Spoiler Skyward Sword New RPG Elements!

[Yonatesf]

At my leisure, I also poked around in the game's menus. Zelda fans know that's where you learn cool stuff. In those Zelda menus I began to find more signs of how the game is RPG-like. I already knew that shields can degrade and need to be repaired. That had been shown at E3. In the menu, I could see my wooden shield's damage bar and assess whether it needed repairs. Managing the condition of an item like that? That's fairly RPGish, yes? I could also see a full page of potentially collectible items, most of them not yet found and shown only in silhouettes, mostly bugs and I think some skulls and other loot drops. I got a sense there might be a crafting system. Ah, very RPG, if true. (I didn't actually find a crafting system yet.)In one of the game's menus I found some numbers. They were a big surprise. I was—bear with me—talking to my in-game friend when this happend. Or, I was talking to Fi, the spirit or whatever she is that accompanies you in your quest, morphs into your sword and talks a bit like a computer. In a menu for her, I found an option to ask her for advice. She'll give a hint about what you should do next. I then found an even more peculiar option to ask her for "analysis". What's that all about? I selected it and got to read some text from her. She told me that the suitability of the items I was carrying was at 75% for the area I was in and that the items in my pouch were balanced.

I also found another Fi menu option called "Rumors". I asked the Nintendo people if they could comment on it, which is an inside joke (loyal Kotaku readers will get it). What Rumors would Fi tell me about, I wondered? I clicked the option for her to speak. She started talking about a rumor that "medals" will give you beneficial effects as long as you're carrying them. Oh my. Effects? I can equip special items that bolster certain qualities of my hero or his gear? That's pure RPG right there. I couldn't find any medals, mind you. I didn't even have the one she described, which was a so-called potion medal that extends the duration of potion effects.

From Kotaku

What do you think?

 

[JuicieJ]

I'm really liking these new JRPG elements in the game. They're not changing the entire game to where it's no longer Zelda, yet they're changing everything at the same time. Other series have borrowed ideas from Zelda. It's about time Zelda has done the same with others.

 

[Yonatesf]

Really, it's like Nintendo is making a full generational leap by adding tons of new features in this game.
If this is indeed the new "basis" for next Zelda games, as Aonuma said, I can't imagine what masterpieces are going to follow.

 

[Billy Ninja]

I'm liking it too. Soft JRPG elements are totally cool, and they are hinting for what I'm really expecting: Hunts, a soft Monster Hunter rip-off, where we will have to visit certain areas under certain conditions to farm itens, to grab materials from drops, and retrieve them to Skyloft or to a NPC in the world bellow complete a quest and stuff like that. A since this game is so focused in combat would be great to see hunts where we'd face tons of enemies in different setups like in the floors of the Cave of Ordeals, but i want hunts like that along the entire game.

 

[Ventus]

Looks like those threads about status effects and the like paid off! I feel really good. Knowing that potions and medals, among other things will some kind of role within this game is spectacular news. Like JJ said, it is Zelda but not Zelda at the same time!

 

[Caeda]

Looks like Zelda is a bit closer to have a genre that more accurally describes it.

I really like this. Then again, I really like RPGs, so I may be a bit biased...

Really, it's like Nintendo is making a full generational leap by adding tons of new features in this game..

Very true statement.

 

[Ariel]

Skyward Sword the RPG?

As we have learnt more about the upcoming Zelda game, Skyward Sword, we have noticed a distinct shift towards the RPG side of the spectrum of action/adventure games. We know that Link will have upgradeable weapons, and possibly be even able to craft new items, as well as only be able to hold a specific amount of items, making choice a particularly important aspect of this game. Choice is the cornerstone of the RPG, and it seems that this will be greatly expanded in the game.

In a recent article by Kotaku, http://www.kotaku.com.au/2011/10/the-legend-of-zelda-skyward-sword-deserves-to-be-called-an-rpg/, it is revealed that Skyward Sword will be even more RPG than we realise.

Things like medallions that Link can use to boost the effects of potions. "Item suitability" is a new feature described in the article, where Fi will analyse (in typical Fi manner) the suitability of the items Link is carrying for the environment he's in.

