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The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD

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The Legend of Zelda:
Skyward Sword HD
Icon art depicting Link raising the Master Sword
Icon artwork depicting Link raising the Master Sword with Ghirahim (left) and Fi (right) in the background
Developer(s)Tantalus Media
Publisher(s)Nintendo
Director(s)Daiki Iwamoto
Producer(s)Eiji Aonuma
Designer(s)Ryuji Kobayashi
Programmer(s)Resmi Hasankolli
Artist(s)
  • Ayden Polat
  • Oberon Bradford
Writer(s)
Composer(s)
SeriesThe Legend of Zelda
Platform(s)Nintendo Switch
ReleaseJuly 16, 2021
Genre(s)Action-adventure
Mode(s)Single-player

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD[lower-alpha 1] is an action-adventure game for the Nintendo Switch, developed by Tantalus Media and published by Nintendo. It is a high-definition remaster of the 2011 Wii game, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. It was released worldwide on July 16, 2021.

Gameplay[]

Main article: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword § Gameplay
Ss analog

When using the new control scheme, tilting the right analog stick in a direction results in the sword slicing in that direction

Gameplay in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD is largely unchanged from the original game.[1] As in most The Legend of Zelda games, players control the series' main protagonist, a young swordsman named Link. In combat, Link primarily uses a sword and shield, bow and arrows, and bombs. The remaster features two control schemes, one of which aims to replicate the functions of the Wii Remote Plus and Nunchuck through improved motion controls on the Joy-Con, while the other aims to replicate a traditional control scheme by using the right analog stick to control the previously motion-controlled sword.[2] This secondary control method allows the game to be played in handheld mode, on a Pro Controller, and on the Nintendo Switch Lite.[2]

In addition to higher-resolution graphics, the game now plays at 60 frames per second.[3] Other quality of life features added include autosave, the ability to save to any of the three save files instead of just the original file (which also now includes giving Hero Mode its own slot upon unlocking it as a New Game Plus feature when saved into a file),[4] many of Fi's hints now being optional, the ability to skip dialogue boxes and cutscenes, and item descriptions no longer appearing after the first encounter with an item, with the Gratitude Crystals being the lone exception.[5][4] One Amiibo figure is supported,[6] being a new figure depicting Zelda and a Loftwing enabling fast travel between the sky and the surface.[7]

Development and release[]

Series producer Eiji Aonuma stated in June 2016 that it might be possible to create an HD remaster of Skyward Sword for then-current hardware.[8] Years prior, during the development of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Nintendo experimented with an HD version of Skyward Sword running on Wii U development kits when trying to settle on a graphical style for the new game.[9] This ultimately led to the production of The Wind Waker HD, whose success encouraged the Zelda team to pursue other high-definition remasters. In November 2018, Aonuma recognized the interest in a Skyward Sword remaster, though a spokesperson from Nintendo would later clarify to Eurogamer that there were no plans to bring the game to the Nintendo Switch at that time.[10] In August 2020, Amazon UK had listed a Nintendo Switch version of Skyward Sword, though it was delisted soon after.[11]

Nintendo Switch from 2017 with decorated Joy-Cons

Nintendo Switch from 2017 with decorated Joy-Cons

In February 2021, a remaster of Skyward Sword for the Nintendo Switch was announced during a Nintendo Direct stream with a release date of July 16, 2021.[12] A pair of Joy-Con controllers themed after the Master Sword (right Joy-Con) and Hylian Shield (left Joy-Con) from the game were also released on the same date,[13] in addition to the Zelda & Loftwing Amiibo figure.[7] This version was co-developed with Tantalus Media, who previously also handled Twilight Princess HD.[14]

Reception[]

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD received "generally favorable" reviews according to review aggregator Metacritic.[15] The separately-sold Zelda and Loftwing Amiibo, which, when synced with the game, grants a form of fast travel in-game, was criticized by for not being included in the base game.[25]

Sales[]

Pre-orders for Skyward Sword HD sold out on Amazon.com and it was listed as the best-selling game on the US version of the site.[26][27] It sold 159,089 physical copies within its first week on sale in Japan, making it the bestselling retail game of the week in the country.[28]

As of September 30, 2021, Skyward Sword HD has sold 3.6 million units worldwide.[29]

