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<onlyinclude>{{Infobox|game
<section begin=infobox />{{Infobox|game
| name = ''Skyward Sword''
| name = ''Skyward Sword''
| logo = [[File:Skyward-Sword-Logo.png]]
| logo = [[File:SSLogo.png|400px]]
| boxart = [[File:Skyward Sword NA Box Art.jpg]]
| boxart = [[File:Skyward Sword NA Box Art.jpg]]
| release [[Nintendo Wii]] =  
| release [[Nintendo Wii]] =  
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{{Region|au|y=2011|m=11|d=24}}
{{Region|au|y=2011|m=11|d=24}}
{{Region|kr|y=2011|m=11|d=24}}
{{Region|kr|y=2011|m=11|d=24}}
| release [[Nintendo Wii U]] eShop =
{{Region|na|y=2016|m=9|d=1}}
{{Region|eu|y=2016|m=9|d=1}}
| release [[Nintendo Switch]]<br/>(''[[The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD|Skyward Sword HD]]'') =
{{Region|ww|y=2021|m=7|d=16}}
| developer = [[Nintendo EAD]]
| developer = [[Nintendo EAD]]
| producer = [[Shigeru Miyamoto]]<br>[[Eiji Aonuma]]
| producer = [[Shigeru Miyamoto]]<br/>[[Eiji Aonuma]]
| director = [[Hidemaro Fujibayashi]]
| director = [[Hidemaro Fujibayashi]]
| walkthrough =  
| walkthrough =  
[http://www.zeldadungeon.net/Zelda14-skyward-sword-walkthrough.php Text Walkthrough]
[https://www.zeldadungeon.net/skyward-sword-walkthrough/ Text Walkthrough]
[http://www.zeldadungeon.net/Zelda14-skyward-sword-video-walkthrough.php Video Walkthrough]
[https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL57E94FEF25A56A19 Video Walkthrough]
| guides =  
| guides =  
[http://www.zeldadungeon.net/Zelda14-skyward-sword-goddess-cubes.php Goddess Cubes]
[[Skyward Sword Bosses|Bosses]]
[http://www.zeldadungeon.net/Zelda14-skyward-sword-gratitude-crystals.php Gratitude Crystals]
[[Skyward Sword Bottles|Bottles]]
[http://www.zeldadungeon.net/Zelda14-skyward-sword-pieces-of-heart.php Pieces of Heart]
[[Skyward Sword Bugs|Bugs]]
[http://www.zeldadungeon.net/Zelda14-skyward-sword-bosses.php Bosses]
[[Skyward Sword Characters|Characters]]
[http://www.zeldadungeon.net/Zelda14-skyward-sword-enemies.php Enemies]
[[Skyward Sword Enemies|Enemies]]
[http://www.zeldadungeon.net/Zelda14-skyward-sword-items.php Items]
[[Skyward Sword Goddess Cubes|Goddess Cubes]]
[http://www.zeldadungeon.net/Zelda14-skyward-sword-upgrades.php Upgrades]
[[Skyward Sword Gratitude Crystals|Gratitude Crystals]]
[http://www.zeldadungeon.net/Zelda14-skyward-sword-characters.php Characters]
[[:Category:Skyward Sword Items|Items]]
[http://www.zeldadungeon.net/Zelda14-skyward-sword-story.php Story]
[[Skyward Sword Heart Pieces|Pieces of Heart]]
[[Skyward Sword Story|Story]]
[[Skyward Sword Treasure|Treasure]]
[[Skyward Sword Upgrades|Upgrades]]
| gallery =  
| gallery =  
[http://zeldadungeon.net/gallery/index.php?cat=23 Image Gallery]
[https://zeldadungeon.net/gallery/index.php?cat=23 Image Gallery]
[http://zeldadungeon.net/gallery/index.php?cat=101 Official Artwork]
[https://zeldadungeon.net/gallery/index.php?cat=101 Official Artwork]
[http://zeldadungeon.net/gallery/index.php?cat=102 Screenshots]
[https://zeldadungeon.net/gallery/index.php?cat=102 Screenshots]
| videos =
}}<section end=infobox />
[http://www.zeldadungeon.net/Zelda14-skyward-sword-videos.php Videos]
}}</onlyinclude>


{{ZD|[http://www.zeldadungeon.net/Zelda14-skyward-sword-walkthrough.php ''Skyward Sword'' Walkthrough]}}
{{ZD|[https://www.zeldadungeon.net/skyward-sword-walkthrough/ ''Skyward Sword'' Walkthrough]}}