It seems Link will have more choice in this game. An ability to branch out and specialise in contrast to the traditionally monotonous, barely customisable Link of previous Zeldas.

Do you think this will be a good thing? No doubt it will improve replayability but are there any concerns with the new direction Zelda has gone with Skyward Sword?

Please, opine.

 

[Ganondork]

Well, it's a bittersweet case for me. I've always loved the fact that Zelda got straight to the point and gave you only items that would assist you and that Link had no choice in the matter. It was either get the item and proceed or don't and just stop playing the game because you can't progress through the game without it. I really wonder if the RPG aspect to it will help the game, but I have a feeling that with items you make can easily be discarded.

If that is the case then the need for some items will be minimal. In fact, it would be best to collect all item components when the opportunity presents itself so if you need to discard an item, then you can go ahead and make a more suitable one. I think that it'll be good to have some sense of direction with Fi, but I also think that they're giving her a bit too much use. She's even telling Link what exactly would be good in what environment.

I like where they're starting to go, but I think that they're going a bit overboard in some regards.

 

[Ventus]

Well, the problem I have with this is that every RPG element that Skyward Sword is introducing, I've already done before 10 years ago. It may be new and original within the Zelda series, but it isn't new or original in my own eyes.

It's great that Link will finally be customizable, maybe we could even choose to make a dye and recolor his tunic or other little aesthetics like that. I love the idea of only being able to carry this many items and potions having only this high of an effect, as it gives off the vibe of dungeon crawler, or MMORPG in a sense. Meaning, you can't just rush through the game without planning. 'Course, that aspect could be overused a bit or some areas may not see enough treatment (e.g Tunics aren't customizable – why should everything BUT your clothes be changeable?) but I doubt that'll happen.

In a nutshell, the changes SS is bringing can be seen as great, but I'm just expecting hypocritical reactions from the fanbase and myself.

It's also kinda funny – I brought up the idea of SS being RPG-like and everyone shot that down. Oh well.

 

[Cyg]

I don't want it to be a full-blown RPG. I mean, the weapon upgrades are okay, but medallions and limited inventory? I really would rather have it stick closer to the traditional Zelda style and less like an RPG. Limited inventory might become a pain if not done well, and how would the medallions work if you're stuck in 1/4 heart intervals, and the health is not a bar? Item sustainability kind of makes sense, where items change effectiveness while in different environments (like how there was the red tunic in OoT to survive in heat, except it's for items). When it comes right down to it, I'd rather just be less like an RPG (like Monster Hunter which I am not that fond of), because Zelda truly is a franchise different than all others. It spans across different genres, but becoming too much of an RPG just wouldn't be Zelda. But I have trust Nintendo will do it right

 

[Zorth]

Wasn't Zelda already an RPG..?
You are leveling up in a way.. You gain hearts, items, weapons, new clothing and other equipment and there are collectibles.

But anyway this may be new to the Zelda series but as VanitasXII said.. This is old in my eyes. But it's still great that they are implementing things like these in the game and the series

 

[Cyg]

Wasn't Zelda already an RPG..?
You are leveling up in a way.. You gain hearts, items, weapons, new clothing and other equipment and there are collectibles.

But anyway this may be new to the Zelda series but as VanitasXII said.. This is old in my eyes. But it's still great that they are implementing things like these in the game and the series

Zelda is technically an RPG in that you are Role-playing as Link. But Zelda is not really a traditional RPG. It's basically a combination of different genres, but tt doesn't have the levelling up, etc of an RPS (except Zelda II)

 

[Billy Ninja]

So now, to it's a given that the potions will give temporary status effect, considering that there were several types of potions on the bazaar, plus the potion upgrade system, that doesn't sound too interesting or necessary just to create potions that heal even more, but start to make a lot of sense when you think about "stat bonus".

What kind of effects do you thing this things will give?

 

[TheMinish]

It will make multiple playgroups more enjoyable as you can change your play style each time. Make the way you play more unique, It's a great addition to the franchise in my opinion.

 

[A Link In Time]

Skyward Sword will have some RPG elements but will still be an Action Adventure Game at its core. Bring on the epic!