The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD is Nintendo’s big release this year which celebrates the series’ 35th anniversary. It’s also the game’s 10th anniversary all on its own from the Wii launch in 2011. Not much has changed between the Wii and Switch versions but Nintendo did enough to make it an easier experience to enjoy. Whether or not this will be the only remaster for Zelda this year remains to be seen.
To those that tried the Wii game and didn’t like it, there are reasons to try it again on Switch. Besides the new additions, there are also a few things worth pointing out about Skyward Sword HD itself to help beginners. It’s not the easiest game in the series to grasp, so these tips should help smooth the experience.
What Has Changed?
That’s the big question on the minds of fans who are on the fence about picking Skyward Sword up again. The controls are the game’s biggest change, allowing for button integration rather than motion play. All three save slots can now be used by the same player. That’s different than most Zelda games which usually have players focus on just one slot.
Fi does not pop up as much. Item notifications are also less obtrusive meaning players can get to the action faster without having to sit through constant interruptions in the field from Fi or items. This applies to cutscenes as well which can be skipped. Not all of them can, but most which is a plus.
The Pros And Cons Of Each Control Setup
Here is how each setup works for the controls. With motion controls, the Joy-Cons must obviously be detached from the Switch. This means handheld mode is almost off-limits unless one really likes using that kickstand. These controls have at least been improved from the Wii version, giving players better tracking thanks to the Switch.
Another new addition is the free camera. Since all actions use motions from swinging a sword to flying, this means the right stick is used solely for the camera. The button configuration uses the right stick for all motion actions though. It works well enough but it can be tricky to flick the stick in the right direction to slice up enemies. In order to control the camera players have to hold down the L button at the same time as using the right stick which can be confusing.
What’s the best setup then? Neither is ideal. It all depends on what one is doing in Skyward Sword HD. If it’s exploring, the button configuration works well enough. For the more in-depth enemy encounters it is recommended to switch to the motion controls. This is especially true for the bosses.
Cutting Grass Is Still Invaluable
If there is one classic element that has spanned across the entire Zelda series, it’s cutting grass to find rupees. It's not as easy to cut through grass using either control method but it should still be done if one is hard-pressed for cash or other items.
It should also be mentioned that Skyward Sword HD still uses wallets that can be upgraded. Be careful when finding huge amounts of treasure. Those rupees might get lost if that wallet is too full.
Take Out The Bokoblin Leaders
This series is not really known for stealth action although some games have incorporated it. Ocarina of Time had young Link run through bushes in the Hyrule garden. Toon Link had to sneak through a fortress in The Wind Waker. Even though stealth has been present, Nintendo has surprisingly never added what amounts to a true stealth mode.
It would be a nice touch for Skyward Sword HD if one was added especially as there are times when it is needed. For example, there are some Bokoblins that wear bandannas. These Bokoblins are leaders that can call for backup. If one is fast enough they can slay these leaders before they can toot that horn. It’s just not that easy as the gameplay presents itself now. Practice makes perfect though so try it out.
The Slingshot Is Great For Paving The Way
One way to take out Bokoblin leaders is by sniping them with the slingshot. However, sometimes a single shot isn’t enough which is why the sneaky approach is recommended. There are cases where the slingshot does come in handy early on in Skyward Sword HD though.
There are quite a few rope bridges in the game like in that first temple area. These rope supports often have enemies waiting on the other side, beehives dangling above them or exploding seeds attached directly. Shooting down the last two is recommended. As for bigger enemies like Bokoblins, start by climbing out onto the rope so that they mimic Link. Then double back and take the shot so that they fall off in a single hit. The slingshot is also handy to take out Octoroks. If players don’t listen to Fi and buy a shield in Skyloft, they will have an ordinary wooden shield. This is good for a few fights but the Octorok rocks can break it easily. How does one fight this enemy if they have no shield? It’s easy. Dodge their rocks and then counter with a slingshot. This will stun them long enough to go in for the kill with the sword.
Get The Amiibo, Or Wait To Play Until You Do
One of the best additions in Skyward Sword HD is going to cost fans a pretty penny. The Loftwing and Zelda Amiibo is $25 on top of the normal $60 for the game. That’s if people can find it. The new Amiibo has proven to be hard to obtain due to short supply chains. It might be best to wait to try this title until the Amiibo is more readily available, as it comes with an incredibly useful perk.
The Amiibo allows players to warp into the sky at any point in Skyward Sword HD and then return to that exact spot on the surface. The normal method involves Link using statues, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s just more convenient with the Amiibo. Patient players might benefit from waiting a little longer.