The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD brings one of the most unique entries in the long-running franchise to the Nintendo Switch with improved visuals and enhanced controls. Originally released for the Wii in 2011, Skyward Sword was praised for its storytelling and motion-controlled swordplay, but also faced criticism due to its technical limitations. With the HD remaster, players can now enjoy the experience with a smoother frame rate, refined graphics, and the option for traditional button controls. This version gives both veterans and newcomers a chance to explore the origins of the Zelda timeline in a fresh, more accessible way.
Setting and Storyline
The Birth of the Master Sword
Skyward Sword HD is chronologically the first story in the Zelda timeline. It explores the creation of the legendary Master Sword and the deep bond between Link and Zelda. Set in the floating city of Skyloft, the game follows Link as he descends to the surface world below, discovering lost civilizations, fighting ancient evils, and fulfilling his destiny as the hero chosen by the goddess Hylia.
A Personal and Emotional Journey
What sets Skyward Sword apart from other Zelda titles is its emotional focus. The relationship between Link and Zelda is more personal than ever before. Instead of being a distant princess, Zelda is portrayed as Link’s childhood friend, adding depth and urgency to the quest. As the story unfolds, players witness their connection grow stronger while also facing the emergence of the dark threat known as Demise.
Gameplay Enhancements in the HD Version
Refined Motion Controls
The original game relied heavily on Wii MotionPlus to replicate 1:1 sword movements. In the HD version, these motion controls return using the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers. Swinging the right Joy-Con allows players to mimic sword slashes, while the left Joy-Con manages the shield and other items. Improvements to responsiveness and precision make combat feel more natural than in the original release.
New Button Control Scheme
One of the biggest additions in Skyward Sword HD is the option to use button-only controls. This allows players to swing Link’s sword using the right analog stick, making the game playable in handheld mode, on the Switch Lite, or for those who prefer traditional input methods. It’s a welcome alternative that opens the game up to a wider audience, addressing one of the main criticisms of the original version.
Visual and Performance Upgrades
Enhanced Graphics
The remastered version brings the art style of Skyward Sword to life in 1080p resolution when docked, and 720p in handheld mode. The painterly visuals remain intact but look sharper and more vibrant. Character models, environments, and lighting have all received subtle improvements that make the world more immersive while staying true to the original aesthetic.
Smoother Frame Rate
Performance is noticeably better in Skyward Sword HD, running at a consistent 60 frames per second. This increase in frame rate enhances the responsiveness of controls and the fluidity of gameplay. Whether you’re exploring dense forests or battling enemies in temples, the experience feels more modern and polished.
Exploration and World Design
Skyloft and the Surface World
The game is divided between Skyloft a floating island that serves as the main hub and various surface regions that players unlock throughout the journey. Unlike the open-world design of later Zelda games like Breath of the Wild, Skyward Sword features more linear environments. Each area is densely packed with puzzles, hidden items, and enemies, encouraging thorough exploration.
Unique Regional Design
There are three main regions on the surface: Faron Woods, Eldin Volcano, and Lanayru Desert. Each has a distinct look, atmosphere, and gameplay focus. For example:
- Faron Woods: A lush forest filled with Bokoblins, Deku Babas, and flowing rivers.
- Eldin Volcano: A fiery terrain filled with lava puzzles and Mogma miners.
- Lanayru Desert: A dry, sandy expanse with time-shift mechanics and ancient technology.
Dungeons and Puzzle Solving
Creative Dungeon Design
The dungeons in Skyward Sword HD continue the Zelda tradition of clever puzzle-solving and intense boss battles. Each dungeon introduces new mechanics and items, such as the Beetle, Whip, or Gust Bellows. The puzzles often require players to think spatially and use sword movements creatively to unlock paths or defeat enemies.
Boss Fights and Enemies
Boss encounters are a highlight of the game, each requiring a specific strategy based on the dungeon’s theme and tools. One of the recurring bosses is Ghirahim, a flamboyant and sinister antagonist who tests Link’s swordplay in different ways. These battles are designed to take full advantage of the game’s directional combat system, making each victory feel earned and satisfying.
Item Management and Upgrades
Inventory and Gear
Link’s gear evolves throughout the adventure, with items like the bow, bombs, and slingshot returning in new forms. The inventory system is clean and easily navigated with the directional pad or touch screen. Players can collect materials from the environment to upgrade their gear, improving item efficiency and usefulness.
Shields and Potions
Shields play a more active role in Skyward Sword than in many other Zelda games. They have durability and must be maintained or replaced if broken. Players can also visit potion shops in Skyloft to brew custom mixtures that restore health, increase stamina, or provide temporary resistance to damage.
Quality-of-Life Improvements
Skippable Cutscenes and Dialogue
One major improvement in the HD version is the ability to skip cutscenes and speed through dialogue, addressing complaints about pacing in the original game. Fi, your robotic companion and guide, also provides fewer interruptions, allowing for smoother gameplay.
Streamlined Saving and Navigation
The game now includes autosave points alongside manual save statues, reducing the risk of losing progress. Fast travel is also improved, especially when using compatible amiibo, making it easier to move between Skyloft and the surface world.
Reception and Legacy
A Second Chance for Skyward Sword
When it first launched, Skyward Sword received praise for its story and innovation but was held back by divisive controls and technical constraints. With the HD remaster, many of these issues have been addressed, and the game is now better appreciated for its ambitious design and narrative depth. Critics and fans have noted that the improved performance and new control scheme help Skyward Sword HD stand out as a worthy installment in the Zelda series.
Connection to the Zelda Timeline
As the origin point of the Zelda timeline, Skyward Sword HD provides essential context for many recurring elements in the franchise, including the origin of the Master Sword, the cycle of reincarnation, and the ongoing battle between good and evil. It serves as a thematic and narrative foundation for the adventures that follow, making it an important entry for any fan seeking a deeper understanding of Hyrule’s lore.
Zelda: Skyward Sword HD revitalizes a game that was once polarizing and gives it new life on the Nintendo Switch. With enhanced visuals, smoother gameplay, and multiple control options, it is now more enjoyable and accessible than ever before. The emotional story, engaging dungeons, and unique art style ensure that this remaster not only honors the original but enhances it. Whether revisiting the tale or experiencing it for the first time, Skyward Sword HD delivers a meaningful and memorable adventure worthy of the Zelda legacy.