Regarding Hylian's two links...

The first link was covered months ago on this site and others, though maybe this is just a recent quote reiterating what he said before. Nevertheless, it's this comment that has me most excited about the game, moreso perhaps than even the art style, which I love.

The writer's comment makes me laugh.

"I am a little worried about Skyward Sword. Nintendo has to introduce enough 'new' ideas into the game to please Zelda fans that want something fresh, but they can't take away too much of what makes it a Zelda game. Striking that balance may not be something Nintendo can achieve the first time out."

First time out? This is what has to be done with every sequel ever, not even just Nintendo. Why people make a big deal about it for Zelda particularly, I don't know.

As for the second link, the beetle racing sounds like a nice side attraction. It is certainly an interesting item.

I really disagree with him about voice acting not fitting the series though. I think this is just a case of Nintendo being afraid to embrace the times, as they've been slow to make a strong online presence. I just hope if they are going to continue casting Silence on their characters that they put less and less dialog in the game. The better a game looks, the more annoying it is to scroll through line after line of text. The game shouldn't have modern graphics and yet live in the stone age when it comes to dialog.

I do slightly remember the topic of the first link being covered a while ago, so I think it was just him reiterating it. Even so, I found it to be a pretty interesting quote and I'm quite looking forward to how they change up the field to dungeon formula.

I'd really like to see Zelda at least go the route of Metroid Prime 3 regarding voice acting, and have everyone but Link talk. So yeah, I'm kinda disappointed that there won't be any in Skyward Sword.

That's exactly what I'd like. Link doesn't need to talk. But if they're still going to force us through boring dialog, at least spice it up with some good acting -- which we know Nintendo's capable of (see Fire Emblem Radiant Dawn's cut scenes for more information).

i can't imagine any voice acting working in a zelda game. they have a fairy tale feel to them that's made stronger by reading the dialog, almost like a playable story book. the characters emote and make little sounds as you read, so it still feels like they're speaking to you without really doing it.

what's really wrong with the way it works now, anyway? why take something with a unique charm and replace it with the same thing every other game is doing, simply because every other game is doing it? i don't think voice acting is mandatory any more than orchestral scores or 3D polygons; just because many games have made those advancements doesn't mean you can't still make sidescrollers or use midi if that's what suits a game best.

I think they should have voice acting only if it works out well in Metroid Other M. If voice acting destroys that games experience then I say Zelda shouldn't go there, but if it works out well in a Metroid game it will most likley work in a Zelda title. An orchestated soundtrack is a must though.

Uhh, there are lots of fairy tale movies. And you aren't going to see them silent with subtitles.

The problem is that graphics are improving while dialog is going nowhere. With each game the characters look more and more alive... and yet they have no voice but to laugh or make these ridiculous, indecipherable grunts and noises while text is displayed on screen as their mouths move wordlessly or don't move at all. That doesn't sound like talking to me at all. That gives the impression that they are either infants or somehow psychically understand this nonsensical babble.

And not every game has voice acting. That's obviously very, very wrong. But certain types of games benefit greatly from it, and this would be one of them.

Not that I ever once said it was "mandatory," just that it would fit the series' continued, conscious push toward a more cinematic style. Having cut scenes stop while you read text and hear nothing really conflicts with that goal, a goal they've acknowledged since Ocarina.

Saying "what's really wrong with the way it is now" is the problem Zelda's had from the beginning. The series is constantly being accused of a fear of change, and then when someone suggests a change, there are just as many fans who say oh but it's fine how it is. We've had Zelda games with text. Why not try something new?

Worst case scenario: Some people don't like it, they learn their lesson, and they go back to text next time. Not like most games with voice acting don't have subtitles and an option to turn off voices anyway.