'''''The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword''''' is the sixteenth installment in the [[The Legend of Zelda (Series)|''The Legend of Zelda'' series]]. The game is said to be the earliest in the [[Timeline]] as of now, taking place before ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|Ocarina of Time]]''. The game features the use of the Nintendo Wii MotionPlus to provide 1:1 motion controls, allowing players more accurate control to [[Link]]'s Sword, items, and many other aspects of the game. The game was released worldwide throughout November 2011, with a special edition bundle being available in most regions that includes a Gold Wii Remote Plus bearing the Zelda symbol and a soundtrack containing a variety of orchestrated songs from ''The Legend of Zelda'' [[The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary|25th Anniversary]] Symphony Concert. ''Skyward Sword'' is said to be the longest Zelda game in development.
'''''The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword''''' is the sixteenth installment in [[The Legend of Zelda (Series)|''The Legend of Zelda'' series]]. The game is said to be the earliest in the [[Timeline]] as of now, taking place before ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|Ocarina of Time]]''. The game features the use of the Nintendo Wii MotionPlus to provide 1:1 motion controls, allowing players more accurate control to [[Link]]'s Sword, items, and many other aspects of the game. The game was released worldwide throughout November 2011, with a special edition bundle being available in most regions that includes a Gold Wii Remote Plus bearing the Zelda symbol and a soundtrack containing a variety of orchestrated songs from ''The Legend of Zelda'' [[The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary|25th Anniversary]] Symphony Concert. ''Skyward Sword'' is said to be the longest Zelda game in development.
 
In the February 17th, 2021 Nintendo Direct, a [[The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD|HD remake]] was announced for the [[Nintendo Switch]] for release on July 16th, 2021.


==Story==
==Story==
{{Main|Skyward Sword Story}}
[[File:Goddess's_Harp.png|35px|left]]{{Main|Skyward Sword Story}}
Long ago, the Goddess [[Hylia]] rescued her people from a great evil by sending them to the sky. Here, in [[Skyloft]], they lived until the land below had been virtually forgotten, until the evil begins to resurface and plucks [[Zelda]] from the sky. Link, her childhood friend, must go down to the surface and prevent Lord [[Ghirahim]] from using her to fully revive his master. This story is a precursor to many elements in ''Ocarina of Time'', such as the [[Master Sword]].
Long ago, the Goddess [[Hylia]] rescued her people from a great evil by sending them to the sky. Here, in [[Skyloft]], they lived until the land below had been virtually forgotten, until the evil begins to resurface and plucks [[Zelda]] from the sky. Link, her childhood friend, must go down to the surface and prevent Lord [[Ghirahim]] from using her to fully revive his master. This story is a precursor to many elements in ''Ocarina of Time'', such as the [[Master Sword]].


Line 44: Line 52:
The world of ''Skyward Sword'' features a vast array of both familiar and new faces from the series. The main characters that are featured include Link, Zelda (who is not of royalty this time around), and a new villain Demon Lord Ghirahim. Supporting characters have often been inspired by previous games often linking story elements with their new incarnations. There are a few character cameos from ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|The Wind Waker]]'', as well as ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask|Majora's Mask]]'' and ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|Twilight Princess]]''.
The world of ''Skyward Sword'' features a vast array of both familiar and new faces from the series. The main characters that are featured include Link, Zelda (who is not of royalty this time around), and a new villain Demon Lord Ghirahim. Supporting characters have often been inspired by previous games often linking story elements with their new incarnations. There are a few character cameos from ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|The Wind Waker]]'', as well as ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask|Majora's Mask]]'' and ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|Twilight Princess]]''.


{{:Category:Skyward Sword Characters}}
{{Galbox|Skyward Sword Characters}}


==Races==
==Races==
Line 56: Line 64:
Many of the enemy models are based on the enemies of ''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past|A Link to the Past]]'', like the similarities between the [[Bokoblin]]s of ''Skyward Sword'' and the [[Moblin]]s of ''A Link to the Past''.
Many of the enemy models are based on the enemies of ''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past|A Link to the Past]]'', like the similarities between the [[Bokoblin]]s of ''Skyward Sword'' and the [[Moblin]]s of ''A Link to the Past''.


