We played it on Wii; we all loved it back then. Now, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD is finally coming to Nintendo Switch in July 2021. Ahead of its much-anticipated release, new screenshots from the actual gameplay of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD have been revealed by Nintendo. Everyone anticipating the release and devouring every morsel of Skyward Sword news will be excited to know some new Loftwing flight footage was shared along with the screenshots.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD was announced early 2021 and is coming out as part of the Zelda 35th anniversary celebrations planned.
As part of the celebration, Nintendo is also going to release exclusive Joy-Cons with a Zelda-themed design and a unique Zelda and Loftwing amiibo that can be purchased with the new game. The amiibo depicts Zelda with her beloved Loftwing. Anyone who nabs one of these amiibos will have the coveted ability to use the fast travel flying system at any time, even if they are within a dungeon where flying would normally be unavailable.
This amiibo-exclusive feature has struck up some discord among fans who feel Nintendo lacks some of the quality-of-life aspects behind additional purchases, using the amiibo as a prime example. However, the main debate surrounds The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD’s launch is how good its upgraded visual quality will really be.
The newest screenshots were shared first on Nintendo Everything, where you can find the latest updates on Nintendo’s upcoming releases. These new images tell us a lot about how Nintendo is approaching this digital ‘re-vamp’. We can see from the previous trailers and footage that the Wii style of graphics is staying, probably for the nostalgia, and we’re not mad about it. Sharing these screenshots is probably a good move for Nintendo since fans now know not to expect any mind-blowing modern renditions of the old game.
The screenshots focus on characters, including Impa, Groose and the still creepy-looking Demon Lord, Ghirahim from 2011. But, of course, we also get to see our famed heroes, Zelda and Link, in their Skyward Sword original styles.
The Loftwing gameplay footage also revealed is equally exciting when it comes to figuring out how exactly Nintendo are treating this HD version of the widely loved Wii game. First and foremost, we can see from the gameplay that the screen space isn’t as messy, as the Wii remote is obviously gone from the lower right-hand corner. