Lots of New Skyward Sword Info (Medals, A New Race and More)

The following information comes from a ton of Skyward Sword previews that have surfaced lately. It is the second round of previews since Nintendo let the media go hands on with Skyward Sword for many hours. I would expect another round of previews before the game's release. Without a doubt there will be some info here that many will consider to be in spoiler territory, so read on with that in mind:

SPOILERS

G4TV Preview

• Meet the Kikwis in Faron woods, assist them and the king will give you the slingshot
• Use the slingshot on vines to create a means to swing across gaps
• Skyview Temple is full of translucent plants, some give hearts and Deku Seeds
• Puzzles may stump Zelda vets
• Beetle is found in the first dungeon
• Ghirahim is also looking for Zelda

Kotaku Preview

• Kotaku is claiming that Zelda can be called an RPG again
• A Tri-headed beast is in the Skyview Temple
• Water level has to be raise in this temple along with some swimming
• Fi can analyze the current items you have and provide a percentage based on suitability for the area in which you are exploring. Essentially you can find out if the items in your pouch are balanced for the area
• This Fi menu also has a "Rumors" option. During a poke around by Kotaku, Fi kindly let them in on a medals feature that hasn't been talked about until now. Fi explained that equipping different medals will have different benefits for the wearer
• One medal that was described was a potion medal, which will extend the duration of a potion's effect on Link

Destructoid Preview

• After obtaining the "Skyward Sword" the game allows you to explore at your own pace (sidequests, general exploration, etc.)
• Your first shield is really weak making Link much more vulnerable this time around
• As confirmed by trailers and previews before, Link's shield will deteriorate during usage. Losing your shield will force you to approach combat differently
• Dowsing is First Person as we know and acts as a compass. It will beep and vibrate telling you there's something nearby
• Enemies pay attention to what you're doing at all times and adds a nice challenge to the game. They shift their weapons and shields to change things up 
• Holes will shoot steam that will send you flying when using your Sailcloth
• Skulltulas are harder this time around, especially when on the ground
• As we know the compass is gone, but the Map provides you with everything you need to know, and you will definitely need the map according to Destructoid
• Lots of different bugs to catch in Skyward Sword that play a role in the game's economy (more in a later preview)
• Ghirahim will switch tactics when battling him, defeating him is all about switching up your own tactics
• Defeating a boss will give you a heat container and a shard that fits in the Goddess Statue