Skyward Sword Graphics

Originally Posted by windwackster

Strange, this whole Graphics VS Gameplay arguments kind of reminds me of the Pokemon games Heartgold & Soulsilver (or Gold, Silver, Krystal if thats what you prefer) You were the trainer trying to prove to your rival that having only the strongest pokemon isn't more important than having a good friendship and trust with your Pokemon.

I guess Nintendo is doing something similar to this.... Trying to prove the fans that "Breathtaking graphics!" Isn't more important than having good gameplay and story.

Lol but that's what I think XD

Yeah, but we don't know much about SS's gameplay. This isn't the "Skyward Sword's Gameplay" thread.

My only complaint of SS so far is with how awful it looks. Other than that, I can't say sh**. Haven't played it.

Originally Posted by xDarkLonerXx

It's Zelda man, and Its a Nintendo game; Nintendo isn't known for their Realism. Nintendo is known for the "Graphically handicapped" Personally ya I was a little disappointed when I first saw the graphics to it; but then I realized. Its Zelda, its not Shadow of the Colossus, Gears of War, or Halo just to name a few. If people want a realistic game thats also a fantasy then by all means play the other games but That is no reason to bash a Zelda game for the style their going with. If Nintendo was really to go for Realistic graphics. They'd need a whole new system all together. The Wii was never meant to be a graphics beast like the 360 and Ps3; its the gameplay that makes a Zelda game not the graphics.

Saying "It's not this.. it's not that.. we're used to crappy graphics.." isn't really good enough. I don't believe for a second that Nintendo isn't capable of constructing a system as good as the PS3 or the 360.

And I realize the Wii cannot handle realistic graphics as seen in the pictures I posted earlier. I'm not arguing that Zelda Wii SHOULD look like that. Obviously it's too late.

That doesn't mean Zelda Wii should look like crap, though.

I'm getting pretty tired of people telling others to play another game serie if they want realistic graphics. Seriously, it's not ****ing allowed to complain on something about a Zelda game without being told you're unthankful, not a true Zelda fan or to play another game. No, I won't go play another game with realistic graphics just because I prefer Zelda with a more realistic approach. It's not the same. Is that so ****ing hard to understand for some people?

Many of you are trolls who treat your opinions as fact. Now that that's over with:

If Sony or Microsoft somehow go their hands on the rights for Zelda, odds are it would be less than a satisfactory game in the eyes of the fanbase. They have a completely different focus when it comes to games, it just wouldn't be a Zelda game, it would be a poor attempt at trying to replicate the feeling. W say we want this and that in the next Zelda game, but even when we are allegedly "disappointed" with a Zelda game, we still praise it years later. Nintendo knows what we want in a game better than we do, thats why they make the games and we play them.

As for realism, and surrealism in games...to each his own. I don't think realism suits Zelda, and there has never been any realism in Zelda. Twilight Princess had a dark gritty art style, sure, but there was nothing realistic about it. Twilight Princess is not pseudo-realism, its high-fantasy, with a little steampunk.

I am, by no means, a game critic, but it seems to me, too much importance is placed on graphics and art style. I agree, its a major factor influencing our opinion of a game, but it seems to have become all important nowadays. I still like Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask over Wind Waker and Twilight Princess, and unless Skyward Sword really wows me, I will probably like Ocarina more that Skyward Sword. I have no qualms with what some people claim is eyesore graphics, and quite like the blocky feel it has.

Now to the topic of this thread so this post becomes not spam: I like Skyward Sword's graphics and art style so far, cartoony is a good for the Zelda series I think, and it suits the Fantasy genre that most Zelda games are a part of.

Originally Posted by Morpheel

I'm getting pretty tired of people telling others to play another game serie if they want realistic graphics. Seriously, it's not ****ing allowed to complain on something about a Zelda game without being told you're unthankful, not a true Zelda fan or to play another game. No, I won't go play another game with realistic graphics just because I prefer Zelda with a more realistic approach. It's not the same. Is that so ****ing hard to understand for some people?

Yep, definately agree with this. Its not like Zelda has never, ever tried to be realistic before. If someone was asking for a dark and mature Mario platformer, thats pretty ridiculous. But Zelda has already entered the realm of maturity with TP and MM. Especially MM. MM and TP are Zelda games, are they not? Then I should be able to say that I want Zelda to be more like those two and not have the series taken over with the cartoon look.

