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WiiWare first impressions: LostWinds (double time!)
by Colette Bennett on 05.12.2008 53 comments

WiiWare first impressions: LostWinds (double time!) screenshot

As excited as I was to see My Life as a King debut along with WiiWare, I was equally (if not maybe even a smidge more) intrigued by LostWinds, which I heard word of back in February. I downloaded it right away, and quickly found myself having tumbled down the rabbit hole only moments after turning the game on -- real life forgotten, lost in a lovely new universe.

To follow me down that secretive passage, click the jump, my friends (fellow editor Jonathan Holmes and I have both lost ourselves there!)

Colette's take:

I feel safe saying this even after only spending a few hours playing LostWinds -- this is the most charming, enveloping Wii game I have played all year, period. I don't need to hesitate, don't need to play more to be sure. If you have a soft spot for whimsy and magic, download this RIGHT NOW. Do not pass Go, do not collect two hundred greenbacks, blah, blah, blah.

That being said, the game starts simplistic and stays that way, but rather than the detrimental kind of simplistic where there simply isn't enough to do, it's that feng shui kind of simplistic -- think "less is more". The action is 2D platformer-style, but instead of the usual jump and super jump, Toku (along with his ridiculously adorable hat) uses the power of wind to float from plateau to plateau throughout the world of Mistralis. He also uses it to affect elements around him, such as water, and I'll bet it becomes more instrumental the further along you progress.

The atmosphere of this game nailed me -- it has that dreamy loveliness that Okami fans will likely favor, and I, for one, am thrilled to see such pretty games popping up (and yes, it is still quite pretty, despite having GameCube-era graphics!). It feels casual, but not empty, which is a tough balance to strike...while all of us like games that feel a little hollow for the moments we crave brainless gaming, LostWinds is kind of the opposite: deliciously simple and totally engaging, yet easy to put down whenever you need to.

This is not a game for the average FPS or Devil May Cry fan, as there is nary a drop of blood to be seen, but if you love indie titles and a slightly artistic leaning in your gaming experiences, LostWinds is really going to impress you, not to mention make you feel pretty optimistic about this whole WiiWare thing.

Jonathan's take:

LostWinds is the best $10 I've ever spent on a videogame. Though from a technological standpoint, the graphics are only GameCube-quality (which is still great for a downlaodable game), from a design standpoint, these are some of the best visuals any console has seen in years. This game is beautiful. If all you got for your money was the chance to look at the game, that alone would make LostWinds worth the price.

A big part of what makes the game look so great is the level of detail put into the game's world and its synthesis of LostWinds' signature gameplay mechanic, the motion-controlled wind. You spend the entire game blowing everything in sight, not unlike Paris Hilton (that one's for you, Workmeng). Like the time-slowing gameplay of Viewtiful Joe, or the celestial brush of techniques found in Okami, the wind-controlling gameplay of LostWinds feels completely organic, original, and exciting. If you have ever liked a 2D platformer, you must play this game. It's just that simple.

If it was a little more fleshed out, LostWinds could have been a AAA "feature-length" retail game on either the DS or the Wii. Hopefully that still will happen. I know that if LostWinds 2 goes retail, I'll be pre-ordering two. The first copy would be to play until the disk burns out. The second would be just for hanging out with, and once I get my courage up, I'll try to make out with it.

I've got a huge man-crush on LostWinds. I want to have its babies.

OR HIT OUR Wiiware SECTION



Latest comment by Mr Wilson |view all 53 comments
Got it. Love it....





Wiid Whacker's Avatar
Wiid Whacker at 05/12/2008 22:36

Cool game. I don't get the name though. How do you LOSE winds? O.o
LordRegulus's Avatar
LordRegulus at 05/12/2008 22:38

As Destructoid's resident 2.5D whore, I give this game a billion thumbs up, self-replicating-Agent-Smith-style.
LordRegulus's Avatar
LordRegulus at 05/12/2008 22:39

Or self-cloning-God-Emperor-style, to better suit my avatar...
Zerozaki Ishiki's Avatar
Zerozaki Ishiki at 05/12/2008 22:40

Glad I wasn't the only one who thought this was basically the platformer version of Okami. Loved the few minutes I spent with it before work, can't wait to get back to it after.
DaedHead8's Avatar
DaedHead8 at 05/12/2008 22:44

Ooo, 2d platforming ftw. I'm gonna have to check this out.
Loki Power's Avatar
Loki Power at 05/12/2008 22:50

I hope wiiware gets a lot of good platformers like this one.