{{:Category:Skyward Sword Enemies}}
{{Galbox|Skyward Sword Enemies}}


==Bosses==
==Bosses==
The bosses of ''Skyward Sword'' follow a pattern similar to those seen in previous games of the franchise. Each main dungeon features a final boss, and most of the dungeons also feature one or more minibosses within and throughout the dungeons, before the final boss. The only exception is [[The Imprisoned]], which is fought in between various missions, in a dedicated arena named "[[Sealed Grounds|The Sealed Grounds]]".
The bosses of ''Skyward Sword'' follow a pattern similar to those seen in previous games of the franchise. Each main dungeon features a final boss, and most of the dungeons also feature one or more minibosses within and throughout the dungeons, before the final boss. The only exception is [[The Imprisoned]], which is fought in between various missions, in a dedicated arena named "[[Sealed Grounds|The Sealed Grounds]]".


{{TabSettings|SSBosses}}<div class="tab">
{{Galbox|Skyward Sword Bosses}}
{{Tab|1|Bosses}}
{{Tab|2|Mini-Bosses}}
</div>
<div class="tabcontent">
{{TabContent|1|{{:Category:Skyward Sword Bosses}}}}
{{TabContent|2|{{:Category:Skyward Sword Mini-Bosses}}}}
</div>


==Items==
==Items==
''Skyward Sword'' features fewer items than previous games like ''Twilight Princess'' and ''Ocarina of Time'', but most of them are upgradable and/or customizable in many ways. To upgrade an item, Link will have to gather a required amount of selected collectibles. These collectibles are sometimes dropped by monsters just like in ''The Wind Waker'', but sometimes they can be found scattered about the world as for example hidden treasures.
''Skyward Sword'' features fewer items than previous games like ''Twilight Princess'' and ''Ocarina of Time'', but most of them are upgradable and/or customizable in many ways. To [[Skyward Sword Upgrades|upgrade]] an item, Link will have to gather a required amount of selected collectibles. These collectibles are sometimes dropped by monsters just like in ''The Wind Waker'', but sometimes they can be found scattered about the world as for example hidden treasures.


{{:Category:Skyward Sword Items}}
{{Galbox|Skyward Sword Items}}


==Locations==
==Locations==
The main world of ''Skyward Sword'' is based around the floating city of [[Skyloft]], which acts as a central hub - in many ways similar to how [[Clock Town]] acts as a central hub in ''Majora's Mask''. Skyloft is surrounded by a vast sky dotted with small floating islands. Beneath the clouds lies the overworld, a land that will become the kingdom of [[Hyrule]] in later installments of the series. The overworld is divided into three separate and disjoint parts, each with its own unique scenery.
The main world of ''Skyward Sword'' is based around the floating city of [[Skyloft]], which acts as a central hub - in many ways similar to how [[Clock Town]] acts as a central hub in ''Majora's Mask''. Skyloft is surrounded by a vast sky dotted with small floating islands. Beneath the clouds lies the overworld, a land that will become the kingdom of [[Hyrule]] in later installments of the series. The overworld is divided into three separate and disjoint parts, each with its own unique scenery.


{{:Category:Skyward Sword Locations}}
{{Galbox|Skyward Sword Locations|gallery_widths=120|gallery_heights=67}}


==Dungeons==
==Dungeons==
{{Main|:Category:Skyward Sword Dungeons|Skyward Sword Dungeons}}
[[File:Whip (Skyward Sword).png|20px|left]]
''Skyward Sword'' features a diverse set of seven dungeons, ranging from a temple in a sacred ground to an ancient facility and more.
''Skyward Sword'' features a diverse set of seven dungeons, ranging from a temple in a sacred ground to an ancient facility and more.
{{Galbox|Skyward Sword Dungeons|gallery_widths=120|gallery_heights=67}}


==Music==
==Music==
''The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword'' is the first game in the franchise to feature an orchestrated soundtrack.  Previously, Zelda games relied on MIDI and synthesizers that could only mimic the sound of true musical instruments.  The arrangements feature a small traditional orchestra with strings, winds, brass, and percussion, but there are several pieces that include various folk and world instruments found in ethnomusicology.  Both the Limited Edition Bundle and regular copy of the game include a 25th Anniversary Soundtrack featuring 8 songs from the series performed in The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Symphony Concert.
{{see also|The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Special Orchestra CD}}
 
