The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (ゼルダの伝説 スカイウォードソード Zeruda no Densetsu: Sukaiwōdo Sōdo?)is an action-adventure game for the Wii console and the sixteenth entry in the Legend of Zelda series. Developed by Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development, it was released in Europe on November 18, 2011 in North America on November 20, 2011, in Japan on November 23, 2011, and on November 24, 2011 in Australia. The game makes use of the Wii MotionPlus peripheral for sword-fighting, with a revised Wii Remote pointing system used for targeting. A limited edition bundle featuring a golden Wii Remote Plus was sold coinciding with the game's launch, and the first run of both the standard game and the limited edition bundled included a CD containing orchestrated tracks of iconic music from the franchise in celebration of the franchise's 25th anniversary.
The game's storyline is the earliest in Zelda continuity, preceding The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Skyward Swordfollows an incarnation of the series protagonist Link who was raised in a society above the clouds known as Skyloft. After his closest childhood friend, Zelda, is swept into the land below the clouds by demonic forces, Link does whatever it takes to save her, travelling between Skyloft and the surface below while battling the dark forces of the self proclaimed "Demon Lord", Ghirahim.

Upon release, the game received universal critical acclaim, receiving perfect scores from publications including IGN,Wired, Edge, Famitsu, Game Informer, and Eurogamer. Much of the praise was directed at the game's intuitive motion based swordplay and the changes it brought to the Zelda franchise.

The gameplay of Skyward Sword departs from the Legend of Zelda series' traditional flow of alternating overworld and dungeon exploration by integrating the two more than other games in the series. The controls are revised, with swordplay based on the Wii MotionPlus peripheral, which allows one-to-one motion control between the Wii Remote and the in-game sword. In contrast to earlier installments, battles do not focus solely on timing attacks, but also on their target, such as the direction in which enemies are hit.
In addition to the sword, there are items such as a mechanical flying beetle to grab items from a distance, a whip, and series staples such as bombs, a slingshot and a bow, which can also be controlled with the Wii MotionPlus. An upgrade system has been introduced, which enables the player to increase the power of equipment such as the wooden shield by collecting items from fallen enemies. A stamina meter allows for sprinting and running up walls. Drinking health-restoring potions does not interrupt the gameplay anymore, and the maps are now easier to read, making it harder to get lost in the game. The player has the option to turn off the heads-up display.

Skyward Sword was available as a demo at the Australian Nintendo Connection Tour 2011 at selected Westfield stores and was the central theme of the event, attracting vast amounts of attention and praise. Actor/comedian and series fan Robin Williams, and his daughter Zelda, have starred in TV commercials promoting the game. A short comic based on the game was published weekly in five parts on Nintendo's official The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword website, written and illustrated by Jerry Holkins andMike Krahulik under their Penny Arcade Presents series. The story is narrated by Gaepora, Zelda's father.

In its first week of release, Skyward Sword sold 535,477 copies in the US and 188,642 copies in Europe. In Japan, roughly 195,000 copies were sold in its first week as well. This adds up to a total first week sales of 919,119. According to Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aim, that figure makes Skyward Sword the fastest selling title in the Legend of Zelda series.