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| title = LostWinds
| title = LostWinds
| image = LostWinds.jpg
| image = LostWinds.jpg
| caption = ''LostWinds'' [[cover art]]
| caption = ''LostWinds'' cover art
| developer = [[Frontier Developments]]
| developer = [[Frontier Developments]]
| publisher = Frontier Developments
| publisher = Frontier Developments
| platforms = [[Wii]], [[iOS]], [[Microsoft Windows]]
| platforms = [[Wii]], [[iOS]], [[Microsoft Windows]]
| released = '''Wii'''<br />{{Video game release|NA|May 12, 2008|PAL|May 20, 2008}}'''iOS'''<br />December 21, 2011<br />'''Microsoft Windows'''<br />March 24, 2016
| released = '''Wii'''<br />{{Video game release|NA|May 12, 2008|PAL|May 20, 2008}}'''iOS'''<br />December 21, 2011<br />'''Microsoft Windows'''<br />March 24, 2016
| genre = [[Platform game|Platforming]], [[Metroidvania]]<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamesn.com/lostwinds/lostwinds-the-blossom-edition-giveaway-win-one-of-20-copies-of-this-colourful-metroidvania-worth-1499 | title = LostWinds: The Blossom Edition giveaway! Win one of 20 copies of this colourful metroidvania, worth $14.99! | website = [[PCGamesN]] | publisher=Network N | author=PCGamesN staff | date = March 31, 2016 | accessdate = July 26, 2016}}</ref>
| genre = [[Platform game|Platforming]], [[metroidvania]]<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamesn.com/lostwinds/lostwinds-the-blossom-edition-giveaway-win-one-of-20-copies-of-this-colourful-metroidvania-worth-1499 | title = LostWinds: The Blossom Edition giveaway! Win one of 20 copies of this colourful metroidvania, worth $14.99! | website = [[PCGamesN]] | publisher = Network N | author = PCGamesN staff | date = March 31, 2016 | access-date = July 26, 2016 | archive-date = May 18, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210518084704/https://www.pcgamesn.com/lostwinds/lostwinds-the-blossom-edition-giveaway-win-one-of-20-copies-of-this-colourful-metroidvania-worth-1499 | url-status = live}}</ref>
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
| series = LostWinds
}}
}}


'''''LostWinds''''' is a 2008 [[Platform game|platform]] [[video game]] developed by [[Frontier Developments]] and published for the [[Wii]] as a [[launch title]] for [[WiiWare]]. In ''LostWinds'', the player controls a young boy named Toku and the [[elemental]] wind spirit Enril (and in two-player mode, a second player also controls Enril) as they travel Mistralis in order to rescue it from the antagonist Balasar, a [[vengeful spirit]].
'''''LostWinds''''' is a 2008 [[Platform game|platform]] [[video game]] developed by [[Frontier Developments]] and published for the [[Wii]] as a [[launch title]] for [[WiiWare]]. In ''LostWinds'', the player controls a young boy named Toku and the [[elemental]] wind spirit Enril (and in two-player mode, a second player also controls Enril) as they travel Mistralis in order to rescue it from the antagonist Balasar, a vengeful spirit.


In Japan, the game was ported and published by [[Square Enix]] on December 24, 2008.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=3060&redirect=no | title = ロストウィンズ (Wiiウェア ダウンロード版) [Wii] | language = Japanese | website = [[Famitsu]] | publisher = [[Enterbrain]] | accessdate = October 18, 2019}}</ref>
In Japan, the game was ported and published by [[Square Enix]] on December 24, 2008.<ref>{{cite magazine | url = https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=3060&redirect=no | title = ロストウィンズ(Wiiウェア ダウンロード版)[Wii] | language = Japanese | magazine = [[Famitsu]] | publisher = [[Enterbrain]] | access-date = October 18, 2019}}</ref>


Due to its success it was ported to [[iOS]]. A [[sequel]], ''[[LostWinds 2: Winter of the Melodias]]'', was released on October 9, 2009.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/0MTgxHbB_f_rjLnZLI-A4rl14J7zgwzS | title = Discover New LostWinds, Numerous Domo Games and a True Arcade Classic | website=[[Nintendo]] | date = October 19, 2009 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20161003085050/https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/0MTgxHbB_f_rjLnZLI-A4rl14J7zgwzS | archivedate = October 3, 2016 | accessdate = October 18, 2019}}</ref>
Due to its success it was ported to [[iOS]]. A sequel, ''[[LostWinds 2: Winter of the Melodias]]'', was released on October 9, 2009.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/0MTgxHbB_f_rjLnZLI-A4rl14J7zgwzS | title = Discover New LostWinds, Numerous Domo Games and a True Arcade Classic | website=[[Nintendo]] | date = October 19, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161003085050/https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/0MTgxHbB_f_rjLnZLI-A4rl14J7zgwzS | archive-date = October 3, 2016 | access-date = October 18, 2019}}</ref>


==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==
The player controls Toku and Enril simultaneously, using the [[Wii Remote]] on the [[Wii]] or a gesture on [[iOS]] to draw directional paths on-screen that control the wind. Wind is used to enhance Toku's jumps, defeat or immobilise enemies and solve puzzles.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/04/15/hands-on-lostwinds | title=Hands-on LostWinds [author mislabeled as "Marc Nix"] | website = [[IGN]] | publisher = [[Ziff Davis]] | last = Casamassina | first = Matt | date = April 15, 2008 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20100324182432/http://wii.ign.com/articles/866/866531p1.html | archivedate = March 24, 2010 | url-status = live | accessdate = October 18, 2019}}</ref> A second player can also join in with their Wii Remote controlling a second on-screen wind cursor, allowing Toku to fly farther but not higher.
The player controls Toku and Enril simultaneously, using the [[Wii Remote]] on the [[Wii]] or a gesture on [[iOS]] to draw directional paths on-screen that control the wind. Wind is used to enhance Toku's jumps, defeat or immobilise enemies and solve puzzles.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/04/15/hands-on-lostwinds | title=Hands-on LostWinds [author mislabeled as "Marc Nix"] | website = [[IGN]] | publisher = [[Ziff Davis]] | last = Casamassina | first = Matt | date = April 15, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100324182432/http://wii.ign.com/articles/866/866531p1.html | archive-date = March 24, 2010 | url-status = live | access-date = October 18, 2019}}</ref> A second player can join in with their Wii Remote controlling a second on-screen wind cursor, allowing Toku to fly farther but not higher.


