Zelda: Unleashing the Power of Skyward Sword - Tears of the Kingdom Revealed

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is the culmination of over 30 years of development and innovation. While introducing new elements like the comprehensive crafting system known as Tears of the Kingdom, much of the game's world draws inspiration from previous installments. One notable addition to the game's map, shared with Breath of the Wild from 2017, is Hyrule's floating islands. These islands were first introduced in Skyward Sword as significant locations, but Tears of the Kingdom expands on them greatly, incorporating a wealth of content and providing a meaningful context within the game's expansive world.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is the latest installment in the beloved Zelda franchise. Following the journey of Link, players are tasked with confronting the resurrected Ganondorf, the mastermind behind the catastrophic Great Calamity in Breath of the Wild. Utilizing the mystical powers bestowed by the Zonai, Link embarks on a mission to retrieve the legendary Master Sword and rescue Zelda, who has become displaced in time. In order to achieve this goal, Link must seek the assistance of the Sages, instrumental figures in Ganondorf's previous defeat. Along the way, Link uncovers a multitude of floating islands scattered high above Hyrule, as well as a mysterious hidden realm concealed deep beneath the surface.

Skyward Sword's Floating Islands Failed to Stand Out

In 2011, Nintendo released The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword for the Wii. Alongside innovative motion controls, the game was intended to feature a variety of floating islands, including a new kingdom called Skyloft. Despite the initial marketing and concept materials suggesting that a significant portion of the game's story would be set in the skies, the floating islands ended up taking a backseat to the surface of Hyrule, where most of the narrative unfolded. As a result, the game received some criticism.

The floating islands in Skyward Sword seemed to lack sufficient substance and context, leaving players to question their purpose. These locations were created as a result of the Goddess Hylia's efforts to protect the people of Hyrule from the ancient evil known as Demise. However, when the game resumes centuries later, only a handful of these sky environments are actually functional. While the game's prologue introduces players to the modern Skyloft and its traditions, much of their time in the air is spent navigating on a loftwing to specific areas that serve as gateways to more significant locations on Hyrule's surface.

Tears of the Kingdom's Sky Islands Are Essential to its World

Content:

The sky islands in Tears of the Kingdom play a vital role in Link's mission. In contrast to Skyward Sword's floating islands, these sky islands hold valuable Zonai technology, Shrines, weapons, shields, skills, and a unique armor set, all essential for Link's journey. Furthermore, these islands have a profound connection to Hyrule's history, allowing Link to discover the past of both Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild.

As a result, the sky islands in Tears of the Kingdom serve as the setting for many dungeons, where Link can recruit and empower Sages, driving the main storyline forward. Unlike Skyward Sword, Tears of the Kingdom provides a more compelling and coherent explanation for the presence of the sky islands, as they are connected to the surface world rather than being a separate realm.

When Ganondorf is revived in the prologue of the game, Hyrule Castle and other parts of Hyrule are lifted into the clouds, forming sky islands. These newly created islands grant passage to ancient and enigmatic dungeons. In addition, the emergence of the sky islands opens up the path for Link to explore the Depths, as the resulting holes in Hyrule's surface provide access to the underground map.

Experience The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on Nintendo Switch.