Notes[]

  1. ↑ Japanese: ゼルダの伝説 スカイウォードソード HD, Hepburn: Zeruda no Densetsu: Sukaiwōdo Sōdo HD

References[]

  1. ↑ "Skyward Sword HD Fixes the Original's Biggest Problems". 2 July 2021. {{cite web}}:
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "'Zelda: Skyward Sword' controls aren't great for Switch handheld players - The Washington Post". {{cite web}}:
  3. ↑ Robinson, Andy (2021-02-17). "Zelda: Skyward Sword is coming to Switch with 60fps graphics and new controls". VGC. Retrieved 2021-02-18. {{cite web}}:
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Langer, Even (2021-07-16). "12 Biggest Changes In Zelda: Skyward Sword HD". YouTube. GameSpot. Retrieved 2021-07-19. {{cite web}}:
  5. ↑ Phillips, Tom (2021-07-02). "The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD enhancements detailed". Eurogamer. Retrieved 2021-07-08. {{cite web}}:
  6. ↑ Craddock, Ryan (2021-02-18). "The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD Will Feature amiibo Support, File Size Revealed". Nintendo Life. Retrieved 2021-02-18. {{cite web}}:
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Phillips, Tom (2021-05-19). "Zelda: Skyward Sword's Loftwing amiibo lets you skip a frustrating piece of game design". Eurogamer. Retrieved 2021-05-19. {{cite web}}:
  8. ↑ Otero, Jose (2017-05-02). "Zelda Producer on Skyward Sword HD: "It's Definitely Possible"". IGN. Retrieved 2021-02-26. {{cite web}}:
  9. ↑ "Breaking Conventions with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" – via www.youtube.com. {{cite web}}:
  10. ↑ Phillips, Tom (2018-11-28). "Nintendo shuts down Zelda: Skyward Sword Switch port reports". Eurogamer. Retrieved 2021-02-26. {{cite web}}:
  11. ↑ Oloman, Jordan (2020-08-17). "Zelda: Skyward Sword Switch Port Listing Found On Amazon". IGN. Retrieved 2021-02-26. {{cite web}}:
  12. ↑ McWhertor, Michael (2021-02-17). "The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword coming to Nintendo Switch". Polygon. Retrieved 2021-02-18. {{cite web}}:
  13. ↑ Romano, Sal (2021-02-17). "The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD announced for Switch". Gematsu. Retrieved 2021-02-18. {{cite web}}:
  14. ↑ "Aussie developers Tantalus return to Hyrule with Skyward Sword HD". Vooks. 2021-07-14. Retrieved 2021-07-14. {{cite web}}:
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD". Metacritic. Retrieved 2021-07-14. {{cite web}}:
  16. ↑ Donlan, Christian (2021-07-14). "Review: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD - a cloud-bound romance". Eurogamer. Retrieved 2021-07-14. {{cite web}}:
  17. ↑ "Review: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD - A Remaster That Truly Soars". Nintendo Life. 2021-07-14. Retrieved 2021-07-14. {{cite web}}:
  18. ↑ "Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD review: "One of the most misunderstood games in the series gets a second chance" | Aces high". GamesRadar. 12 September 2021. Retrieved 12 September 2021. {{cite web}}:
  19. ↑ "The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD Review - IGN". Retrieved 2021-07-16. {{cite web}}:
  20. ↑ Reeves, Ben (12 September 2021). "The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD Review – A Diamond Buried In The Rough". Game Informer. https://www.gameinformer.com/review/the-legend-of-zelda-skyward-sword-hd/the-legend-of-zelda-skyward-sword-hd-review-a-diamond. Retrieved 12 September 2021. 
  21. ↑ O'Connor, Quinton (12 September 2021). "The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD Review". RPGFan. Retrieved 12 September 2021. {{cite web}}:
  22. ↑ "The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD review – still a cut above | Aces high". The Guardian. 12 September 2021. Retrieved 12 September 2021. {{cite web}}:
  23. ↑ Wise, Josh (12 September 2021). "The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD review". VideoGamer.com. Retrieved 12 September 2021. {{cite web}}:
  24. ↑ "The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD Review: 'Still the odd one out' | Aces high". GamesRevolution. 12 September 2021. Retrieved 12 September 2021. {{cite web}}:
  25. ↑ "Zelda Skyward Sword HD Loftwing amiibo locks a big improvement behind it". GameRevolution. 2021-05-19. Retrieved 2022-01-02. {{cite web}}:
  26. ↑ Doolan, Liam (2021-02-21). "Zelda: Skyward Sword HD Tops "Best Seller" Chart On Amazon, As Pre-Orders Sell Out". Nintendo Life. Retrieved 2021-02-21. {{cite web}}:
  27. ↑ Byler, Josiah (2021-02-21). "Zelda Skyward Sword HD Preorders Sell Out On Amazon". Screen Rant. Retrieved 2021-02-21. {{cite web}}:
  28. ↑ Romano, Sal (July 22, 2021). "Famitsu Sales: 7/12/21 – 7/18/21". Gematsu. Retrieved July 22, 2021. {{cite web}}:
  29. ↑ "Financial Results Explanatory Material 2nd Quarter of Fiscal Year Ending March 2022" (PDF). Nintendo. September 30, 2021. Retrieved November 4, 2021. {{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)