==Plot==
==Plot==
The game starts when a boy named Toku is awakened by the wind. As he heads back toward his home, the bridge he's on collapses and he falls into a cave, where he finds a crystal shard. The shard starts talking and reveals itself to be a spirit of wind, Enril. Enril was trapped in this form when Balasar, one of the spirits assigned to watch over the land, decided to conquer the world. Using all her might Enril trapped Balasar in a crystal- but in the process she herself was also trapped. Eventually Balasar grew powerful enough to break free. Unfortunately, Enril was still trapped.
A boy named Toku is awakened by the wind. As he heads back toward his home, the bridge he is on collapses and he falls into a cave, where he finds a crystal shard. The shard starts talking and reveals itself to be a spirit of wind, Enril. Enril was trapped in this form when Balasar, one of the spirits assigned to watch over the land, decided to conquer the world. Using all her might Enril trapped Balasar in a crystal, but in the process she herself was also trapped. Eventually Balasar grew powerful enough to break free, but Enril was still trapped.


Using Enril's power Toku is able to navigate himself out of the cave and learns how to use the wind to jump higher in the process. Once out he goes to see Deo, his babysitter. Enril seems to recognize Deo but Deo doesn't hear her. Deo then tells Toku to buy him something from the herb store. However it is revealed that the village has been hit by several earthquakes lately. One of the quakes destroys the herb shop. Seeing nothing else for Toku to do, Deo lets him go play.
Using Enril's power Toku is able to navigate himself out of the cave and learns how to use the wind to jump higher in the process. Once out he goes to see Deo, his babysitter. Enril seems to recognize Deo but Deo does not hear her. Deo tells Toku to buy him something from the herb store. However it is revealed that the village has been hit by several earthquakes lately. One of the quakes destroys the herb shop. Seeing nothing else for Toku to do, Deo lets him go play.


Questioning why Deo didn't hear her, Enril talks to Toku and a nearby archaeologist hears Enril. He tells them about how the ancients built several devices to beckon the return of the spirit of the wind. He points out one such device in a cave known as The Chamber of Memories. Toku and Enril follow his directions and discover a cave that has several statues, along with the Slipstream ability. Upon opening it they decide to talk to Deo who reveals he knows Enril and is one of the spirits himself.
Questioning why Deo did not hear her, Enril talks to Toku and a nearby archaeologist hears Enril. He tells them about how the ancients built several devices to beckon the return of the spirit of the wind. He points out one such device in a cave known as The Chamber of Memories. Toku and Enril follow his directions and discover a cave that has several statues, along with the Slipstream ability. Upon opening it they decide to talk to Deo who reveals he knows Enril and is one of the spirits himself.


Before Deo can help though he says his memory has been locked away in four chests, including the one the player already opened. He tells them to check the old mines and inside they find the Vortex ability and a new chest. Returning Deo tells them about another chest located near the falls and the other in the abandoned village. Deo also gives Toku a Jumbrella Cape to allow him to fly.
Before Deo can help though he says his memory has been locked away in four chests, including the one the player already opened. He tells them to check the old mines and inside they find the Vortex ability and a new chest. Returning Deo tells them about another chest located near the falls and the other in the abandoned village. Deo gives Toku a Jumbrella Cape to allow him to fly.


Once the chests are opened Deo says he remembers where his power is. He left it with a monster known as Magmok, located below the Chamber of Memories. Despite saying Magmok is a friendly creature, the Chamber shakes and the monster roars. Deo warns Toku and the two head outside to see a corrupted Magmok rise from the earth, revealing he was the cause of the quakes. Toku removes the pieces of corruption on his hands and head and Magmok removes the rest. He then picks up Deo and gives him a shining light.
Once the chests are opened Deo says he remembers where his power is. He left it with a monster known as Magmok, located below the Chamber of Memories. Despite saying Magmok is a friendly creature, the Chamber shakes and the monster roars. Deo warns Toku and the two head outside to see a corrupted Magmok rise from the earth, revealing he was the cause of the quakes. Toku removes the pieces of corruption on his hands and head and Magmok removes the rest. He then picks up Deo and gives him a shining light.


In the epilogue, Deo tells the other spirits that Enril is back. However Balasar got a hold of the message as well and is plotting to defeat the "boy-hero".
In the epilogue, Deo tells the other spirits that Enril is back, but Balasar got a hold of the message as well and is plotting to defeat the "boy-hero".


==Development==
==Development==
The genesis of ''LostWinds'' stems from a Frontier "Game of the Week" competition to develop a game that took advantage of the Wii Remote.<ref name="Braben interview">{{cite web | url = http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2008/05/david_braben_inteview_lostwinds | title = David Braben Inteview: LostWinds | website = [[Nintendo Life]] | publisher = [[Gamer Network]] | last = Calvert | first = Darren | date = May 21, 2008 | accessdate = October 18, 2019}}</ref> The idea for the game itself came from Steve Burgess, a designer for Frontier. He was watching the wind blow through some trees and began thinking about a way to have a player become the wind in a game. He began envisioning puzzles and later added a second character to be "moved" and "protected" by the wind, and applied his ideas to the Wii Remote.<ref>{{cite magazine | title = Winds of Change | magazine = [[Nintendo Power]] | publisher = [[Future US]] | last = Hoffman | first = Chris | volume = 229 | date = June 2008 | page = 22}}</ref>
The genesis of ''LostWinds'' stems from a Frontier "Game of the Week" competition to develop a game that took advantage of the Wii Remote.<ref name="Braben interview">{{cite web | url = http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2008/05/david_braben_inteview_lostwinds | title = David Braben {{as written|Intev|iew: [sic]}} LostWinds | website = [[Nintendo Life]] | publisher = [[Gamer Network]] | last = Calvert | first = Darren | date = May 21, 2008 | access-date = October 18, 2019 | archive-date = October 18, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191018231928/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2008/05/david_braben_inteview_lostwinds | url-status = live}}</ref> The idea for the game itself came from Steve Burgess, a designer for Frontier. He was watching the wind blow through some trees and began thinking about a way to have a player become the wind in a game. He began envisioning puzzles and later added a second character to be "moved" and "protected" by the wind, and applied his ideas to the Wii Remote.<ref>{{cite magazine | title = Winds of Change | magazine = [[Nintendo Power]] | publisher = [[Future US]] | last = Hoffman | first = Chris | volume = 229 | date = June 2008 | page = 22}}</ref>


