QUOTE(Russ @ Nov 11 2011, 12:33 PM)
Let me use another example. Okami. I haven't played it, admittedly, but I know enough to know it's a great game. Now, let's compare art styles. The original design they were gonna use is on the left, the design that made it into the game on the right:
Which is more realistic? The one on the left. Which is more pleasing to look at, and sets a much better tone for the game? The one on the right. Realism ain't always good.
I personally prefer the picture on the left because I prefer the color tone of it and I think there's too much going on in the picture on the right. Of course, it could set the tone for the game perfectly--I wouldn't know because I haven't played it. If you haven't played it either, I don't see how you can make the judgment that it's a great game or that the tone is set well. I'm not doubting that it is a great game, I just think it's a good idea to reserve judgment until you've experienced it first-hand.
Whether or not realism or cel-shaded graphics are superior is a moot point because which is superior is entirely based on personal preferences and subjective experiences. I actually admire both styles of Zelda games--sometimes I prefer the stylishness and bright colors of the cartoon aesthetic, but sometimes I prefer the subtler tones of the realistic aesthetic. Depends on the mood.
I will say though that to say that Nintendo's games are "kiddy" just because they use a style that you don't like is pretty stupid, though, but this isn't news--people on message boards have been arguing about whether or not Nintendo is kiddy since the concept art for Wind Waker was first released. I will say, if you ask me which style is more childish, that I do think most 12-year-old boys (at least in America) would probably prefer the realistic style--they're drawn to immediacy and false maturity, and they tend to hate anything that looks cartoony or childish. They probably wanna see a Link that looks "grown up" and... well,
relatively masculine. I'm not saying all 12-year-olds are like this--I wasn't at that age, but I was surrounded by a lot of people that were, and I doubt things have changed in that regard since then.
Anyway, I like the way Skyward Sword looks a lot. I dunno if I'm gonna get a copy since it costs money. That, and I still don't have high expectations for it considering it's a Zelda game and they haven't innovated with the series at all since, like, Wind Waker or earlier. I don't believe the hype about it being a huge departure; I simply can't, given Nintendo's track record. If someone gets it for me as a gift I'll play it, I guess, but only because I'd feel bad if I didn't. Oh, and Link's face looks kinda creepy, too. Creepier to me than "Celda" certainly was.
