Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Catch-All

Cheat the game like I do. Instead of being defensive and relying on passable motion controls, just run up to the pigs and start slashing wildly. No lock-on needed. It works about 90% of the time. The other 10% was one time.

At the second area of the desert, and I'm excited to finally see a world puzzle in Zelda. Can't complain too much I guess, this might be when I start to really like the game.

A couple other things:

I love how near worthless dowsing is so far. It basically points you in the only direction you could possibly go.

I hate the Shield. Oh, look, there's an Octorok plant thing! Let me put up my shield and, whoop, no, it's destroyed.

If I go back to Skyloft, can I drop right back in front of this Temple? Or do I have to go all the way back?

You can choose to land at any of the bird stones you've unlocked.

ccesarano wrote:

If I go back to Skyloft, can I drop right back in front of this Temple? Or do I have to go all the way back?

Yeah, when you head back down, you choose which statue to land at. It's very quick travel.

And I guess you missed my post where I bought 3 wooden shields before the first dungeon?

4xis.black wrote:

You can choose to land at any of the bird stones you've unlocked.

Even ones in dungeons? Haven't tried it yet.

If you're having trouble with a change in direction from the Wiinote counting as a slash, try using larger motions. Play the game from the elbow and shoulder and not the wrist.

ccesarano wrote:

A couple other things:

I love how near worthless dowsing is so far. It basically points you in the only direction you could possibly go.

I hate the Shield. Oh, look, there's an Octorok plant thing! Let me put up my shield and, whoop, no, it's destroyed.

Found it useful in the lava region for locating the last two key pieces. Get the iron shield and it's a lot less an issue.

Can't stress enough how much I've enjoyed Link and Zelda's relationship here. I don't know why, it just seems so much more natural than in the other games.

Blind_Evil wrote:

Can't stress enough how much I've enjoyed Link and Zelda's relationship here. I don't know why, it just seems so much more natural than in the other games.

Definitely. Finished the 2nd temple earlier and that just continued the greatness.

Stele wrote:

And I guess you missed my post where I bought 3 wooden shields before the first dungeon? ;)

Please tell me it doesn't take long before I have the Hylian shield, assuming there's even such a thing as Hyrule in this game.

That's definitely one of the aspects keeping me playing. This isn't the same Zelda over and over, and I like that. It's different.

ccesarano wrote:
Stele wrote:

And I guess you missed my post where I bought 3 wooden shields before the first dungeon? ;)

Please tell me it doesn't take long before I have the Hylian shield, assuming there's even such a thing as Hyrule in this game.

That's definitely one of the aspects keeping me playing. This isn't the same Zelda over and over, and I like that. It's different.

I got the Iron Shield right after the first temple. You may be able to get it earlier, I hadn't entered the bazaar until that point.

It's not the Hylian Shield, though. It's differently shaped and I don't think the Hylian Shield can exist, as I don't think Hyrule does yet.

cyrax wrote:
4xis.black wrote:

You can choose to land at any of the bird stones you've unlocked.

Even ones in dungeons? Haven't tried it yet.

I've yet to enter a dungeon, so your guess is as good as mine.

Yeah right after the first temple the shop has the metal shield available.

Design-wise, the reasons for the weak wooden shield are not bad; it encourages you to use your sword against the moblin-looking guys and your slingshot against the octorok guys.

And there's the whole item upgrade mechanic. Stronger shield is a lot harder to break. Don't think my upgraded wood or iron shield ever got below half-damage. And I think there are upgrade levels beyond that. Not sure how high it goes.

Stele wrote:

And there's the whole item upgrade mechanic. Stronger shield is a lot harder to break. Don't think my upgraded wood or iron shield ever got below half-damage. And I think there are upgrade levels beyond that. Not sure how high it goes.

I'm really enjoying the aspect of upgrading your items. I don't mind going around searching for the items I need or finding them in dungeons. It's just cool to know that you can continue upgrading things and not just have them sitting in your item pouch.

My item pouch got full tonight. I went to buy one from Beedle and it was 600, up from 300 for the first one. The jerk said "what? i didn't raise prices, you must be mistaken."

I wanted to kick him out of his stupid airship and let him try to fly.

Stele wrote:

My item pouch got full tonight. I went to buy one from Beedle and it was 600, up from 300 for the first one. The jerk said "what? i didn't raise prices, you must be mistaken."

I wanted to kick him out of his stupid airship and let him try to fly. :mad:

Just got to that point tonight, too.

Is right. I left that fool. I'll cave eventually, but damn.

Pro-tip for the desert: Bring your wooden shield.

I really wish I had enough time to really devote to this game. I have played for maybe 1/2 an hour but I have loved it so far.