==Release and availablity==
==Release and availability==
''LostWinds'' and its sequel were available for [[iOS]], however an iOS update resulted in both games crashing during startup. This bug was never fixed and the games have both subsequently been removed from the store.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.engadget.com/2011/07/20/lostwinds-coming-to-ios-and-android/ | title = LostWinds coming to iOS and Android | website = [[Engadget]] ([[Joystiq]]) | publisher = [[Oath Inc.]] | last = Fletcher | first = JC | date = July 20, 2011 | accessdate = October 18, 2019}}</ref> [[Square Enix]] published the game in Japan on December 24, 2008.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://gonintendo.com/stories/71615-lostwinds-finally-heading-to-japan-courtesy-of-square-enix | title = LostWinds finally heading to Japan, courtesy of Square-Enix | website = GoNintendo | author = rawmeatcowboy | date = November 14, 2008 | accessdate = October 18, 2019}}</ref>
''LostWinds'' and its sequel were available for [[iOS]], but an iOS update resulted in both games crashing during startup. This bug was never fixed and the games have both subsequently been removed from the store.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.engadget.com/2011/07/20/lostwinds-coming-to-ios-and-android/ | title = LostWinds coming to iOS and Android | website = [[Engadget]] ([[Joystiq]]) | publisher = [[Oath Inc.]] | last = Fletcher | first = JC | date = July 20, 2011 | access-date = October 18, 2019 | archive-date = March 14, 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160314092237/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/20/lostwinds-coming-to-ios-and-android/ | url-status = live}}</ref> [[Square Enix]] published the game in Japan on December 24, 2008.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://gonintendo.com/stories/71615-lostwinds-finally-heading-to-japan-courtesy-of-square-enix | title = LostWinds finally heading to Japan, courtesy of Square-Enix | website = GoNintendo | author = rawmeatcowboy | date = November 14, 2008 | access-date = October 18, 2019 | archive-date = October 18, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191018231929/https://gonintendo.com/stories/71615-lostwinds-finally-heading-to-japan-courtesy-of-square-enix | url-status = live}}</ref>


''LostWinds'' was initially the only listed WiiWare game that was unavailable for download or transfer onto the [[Wii U]] at the console's launch in November 2012, but this had since been patched in April 2014.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/04/lostwinds_now_available_for_wii_to_wii_u_transfer | title = LostWinds Now Available For Wii to Wii U Transfer | website = Nintendo Life | publisher = Gamer Network | last = Whitehead | first = Thomas | date = April 26, 2014 | accessdate = May 27, 2019}}</ref> The game was ultimately delisted from sale on both Wii and Wii U following the discontinuation of the [[Wii Shop Channel]] service in January 2019.
''LostWinds'' was initially the only listed WiiWare game that was unavailable for download or transfer onto the [[Wii U]] at the console's launch in November 2012, but this had since been patched in April 2014.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/04/lostwinds_now_available_for_wii_to_wii_u_transfer | title = LostWinds Now Available For Wii to Wii U Transfer | website = Nintendo Life | publisher = Gamer Network | last = Whitehead | first = Thomas | date = April 26, 2014 | access-date = May 27, 2019 | archive-date = November 6, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211106171016/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/04/lostwinds_now_available_for_wii_to_wii_u_transfer | url-status = live}}</ref> The game was ultimately delisted from sale on both Wii and Wii U following the discontinuation of the [[Wii Shop Channel]] service in January 2019.


