First Impressions: LostWinds

I booted up my Wii this morning to find the shop channel had updated with WiiWare games. I’ve been really excited about LostWinds since the debut trailer earlier this year. Well 1,000 Wii Points (and a lot of deletion of VC games to make room) later, the game was finally mine. What’s it like? How does it control? Hit the jump for my first impressions of LostWinds.

LostWinds is an interesting mix of genres. On one hand it’s a 2D style platformer. On the other hand it’s a puzzle game. However, aside from the obvious I found it to be a very relaxing experience.

The presentation is really stellar. LostWinds exhibits an amazing sense of connection with the character and surroundings by infusing (I assume) a Peruvian look and sound that’s completely zen-inducing. Your curser gently gusts fauna as you pass by while soothing hand flutes serenade your every move. However, the game quickly transforms into a mind-bending puzzle once you start to gain the powers of the Wind Spirit. No longer is your cursor docile but instead it becomes the main way to interact with the world. Sure, you move around with the Nunchuck but the cursor does most of the heavy lifting. Holding the ‘A’ button and drawing an upwards slash through our hero will cause him to float upwards to reach high ledges. Slashing through a waterfall to make water splash on a sapling will make it grow. The wind can carry fire from torches to destroy enemies. It truly makes you feel like you’re a part of the world.

There’s also a pretty deep story to be told. I wont get into details but it’s pretty Zelda inspired. The bottom line? LostWinds (so far) has been a truly unique experience and completely worth the 1,000 Wii points. Look for a full review on this week’s episode of The Wiicast,