Here's what I liked:



Notice the background looks like a painting, It's like TP, WW, and the "impressionist" art style all rolled into one!

I don't know, I still don't see how it looks like a painting. It certainly doesn't look very much like a Monet, because I'm very familiar with his work. All they've really done is used sh^@ty textures and some blurring in the background and claimed it to be impressionist. I wouldn't really mind if they really did make it look like a painting, but it would certainly need more work for that. For one thing, they should have 3D grass and much more detailed tree and enemy models, but after fully rendering them maybe splotch the colors on the SCREEN, not on the textures themselves, around a bit to look like paint strokes. I've done alot of that in photoshop and using 3D modeling programs and whatnot so I do know what i'm talking about.

As much as I want it to look like a painting, I can't see it as a whole, only in the textures
I have to say that Okami pulls of the moving painting part better, but I'll just have to see in the final product (which will hopefully be good

Right, I called you a robot because you're like the hordes of other unimaginative people out there who care for nothing except graphics. That's what I mean when I say robot.

Also, you say I don't want to admit Zelda is graphically handicapped. Oh I do admit that and I know full well it is, the difference is, I don't give a damn, I will treat it like every other game. Judge it on it's gameplay That's why games are called GAMES, as in interactive, as in gameplay. If you want something interesting looking, watch a movie. Plenty of them look realistic and since that's your only criteria, I think that would be perfect

Alright, given the screenshot posted above, these versions would look alot more like actual paintings. Click the bar above them to see them full-sized. I kinda like #4











And that's just working with the screenshot that already has sh&t textures and trees and no 3D grass. Imagine how nice some possibilities could look if Nintendo fixed all of that first. Geez Nintendo stop making me do your job for you.

Originally Posted by The 10th Rider

Here's what I liked:



Notice the background looks like a painting, It's like TP, WW, and the "impressionist" art style all rolled into one!

Meh, I like this one more:



Doesn't look entirely like a painting.. But at least it's easier on the eyes.

Originally Posted by GanondorfLord

Right, I called you a robot because you're like the hordes of other unimaginative people out there who care for nothing except graphics. That's what I mean when I say robot.

Ahoy.. What a mess your post is..

Alright, lets begin. First of all, you really have no right to call me unimaginative. No right at all. You don't know much about who I am or where my interests lie.

I'm a visual whore. And art, is not only for the mind, but for the eyes (as well as many other things).

This is a thread to discuss the graphics of Skyward Sword. You get that? Read the title, bub.

Therefore, I'm NOT going to come in here and discuss gameplay. Why? Because this thread isn't about gameplay. Also, there's very little known about SS's gameplay to begin with.

So no.. I'm not a robot. Not in the slightest. If you were given a peak at my bedroom you'd probably be a little surprised. Many people have said that I am far too imaginative... Hell, some have said that I am disturbed. Maybe they're right! But I am DEFINITELY not a robot.

I simply want to see a Zelda game done with beautiful realistic graphics... So don't be a fool. The only unimaginative ones here are those who feel Zelda should be confined to a toony art style.

Originally Posted by GanondorfLord

Also, you say I don't want to admit Zelda is graphically handicapped. Oh I do admit that and I know full well it is, the difference is, I don't give a damn, I will treat it like every other game. Judge it on it's gameplay That's why games are called GAMES, as in interactive, as in gameplay. If you want something interesting looking, watch a movie. Plenty of them look realistic and since that's your only criteria, I think that would be perfect

Yes, you don't give a damn. That's exactly it. You and many others on here will play a game that poses as art and not give it a second thought. That means you are either very unintelligent, or just someone who truly doesn't give a rat's ass about preserving Zelda's special place in the gaming world.

And I know what video games are, genius. I also know that they have the ability to become fantastic works of art. And in my opinion, Zelda is losing it's hold on being art.

Just a quick edit in Photoshop:

It seems to me like the grafic art looks a bit lazily done because the fact its a comprimise between what the western world wants and what japan wants.

But I will pass my judgement when I finish this game!

Originally Posted by Enuf3

To be honest, it would be a huge step up, I think. In FF they mix realism with different art styles. So they kinda meet halfway.

Uh, yes? Have you never played a fantasy game that uses realism?