==Reception==
==Reception==
Line 48: Line 49:
| na = true
| na = true
| Edge_WII = 8/10<ref>{{cite magazine | title = LostWinds (Wii) | magazine = [[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] | publisher = [[Future plc]] | author = Edge staff | issue = 190 | date = July 2008 | page = 95}}</ref>
| Edge_WII = 8/10<ref>{{cite magazine | title = LostWinds (Wii) | magazine = [[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] | publisher = [[Future plc]] | author = Edge staff | issue = 190 | date = July 2008 | page = 95}}</ref>
| EuroG_WII = 9/10<ref name="EuroG">{{cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/lostwinds-review | title = LostWinds (Wii) | website = [[Eurogamer]] | publisher = Gamer Network | last = Reed | first = Kristan | date = May 13, 2008 | accessdate = May 14, 2008}}</ref>
| EuroG_WII = 9/10<ref name="EuroG">{{cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/lostwinds-review | title = LostWinds (Wii) | website = [[Eurogamer]] | publisher = Gamer Network | last = Reed | first = Kristan | date = May 13, 2008 | access-date = May 14, 2008 | archive-date = August 29, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210829222105/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/lostwinds-review | url-status = live}}</ref>
| GameRev_WII = B+<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/41449-lostwinds-review | title = LostWinds Review (Wii) | website = [[Game Revolution]] | publisher = [[CraveOnline]] | last = Supina | first = David | date = August 12, 2008 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20151001191748/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/lostwinds | archivedate = October 1, 2015 | url-status = live | accessdate = October 19, 2019}}</ref>
| GameRev_WII = B+<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/41449-lostwinds-review | title = LostWinds Review (Wii) | website = [[Game Revolution]] | publisher = [[CraveOnline]] | last = Supina | first = David | date = August 12, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151001191748/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/lostwinds | archive-date = October 1, 2015 | url-status = live | access-date = October 19, 2019}}</ref>
| GamePro_WII = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="GamePro">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/wii/games/features/184688.shtml | title = Feature: GamePro Reviews WiiWare! (Page 3 of 5; WiiWare LostWinds Impressions: Wait, This is Really Good) | website = [[GamePro]] | publisher = [[International Data Group|IDG Entertainment]] | last = Cowan | first = Daniel | date = May 14, 2008 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080517142159/http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/wii/games/features/184688.shtml | archivedate = May 17, 2008 | accessdate = October 19, 2019}}</ref>
| GamePro_WII = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="GamePro">{{cite magazine | url = http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/wii/games/features/184688.shtml | title = Feature: GamePro Reviews WiiWare! (Page 3 of 5; WiiWare LostWinds Impressions: Wait, This is Really Good) | magazine = [[GamePro]] | publisher = [[International Data Group|IDG Entertainment]] | last = Cowan | first = Daniel | date = May 14, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080517142159/http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/wii/games/features/184688.shtml | archive-date = May 17, 2008 | access-date = October 19, 2019}}</ref>
| GSpot_WII = 5.5/10<ref name="GameSpot">{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/lostwinds-review/1900-6191072/ | title = LostWinds Review (Wii) | website = [[GameSpot]] | publisher = [[CBS Interactive]] | last = McShea | first = Tom | date = May 15, 2008 | accessdate = October 19, 2019}}</ref>
| GSpot_WII = 5.5/10<ref name="GameSpot">{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/lostwinds-review/1900-6191072/ | title = LostWinds Review (Wii) | website = [[GameSpot]] | publisher = [[CBS Interactive]] | last = McShea | first = Tom | date = May 15, 2008 | access-date = October 19, 2019 | archive-date = January 19, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210119022336/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/lostwinds-review/1900-6191072/ | url-status = live}}</ref>
| GameZone_WII = 8.5/10<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamezone.com/reviews/lostwinds_wii_review/ | title = LostWinds - WII - Review | website = GameZone | last = Woodward | first = Stephen | date = May 19, 2008 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20081007010610/http://wii.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r34783.htm | archivedate = October 7, 2008 | url-status = live | accessdate = October 19, 2019}}</ref>
| Gamezebo_iOS = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamezebo.com/2011/12/29/lostwinds-review/ | title = LostWinds Review (iOS) | website = [[Gamezebo]] | last = Green | first = Art | date = December 29, 2011 | access-date = October 19, 2019 | archive-date = October 19, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191019174721/https://www.gamezebo.com/2011/12/29/lostwinds-review/ | url-status = live}}</ref>
| IGN_WII = 8.2/10<ref name="IGN">{{cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/05/12/lostwinds-review | title = LostWinds Review (Wii) | website = IGN | publisher = Ziff Davis | last = Casamassina | first = Matt | date = May 12, 2008 | accessdate = October 19, 2019}}</ref>
| GameZone_WII = 8.5/10<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamezone.com/reviews/lostwinds_wii_review/ | title = LostWinds - WII - Review | website = GameZone | last = Woodward | first = Stephen | date = May 19, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081007010610/http://wii.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r34783.htm | archive-date = October 7, 2008 | url-status = live | access-date = October 19, 2019}}</ref>
| ONM_WII = 83%<ref>{{cite magazine | url = http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/4499/reviews/lostwinds-review/ | title = LostWinds Review [score mislabeled as "85%"] | magazine = [[Official Nintendo Magazine]] | publisher = Future plc | last = Nair | first = Chandra | date = July 2008 | page = 80 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20141007235423/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/4499/reviews/lostwinds-review/ | archivedate = October 7, 2014 | accessdate = October 19, 2019}}</ref>
| IGN_WII = 8.2/10<ref name="IGN">{{cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/05/12/lostwinds-review | title = LostWinds Review (Wii) | website = IGN | publisher = Ziff Davis | last = Casamassina | first = Matt | date = May 12, 2008 | access-date = October 19, 2019 | archive-date = October 19, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191019024627/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/05/12/lostwinds-review | url-status = live}}</ref>
| ONM_WII = 83%<ref>{{cite magazine | url = http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/4499/reviews/lostwinds-review/ | title = LostWinds Review [score mislabeled as "85%"] | magazine = [[Official Nintendo Magazine]] | publisher = Future plc | last = Nair | first = Chandra | date = July 2008 | page = 80 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141007235423/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/4499/reviews/lostwinds-review/ | archive-date = October 7, 2014 | access-date = October 19, 2019}}</ref>
| PG_iOS = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pocketgamer.com/articles/036322/lostwinds/ | title = LostWinds | website = [[Pocket Gamer]] | publisher = Steel Media Ltd | last = Brown | first = Mark | date = December 21, 2011 | access-date = October 19, 2019 | archive-date = October 19, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191019174720/https://www.pocketgamer.com/articles/036322/lostwinds/ | url-status = live}}</ref>
| TA_iOS = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite web | url = https://toucharcade.com/2011/12/28/lostwinds-review-a-great-game-in-need-of-better-controls/ | title = 'LostWinds' Review – A Great Game in Need of Better Controls | website = TouchArcade | publisher = [[MacRumors|MacRumors.com, LLC]] | last = Woodfield | first = Troy | date = December 28, 2011 | access-date = October 19, 2019 | archive-date = November 1, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191101084314/https://toucharcade.com/2011/12/28/lostwinds-review-a-great-game-in-need-of-better-controls/ | url-status = live}}</ref>
| rev1 = ''[[The A.V. Club]]''
| rev1 = ''[[The A.V. Club]]''
| rev1_WII = B−<ref name="AVClub">{{cite web | url = https://games.avclub.com/lostwinds-1798214049 | title = LostWinds (Wii) | website = [[The A.V. Club]] | publisher = [[The Onion]] | last = Dahlen | first = Chris | date = May 29, 2008 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20100123073022/http://www.avclub.com/articles/lostwinds,7058/ | archivedate = January 23, 2010 | url-status = live | accessdate = October 19, 2019}}</ref>
| rev1_WII = B−<ref name="AVClub">{{cite web | url = https://games.avclub.com/lostwinds-1798214049 | title = LostWinds (Wii) | website = [[The A.V. Club]] | publisher = [[The Onion]] | last = Dahlen | first = Chris | date = May 29, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100123073022/http://www.avclub.com/articles/lostwinds,7058/ | archive-date = January 23, 2010 | url-status = live | access-date = October 19, 2019}}</ref>
| rev2 = ''[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]]''
| rev2 = ''[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]]''
| rev2_iOS = 5/10<ref name="Metro">{{cite news | url = https://metro.co.uk/2012/01/16/lostwinds-ios-review-stormy-reception-285603/ | title = LostWinds iOS review - stormy reception | newspaper = [[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]] | publisher = [[DMG Media]] | last = Hargreaves | first = Roger | date = January 16, 2012 | accessdate = October 19, 2019}}</ref>
| rev2_iOS = 5/10<ref name="Metro">{{cite news | url = https://metro.co.uk/2012/01/16/lostwinds-ios-review-stormy-reception-285603/ | title = LostWinds iOS review - stormy reception | newspaper = [[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]] | publisher = [[DMG Media]] | last = Hargreaves | first = Roger | date = January 16, 2012 | access-date = October 19, 2019 | archive-date = October 19, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191019024624/https://metro.co.uk/2012/01/16/lostwinds-ios-review-stormy-reception-285603/ | url-status = live}}</ref>
| MC_iOS = 74/100<ref name="MCiOS">{{cite web | url = https://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/lostwinds | title = LostWinds for iPhone/iPad Reviews | website = [[Metacritic]] | publisher = CBS Interactive | accessdate = October 19, 2019}}</ref>
| MC_iOS = 74/100<ref name="MCiOS">{{cite web | url = https://www.metacritic.com/game/lostwinds/critic-reviews/?platform=ios-iphoneipad | title = LostWinds for iPhone/iPad Reviews | website = [[Metacritic]] | publisher = CBS Interactive | access-date = October 19, 2019 | archive-date = April 29, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190429090704/https://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/lostwinds | url-status = live}}</ref>
| MC_WII = 81/100<ref name="MCWII">{{cite web | url = https://www.metacritic.com/game/wii/lostwinds | title = LostWinds for Wii Reviews | website = Metacritic | publisher = CBS Interactive | accessdate = October 19, 2019}}</ref>
| MC_WII = 81/100<ref name="MCWII">{{cite web | url = https://www.metacritic.com/game/lostwinds/critic-reviews/?platform=wii | title = LostWinds for Wii Reviews | website = Metacritic | publisher = CBS Interactive | access-date = October 19, 2019 | archive-date = August 29, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210829222105/https://www.metacritic.com/game/wii/lostwinds | url-status = live}}</ref>
}}
}}


