Skyward Sword Website Update – Two New Areas and More

The Japanese Skyward Sword website has updated the world map with two new sections of the first area of the overworld and some new information about the sky. These two new areas include many things that we’ve seen in older trailers but haven’t gotten much attention recently. This update includes screenshots, artwork, videos, and (Japanese) descriptions.

First, there were two minor additions to the Skyloft section. A description of the bug-catching and potion-upgrading system was added, along with a closer look at the roulette-shaped island shown in Skyward Sword issue of GameInformer. The rest of the updates contain some pretty heavy spoilers, so be warned before you click inside!

First, there’s an extension off Faron Woods called “Ancient Cistern.” We’ve seen a bit of this area in recent trailers, identifiable by stone paths cutting through water. It appears that this area will also be home to another dungeon, which contains the Shiva Statue (unofficial name) from older trailers toward the beginning of 2011. The whip also appears to be an important item here.

The next area is called “Lake Floria,” and is home to a new aquatic race or two.

Starting at Lake Floria, the first section shows a screenshot with opaque water. It’s interesting that they’re using both styles when appropriate. The next image shows Link with an air meter, out of the water… I’m not sure what’s going on there. A new enemy (presumably) is also shown. The next section displays official artwork for the new seahorse-like race which is depicted in the game’s intro. ZeldaDungeon forum user blubb translates their name as “Barage.” This may be localized differently though.

The next two sections show more views of the newer character from the last update, as well as an explanation of swimming. It seems that Link can use a new technique while swimming to do a spinning leap out of the water, similar to when he’s wearing the Zora Mask in Majora’s Mask. Of note, the symbol of Farore – the goddess of Courage, usually associated with the Kokiri and forests – is displayed on the new character’s “chair,” and even as an icon above the videos at the site. This is part of the forest section of the overworld, so it isn’t too out-of-place. I expect to see a larger water area (perhaps an ocean) in one of the unrevealed sections.

Looking at the Lake Floria video, it gives a nice demonstration of diving and swimming underwater. The Barage seems friendly and will guide Link along. Skyward Sword is taking a cue from classic Sonic and using air bubbles to replenish the blue air meter. After witnessing an impressive leap over a gate, we’re treated with some dialog with the new character. I thought it was related to the Silent Realm when we first saw it in the last update, but that appears to not be the case. The video ends with Link entering the Ancient Cistern dungeon.

Inside this dungeon, you’ll find the Whip. Slightly redesigned from earlier showings, this whip shares many of the functions of Spirit Tracks’ Whip. It can be used to swing across gaps Indiana Jones style, or to interact with objects with rings, among other uses. There’s also a very sinister area that is home to zombified Bokoblins. The artwork for the Shiva Statue (“Da Irugoma” – again, most likely not its English name) is great, and you’ll notice that Link is using a very large sword in one of the screenshots. One of my favorite things about Wind Waker was that you could pick up your fallen foes’ weapons and use them against their allies, and I’m glad that something like this has been brought to Skyward Sword.

The website also features a video of scenes inside the Ancient Cistern dungeon. Like the Skyview Temple (as well as Twilight Princess’ Lakebed Temple), it contains a large central room with a prominent structure in the middle. This one has a very Southeast Asian feel, and resembles the temple’s boss. In terms of enemies, I spy what looks like a Kargorok and a Blue Zol. Puzzles involve activating switches (with the whip, probably) next to doors (probably to unlock them), and raising pillars with the whip to activate water spouts. Da Irugoma’s arms are detachable using the whip, seemingly the primary strategy to defeating it.

Source: Japanese Skyward Sword website
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