Really now, it's starting to sound like a lot of you live in a great big Nintendo cave.. distant from the rest of the gaming world. I promise you, outside of those walls.. There's something far greater.


-Why not? The temple monsters in Uncharted 1, the cave "creatures" in Uncharted 2... and it all worked beautifully. Why is it so hard for you to imagine a large expansion on that? Minus the guns and the helicopters and the explosions... but set in a more Zelda-like world.. It's truly isn't that difficult.

-As for FF13.. Minus the character models, the environments really are just a step down, if not the same, than Uncharted 2...

Agreed.

I have a PS3 and a Wii, and I play both reguraly. First Party and Third Party titles. I have no idea what your talking about.

Because it woulden't work, that's why. You can't go bat**** crazy with an Uncharted 2 setting. It's obvious, man.

WW boss:



TP boss:



It's unfair to compare FF13's huge overworld map to the linear cinematics of Uncharted 2.

And you should see the art design in later levels. I can't find a good picture of it, but it looks great. A final fantasy art style with Zelda would own so hard.

*Bad pic, but whatever*



EDIT: OMG you cant see the pics I spent like 10 minutes looking for. /sigh

Please, just spend your time stood in front of a painting with a magnifying glass. Don't call yourself a gamer. I am talking about gameplay because people are saying SS is crap due to it's graphics and are completely forgetting the real picture.

We haven't seen enough? Don't make me laugh. There was a nice lengthy demo at E3 that showed off the swordplay, bow and arrows, bombs, and new weapons like the beetle and the whip. Plenty of enemies to fight and even a boss. So don't try that angle with me.

Originally Posted by Lilcross

Because it woulden't work, that's why. You can't go bat**** crazy with an Uncharted 2 setting. It's obvious, man.

How is it obvious??? Please, play Just Cause 2. It may not have monsters and fantasy-like creations... But just envision in your head, that setting... (minus the present-day buildings and vehicles) with say, horses.. little towns and farms.. massive temples with menacing creatures roaming about...

How is that so hard to picture? A game like that in medieval-looking times with monsters and what have you.. It's so simple, man..

How on Earth can I be accused of being unimaginative when the toony defenders can't even picture the description above....

Originally Posted by Enuf3

I fail to understand how a toony world.. is a greater fantasy experience than a world that actually looks like it could be real. As if you could step through a magic window and be THERE.

I never said it was a greater fantasy experience. I don't mind realism either but it has to fit the genre. I really love Uncharted as well, but I don't feel like Zelda would work in Uncharted graphics. Again just my opinion. I just think SS's style works or the type of game it is.

Originally Posted by Enuf3

Zelda fans need to grow up a little. Miyamoto isn't going to live forever. Does no one want to see a Zelda game that takes itself a little more seriously?

Zelda has always taken itself serious. Even WW. Ganondorf's Speech before battling him was probably one of the most serious moments I've known in a Zelda game.

I'm 23 and quite grown up, I just don't get what's wrong with liking this style. Why can't we like different styles all of the sudden? I love disney movies, but Pulp Fiction and Fight Club are also 2 of my favorite movies.

So no matter what look Zelda is going to get, I'm always going to enjoy having a new look to the game. Why complain really? It's one of the things that makes Zelda stand out. The next game is probably going to look very different again. Don't you guys prefer a diversity in style then having the same style, just upgraded, every single game?

Originally Posted by -Jin-

I never said it was a greater fantasy experience. I don't mind realism either but it has to fit the genre. I really love Uncharted as well, but I don't feel like Zelda would work in Uncharted graphics. Again just my opinion. I just think SS's style works or the type of game it is.

And what kind of game is it? Cause we really don't know a whole lot about it, other than that it tries to be impressionistic.

Originally Posted by -Jin-

Zelda has always taken itself serious. Even WW. Ganondorf's Speech before battling him was probably one of the most serious moments I've known in a Zelda game.

That's just it, though. With Wind Waker.. The story was dark, mature and took itself seriously. But the art style... ugh.. I don't mind the look of it... But when it's blanketing something as serious as WW's story, it doesn't work. It REALLY pulled me out of the game's more powerful moments. I didn't think it took itself seriously in that sense.

Originally Posted by -Jin-

I'm 23 and quite grown up, I just don't get what's wrong with liking this style. Why can't we like different styles all of the sudden? I love disney movies, but Pulp Fiction and Fight Club are also 2 of my favorite movies.