The Wii version received "favorable" reviews, while the iOS version received "average" reviews, according to the [[Review aggregator|review aggregation]] website [[Metacritic]].<ref name="MCiOS"/><ref name="MCWII"/> [[IGN]] praised the Wii version's sound and graphics, calling the presentation "remarkable", and felt the gameplay was fresh and fun with clever puzzles and tight controls. However, they had concerns with the short length of the game, which they claimed could be finished in about three hours, but felt this was offset by the relatively inexpensive price compared to a retail game.<ref name="IGN"/> ''[[Eurogamer]]'' also praised the presentation, controls and puzzles, claiming the game to be a "mini-masterpiece",<ref name="EuroG"/> while ''[[GamePro]]'' gave the Wii version a perfect score, calling it "beautiful and unique".<ref name="GamePro"/>
The Wii version received "favorable" reviews, while the iOS version received "average" reviews, according to the [[Review aggregator|review aggregation]] website [[Metacritic]].<ref name="MCiOS"/><ref name="MCWII"/> [[IGN]] praised the Wii version's sound and graphics, calling the presentation "remarkable", and felt the gameplay was fresh and fun with clever puzzles and tight controls. However, they had concerns with the short length of said console version, which they claimed could be finished in about three hours, but felt this was offset by the relatively inexpensive price compared to a retail game.<ref name="IGN"/> ''[[Eurogamer]]'' also praised the presentation, controls and puzzles, claiming it to be a "mini-masterpiece",<ref name="EuroG"/> while ''[[GamePro]]'' gave the Wii version a perfect score, calling it "beautiful and unique".<ref name="GamePro"/>


''[[1UP.com]]'' thought the same console version was "charming, beautiful, and loaded with smart, judicious use of the Wii Remote" while voicing minor concerns with its length,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.1up.com/reviews/lostwinds | title=LostWinds WiiWare Review | website = [[1UP.com]] | publisher = Ziff Davis | last = Green | first = Jeff | date = May 17, 2008 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20160608010347/http://www.1up.com/reviews/lostwinds | archivedate = June 8, 2016 | accessdate = October 19, 2019}}</ref> while ''[[Nintendo Life]]'' thought said console version was "innovative" but "not quite as revolutionary in terms of play control as some had hoped", though they stated it was "a step in the right direction" for the platform genre and WiiWare games as a whole.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2008/05/lostwinds | title = LostWinds Review | website = Nintendo Life | publisher = Gamer Network | last = Dillard | first = Corbie | date = May 13, 2008 | accessdate = August 13, 2015}}</ref> N-Europe praised Frontier's "astounding attention to detail" in ''LostWinds'' and its visuals which make it seem like a "living, breathing fairytale".<ref>{{cite web | url = https://n-europe.com/reviews/lostwinds | title = LostWinds | website = N-Europe | last = Whincup | first = Nathan | date = May 27, 2008 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080530132351/http://n-europe.com/review.php?rid=377 | archivedate = May 30, 2008 | url-status = live | accessdate = October 19, 2019}}</ref> In contrast, [[GameSpot]] thought ''LostWinds'' was "brimming with potential", but ended up being very disappointed with many aspects of the game, including its short length, and claimed a lack of "energy" and "personality" in the game.<ref name="GameSpot"/>
''[[1UP.com]]'' thought the same console version was "charming, beautiful, and loaded with smart, judicious use of the Wii Remote" while voicing minor concerns with its length,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.1up.com/reviews/lostwinds | title=LostWinds WiiWare Review | website = [[1UP.com]] | publisher = Ziff Davis | last = Green | first = Jeff | date = May 17, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160608010347/http://www.1up.com/reviews/lostwinds | archive-date = June 8, 2016 | access-date = October 19, 2019}}</ref> while ''[[Nintendo Life]]'' thought said console version was "innovative" but "not quite as revolutionary in terms of play control as some had hoped", though they stated that it was "a step in the right direction" for the platform genre and WiiWare games as a whole.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2008/05/lostwinds | title = LostWinds Review | website = Nintendo Life | publisher = Gamer Network | last = Dillard | first = Corbie | date = May 13, 2008 | access-date = August 13, 2015 | archive-date = June 20, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210620140242/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2008/05/lostwinds | url-status = live}}</ref> N-Europe praised Frontier's "astounding attention to detail" in ''LostWinds'' and its visuals which make it seem like a "living, breathing fairytale".<ref>{{cite web | url = https://n-europe.com/reviews/lostwinds | title = LostWinds | website = N-Europe | last = Whincup | first = Nathan | date = May 27, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080530132351/http://n-europe.com/review.php?rid=377 | archive-date = May 30, 2008 | url-status = live | access-date = October 19, 2019}}</ref> In contrast, [[GameSpot]] thought ''LostWinds'' was "brimming with potential", but ended up being very disappointed with many aspects of the game, including its short length, and claimed a lack of "energy" and "personality" in the game.<ref name="GameSpot"/>