External links[]

[Edit]
Triforce The Legend of Zelda series
Main series 2D The Legend of Zelda • The Adventure of Link • A Link to the Past • Link's Awakening • Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages • Four Swords • Four Swords Adventures • The Minish Cap • Phantom Hourglass • Spirit Tracks • A Link Between Worlds • Tri Force Heroes • Echoes of Wisdom
3D Ocarina of Time • Majora's Mask • The Wind Waker • Twilight Princess • Skyward Sword • Breath of the Wild • Tears of the Kingdom
Remasters/remakes Link's Awakening DX • Ocarina of Time Master Quest • Ocarina of Time 3D • The Wind Waker HD • Majora's Mask 3D • Twilight Princess HD • Link's Awakening • Skyward Sword HD
Spin-offs CD-i games Link: The Faces of Evil and Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon • Zelda's Adventure
Tingle Freshly-Picked Tingle's Rosy Rupeeland • Irodzuki Tingle no Koi no Balloon Trip
Hyrule Warriors Hyrule Warriors • Age of Calamity
Compilations A Link to the Past and Four Swords • Collector's Edition
Others LCD games • Satellaview games • Link's Crossbow Training • My Nintendo Picross: Twilight Princess • Cadence of Hyrule
Universe Characters Link • Princess Zelda • Ganon / Ganondorf • Ocarina of Time characters (Navi) • Tingle • Anju and Kafei • Midna • Linkle • Mipha • Daruk • Revali • Urbosa • Sidon • Purah
Elements Triforce • Master Sword • Sages
Quotes "I am Error" • "It's dangerous to go alone!"
Races Human (Hylian • Sheikah • Gerudo) • Kokiri • Goron • Zora • Twili • Korok • Rito
Locations Hyrule • Termina • Holodrum • Labrynna • Koholint Island • Death Mountain • Lake Hylia • Hyrule Castle • Kakariko Village • Temple of Time • World of the Ocean King • Lorule
Other media Cartoon • Manga (Twilight Princess) • Gamebooks • Hyrule Historia • Art & Artifacts • Encyclopedia • Symphony of the Goddesses • Creating a Champion • Link and the Portal of Doom
People Eiji Aonuma • Hidemaro Fujibayashi • Akira Himekawa • Yoshiaki Koizumi • Koji Kondo • Yōichi Kotabe • Toru Minegishi • Shigeru Miyamoto • Tadashi Sugiyama • Kensuke Tanabe • Takashi Tezuka • Yasuhisa Yamamura
Companies Nintendo (Nintendo EAD • Nintendo EPD) • Animation Magic • Capcom (Flagship) • DIC Entertainment • Grezzo • Koei Tecmo (Omega Force • Team Ninja) • Tantalus Media • Vanpool
Fan works The Legend of Neil • Ben Drowned • Ship of Harkinian • Legend Maker • Zeldathon • "Power of the Triforce" • Stupid Mario Brothers
Related Super Smash Bros. • Soulcalibur II • Tetris DS • Nintendo Land • NES Remix • Sonic Lost World • Mario Kart 8 • Super Mario Maker 2 • Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition • Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore
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