The Impact of a Singular Pillar in Zelda: Skyward Sword HD and its Influence on Future Games

Article Key Points

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD on the Nintendo Switch features several upgrades, including toned-down hand-holding, an autosave feature, and multiple control options.

Compared to other Zelda games such as Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, Skyward Sword HD provides a greater range of motion mechanics and control options. Players can easily switch between button-based and motion-based controls, offering a wider breadth of gameplay.

The success and potential of Skyward Sword HD's motion controls suggest that they may reappear in a future Zelda title. It is possible that the next game will feature a hybrid control scheme, further enhancing the sword combat and item manipulation experience.

Beyond The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, the Nintendo Switch has a rich collection of Zelda spin-offs. From Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, a side game of Breath of the Wild, to Cadence of Hyrule, a crossover with Crypt of the NecroDancer, there is something for every fan. One of these spin-offs is The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD, a remastered version of the Wii exclusive. However, Skyward Sword HD received far more upgrades than its title suggests.

Apart from enhancing the stylized visuals of Skyward Sword at a higher resolution, several changes were made to differentiate it from its original version. The game's excessive hand-holding and interruptions from the character Fi were significantly reduced. Additionally, new features like autosave and the ability to skip cutscenes were introduced. Controversially, owners of the Skyward Sword's Loftwing Zelda amiibo gained limited fast travel options. However, the most remarkable addition to Skyward Sword HD was its multiple control options. The original game heavily relied on the motion tracking of the Wii, so the option to play without motion controls was a surprising departure. Nevertheless, the original motion controls were still available, hinting at their possible return in a future Zelda installment.

How Motion Controls Work In Recent Zelda Games

While Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom have incorporated motion controls in their gameplay, they pale in comparison to the extensive range of motion mechanics and control choices found in Skyward Sword HD. When comparing these games, two distinct approaches to the concept become apparent.

How Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom Use Motion Controls

Most of the motion control functionality in the open world Zelda games is shared, serving as a supplement to the existing mechanics controlled by buttons. However, there are a few exceptions. For instance, the Switch's gyro sensor is used for manual aiming of Link's bows and thrown weapons, as well as rotating certain puzzle devices found in and around Shrines. Interestingly, the controls for moving and rotating items in BotW's Magnesis and TotK's Ultrahand do not offer any motion-based options.

How Zelda: Skyward Sword HD Uses Motion Controls

Skyward Sword HD offers a distinct departure from its predecessor by allowing players to seamlessly transition between button-based and motion-based control schemes. In the original Skyward Sword, the emphasis was placed on showcasing the 1:1 capabilities of the Wii Motion Plus, requiring players to rely heavily on motion controls throughout their gameplay. Whether it was Link's sword mirroring the player's swings, maintaining balance on ropes, or engaging in first-person sword pointing for dowsing, motion controls were an integral and continuous aspect of the Skyward Sword experience. Moreover, the game introduced unique abilities such as determining whether to throw or roll a bomb and delicately managing tools like the Whip and the Beetle, elevating it to a truly exceptional adventure.

The Next Legend of Zelda Could Bring Motion Controls Back

Skyward Sword's motion controls, with their untapped potential, could potentially make a comeback in a future Zelda title. While it may be a few years before a mainline Zelda game arrives on the Nintendo Switch 2, it is possible that the game will support the various control schemes tested in Skyward Sword HD. Assuming the Switch 2 has Joy-Con remotes, players could have the option to interact with the game in a similar way as in Skyward Sword.

A new Zelda title specifically designed to support hybrid controls may not have as many sections dedicated to them as Skyward Sword, but their inclusion can bring certain advantages. Motion controls greatly enhance the experience of using Zelda items and weapons, and fans of Skyward Sword's combat often consider it the best in the series. The precise control of a sword and the accurate aim of items create a satisfying gameplay experience and allow for realistic approaches to combat and puzzles. Drawing from the feedback received from Skyward Sword HD's control improvements, the next Zelda game has the potential to further enhance this aspect, which is considered to be Skyward Sword's greatest strength.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

On the Nintendo Wii, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword took gamers on an immersive adventure that fully utilized the motion controller. With the Wii Remote, players could engage in thrilling sword fights, slashing through enemies with precision and skill. While not initially receiving the same level of attention as some other Zelda games, Skyward Sword has since gained a devoted following and is widely regarded as one of the standout experiences in the beloved series.

Franchise The Legend of ZeldaPlatform(s) WiiDeveloper(s) NintendoPublisher(s) Nintendo

Editor's P/S

1. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD is a unique game in the Zelda series due to its use of motion controls. These controls allow for a more immersive and engaging experience, as players feel like they are actually wielding Link's sword and shield. The game also features a number of other improvements over the original Wii version, such as toned-down hand-holding, an autosave feature, and multiple control options.

2. I believe that the motion controls in Skyward Sword HD are a great example of how Nintendo can use the unique features of the Switch to create new and innovative gaming experiences. I hope that Nintendo will continue to experiment with motion controls in future Zelda games, as I believe they have the potential to add a lot to the series.