''411Mania'' gave the Wii version 8.5 out of 10 and said that it "puts more awesome in its 10 bucks and less than 40 Megs than some games can for $50 on 4 gigs."<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.411mania.com/games/downloadable_content/75409/Lost-Winds-(WiiWare)-Review.htm | title = Lost Winds [sic] (WiiWare) Review | website = 411Mania | last = Lopez | first = Jacob | date = May 14, 2008 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080617042024/http://www.411mania.com/games/downloadable_content/75409/Lost-Winds-(WiiWare)-Review.htm | archivedate = June 17, 2008 | accessdate = October 19, 2019}}</ref> However, ''[[The A.V. Club]]'' gave it a B−, stating that it "doesn't live up to its potential. The world doesn't hang together, the environments are too similar, and the story coasts on too many clichés—evil spirits, noble villagers, a task list to check off in order to save the world. None of this will bother kids, who'll dig the game's ease, the non-threatening boss, and the chance to actually finish a game that's a fraction as long as[,] say, ''[[Okami]]''. But platforming vets should look for something more frustrating."<ref name="AVClub"/> ''[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]]'' gave the iOS version five out of ten and called it "The same beautiful, laidback 2D adventure as it's always been, but now almost ruined by fiddly and unresponsive touch controls."<ref name="Metro"/>
''411Mania'' gave the Wii version 8.5 out of 10 and was generally positive to its gameplay.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.411mania.com/games/downloadable_content/75409/Lost-Winds-(WiiWare)-Review.htm | title = Lost {{sic|Winds|nolink=y}} (WiiWare) Review | website = 411Mania | last = Lopez | first = Jacob | date = May 14, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080617042024/http://www.411mania.com/games/downloadable_content/75409/Lost-Winds-(WiiWare)-Review.htm | archive-date = June 17, 2008 | access-date = October 19, 2019}}</ref> In contrast, ''[[The A.V. Club]]'' gave it a B−, stating that it doesn't live up to its potential. They were critical to its environments being too similar, the story as predictable and the difficulty as too easy.<ref name="AVClub"/> ''[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]]'' gave the iOS version five out of ten. They praised the graphics, but panned its unresponsive touch controls.<ref name="Metro"/>


Addressing the short length of the Wii version, Frontier founder [[David Braben]] believed ''LostWinds'' stacked up favorably against some recent, full priced retail games which offer as little as between four and seven hours of gameplay.<ref name="Braben interview"/> It was awarded Best Use of the Wii-Mote by ''IGN'' in its 2008 video game awards.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://bestof.ign.com/2008/wii/22.html | title = IGN's Best of 2008 Awards: Best Use of the Wii-Mote | website = IGN | publisher = IGN Entertainment | date = December 18, 2008 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20081222040914/http://bestof.ign.com/2008/wii/22.html | archivedate = December 22, 2008 | accessdate = December 19, 2008}}</ref> ''IGN'' also nominated it for several other Wii-specific awards, including Best WiiWare Game,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://bestof.ign.com/2008/wii/20.html | title = IGN's Best of 2008 Awards: Best WiiWare Game | website = IGN | publisher = IGN Entertainment | date = December 18, 2008 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20081222040904/http://bestof.ign.com/2008/wii/20.html | archivedate = December 22, 2008 | accessdate = October 19, 2019}}</ref> Best Artistic Design,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://bestof.ign.com/2008/wii/12.html | title = IGN's Best of 2008 Awards: Best Artistic Design (Wii) | website = IGN | publisher = IGN Entertainment | date = December 18, 2008 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20081222040824/http://bestof.ign.com/2008/wii/12.html | archivedate = December 22, 2008 | accessdate = December 19, 2008}}</ref> and Best Platform Game.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://bestof.ign.com/2008/wii/4.html | title = IGN's Best of 2008 Awards: Best Platform Game (Wii) | website = IGN | publisher = IGN Entertainment | date = December 18, 2008 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20081222040934/http://bestof.ign.com/2008/wii/4.html | archivedate = December 22, 2008 | accessdate = December 19, 2008}}</ref>
Addressing the short length of the Wii version, Frontier founder [[David Braben]] believed ''LostWinds'' stacked up favorably against some recent, full priced retail games which offer as little as between four and seven hours of gameplay.<ref name="Braben interview"/> It was awarded Best Use of the Wii-Mote by ''IGN'' in its 2008 video game awards.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://bestof.ign.com/2008/wii/22.html | title = IGN's Best of 2008 Awards: Best Use of the Wii-Mote | website = IGN | publisher = IGN Entertainment | date = December 18, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081222040914/http://bestof.ign.com/2008/wii/22.html | archive-date = December 22, 2008 | url-status = dead | access-date = December 19, 2008}}</ref> ''IGN'' also nominated it for several other Wii-specific awards, including Best WiiWare Game,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://bestof.ign.com/2008/wii/20.html | title = IGN's Best of 2008 Awards: Best WiiWare Game | website = IGN | publisher = IGN Entertainment | date = December 18, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081222040904/http://bestof.ign.com/2008/wii/20.html | archive-date = December 22, 2008 | url-status = dead | access-date = October 19, 2019}}</ref> Best Artistic Design,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://bestof.ign.com/2008/wii/12.html | title = IGN's Best of 2008 Awards: Best Artistic Design (Wii) | website = IGN | publisher = IGN Entertainment | date = December 18, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081222040824/http://bestof.ign.com/2008/wii/12.html | archive-date = December 22, 2008 | url-status = dead | access-date = December 19, 2008}}</ref> and Best Platform Game.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://bestof.ign.com/2008/wii/4.html | title = IGN's Best of 2008 Awards: Best Platform Game (Wii) | website = IGN | publisher = IGN Entertainment | date = December 18, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081222040934/http://bestof.ign.com/2008/wii/4.html | archive-date = December 22, 2008 | url-status = dead | access-date = December 19, 2008}}</ref>


