Nintendo today formally announced the latest entry in the Zelda franchise, a Wii exclusive called The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, and released a trailer showing gameplay. From what we’ve seen, the game sports a somewhat realistic cel-shaded visual style which Nintendo describe as “a painting come to life”, and a number of neat new items and gameplay mechanics.

The game will also make use of the Wii MotionPlus accessory to improve accuracy with firing a bow, tossing bombs, or using the new whip to fight enemies and solve puzzles. Swordplay is also enhanced by the added precision, although enemies respond to this by actively defending themselves realistically to each blow, creating a much more strategic battle experience.

You can watch the reveal trailer here. Nintendo promise that Skyward Sword, which is currently scheduled for a release sometime in 2011, will be unlike any previously seen entries in the series, so make sure to keep an eye on this one, and let us know in the comments what you think of the announcement. Is it what you expected, or does it fall short?