WithLegend of Zelda: Skyward Swordsoon to arrive on Nintendo Switch, it’s a good time to re-examine what may be the most underrated mainlineZeldagame. In many ways, it is thedirect predecessor toBreath of the Wild, although the two titles are extremely different in almost every way. At its time,Skyward Swordsuffered from several roadblocks that held it back, but it may discover new life when added to the Switch, as some fans who never played it will have a chance to see it in a new light.
Skyward Swordoriginally came out for the Wii in 2011, near the very end of the console’s life cycle. It had exceptional sword fighting and combat mechanics enabled by motion controls, but by the time it was released, the novelty of motion control had worn off for many consumers. Simultaneously, other areas where motion controls were more of a hindrance than a benefit ended up a lot more glaring than they might once have been. However, the story, music, and level design were an evolution of some of the best features of theZeldafranchise, even ifSkyward Sworddidn’t revolutionize it in the way thatBreath of the Wilddid six years later.
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Skyward Sword’s Linear Level Design
One of the things thatBreath of the Wildexcelled at was enabling a sense of unbridled exploration and discovery. An open world jam-packed with secrets and diversions, the Switch game used modern design to create the same sense of wonder and freedom that made the original games classics.Skyward Sword, by contrast, is far more linear. However, that reflects another staple of classicZeldagame design, found more prominently inOcarina of Time,Twilight Princess, andWind Waker. These games all had relatively linear stories, with players going from one area to another in order, broken up by a large central area to traverse across.
In previous games the central zone was Hyrule Field or a wide expanse of ocean, butSkyward Swordused the open skies as the path from one area to the next. Soaring on a bird to get to new worlds was in itself joyful, and allowed for discovery of side areas and smaller islands much in the same way asWind Waker. This mode of level selection was creative, unique, and free-form, with the ability to leap off of any edge and whistle to be scooped up by a flying mount being one of the highlights of the game.
Then, each individual level and dungeon could be tackled as its own separate chapter. As with classicZeldatitles, the dungeons, puzzles, and exploration in each zone was top notch. In this case, linear level design allowed for engaging, extended puzzle solving and constant palpable progress that all open world games must sacrifice to some degree in the name of player freedom. It’s an older style of game design, but it has a lot of merit when done in a way that plays to its strengths.
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Skyward Sword’s Story
Level design and exploration are up to preference, but one area whereSkyward Swordtruly excelled was in its story.Skyward Swordoffers theorigin story of the entireZeldafranchise, and explains the age old cycle that causes Link to perpetually reincarnate to save Zelda and defeat Ganon. For long-time fans who revel inZeldalore,Skyward Swordwas a treasure trove that beautifully explained the themes that drive the entire franchise. WhileBreath of the Wildoffered tidbits of narrative in the form of memories that didn’t affect gameplay,Skyward Swordwas almost entirely defined by its story.
In the moment to moment story, both Link and Zelda are characterized extremely well, with more depth than practically any other title.Zelda is an active force in the narrative, rather than a passive damsel to be rescued, and Link finds himself constantly chasing after her, just one or two steps behind. The relationship between the hero and the princess, the driving force behind the story of practically everyZeldagame, is explored in a way that brings both characters to life. For that, alongside a fantastic soundtrack,Skyward Sworddeserves high praise.
Gameplay and Mechanics
WhereSkyward Swordwas most divisive was its controls and mechanics. The now-infamous bomb bowling was the bane of many gamers' playthroughs, and themotion controlswere largely a “love it or hate it” experience. Sword combat was well-implemented, allowing players to direct precise swings to get around enemy defenses rather than simply tapping an attack button. In other areas, though, the motion controls of the Wii felt either gimmicky or intrusive, infusingSkyward Swordwith a fatal dose of frustration.
Luckily,Skyward Sword’s arrival on the Switch has the potential to fix the game’s most glaring faults. The motion controls in theSwitchare far more precise than those in the Wii, as the technology has improved to the point that it is less gimmick-like and acts as just another feature. At the same time,Skyward Swordon the Switch will also provide options for using analog controls, which will completely solve the problem for those who want to play on the go or simplify their experience. Hopefully, in its new form,Skyward Swordcan find new life as an improved game on the right platform.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HDlaunches July 16, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.
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