{{clear}}
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==Sequel==
==Sequel==
{{main|LostWinds 2: Winter of the Melodias}}
{{main|LostWinds 2: Winter of the Melodias}}
At the end of the game, a short epilogue is played as well as the words "to be continued...". Shortly after the release of ''LostWinds'', Frontier Developments announced that a sequel was in development.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.frontier.co.uk/games/lostwinds/ | title = LostWinds | website = [[Frontier Developments]] | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080611064944/http://www.frontier.co.uk/games/lostwinds/ | archivedate = June 11, 2008 |accessdate = June 13, 2008}}</ref> On August 29, 2009, a feature in ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'' magazine announced that the sequel would be named ''LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias''.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://n-europe.com/news-archive/news-lostwinds-winter-of-the-melodias-confirmed | title = News: LostWinds: Winter Of The Melodias Confirmed | website = N-Europe | last = Whincup | first = Nathan | date = August 29, 2009 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20090902125747/http://www.n-europe.com/news.php?nid=13497 | archivedate = September 2, 2009 | url-status = live | accessdate = October 19, 2019}}</ref> ''LostWinds 2'' was released on October 19, 2009.
At the end of the game, a short epilogue is played as well as the words "to be continued...". Shortly after the release of ''LostWinds'', Frontier Developments announced that a sequel was in development.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.frontier.co.uk/games/lostwinds/ | title = LostWinds | website = [[Frontier Developments]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080611064944/http://www.frontier.co.uk/games/lostwinds/ | archive-date = June 11, 2008 |access-date = June 13, 2008}}</ref> A sequel called ''LostWinds 2: Winter of the Melodias''<ref>{{cite web | url = https://n-europe.com/news-archive/news-lostwinds-winter-of-the-melodias-confirmed | title = News: LostWinds: Winter Of The Melodias Confirmed | website = N-Europe | last = Whincup | first = Nathan | date = August 29, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090902125747/http://www.n-europe.com/news.php?nid=13497 | archive-date = September 2, 2009 | url-status = live | access-date = October 19, 2019}}</ref> was released on October 19, 2009.


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
* {{Official website|https://www.lostwindsgame.com/}}
* {{Official website|https://www.lostwindsgame.com/}}
* {{moby game|id=/lostwinds}}
* {{moby game|id=/lostwinds}}

{{Authority control}}


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[[Category:Side-scrolling video games]]
[[Category:Side-scrolling video games]]
[[Category:Square Enix games]]
[[Category:Square Enix games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Video games with 2.5D graphics]]
[[Category:Video games with 2.5D graphics]]
[[Category:Wii games]]
[[Category:Wii games]]
[[Category:WiiWare games]]
[[Category:WiiWare games]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]

Latest revision as of 20:34, 19 December 2023

LostWinds
LostWinds cover art
Developer(s)Frontier Developments
Publisher(s)Frontier Developments
SeriesLostWinds
Platform(s)Wii, iOS, Microsoft Windows
ReleaseWii
  • NA: May 12, 2008
  • PAL: May 20, 2008
iOS
December 21, 2011
Microsoft Windows
March 24, 2016
Genre(s)Platforming, metroidvania[1]
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

LostWinds is a 2008 platform video game developed by Frontier Developments and published for the Wii as a launch title for WiiWare. In LostWinds, the player controls a young boy named Toku and the elemental wind spirit Enril (and in two-player mode, a second player also controls Enril) as they travel Mistralis in order to rescue it from the antagonist Balasar, a vengeful spirit.

In Japan, the game was ported and published by Square Enix on December 24, 2008.[2]

Due to its success it was ported to iOS. A sequel, LostWinds 2: Winter of the Melodias, was released on October 9, 2009.[3]

Gameplay[edit]

The player controls Toku and Enril simultaneously, using the Wii Remote on the Wii or a gesture on iOS to draw directional paths on-screen that control the wind. Wind is used to enhance Toku's jumps, defeat or immobilise enemies and solve puzzles.[4] A second player can join in with their Wii Remote controlling a second on-screen wind cursor, allowing Toku to fly farther but not higher.

Plot[edit]

A boy named Toku is awakened by the wind. As he heads back toward his home, the bridge he is on collapses and he falls into a cave, where he finds a crystal shard. The shard starts talking and reveals itself to be a spirit of wind, Enril. Enril was trapped in this form when Balasar, one of the spirits assigned to watch over the land, decided to conquer the world. Using all her might Enril trapped Balasar in a crystal, but in the process she herself was also trapped. Eventually Balasar grew powerful enough to break free, but Enril was still trapped.

Using Enril's power Toku is able to navigate himself out of the cave and learns how to use the wind to jump higher in the process. Once out he goes to see Deo, his babysitter. Enril seems to recognize Deo but Deo does not hear her. Deo tells Toku to buy him something from the herb store. However it is revealed that the village has been hit by several earthquakes lately. One of the quakes destroys the herb shop. Seeing nothing else for Toku to do, Deo lets him go play.

Questioning why Deo did not hear her, Enril talks to Toku and a nearby archaeologist hears Enril. He tells them about how the ancients built several devices to beckon the return of the spirit of the wind. He points out one such device in a cave known as The Chamber of Memories. Toku and Enril follow his directions and discover a cave that has several statues, along with the Slipstream ability. Upon opening it they decide to talk to Deo who reveals he knows Enril and is one of the spirits himself.

Before Deo can help though he says his memory has been locked away in four chests, including the one the player already opened. He tells them to check the old mines and inside they find the Vortex ability and a new chest. Returning Deo tells them about another chest located near the falls and the other in the abandoned village. Deo gives Toku a Jumbrella Cape to allow him to fly.

Once the chests are opened Deo says he remembers where his power is. He left it with a monster known as Magmok, located below the Chamber of Memories. Despite saying Magmok is a friendly creature, the Chamber shakes and the monster roars. Deo warns Toku and the two head outside to see a corrupted Magmok rise from the earth, revealing he was the cause of the quakes. Toku removes the pieces of corruption on his hands and head and Magmok removes the rest. He then picks up Deo and gives him a shining light.