Nothing wrong with it. Never said anyone couldn't. However, others are accusing me of being unimaginative for NOT liking it and preferring a Zelda game that uses realism.

SS is very lazy looking. I don't see "impressionism' or any artistic value in the look of the game. The only shot that impressed me was when Link jumped off of the cliff. The sky was gorgeous. But that's all I can really say was good. Everything else looks very bland, imo.

Originally Posted by -Jin-

So no matter what look Zelda is going to get, I'm always going to enjoy having a new look to the game. Why complain really? It's one of the things that makes Zelda stand out. The next game is probably going to look very different again. Don't you guys prefer a diversity in style then having the same style, just upgraded, every single game?

Of course I want diversity. But I want the style of the games to look good. Not just change for the sake of changing.

Originally Posted by GanondorfLord

Please, just spend your time stood in front of a painting with a magnifying glass. Don't call yourself a gamer. I am talking about gameplay because people are saying SS is crap due to it's graphics and are completely forgetting the real picture.

One isn't a real gamer for having a strict opinion on a game's art style? How very ignorant of you.

Well stop talking about gameplay. That's NOT the discussion at hand. In this thread, when I or someone else says that SS is crap, we're more than likely commenting on it's appearance and nothing else.

Originally Posted by GanondorfLord

We haven't seen enough? Don't make me laugh. There was a nice lengthy demo at E3 that showed off the swordplay, bow and arrows, bombs, and new weapons like the beetle and the whip. Plenty of enemies to fight and even a boss. So don't try that angle with me.

The demo showed sword play.. Something that looks very similar to the sword play in Wii Sports Resort.

We saw people rolling bombs like a kick ball... and throwing it like a baseball.

We saw a whip that basically.. doesn't do much.

We saw a giant scorpion with obvious weak points.

Let me tell you.. If this is the best of what SS has to offer, I call no deal. I'm pretty sure the E3 demo barely scratches the surface of SS's gameplay.

I don't know. Zelda with realistic graphics? It seems to work in theory (why wouldn't it?) but it just doesn't seem right. Twilight Princess came the closest out of all of them, but even then you can see the cartoon-ish influence on the characters.

from what ive seen above. i would hate to have a "painted game." Dont they have like kirby or something for that kind of stuff?

Originally Posted by Enuf3

That's just it, though. With Wind Waker.. The story was dark, mature and took itself seriously. But the art style... ugh.. I don't mind the look of it... But when it's blanketing something as serious as WW's story, it doesn't work. It REALLY pulled me out of the game's more powerful moments. I didn't think it took itself seriously in that sense.

i felt the same way, i was like "wow, this story is actually really good!" and then i would look at that toon/chibi link, with his big head and stubby legs. Then i would just be out of the experience.

seriously, they just need to sharpen and darken SS style, mabey think carefully about using that Bokoblin design, and give us a real hero!

IT REALLY ISN'T THAT HARD

Originally Posted by APEXMAN

IT REALLY ISN'T THAT HARD

Srsly, go and make a better game if it isn't that hard.

Originally Posted by Enuf3

I fail to understand how a toony world.. is a greater fantasy experience than a world that actually looks like it could be real. As if you could step through a magic window and be THERE.

Games that look like they're trying to hijack the real world through realistic graphics often fail because real life 99% of the time looks infinitely better.

Fantasy doesn't come from realism. It comes from the imagination, when parts of the game world are open to interpretation by the player, instead of having details set in stone by the developers.

Originally Posted by GoronWarrior25

People need to stop dissing people who like realistic-looking graphics. They aren't "imaginatively handicapped" or anything. They just think realism looks beautiful in a game, which, most of the time, it does. Shocking, right?! Sheesh...

Beautiful =/= imaginatively handicapped.

Originally Posted by Enuf3

It's funny, because the same people accusing the realism fans of being unimaginative are the ones with absolutely no vision for a realistic looking Zelda. *shrugs*

They'll accept something as bland as SS but deny a Zelda game that looks Just Cause 2... It's remarkable.

No, we all have an idea of what realistic Zelda would look like artstyle-wise. You've been thrusting such pictures into our faces.

But the thing is, you've shown us things that nature shows us, and nature does it better. I can't use my imagination to escape into a worse-looking version of real life, can I?