GC Review: LostWinds
It cost me 1000 Wii Points, or 10 dollars to purchase LostWinds, a game that I had been eagerly awaiting. Upon recently completing it, the old adage “You get what you pay for…” comes to mind. This is not a bad thing. I have often paid 50 dollars for games that haven’t provided me with nearly as much entertainment as LostWinds has. I did not purchase a large quantity of a mediocre game, but rather a small portion of a great game.
So engrossing was the game that when I finished it, I felt as though I had only completed a demo, that is until I remembered how much I spent. This is perhaps both the best and worst aspect of LostWinds.
I had previously observed noticeable similarities to The Legend of Zelda: The Windwaker, which have proven themselves to be unavoidable. From the storybook narrative introduction, to the cel-shaded graphics, to the unlikely taciturn hero, LostWinds manages to display its Zelda inspiration without actually trying to be The Windwaker.
First and foremost, LostWinds is a sidescroller, a genre that hasn’t had significant representation in today’s console generation. The”wind controls” add a refreshing new element so the game doesn’t feel like one that you’ve played before. These new controls, respectively titled “Gust”, “Slipstream” and “Vortex”, are given to the player in increments so that he can easily familiarize himself with them.
“Gust” is used to move Toku, the main character, as well as various objects and enemies across the map in linear motions only. “Slipstream” is used to move fire, water and, on occasion, Toku around the map on drawn pathways. “Vortex” suspends objects and enemies in mid-air, so that the player can more accurately direct the projectile. There are also instances where a conch-like shell, suspended in vortex, acts as a key that breaks down crystal barriers, allowing you to access more of a level. This is the one power that cannot directly affect Toku.
It took me just under 2 hours to fully complete LostWinds, every minute of it spent in unadulterated gaming bliss. Yes, it does have its flaws here and there. It’s short, the storyline is negligible (but potentially enjoyable), and no single aspect of the game is covered in extensive detail. But what it does right makes its “to be continued..” ending a sign of great things to come. Thus concludes a short review of a short (but great) game.
More Gaming Clarity goodness:
Want to discuss this? Then leave a comment. Also subscribe to the feed and get future articles delivered right to your door. If you'd like to add a custom avatar to your comments, please visit Gravatar.com and register for a free account.
Wii sucks