Exactly. To help prove your point, just look at Super Mario Sunshine's voice acting then look at the likes of Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2. Nintendo knew it was bad, so they just went back to text.

i can't argue with that. if nintendo wanted to take that route i'd be completely open to it, i just don't want them to do it because it's the thing you're "supposed to do". they thought about whether it was appropriate this time and said no, and the reason i agree with them is that zelda's characters are too cartoonish to pull off without the danger of becoming annoying or overly goofy. maybe when they do a more realistic and serious zelda, that'll be the time to try voice acting.

metroid is serious and grim enough for straightforward acting, but when it comes to voicing tingle you've got a challenge on your hands. i imagine he might sound like some sort of wet screeching octopus... the thought of it makes me wet my pants.

Now THIS is the 3D Zelda I've always wanted to play. The Art Direction is beautiful, colorful, surreal, vibrant and story-book like. And the incredible Motionplus controls and innovative gameplay elements make me wan't to scream like a school girl. For those who missed out on OOT, MM, WW and TP.....After playing Skyward Sword, they will no doubt have a hard time going back to traditional controls. Personally I'm more of a 2D Zelda nut. But Skward sword looks outstanding and the motionplus controls and new gameplay elements and everything are going to make this one amazing experience.

Well, cartoons have voice acting, too, of course.

Dragon Quest 8 was cartoony, and if you listen to any of the conversations between Yangus and Trode, you'll see just what voice acting can add when done right. (Seriously, those two need a Saturday morning cartoon all to themselves.) Oh, and I should add that the main character doesn't talk in that game either, and it works fine.

Tingle with voice acting would be absolutely hilarious, though I don't think we'll see him in this game anyway, personally. And if the voice acting is that bad, we can turn it off.

Oh God no, not this stuff again....

Zelda doesn't need voice acting. I like to imagine the characters' voices when I'm playing it. Adding voice acting (especially the cheesy kind Nintendo's always doing) would be horrible. I prefer Link to be silent, and everyone else to be too. I wouldn't mind the gibberish voice acting Midna did though. Something along those lines would be okay.

Link being silent and having voice acting would work you know, it's not like if they would do voice acting they absolutely would have to give Link a voice. And as has already been said, take a look at Fire Emblem Radiant Dawn, then tell people Nintendo can't do it. If they can do it right for Fire Emblem, I'm sure if they really wanted they could get it right for the flagship that is the Zelda series.

I don't understand how people can rank gibberish over good voice acting. To each his own, but that baffles me. Midna sounds like a drunk infant.

I'm with you all the way.

I'm not a big fan of voice acting in most games TBH and am glad that Nintendo is keeping Link and co. quiet.I think voice acting is fine for more mature games like GTA or Fallout but I think that it would ruin Zelda games.Not sure why though just my personal opinion.
As for story ,my God, who cares .Are people really playing Zelda for the story?!! Its good v Evil enough said.Unless something suddenly changes for Skyward sword I won't be hoping for anything other than 'This is the bad dude, go sort him out'.
I'm not really getting excited about Zelda anymore ,maybe because I've played nearly all of them I'm getting a bit burned out ,but unless there is a radical change to the structure of the game (unlikely!) I think I may give this one a miss.

They did say the dungeon / field and boss / treasure structure would be different this time around, Luigi. I'm quite excited to see to what degree, as I think that's exactly what Zelda needs. Not superficial changes like replacing Epona with a boat, new art style, new controls, or to a lesser extent turning Link into a wolf which just changes how you interact with the same game.

Like Adam said before, you all are just stating the whole, "it's fine how it is" Zelda routine. I actually think voice acting would add to the experience, get you more involved in the characters. However, I also agree that Link shouldn't talk, that would be weird. But, I guess it's too late now.

Link is going to end his career someday with his most exciting line being, "I found a mirror under the table."

And we are all responsible.

I muist say that these game looks great!

Completly agree Adam. And I know they have said that they would shake things up but I'm not sure they would risk being radical enough to the degree that I feel it needs for me to be anything less than underwhelmed. Hope they prove me wrong though,but the series really needs to try something more modern IMO (Openworld etc).Even the controls are putting me off TBH. Yes archery and swordfighting was fun in WSR, but I'm not sure I wanna play in that style for anymore than half an hour at a time after the initial wow factor has worn off.
Saying all that though I'll probably still buy it . Sucker for Nintendo goodness that I am.