The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HDbrings the classic RPG from one of Nintendo’s biggest franchises to the Switch and with it, a number of visual improvements, but it also includes a number of quality of life changes as well. The changes brought withThe Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HDhelp bring the game closer to modern standards. The game feeling more modern helps it be more approachable to new players who possibly just started getting into the series with the release ofBreath of the Wild, but it also makes the remaster the definitive way for fans of the game to go back and play it again.
The game also has a number of connections toBreath of the Wild, making it a great next step forplayers who lovedBreath of the Wild. There are even many ideas that originated inSkyward Swordand went on to be very influential forBreath of the Wild, including the game’s stamina system. However, the new remaster givesSkyward Swordeven more modern features, some of which would even be welcome improvements inBreath of the Wild 2.
RELATED:Breath of the Wild Player Tricks Everyone With Glitchy Room Full of Mushrooms
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD Improves Fi’s Hints
Fi is one of the most recognizable characters fromSkyward Sword. She lives inside Link’s sword and offers players guidance throughout their adventure. However, many players come to find Fi more than a little overbearing by the time they reach the end ofSkyward Sword. This is especially true for players who have played the game before or even multiple times. Thankfully, Nintendo listened to this frequent criticism ofSkyward Swordand modified Fi inSkyward Sword HDto give players the option for her to not bother players as much. The change has been very welcome by the community and manySkyward Swordfans think it is a big improvement for Nintendowho usually doesn’t want to alter its older titles.
However, players who do not want to be bothered by Fi’s interruptions throughout the game can still see her tips if they end up needing them.Skyward Sword HDalso added an entire section of the menu that just houses Fi’s information so that players can check it at any time. This is also a great change as it lets players play without Fi’s interruptions while still having the information if they need it. It also lets players recheck the information if they have to, which could be a pretty timely and cumbersome process in the original release ofSkyward Sword. Of course, for players who still want to see the meme of Fi in action, that’s still anoption inSkyward Sword HDas well to preserve the original experience.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD Improves Controls
One of the biggest criticisms levied towardsSkyward Swordby fans of the series was the requirement for players to use motion controls. Since the game was a flagship title for the Wii,Skyward Swordleans heavily into the motion controls. This was successful in giving it unique mechanics and combat, but the Wii controller could often be frustrating and unwieldy to use for many players. However,Skyward Sword HDupdates the controls with the more precise motion control of the Switch so that it is easier for players to be accurate and perform moves likeSkyward Sword HD’s spin attack.
For players who have a Switch Lite, or just don’t want to flail their arms around,Skyward Sword HDalso adds an optional control scheme that removes the motion controls entirely. Instead of utilizing motion controls, the setting sees players controlling the sword using the right analog stick. The set-up can be a bit unwieldy at first, but it is nice to have the option for any players who can’t use the motion controls or don’t want to. It also can provide some extra challenge for experienced players as performing moves likeSkyward Sword HD’s fatal blowcan be pretty tricky to pull off with the stick.Skyward Sword HDalso adds the ability for players to freely control the game’s camera, which is a great addition for players to explore the game’s environments. However, it also can be a bit tricky to use without motion controls enabled.
RELATED:Zelda: The Wind Waker Looks Incredible With Unreal Engine
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD Adds Auto-Saves and Skippable Tutorials
Two of the last big quality of life improvements will undoubtedly be enjoyed by longtime fans of the game. Chiefly, these include the new auto-save feature. WhenSkyward Swordwas released players had to return to specific statues to save, which often led to players losing hours of gameplay to an unlucky death. This could be extremely frustrating and demoralizing, butSkyward Sword HDhas addressed this issue by adding an autosave feature. Players are still able to make manual saves at the statues, but having an autosave to act as a safety net is a very welcome addition, and is one of thebest additions toSkyward Sword HD.
Another big addition comes in the form of skippable tutorials. Of course, many new players would be wise to not take advantage of this feature on their first playthrough, but it is surely a welcome change for fans of the game who are already well versed in how to handle its challenges. Being able to skip the tutorials will help players get through the game’s early hours much faster so that they can get to the good stuff, likeSkyward Sword HD’s dungeons.
Of course, there are a lot ofdifferences made inSkyward Sword HD, but it is great to see how well received the game has been by its dedicated community. It is always great to see an older game get a breath of new life, and it seems that Nintendo has done a great job doing so withSkyward Sword HD. Hopefully, otherThe Legend of Zeldatitles will see similar treatment in the future so that new and returning fans can access them all conveniently as well.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HDis out now for Nintendo Switch.
MORE:Lessons Breath of the Wild 2 Could Take from Immortals: Fenyx Rising