Do more islands appear in the sky over time? Getting ready to head down to Eldin, I flew around for a bit and found that most of the islands were boulders that Link couldn't stand on.

ClockworkHouse wrote:

Do more islands appear in the sky over time? Getting ready to head down to Eldin, I flew around for a bit and found that most of the islands were boulders that Link couldn't stand on.

Not that I've heard, as the lack of Sky exploration is one of reviewers, and my, main complaints.

Halfway through the third dungeon, and it's great to finally see Zelda in all its glory come out to play.

I'm in the middle of the 6th dungeon now. Some random thoughts:

1. The more I play, the more I'm accustomed to the controls. The game does a good job of teaching you things without *as much* hand holding. That said, I would kill to be able to play a Zelda game like this with "normal" controls.

2. In response to complaints about the weakness of shields. I've only had to repair my shields twice in this game - once was with a potion. As long as you time your shield thrusts, projectiles shouldn't be an issue. I try to dodge enemy sword movements instead of block, better for counter-attacks.

3. Backtracking sucks. It is NOT as bad as I thought it was going to be, but there are a couple of sections that have made me go - really, AGAIN?

4. I love the fact that the dungeons make continual use of all of your gadgets.

5. Dowsing - snore.

6. Tight ropes - suck.

7. Dungeons - love the 5th one. 3rd, 4th, 2nd, 1st.

8. Characters - Great all around.

I think dowsing is mainly for new or younger players. It can help you get unstuck, but it's not necessary.

RoyalApe wrote:

The game does a good job of teaching you things without *as much* hand holding.

I know it's optional, but Fi would really like to have a word with you. In fact, I think your batteries are getting low and you should replace them. Gee, thanks Nintendo. Otherwise, I totally agree with your other points, only being 3 dungeons in, that is.

ClockworkHouse wrote:

If you're having trouble with a change in direction from the Wiinote counting as a slash, try using larger motions. Play the game from the elbow and shoulder and not the wrist.

This advice really worked for me.

Since some people have asked about the Motion+ accessory in here, cross posting from the deals thread:

mrtomaytohead wrote:

Alright, anyone looking for a Wii Motion+ remote (presumably to play Skyward Sword) Gohastings has a used flingsmash and Motion+ remote for $12.27 shipped. I've used GoHastings for a number of things (not just used games) in the past and have always been happy. That's a steal of a deal for anyone without a motion+ remote yet.

I finally got some time in on the game and I really love it. Of course with a product like Zelda that is to be expected but it doesn't diminish the fun!

cyrax wrote:
ClockworkHouse wrote:

Do more islands appear in the sky over time? Getting ready to head down to Eldin, I flew around for a bit and found that most of the islands were boulders that Link couldn't stand on.

Not that I've heard, as the lack of Sky exploration is one of reviewers, and my, main complaints.

That's too bad.

While I recognize that the land and sky combined probably makes this game as expansive as something like Wind Waker or Twilight Princess, so far it feels a lot smaller. However, Zelda games are usually pretty good about growing over time. I thought Ocarina was fairly short and small before Link started jumping back and forth through time.

I am hopelessly addicted to this game. I must have put about 50 hours in so far (I mess about a lot) and am getting a bit nervous that it has to end soon!

I agree with RoyalApe about wanting to use a normal controller, though.

I haven't had any real problem with shields, except when I accidentally triggered my massively expensive shield in a fight against a boss, and it immediately smashed! I died shortly thereafter, so my reload brought my shield back with it. I made damned sure that it wasn't equipped my second time around!

I'm a bit disappointed in the comparative lack of side quests. I go back to Skyloft after each dungeon, but there is never much going on.

I really liked the early wallet upgrades; collecting skulltullas in OoT always annoyed me.

I just noticed last night that I've been playing this game for 17 hours and I've only just entered the second dungeon. I think the Link that I'm playing might be a procrastinator.

I agree with all the positivity for the relationship between Link and Zelda. I've never felt before like there was a relationship, except maybe in the beginning of Minish Cap where Zelda dragged Link around the fair.

Why does Fi talk like a sentient supercomputer? And why can't I turn her off? All I want is to play a Zelda game where there isn't someone standing on my shoulder shouting "Don't you think we should be doing THIS now?"

nivek wrote:

Why does Fi talk like a sentient supercomputer? And why can't I turn her off? All I want is to play a Zelda game where there isn't someone standing on my shoulder shouting "Don't you think we should be doing THIS now?"

She is killing me. I don't mind some of the usual tutorial crap but when someone tells me something and she chimes in just to repeat what I was just told, it just ruins that moment for me.