Platformers are my favorite genre.
Mxyzptlk's Avatar
Mxyzptlk at 05/12/2008 22:52

Buying some Wii points now for this.
Dexter345's Avatar
Dexter345 at 05/12/2008 22:52

It is settled. I am adding points to my account and downloading this when I get home.
naia-the-gamer's Avatar
naia-the-gamer at 05/12/2008 22:58

If I wasn't going out of town for a week and would not be near my Wii I would be playing Lost Winds now. I'm glad to hear it's as awesome as I thought it looked.
LionheartAce's Avatar
LionheartAce at 05/12/2008 23:02

Best 1,000 Wii points I've spent! I love it. Just my style.
Notyavgkat's Avatar
Notyavgkat at 05/12/2008 23:03

nuff said, I will be d-loading pronto!!
mistic's Avatar
mistic at 05/12/2008 23:07

allrighty, looks like I should give this a try :-D but I guess wiiware isn't available yet in europe?
Phoenix Gamma's Avatar
Phoenix Gamma at 05/12/2008 23:27

How long is it? It seems like it'd be criminally short, and I'm hesitant to put down the cash if I'm just going to beat it in a week and be done with it.
Necros's Avatar
Necros at 05/12/2008 23:56

I suppose I should definitely pick this up sometime.
necrozen's Avatar
necrozen at 05/12/2008 23:56

My girlfriend and I are both in love with this game, which is rare since we have such different tastes.

This is one charming game, folks, and worth every penny.
Faceless's Avatar
Faceless at 05/13/2008 00:00

I love how there's almost always something to do with the wind in the game. Even when just running through the village early on it's cool to just make shit move in the background, or annoy old people and laugh at their disgruntled grunts. This game has a great core design concept with utterly fantastic style. I agree with everything said beforehand.
BahamutZero's Avatar
BahamutZero at 05/13/2008 00:10

I'm so glad nobody can see me playing this game. except my neighbors, because for some reason I enjoy playing it in front of an open window. to feel the breeze, you know? on my exposed genitals.
LordRegulus's Avatar
LordRegulus at 05/13/2008 00:12

BAHAMUT WINS!

FATALITY (of my innocence)!!
Respectable Gentleman's Avatar
Respectable Gentleman at 05/13/2008 00:12

Jeez, now I have to buy this game.
LordRegulus's Avatar
LordRegulus at 05/13/2008 00:22

Finally, something to forcibly drag me away from Eve Online...

I just... SO DEEPLY LOVE JARGON AND SPREADSHEETS...

"So me 'n my corpies were fleeting NBSI through 0.0 when these guys in Vagas and an artie Sleip warp in and tackle our Domis, right? Fortunately, my buddy was off-grid in a Rapier probing out a Thanatos, so he comes in and webs the Sleip so our Broadsword guy can lay an infini-point on 'im, so then I..."

It'll be nice to retell my gaming exploits in a language normal humans can actually understand for once...

"Yeah, so I used some wind to blow myself."

Heh heh heh...

WHAT?!
LordRegulus's Avatar
LordRegulus at 05/13/2008 00:23

I think I've officialy Jumped The Shark(TM) on ellipsis.
Hiltz's Avatar
Hiltz at 05/13/2008 01:25

I wanted to play it safe by waiting for the reviews to come in first. Now it seems like it is safe to say that Lost Winds will be enjoyable and worthwhile title despite how short it is. I'll download it first thing tomorrow.

It seems like there's already plans for a sequel to Lost Winds...

"Frontier’s forthcoming LostWinds sequel containing amazing new gameplay as Toku and Enril’s incredible adventure to save Mistralis continues - Frontier is registered under the UK’s Data Protection Act and won’t use your details for any other reason. - from developer's official website
Lukich's Avatar
Lukich at 05/13/2008 01:28

I just have one comment. Who the hell eats like three bites of their fruit, places it on the ground, and then stomps on it? Seriously... Its just a tiny little detail in the game, but I want to know who the guy is that thought stomping on the fruit would be a "neat little addition."

Otherwise I'm happy with the title so far.
D Sane's Avatar
D Sane at 05/13/2008 01:44

I was hesitant to download any WiiWare titles without some playable demos first, but I grabbed this one based on these first impressions alone. I've gotta say that it's definitely one of the most unique games I've played ever. I love the 2D aspect of it, but I'm wondering if it'd work as a 3D platformer on future sequels. I'm only one hour into it and already I know that this is one game that I definitely hope turns into an expansive franchise.
NatePribble's Avatar
NatePribble at 05/13/2008 02:23

You make me hurt. I now want this game, but lack the money to buy it.

:C
Rainbowblack's Avatar
Rainbowblack at 05/13/2008 03:25

this is very mine this weekend
hpv's Avatar
hpv at 05/13/2008 03:26

This game is fantastic. The only complaint I've got is that after about 2 hours of play I got the feeling that the end was approaching and didn't want to beat it the first night. I also hate that it just came out and I already want a sequel.

Easily one of the best games on Wii!
Veck's Avatar
Veck at 05/13/2008 03:48

Wow, I'm suddenly very excited about WiiWare.
bVork's Avatar
bVork at 05/13/2008 04:54

While I wish they'd just combine the obvious upcoming sequel(s) with this release and put it all on a disc, I'm still very happy with LostWinds. Despite the short length, the game is absolutely incredible. A serene Metroidvania with unique gameplay, beautiful art, and wonderful music. This, folks, is exactly the sort of thing the Wii needs - and something that every Wii owner should buy.

