I’ve always been a fan of this divisive Zelda, though unlike IGN’s reviewer in 2011, I never thought Skyward Sword could quite stand shoulder to shoulder with giants of the series like Ocarina of Time or The Wind Waker. Some missions are better than others, of course, but overall it's a well-crafted adventure you won't soon forget.After rolling credits on The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD on Nintendo Switch, I feel really good about my decision to spend 50+ hours revisiting the Zelda universe’s origin story, warts and all. It gives you a sense of extra purpose to your actions when she's taken. You can feel the admiration and attraction between Link and Zelda when the two are speaking closely. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD also adds new emotion to the story. There are a couple of new additions, too - such as amiibo support, the ability to skip past some (once mandatory) cutscene sequences and tutorials, and being able to summon Fi for help instead of her cutting into your gameplay uninvited - but for the most part, it's the same game. Reading a lot of dialogue might not be in vogue today, but the engaging gameplay will keep players glued to the screen hour after hour. Nostalgia aside, this Nintendo offering also introduces this stellar game to a whole new generation of players. That said, rotating the camera can be a little cumbersome in the button-only mode as the right analog stick doesn't move it as in most games (instead, you need to press the L shoulder button first).
Giving you the option is a welcome addition, and since it's playable on Nintendo Switch, that means this classic adventure is now portable for the first time. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD gives you the choice to play with motion controls or not, which is important since the motion controls are still somewhat inaccurate, and thus frustrating, like those in the game it's based on. While this is a 10-year-old revamp of a Wii title, it hasn't lost a single step in that whole time, and a new generation of players will love this title. You can use the Nintendo Switch controls without motion as well - an option not available with this game's predecessor. You can raise your shield during combat or to perform a preemptive shield bash against an opponent as well. Whether you're holding the controller skyward (up) to charge its magic, slicing diagonally, jabbing forward, or performing a spin attack, all the actions are mirrored in the game. Like the original 2011 game for Nintendo Wii, players can detach the Jo圜on controllers from each side of the Nintendo Switch and use the integrated motion controllers to synchronize their real-world movements with Link's swordplay. But much of the gameplay focuses on exploring vast lands (including multiple dungeons, towns, and deserts), bypassing traps and other obstacles, and engaging in real-time combat. You choose the direction, flap the bird's wings, and press a button for a temporary speed burst. Link can also hop on the back of a giant bird, known as a Loftwing, and soar the unfriendly skies.
To aid in his quest, Link is presented with the magical Skyward Sword, which houses a spiritual aid named Fi, who can provide Link with some guidance when he needs it. Zelda - who is not yet a princess in this prequel to The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time - was snatched from the peaceful floating islands of Skyloft and taken to the dangerous surface world below. THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: SKYWARD SWORD HD stars a young Link, who vows to rescue his childhood companion, Zelda, who was kidnapped by an evil force.