''The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword'' is the first game in the franchise to feature an orchestrated soundtrack.  Previously, Zelda games relied on MIDI and synthesizers that could only mimic the sound of true musical instruments.  The arrangements feature a small traditional orchestra with strings, winds, brass, and percussion, but there are several pieces that include various folk and world instruments found in ethnomusicology.  Both the Limited Edition Bundle and regular copy of the game include a [[The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Special Orchestra CD|25th Anniversary Soundtrack CD]] featuring eight songs from the series performed in The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Symphony Concert.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!#
!Title
!Length
|-
|01
|"'''The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Medley'''"
|align="center"|8:08
|-
|02
|"'''Kakariko Village - Twilight Princess Theme'''"
|align="center"|2:51
|-
|03
|"'''The Wind Waker Symphonic Movement'''"
|align="center"|10:31
|-
|04
|"'''Gerudo Valley'''"
|align="center"|3:36
|-
|05
|"'''Great Fairy's Fountain Theme'''"
|align="center"|3:04
|-
|06
|"'''Twilight Princess Symphonic Movement'''"
|align="center"|10:31
|-
|07
|"'''The Legend of Zelda Main Theme Medley'''"
|align="center"|4:29
|-
|08
|"'''Ballad of the Goddess from Skyward Sword'''"
|align="center"|2:06
|-
|}


==Development==
==Development==
{{Main|Skyward Sword Staff}}
[[File:SS_Bomb.png|30px|left]]{{Main|Skyward Sword Staff}}
[[File:SkywardSwordBackground.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Skyward Sword Official Artwork.]]
[[File:SkywardSwordBackground.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Skyward Sword Official Artwork.]]
Development began shortly after the release of ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass|Phantom Hourglass]]'' in 2007, though it didn't really take off until the team, including director [[Hidemaro Fujibayashi]], returned from work on ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks|Spirit Tracks]]''.{{Ref|name=IGN development|[[Interview:IGN June 16th 2010|IGN]], June 16th, 2010}}  Early on, the developers wished to improve on Twilight Princess's cursory motion controls by providing a complete 1:1 experience.{{Unsourced}}  Encountering much difficulty, this idea was eventually scrapped in favor of focusing on more pressing issues of early development.  Wii MotionPlus was picked back up when [[Eiji Aonuma]] saw its success in the newly released game ''Wii Sports Resort'', and was successfully incorporated into the final product.{{Ref|name=IGN development}}
Development began shortly after the release of ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass|Phantom Hourglass]]'' in 2007, though it didn't really take off until the team, including director [[Hidemaro Fujibayashi]], returned from work on ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks|Spirit Tracks]]''.{{Ref|name=IGN development|[[Interview:IGN June 16th 2010|IGN]], June 16th, 2010}}  Early on, the developers wished to improve on Twilight Princess's cursory motion controls by providing a complete 1:1 experience.{{Unsourced}}  Encountering much difficulty, this idea was eventually scrapped in favor of focusing on more pressing issues of early development.  Wii MotionPlus was picked back up when [[Eiji Aonuma]] saw its success in the newly released game ''Wii Sports Resort'', and was successfully incorporated into the final product.{{Ref|name=IGN development}}


==Reception==
==Reception==
Reviews for ''Skyward Sword'' tend to lean in a positive direction. Game Informer awarded ''Skyward sword'' a perfect 10/10.{{Ref|[http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/11/04/a-sneak-preview-of-our-legend-of-zelda-skyward-sword-review.aspx Game Informer]}} Official Nintendo Magazine gave ''Skyward Sword'' a 98/100.{{Ref|[http://www.zeldadungeon.net/2011/10/skyward-sword-review-best-zelda-game-ever-made/ Official Nintendo Magazine Review: Skyward Sword Scores 98/100]}} Edge magazine gave the game a perfect 10/10.{{Ref|[http://www.zeldadungeon.net/2011/10/edge-magazine-skyward-sword-gets-a-perfect-10/ EDGE Magazine: Skyward Sword Gets a Perfect 10]}} The game also received a 9.0 from Games TM{{Ref|[http://www.zeldadungeon.net/2011/10/skyward-sword-review-from-games-tm/ Skyward Sword: Review From Games TM]}} and a 93% from GamePro Germany.{{Ref|[http://www.zeldadungeon.net/2011/10/gamepro-germany-skyward-sword-scores-a-93/ GamePro Germany: Skyward Sword Scores a 93%]}}
Reviews for ''Skyward Sword'' tend to lean in a positive direction. Game Informer awarded ''Skyward sword'' a perfect 10/10.{{Ref|[https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/11/04/a-sneak-preview-of-our-legend-of-zelda-skyward-sword-review.aspx Game Informer]}} Official Nintendo Magazine gave ''Skyward Sword'' a 98/100.{{Ref|[https://www.zeldadungeon.net/skyward-sword-review-best-zelda-game-ever-made/ Official Nintendo Magazine Review: Skyward Sword Scores 98/100]}} Edge magazine gave the game a perfect 10/10.{{Ref|[https://www.zeldadungeon.net/edge-magazine-skyward-sword-gets-a-perfect-10/ EDGE Magazine: Skyward Sword Gets a Perfect 10]}} The game also received a 9.0 from Games TM{{Ref|[https://www.zeldadungeon.net/skyward-sword-review-from-games-tm/ Skyward Sword: Review From Games TM]}} and a 93% from GamePro Germany.{{Ref|[https://www.zeldadungeon.net/gamepro-germany-skyward-sword-scores-a-93/ GamePro Germany: Skyward Sword Scores a 93%]}}