In the epilogue, Deo tells the other spirits that Enril is back, but Balasar got a hold of the message as well and is plotting to defeat the "boy-hero".

Development[edit]

The genesis of LostWinds stems from a Frontier "Game of the Week" competition to develop a game that took advantage of the Wii Remote.[5] The idea for the game itself came from Steve Burgess, a designer for Frontier. He was watching the wind blow through some trees and began thinking about a way to have a player become the wind in a game. He began envisioning puzzles and later added a second character to be "moved" and "protected" by the wind, and applied his ideas to the Wii Remote.[6]

Release and availability[edit]

LostWinds and its sequel were available for iOS, but an iOS update resulted in both games crashing during startup. This bug was never fixed and the games have both subsequently been removed from the store.[7] Square Enix published the game in Japan on December 24, 2008.[8]

LostWinds was initially the only listed WiiWare game that was unavailable for download or transfer onto the Wii U at the console's launch in November 2012, but this had since been patched in April 2014.[9] The game was ultimately delisted from sale on both Wii and Wii U following the discontinuation of the Wii Shop Channel service in January 2019.

Reception[edit]

The Wii version received "favorable" reviews, while the iOS version received "average" reviews, according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[23][24] IGN praised the Wii version's sound and graphics, calling the presentation "remarkable", and felt the gameplay was fresh and fun with clever puzzles and tight controls. However, they had concerns with the short length of said console version, which they claimed could be finished in about three hours, but felt this was offset by the relatively inexpensive price compared to a retail game.[17] Eurogamer also praised the presentation, controls and puzzles, claiming it to be a "mini-masterpiece",[11] while GamePro gave the Wii version a perfect score, calling it "beautiful and unique".[13]

1UP.com thought the same console version was "charming, beautiful, and loaded with smart, judicious use of the Wii Remote" while voicing minor concerns with its length,[25] while Nintendo Life thought said console version was "innovative" but "not quite as revolutionary in terms of play control as some had hoped", though they stated that it was "a step in the right direction" for the platform genre and WiiWare games as a whole.[26] N-Europe praised Frontier's "astounding attention to detail" in LostWinds and its visuals which make it seem like a "living, breathing fairytale".[27] In contrast, GameSpot thought LostWinds was "brimming with potential", but ended up being very disappointed with many aspects of the game, including its short length, and claimed a lack of "energy" and "personality" in the game.[14]

411Mania gave the Wii version 8.5 out of 10 and was generally positive to its gameplay.[28] In contrast, The A.V. Club gave it a B−, stating that it doesn't live up to its potential. They were critical to its environments being too similar, the story as predictable and the difficulty as too easy.[21] Metro gave the iOS version five out of ten. They praised the graphics, but panned its unresponsive touch controls.[22]

Addressing the short length of the Wii version, Frontier founder David Braben believed LostWinds stacked up favorably against some recent, full priced retail games which offer as little as between four and seven hours of gameplay.[5] It was awarded Best Use of the Wii-Mote by IGN in its 2008 video game awards.[29] IGN also nominated it for several other Wii-specific awards, including Best WiiWare Game,[30] Best Artistic Design,[31] and Best Platform Game.[32]

Sequel[edit]

At the end of the game, a short epilogue is played as well as the words "to be continued...". Shortly after the release of LostWinds, Frontier Developments announced that a sequel was in development.[33] A sequel called LostWinds 2: Winter of the Melodias[34] was released on October 19, 2009.

References[edit]

  1. ^ PCGamesN staff (March 31, 2016). "LostWinds: The Blossom Edition giveaway! Win one of 20 copies of this colourful metroidvania, worth $14.99!". PCGamesN. Network N. Archived from the original on May 18, 2021. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
  2. ^ "ロストウィンズ(Wiiウェア ダウンロード版)[Wii]". Famitsu (in Japanese). Enterbrain. Retrieved October 18, 2019.
  3. ^ "Discover New LostWinds, Numerous Domo Games and a True Arcade Classic". Nintendo. October 19, 2009. Archived from the original on October 3, 2016. Retrieved October 18, 2019.
  4. ^ Casamassina, Matt (April 15, 2008). "Hands-on LostWinds [author mislabeled as "Marc Nix"]". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on March 24, 2010. Retrieved October 18, 2019.
  5. ^ a b Calvert, Darren (May 21, 2008). "David Braben Inteview: [sic] LostWinds". Nintendo Life. Gamer Network. Archived from the original on October 18, 2019. Retrieved October 18, 2019.
  6. ^ Hoffman, Chris (June 2008). "Winds of Change". Nintendo Power. Vol. 229. Future US. p. 22.
  7. ^ Fletcher, JC (July 20, 2011). "LostWinds coming to iOS and Android". Engadget (Joystiq). Oath Inc. Archived from the original on March 14, 2016. Retrieved October 18, 2019.
  8. ^ rawmeatcowboy (November 14, 2008). "LostWinds finally heading to Japan, courtesy of Square-Enix". GoNintendo. Archived from the original on October 18, 2019. Retrieved October 18, 2019.
  9. ^ Whitehead, Thomas (April 26, 2014). "LostWinds Now Available For Wii to Wii U Transfer". Nintendo Life. Gamer Network. Archived from the original on November 6, 2021. Retrieved May 27, 2019.
  10. ^ Edge staff (July 2008). "LostWinds (Wii)". Edge. No. 190. Future plc. p. 95.
  11. ^ a b Reed, Kristan (May 13, 2008). "LostWinds (Wii)". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. Archived from the original on August 29, 2021. Retrieved May 14, 2008.
  12. ^ Supina, David (August 12, 2008). "LostWinds Review (Wii)". Game Revolution. CraveOnline. Archived from the original on October 1, 2015. Retrieved October 19, 2019.
  13. ^ a b Cowan, Daniel (May 14, 2008). "Feature: GamePro Reviews WiiWare! (Page 3 of 5; WiiWare LostWinds Impressions: Wait, This is Really Good)". GamePro. IDG Entertainment. Archived from the original on May 17, 2008. Retrieved October 19, 2019.
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