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GAMES The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Review
Posted: 2 years ago, last updated 11 weeks ago.
Author: @GeekDadGamer, Jo Robertson and Ben Kendall.
Overview
The game is the earliest in the Zelda timeline, and tells the story of the origins of the Master Sword. Link must ensure Zelda's safety and stop Ghirahim as he attempts to resurrect his master, Demise.
Fighting enemies makes use of the motion controls of Link's sword and shield. Movements are mapped to the direction the Wii Remote is motioned and enemies are designed to anticipate and block attacks.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD is a version on the Nintendo Switch with optimised motion controls and new button controls. When playing with two Joy-Con controllers, these become your sword and shield. Swing the right Joy-Con to have Link swing his sword in-game and use the left Joy-Con to raise his shield to block enemy attacks.
There are many games in the Zelda series, each received long and focused development from Nintendo:
- The Legend of Zelda (1986) on NES
- The Adventure of Link (1987) on NES
- A Link to the Past (1991) on Super NES and Gameboy Advance, then ported to Wii, Wii U and Switch (as part of Nintendo Online).
- Link's Awakening (1993) on Gameboy then updated for Switch
- Ocarina of Time (1998) on Nintendo 64 then updated for 3D on Nintendo 3DS
- Link’s Awakening DX (1998) on Gameboy Colour
- Majora's Mask (2000) on Nitendo 64 then updated to 3D on Nintendo 3DS
- Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages (2001) on Gameboy Colour
- Four Swords (2002) on Gamecube
- The Wind Waker (2002) on Gamecube then updated in HD on Wii U
- Four Swords Adventures (2004) on Gamecube
- The Minish Cap (2004) on Gameboy Advance
- Twilight Princess (2006) on Wii and Gamecube then in HD on Wii U
- Phantom Hourglass (2007) on Nintendo DS
- Spirit Tracks (2009) on Nintendo DS
- Skyward Sword (2011) on Wii
- A Link Between Worlds (2013) on Nintendo 3DS
- Tri Force Heroes (2015) on Nintendo 3DS
- Breath of the Wild (2017) on Switch
- Breath of the Wild Sequel (TBA) on Switch
Game Details
Release Date: 23/11/2011, updated in 2021
Platforms: Switch, Wii and Wii U
Content Rating: PEGI 12
Skill Rating: 8+ year-olds
Players: 1
Genres: Adventure (Action, Fighting, Narrative, Open World, Physically Active, Puzzle, Role-Play and Stealth)
Accessibility: 20 features
Lists
Duration
Play Style
Age Ratings
Rated for younger players in the US. ESRB EVERYONE 10+ for Animated Blood, Comic Mischief, Fantasy Violence. As players explore dungeons and temples, they use swords, whips, boomerangs, and bows to solve puzzles and defeat fantasy creatures (e.g., skeletons, giant spiders, demons). Some ranged weapons allow players to shoot projectiles (e.g., arrows) from a first-person view; players can perform various swords strikes, including a finishing attack: Link jumps through the air to strike creatures and bosses into the ground. The somewhat frenetic combat is highlighted by slashing effects, cries of pain and colourful splash effects as enemies are hit; enemies usually break apart and disappear in clouds of smoke when defeated. A handful of sequences involve bathroom humour (e.g., a character sitting on a toilet, flushing sounds).
Skill Rating
8+ year-olds usually have the required skill to enjoy this game. Still, it's important for parents and guardians to consider the maturity required to process the game content. You do need good exploration and combat skill for this game. There's quite a bit of reading although this isn't critical to progressing. You can choose whether to use the motions, which can help (or hinder) younger players.
Costs
Accessibility
In the Switch version of the game you can use the (separately purchased) Amiibo characters at any time to create a checkpoint. Tapping the amiibo again returns to the checkpoint. This offers the ability to save as well as fast travel.
The Switch version of the game requires you to hold a button down to be able to control the camera. You also need to quickly execute Left-Right-Left to do a spin attack and click the stick down to use your shield. Also, the dialogue text is smaller on the higher resolution Switch display. You can, however, fast forward text on the Switch by pressing B. The Switch version now provides the name of the character who is speaking, which the Wii version didn't do. Also, the Switch version interrupts play with dialogue less often, and provides players with optional dialogue icons.
The Wii game required you to use motion controllers to trigger attacks and other actions in the game. You can view the bottom mappings on the screen while playing. The game map in dungeons has to be collected before you can use it.
Diversity and Inclusion
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