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The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD is a high-definition remaster for the Nintendo Switch system of the 2011 Wii game The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, released worldwide on July 16, 2021. It was developed by Tantalus Media, which also worked on Twilight Princess HD for the Wii U. It features an upgraded resolution and graphics, increased frame-rate, amiibo support, and new button-only controls.[1]
New features
Gameplay
As in the original, Skyward Sword HD features motion controls through the use of two Joy-Cons, but now supports button controls for use in portable mode, the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, and the Nintendo Switch Lite system. For that, the direction of Link's swings are determined by the right joystick.[2]
Resolution and performance
The game's upgraded resolution is displayed up to 1080p in docked mode and 720p in portable mode. In addition to improved graphics, the game runs at 60fps, unlike the original which ran 30fps.[3]
Amiibo
Zelda & Loftwing amiibo
The game has Amiibo support, which wasn't introduced at the time of the original game's release in 2011. It is only compatible with the Zelda and a blue Loftwing figure. Allowing transportion between Skyloft and any location within the surface world, the player must first summon Fi and then select "Use amiibo". Once scanned, they player is given the option to return to the sky or the area the amiibo is first used on the surface world.[4][5]
General
Other changes include controller and interface adjustments.
Differences and changes from the original
Release
The game was released on July 16, 2021 worldwide on the Nintendo Switch.
Reception
The game received generally favorable reviews from critics; praise went towards the improved resolution and new controls, but criticzed for lack of new content, mostly unchanged features, adherence to original graphics, and aspects deemed "outdated" compared to present games in the series. On Metacritic, it has a score of "81" based on 111 reviews.[6]
Pre-release
When first announced, the game was met with mixed reactions, with viewers divided over the game's increased $60 pricing compared to the original's $50. The game's amiibo functionality announcement was also met with backlash, with criticism focused on the pricing of the Zelda and Loftwing figure, but more importantly the fact that it is the only way to access the "fast travel" function.[7][8]
Sales
As of the end of 2021, Nintendo announced that the game had sold 3.85 million units worldwide. As of the end of March 2022, the game reached 3.91 million units sold.
Trivia
- Skyward Sword HD is the first:
- 3D Zelda entry to run at 60fps, and its first re-release to upgrade frame rates.
- Overall, it is the third Zelda game running in that frame rate.
- Wii-exclusive entry to be re-released on Nintendo Switch.
- 3D Zelda entry to run at 60fps, and its first re-release to upgrade frame rates.
- It is the second Zelda game remastered by Australia-based Tantalus Media, following The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD for the Wii U.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD Will Feature amiibo Support, File Size Revealed (Nintendo Life) Date: February 18, 2021. Author: Ryan Craddock.
- ↑ The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD – Announcement Trailer – Nintendo Switch Date: February 17, 2021.
- ↑ Splatoon 3 heads to new, unsplatted territory when it launches on Nintendo Switch in 2022 (Nintendo) Date: February 17, 2021.
- ↑ Zelda and Loftwing amiibo revealed to celebrate Zelda: Skyward Sword HD (Nintendo Everything) Date: May 18, 2021.
- ↑ New Zelda & Loftwing amiibo Figure Launches Alongside The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD on July 16! (Nintendo) Date: May 18, 2021.
- ↑ The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD on Metacritic
- ↑ Zelda fans furious as Skyward Sword HD appears to lock massive feature behind amiibo (Dexerto.com) Date: May 19, 2021. Author: Brent Koepp.
- ↑ Yes, Link's Improved "Fast Travel" In Skyward Sword HD Really Does Seem To Be Locked Behind An amiibo (Nintendo Life) Date: May 19, 2021. Author: Liam Doolan.