==Other Media==
==Other Media==
* [[Penny Arcade Presents The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword]] is a five-part promotional web comic based on The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. The comic was written and illustrated by Mike Krahulik and Jerry Holkins from Penny Arcade. It was published on the game's official website starting November 15, 2011 until December 13, 2011.
* [[Penny Arcade Presents The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword]] is a five-part promotional web comic based on The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. The comic was written and illustrated by Mike Krahulik and Jerry Holkins from Penny Arcade. It was published on the game's official website starting November 15, 2011 until December 13, 2011.


==See Also==
==Gallery==
{{main|Gallery:Skyward Sword}}
 
==Videos==
{{Youtube|alsWeDp_z0k|270|Intro Trailer E3 2011}}
{{Youtube|cnv8VwGjfs0|270|Gameplay Trailer E3 2011}}
{{Youtube|daoOSfetFiI|270|GDC Trailer 2011}}
{{Youtube|ASCayUVebr0|270|Comic Con Trailer 2011}}
{{Youtube|K4XpGnegMns|270|Miyamoto Demo Trailer E3}}
{{Youtube|4XCTnUAWcCU|270|Hands On Demo E3 2010}}
{{Youtube|ppVK5FBU7Cg|270|Iwata Asks: Skyward Sword Dev}}
{{Youtube|0hQ9myMFtV0|270|Bill Trinen talks about Skyward Sword}}
{{Clear}}
 
==See also==
[[Skyward Sword Glitches]]
[[Skyward Sword Glitches]]


Line 147: Line 125:


{{Cat|Games|Skyward Sword}}
{{Cat|Games|Skyward Sword}}
{{Cat|Skyward Sword|Skyward Sword}}
{{Cat|Skyward Sword| Skyward Sword}}

Revision as of 18:56, February 22, 2021

Skyward Sword
SSLogo.png
Skyward Sword NA Box Art.jpg
Release

Platform

Date

Europe November 18, 2011
United States November 20, 2011
Japan November 23, 2011
Australia November 24, 2011
South Korea November 24, 2011

North America September 1, 2016
Europe September 1, 2016

🌎 July 16, 2021

Credits

Developer

Producer

Director

Guides

Walkthrough

Media

Gallery

ZeldaDungeon.net 

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is the sixteenth installment in The Legend of Zelda series. The game is said to be the earliest in the Timeline as of now, taking place before Ocarina of Time. The game features the use of the Nintendo Wii MotionPlus to provide 1:1 motion controls, allowing players more accurate control to Link's Sword, items, and many other aspects of the game. The game was released worldwide throughout November 2011, with a special edition bundle being available in most regions that includes a Gold Wii Remote Plus bearing the Zelda symbol and a soundtrack containing a variety of orchestrated songs from The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Symphony Concert. Skyward Sword is said to be the longest Zelda game in development.

In the February 17th, 2021 Nintendo Direct, a HD remake was announced for the Nintendo Switch for release on July 16th, 2021.

Story

Goddess's Harp.png
Main article: Skyward Sword Story

Long ago, the Goddess Hylia rescued her people from a great evil by sending them to the sky. Here, in Skyloft, they lived until the land below had been virtually forgotten, until the evil begins to resurface and plucks Zelda from the sky. Link, her childhood friend, must go down to the surface and prevent Lord Ghirahim from using her to fully revive his master. This story is a precursor to many elements in Ocarina of Time, such as the Master Sword.

Characters

The world of Skyward Sword features a vast array of both familiar and new faces from the series. The main characters that are featured include Link, Zelda (who is not of royalty this time around), and a new villain Demon Lord Ghirahim. Supporting characters have often been inspired by previous games often linking story elements with their new incarnations. There are a few character cameos from The Wind Waker, as well as Majora's Mask and Twilight Princess.

