While the new Zelda adventure is not set to be released until early 2011, it has already began to receive a lot of hype and attention. Clamoring for more information, gamers search all over just for a piece of previously undisclosed information or plot detail. As they hype builds, here is your one stop guide to what is already known.

Title: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

Release Date: TBD- early 2011

Platform: Nintendo Wii- Wii Motion Plus Required

Presumably set in the beginning of the series timelime, Link is a young man who resides in the city above the clouds called Skyloft. After a series of events he receives the Skyward Sword (through connection with the mysterious lady?) which allows him to move from Skyloft and the Kingdom of Hyrule below. While saving the land below and learning of the two kingdom’s connections the origins of the Master Sword will be revealed, giving the assumption Ganon or Ganondorf will be the villain.

Like other recent additions to the series on the main platform, the game will be in 3-d. Departing from the realistic graphics of Twilight Princess, but not doing a full return to the “Celda” style of the Wind Waker, Skyward Sword has its own new style of surreal graphics.  The familiar enemies and characters will be getting a make over, with Link once again returning as a young adult.

The mechanics of the series will be the same.  Adventure into the dungeons, defeat the boss, gain access to new areas and repeat. However, some things have changed. This time when climbing vines there is a strength meter that gives you a limited time frame to reach the top, or else fall. The swordplay is also now 1:1 and will utilize new controls with the Wii-mote and the Wii Motion Plus. Combat is slightly different with a more direct approach being taken. Instead of just wailing on an opponent, the sword must have precise hits to targeted regions for maximum damage. The shield is also now controlled through the nunchuck attachment and also is more precise.

As expected, most of the standard items will return. We have already seen the boomerang, whip, sling shot, bow and arrow, bombs… but entering the series is a beetle item seemingly used to fetch objects by flying to it, or to carry items to a far away destination. New to the series also is the ability to drink a potion while still on the go and, most importantly a live in play item menu.

After the trailers for Twilight Princess was revealed with fully orchestrated music it was believed the game would feature the same, however fans were left disappointed. The Skyward Sword will not disappoint though, for the first time ever in a Zelda game, the music will be 100% orchestrated.

Of course more information is to come in the next several months, including screen shots, trailers, live game play, plot details and other details. Check back for up to date information.