Can The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Be the New Ocarina of Time?

The Legend of Zelda's newest title, Skyward Sword, is releasing in 2011. It will be the first Zelda game to make full use of the Wii's motion control capabilities. Can the changes being made in the game make it the new Ocarina of Time? Here's why I think it has a chance.

Difficulty level
Many gamers complained Twilight Princess was too easy. Players defeated most common enemies by slashing the sword (Wii remote) in any direction. Even the puzzles didn't have the same challenge as older Zelda games. In Skyward Sword, that's going to change. With the use of the Motion Control Plus, the player's movements will be tracked better then in Twilight Princess. Defeating an enemy won't be as simple as waving the remote around. Players need to determine which movements are needed. What works for one enemy will not work for all. What made the older Zelda games great was that players weren't given many hints about what to do or how to do it.

Skyward Sword's game play
Enemies have big "hit me here" targets on them in the newer Zelda games. The Z targeting does remains, which I think is great, as long as it doesn't make things too easy. Besides using the precise movements of the Wii remote, players will be able to charge the sword for the first time in any 3D Zelda game. Also, using potions and other items doesn't stop the onscreen action. This should make the game play feel smoother and more natural, giving it an edge over other Zelda titles.

Changes to the dungeons
Since the beginning of the games, the formula was explore an area and find that dungeon. Once inside, the norm was the item found in the dungeon would be needed to defeat the boss. Skyward Sword is set to change this by making the dungeons feel more open. According to producer Eiji Aonuma , there might be times where Link will need to navigate dungeons without the help of his sword. While Zelda fans love the traditional dungeons, it will be exciting to play through the different approach.

Skyward Sword's story
Aonuma confirmed that Skyward takes place before Ocarina. While Hyrule will be featured, Link's home is part of a group of islands in the clouds called Skyloft. Beneath the clouds is a place (Hyrule) that is filled with evil. The Skyward Sword has the power to change in a female figure. While's it not know how this happens, it's confirmed the sword is the Master Sword. The sword also helps him travel back to Skyloft during the course of the game. Princess Zelda is said to make an appearance, but if she'll be in distress, help Link, or just be mentioned is unknown. There has been no information on whether Ganon would be it in or not. It would be interesting to met a new villain, especially since the game is a prequel to Ocarina.

The Legend of Zelda is one of the most beloved video game franchises. With all the changes coming to Skyward Sword, it shows the people behind the game are making sure the new title will live up to its name. Hopefully, gamers will get a stunning, exciting, and new Zelda experience in 2011.

Sources:

http://www.vg247.com/2010/06/23/aonuma-does-not-want-skyward-sword-to-be-easy/

http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=265054

http://www.gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=130953

http://www.zeldauniverse.net/zelda-news/more-skyward-sword-story-details-revealed/