think there's a good character in there, but some of his character traits are a bit much and don't show hardly any growth. Guess I shouldn't expect that much from a side character, even if he plays pretty prominently.
And I actually hope that flying makes a return in Breath of the Wild, it would seem like a missed opportunity not to have a means of flying in an expansive world like that.
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: pokepal148 on November 22, 2016, 02:41:35 PM
I always get very confused whenever people use the term "Stockholm Syndrome" because it 1) has a very specific meaning in the field of psychology related to captors and hostages and 2) has a very loose popular culture usage that seems roughly equivalent to "you irrationally love something you should hate".
If you mean it in the context of number 1 then, yes, there is some Stockholm Syndrome going on. If I were taken hostage and forced to place Skyward Sword then I would very much have irrational feelings of sympathy toward my captors...for they clearly have decent taste in video games. If you are using definition 2 then, no, there is no Stockholm Syndrome present. I recognize all the game's flaws and have listed my least favorite parts above.
I thought Groose was one of the best characters to come out of a Zelda game.
I can see why people like him. For me, he just had too much of a "frat boy" persona. That and his haircut. I have this weird thing about distracting haircuts.
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: lolmonade on November 23, 2016, 10:46:05 AM
lol, oh Pokepal, unable to accept someone might enjoy a game in spite of its flaws.
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: Lemonade on December 16, 2016, 01:03:28 AM
Update: I stopped playing it. When the game came out, I lost interest and stopped playing in Lake Floria. This time I got past the bit with the minecarts and recycled boss battle. There was the area after that, I got part of the way through it, died and lost the little motivation I had to keep playing.
I wanted to finish it, but Im not finding it fun to play. I was forcing myself to play it, which I really shouldnt do. There are plenty of other games I would rather play.
My biggest problem with the game is the world design. Everything is designed like a maze, it takes forever to get anywhere. Its the opposite of what I want in a Zelda game (BotW is exactly what I want). The motion controls work and are better than TP Wii, I just dont really like using them.
On the plus side, the art style is nice and most of the music is really good.
So, the two best Zelda games are still WW HD and TP HD.
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: Evan_B on December 16, 2016, 02:56:12 AM
Wind Waker HD fails to do what the original did perfectly.
Twilight Princess HD is the best Zelda game, in my opinion.
However, you have ducked out of Skyward Sword at a very good part. I don't understand your qualm about the level design, I'd rather a Zelda game be dense than overly expanse. Breath of the Wild will fail if its specific biomes lack personality- this is why the landmarks are important parts of the landscape as well as engaging aesthetics.
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: pokepal148 on December 16, 2016, 04:06:11 AM
Update: I stopped playing it. When the game came out, I lost interest and stopped playing in Lake Floria. This time I got past the bit with the minecarts and recycled boss battle. There was the area after that, I got part of the way through it, died and lost the little motivation I had to keep playing.
I actually enjoyed the Sandsea immensely. The Timeshift Stones are a fun mechanic and the stuff with the boat sailing around the Desert was actually fun and the Pirate Ship dungeon is actually pretty good. Skyward Sword at it's best is a really damn good game but the game has so many mediocre (at best) moments in between that the entire game just becomes a bit of a shitshow overall.
That said I didn't make it much farther than you before I gave up on the game. I got to the dungeon for the second volcano visit before quitting.
Title: Re: Advice before playing Skyward Sword
Post by: sudoshuff on January 15, 2017, 10:31:35 AM
I don't understand your qualm about the level design, I'd rather a Zelda game be dense than overly expanse. Breath of the Wild will fail if its specific biomes lack personality- this is why the landmarks are important parts of the landscape as well as engaging aesthetics.
There's probably a nice balance to strike. I'm hopeful that BoTW has an expansive world you can get lost in to enjoy the scenery, but the individual villages have a lot of dense secrets and interactions to explore. This might be asking too much though...