Frontier Developments has created a masterpiece.
Wexx's Avatar
Wexx at 05/13/2008 05:54

ahhh I need this now!
perri's Avatar
perri at 05/13/2008 06:11

I have to wait until Friday to download this- it's killing me. I've been pumped since first screens broke. Anybody know about the length of the game?

Also, this totally stole FF:CC's thunder.
OrangeGoblin's Avatar
OrangeGoblin at 05/13/2008 06:14

This and World of Goo have been on my WiiWare "must by" list. Now if only WiiWare was actually out in Europe...
Jonathan Holmes's Avatar
Jonathan Holmes at 05/13/2008 06:46

For those staying "I wish there was a demo of this so I could try it first", I've got news for you.This is the demo.
And even for a demo, it is worth ten bucks. A video game's quality shouldn't be measured in in the length of time it takes to beat, but rather the length of time you'll be enjoying the game in your thoughts later.

Spending ten bucks to go to a 2 hour movie is worth it, but only if the movie is so good that for the rest of the week you have something to think and talk about that puts a smile on your face.

That's Lost Winds in a nutshell. It will make you happy, both during and after you play it.
rosalindaveue's Avatar
rosalindaveue at 05/13/2008 07:42

Dear Collette, Jonathan and Destructoid: Thanks for getting this review out so quickly; I will buy tonight. This and your wicked quick (and accurate) Okami review have made you the mvp for wii gamers with taste in 2008. You guys are the best.
nilcam's Avatar
nilcam at 05/13/2008 08:03

I've been singing the praises of this game in my c-blog and to my wife since I downloaded at lunchtime yesterday. I swear, this game is now in my top 10 of all time.

Mr. Holmes: Thanks for stating the truth about game length. I'm really sick of the question "How long is it?"

Also, thanks for the timely review.
savagesaladin's Avatar
savagesaladin at 05/13/2008 08:20

@LordRegulus

"How do you lose winds?" By passing it. Wahaha....

I've been thinking about getting one of these titles. But I want to see what they're all like, though.
that1dood's Avatar
that1dood at 05/13/2008 08:40

This was the first game I bought as well. I'm loving it so far.
JohnTheCrow's Avatar
JohnTheCrow at 05/13/2008 08:47

I really really wish I could connect to the store.
garrfunkel's Avatar
garrfunkel at 05/13/2008 08:48

This is jst another reason that I need to get myself a Wii and soon.
Tash's Avatar
Tash at 05/13/2008 09:31

I was on the fence, but now I'm convinced.
big filth's Avatar
big filth at 05/13/2008 10:07

I rarely play games like this and even I couldnt resist dling. Once I started playing it i was hooked, it is beautiful, plays great and is just very enjoyable overall.

except Im stuck :(

I walked around for 2 hours trying to find something that is "west of the falls"

no map?

where do I need to go??
Sockapal's Avatar
Sockapal at 05/13/2008 10:14

@Big Ha!! You are just trying to play it for longer than 3 hours!! I know your tricks!!
NihonTiger90's Avatar
NihonTiger90 at 05/13/2008 10:14

Downloading it now. Fuck memory space. I need this.
Tactix's Avatar
Tactix at 05/13/2008 11:15

Sounds awesome! Can;t wait to check it out!
deanhatescoffee's Avatar
deanhatescoffee at 05/13/2008 11:46

LostWinds is excellent. I just played it for an hour and a half. It's totally engrossing, and such a pleasant experience to play.
ChillyBilly's Avatar
ChillyBilly at 05/13/2008 12:37

Definitely the best 10 bucks I have spent on a game in a VERY long time. If more games like this hit WiiWare then we are all in for a very fun ride!
naib's Avatar
naib at 05/13/2008 13:40

I keep thinking Kirby's Canvas Curse when I watch the videos. Am I setting my hopes to high? That little game was awesome.. and humbling for a grown man.

Screw it. I'll probably check it out tonight.
welkstar's Avatar
welkstar at 05/13/2008 14:04

I was preparing for the worst with the Wiiware, but this is encouraging. I'll give it a shot!
Psychedelic Sex Machine's Avatar
Psychedelic Sex Machine at 05/13/2008 14:58

Lost Winds is brilliant. An instant WiiWare classic. And I don’t care how long it is either because I’m already looking forward to playing through it again with my girlfriend. And again on a rainy day. And then on a hot summer night…

You get the drift.
Nameless Monster's Avatar
Nameless Monster at 05/13/2008 16:08

*Run to buy wii points*
Oni's Avatar
Oni at 05/13/2008 17:22

I'll be picking up my WiiPoints on Thursday night or Friday. Thursday is Payday.

I've gotta get LostWinds, Double Dragon and River City Ransom.
Fading_Star's Avatar
Fading_Star at 05/21/2008 04:52

Thanks for the impressions, guys.
Mr Wilson's Avatar
Mr Wilson at 05/23/2008 09:00

Got it. Love it.

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