The Hidden Gem: Unveiling the Overlooked Skyward Sword Location in Tears of the Kingdom

Highlights

In Tears of the Kingdom, the Great Sky Island fails to offer the diversity and distinctiveness it could have had by incorporating beloved locations from Skyloft.

Skyloft in Skyward Sword possessed a charming ambiance that had the potential to transform the Great Sky Island into a truly unforgettable initial location. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom took a significant leap forward compared to Breath of the Wild, offering more mechanical upgrades, a stronger focus on storytelling, and endless opportunities for enjoyment. As these two games achieved great success, Nintendo has made a commitment to persist with the new Zelda formula, which is an exhilarating prospect. However, this could result in previous games becoming retro sooner than expected.

However, not only do some games stand as tall as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, but they also have components that the latter should definitely take inspiration from. While Skyward Sword did have its flaws, it also got a lot of things right. One of the standout features was Skyloft, a place that exuded a whimsical atmosphere and added significant value to the overall series. Consequently, it was quite disappointing to learn that the 2023 release failed to build upon the foundation it had established.

Skyloft in a Different Time Could Have Been Fascinating

Although The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword may not have received the same level of praise as The Wind Waker or Majora's Mask, it is still a self-contained experience that poses a challenge for Nintendo to reference. Despite the ongoing debate regarding its use of motion controls, many players found enjoyment in the vibrant and uplifting setting of Skyloft. This peaceful haven provided a welcome respite from the game's more intense moments, and revisiting the diverse cast of side characters gave Link a sense of purpose and motivation.

Tears of the Kingdom’s Great Sky Island Lacked Identity

The Switch mainline Zelda games both depict Hyrule's Castle Town in a state of decay, symbolizing a decline in the land's prosperity and lending a sense of vast geographical and historical significance to the setting. This nostalgic element resonates with long-time fans who fondly remember exploring the area in Ocarina of Time. However, it is disappointing that the Great Sky Island in these games does not possess any noticeable connections to Skyloft, a missed opportunity considering that Skyward Sword is the game that initiates the often perplexing Zelda timeline.

The Great Sky Island in Tears of the Kingdom didn't stand out in terms of tone or aesthetics compared to the other floating land masses scattered across Hyrule's skies. Like most of them, it had a yellow hue, serving as a distinguishing feature from the land below. However, after spending the initial hours on the island, players would realize that the presentation was replicated elsewhere, causing the starting area to feel like a mere miniature version of the expansive world they would later explore. The absence of diversity among these islands was a minor yet valid letdown.

The Great Plateau in Breath of the Wild bears some resemblance to Tears of the Kingdom. However, it is disappointing to see Nintendo relying on a familiar format to equip Link for his upcoming adventures, especially when Tears of the Kingdom exhibits significant advancements over its predecessor. By incorporating elements from Skyloft, such as the Bazaar, Knight's Academy, and the Lumpy Pumpkin, whether in pristine condition or as remnants of the past, the Great Sky Island could have carried a more significant narrative weight. This inclusion would have greatly rewarded long-time followers of Link's journey. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is currently available on the Nintendo Switch.