Races

Skyward Sword contains a significant amount of races, just like previous 3D games in the Zelda series. Some of the races (like the Gorons) are taken from earlier games, but there are a lot of new races too. An example of a new race would be the Kikwi race, the inhabitants of Faron Woods.

Here is a listing of all of the races found within The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.

Enemies

Skyward Sword features many enemies from previous games, but most of their tactics are reworked to make them more challenging. Each foe requires a certain amount of strategy to beat, discouraging players from mindlessly slashing their way through a dungeon. The Wii Motion Plus device allows for precise enough motion detection to simulate 1:1 swordplay, and as a result the combat system is significantly different from the earlier games. Many enemies will block sword strikes from certain directions, and sometimes Link will have to strike in successive steps in order to beat an enemy.

Many of the enemy models are based on the enemies of A Link to the Past, like the similarities between the Bokoblins of Skyward Sword and the Moblins of A Link to the Past.

Bosses

The bosses of Skyward Sword follow a pattern similar to those seen in previous games of the franchise. Each main dungeon features a final boss, and most of the dungeons also feature one or more minibosses within and throughout the dungeons, before the final boss. The only exception is The Imprisoned, which is fought in between various missions, in a dedicated arena named "The Sealed Grounds".

Items

Skyward Sword features fewer items than previous games like Twilight Princess and Ocarina of Time, but most of them are upgradable and/or customizable in many ways. To upgrade an item, Link will have to gather a required amount of selected collectibles. These collectibles are sometimes dropped by monsters just like in The Wind Waker, but sometimes they can be found scattered about the world as for example hidden treasures.

Locations

The main world of Skyward Sword is based around the floating city of Skyloft, which acts as a central hub - in many ways similar to how Clock Town acts as a central hub in Majora's Mask. Skyloft is surrounded by a vast sky dotted with small floating islands. Beneath the clouds lies the overworld, a land that will become the kingdom of Hyrule in later installments of the series. The overworld is divided into three separate and disjoint parts, each with its own unique scenery.

Dungeons

Whip (Skyward Sword).png

Skyward Sword features a diverse set of seven dungeons, ranging from a temple in a sacred ground to an ancient facility and more.

Music

See also: The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Special Orchestra CD

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is the first game in the franchise to feature an orchestrated soundtrack. Previously, Zelda games relied on MIDI and synthesizers that could only mimic the sound of true musical instruments. The arrangements feature a small traditional orchestra with strings, winds, brass, and percussion, but there are several pieces that include various folk and world instruments found in ethnomusicology. Both the Limited Edition Bundle and regular copy of the game include a 25th Anniversary Soundtrack CD featuring eight songs from the series performed in The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Symphony Concert.

Development

SS Bomb.png
Main article: Skyward Sword Staff
Skyward Sword Official Artwork.

Development began shortly after the release of Phantom Hourglass in 2007, though it didn't really take off until the team, including director Hidemaro Fujibayashi, returned from work on Spirit Tracks.[1] Early on, the developers wished to improve on Twilight Princess's cursory motion controls by providing a complete 1:1 experience.[citation needed] Encountering much difficulty, this idea was eventually scrapped in favor of focusing on more pressing issues of early development. Wii MotionPlus was picked back up when Eiji Aonuma saw its success in the newly released game Wii Sports Resort, and was successfully incorporated into the final product.[1]

Reception

Reviews for Skyward Sword tend to lean in a positive direction. Game Informer awarded Skyward sword a perfect 10/10.[2] Official Nintendo Magazine gave Skyward Sword a 98/100.[3] Edge magazine gave the game a perfect 10/10.[4] The game also received a 9.0 from Games TM[5] and a 93% from GamePro Germany.[6]

Other Media

  • Penny Arcade Presents The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is a five-part promotional web comic based on The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. The comic was written and illustrated by Mike Krahulik and Jerry Holkins from Penny Arcade. It was published on the game's official website starting November 15, 2011 until December 13, 2011.

Gallery

Main article: Gallery:Skyward Sword

Videos


Intro Trailer E3 2011

Gameplay Trailer E3 2011

GDC Trailer 2011

Comic Con Trailer 2011

Miyamoto Demo Trailer E3

Hands On Demo E3 2010

Iwata Asks: Skyward Sword Dev

Bill Trinen talks about Skyward Sword

See also

Skyward Sword Glitches

References