Damn no midnight release. Might have to WalMart this one.

It seems like is a game retailer can't secure some kind of DLC exclusive or pre-order bonus then they skip out on a midnight launch. This is a shame.

I've "heard" it's almost always based on preorders. If the preorders aren't high, they won't stay open. Hobo can probably shed some light. I don't blame GS for not staying open if people suck. I'd rather not hit WalMart, but I actually had my Sat planned out with the intention of swinging through town at midnight on the way home. I'll find a way.

Trust me, if I had a wii, I'd be getting this. Looks like a lot of fun.

In some cases yeah, pre-orders are used to decide. For something like CoD or (in the UK at least) FIFA, every store will do an opening, but for Skyrim, only some did. I assume pre-orders played a large part in that decision.

1:1 controls are great by the way, if a little tricky. The first boss teaches you not to telegraph attacks, which I had a hard time with. Anyway I don't want to spoil anything so I'll just say that this game is bright and colourful and the music is great and oh man I love this. The 25th Anniversary CD is awesome too.

hobo: Gamespot said that the controls were a mess. Is your post confirming that's BS?

I've read pretty good things about the controls, except for at Gamespot. They certainly look good.

I've never trusted Gamespot.

The controls seem fine to me. Occasionally you might need to re-center the pointer (it's controlled by the MotionPlus gyro so you don't have to be pointing directly at the screen), which is very easy - just tap down on the D-pad.

Nice to know! Thanks for discrediting the Gamespot review!

I am unable to wait out the next 24 hours.

I'll trade you your 24 hours for my 96. We here in Oz get shafted for the Skyward Sword release date.

Here you go Nario! (re: controls) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_aGjL1bwN0 - item and strategy spoilers obviously.

I'm getting used to them. I have a tendency to flail. When I think more about what I'm doing, I definitely do better. I've had no issues with jabbing. Rolling stuff SUCKS (like bombs), but you don't have to do that often. Loving it so far!

Grant, that looks fantastic.

This game better be waiting for me when I get home.

omg so good

the squirt is a captive audience, so that speaks volumes (he's a PS3 smack addict)

Almost done with the first dungeon. So far it's really good, but no real surprise there. Time will tell if it's the BEST ZELDA EVER but I am loving the sword combat when I get it right. I want to hold the sword "wrong" and have to mentally check myself.

Love how the "overworld" unfolds and develops and I can't wait to see how things open up even more once I get some more gear.

I'm just heartbroken this game has to be played at 480i on my HDTV. Seeing the aliasing and low res textures is almost criminal. But, like all first-party Nintendo games, I won't give a crap about graphics by the time I'm done.

TL;DR: Played for 7 hours so far. Feels good man.

I really like the slow burn of the first few hours. Some people are complaining, but you have to "become" Link in every Zelda game. I dig.

I'm 2 dungeons in and just landed in the 3rd "column of light". I've done the side stuff too. It's amazing how good you start getting with the Wiimote. The new enemy in the 2nd dungeon will train the f**k out of you. I didn't die, but I got VERY close. I was definitely farming for hearts and watching my last potion.

You really notice the aliasing. I'm constantly getting more used to it but also noticing it routinely. Luckily the game is beautiful, and it's easy to get lost in the style. I'm on a 32" LCD. I'm sure a larger one would just make the flaws more noticeable.

Switching back and forth between Zelda and Saints Row 3 is like that head dunking scene in Princess Bride. Also, Link looks like Michael Jackson when he smiles.

YES

Correct. I will never look at Link the same again. I might have to restart my game and rename Link "Shamone".

Almost finished the pre-dungeon crawl in the desert. I'm really liking this. Not sure if i'd go as far as saying it's the best Zelda ever (LttP is still my fave), but it's heading towards my favorite 3D Zelda if it keeps up the momentum. I'm finding the shields somewhat meh though. I know the point is to upgrade, but the durability is just pitiful to start with. I'm not even using them at the moment.

There's multiple ways to HDMI your Wii. All pretty affordable. The jump in quality isn't earth shattering but it's totally crisper.

I'm in a zelda mood for obvious reasons and stumbled upon this. I didn't need that $45 anyway.

http://mudron.bigcartel.com/product/map-of-hyrule

Great find!!

I can't stop playing! I feel like I need to slow down so I can at least stretch it out over a month. Just upgraded my sword for the first time - 25 hours. Also hit a milestone with Gratitude Crystals, and that will be worth it later on!!

lol Gratitude Crystals. Why doesn't MW3 have Gratitude Crystals?

About to head into the 3rd dungeon. Loving it. I don't know if it's "the best" Zelda ever, but so far it's captured the best of breed from the most recent Zelda games. I love all the NPCs and how exploring the overworld sections is almost like solving a dungeon the first time you play through them.

Fighting the Lizard Dudes in dungeon 2 really made me feel like a badass when I could kill them without getting hurt. I love that waggle doesn't work.

About to collect the third part of the song to acquire the triforce. Must be close to the end now.

This game is testing my willpower not to name it the best Zelda ever. Really enjoying it.

I think i might stop playing the story and go questing for hearts and bugs etc for a while. Want to drag out the end a bit.

Finished. I still have some hearts to find, but i'll be heading back for more.

Something to note...if you want to continue questing once you've finished, save and copy the file to a new slot just before you head to last boss (you'll know then it's time). After the credits roll you get other options...

Neat! How many total hours?

At last check i was up to 41 hours. I bummed around for a bit getting some upgrades before disposing of the last boss, so more like 42 hours i'm guessing.

That total includes a bunch of side quests and the boss gauntlet for the Hylian Shield.

Just beat the first dungeon. I have to say, after TP, It's kind of a treat to actually have to use my brain to defeat enemies. I think, like my issue with the Prime series and even between OoT and TP, it's nice to have a game that doesn't feel like I can just recycle every fighting strategy every release. It feels fresh in that regard. I started enjoying it a bit more when I was a bit more consistent in my sword strikes. Nothing is more frustrating than trying to stab a hanging Skulltula, slashing instead and getting absolutely bonked because there are consequences to failure in the game. I love that there's some challenge, now.

Also, does anyone else feel like this when charging up your sword?

queue Zelda montage to "Princes of the universe".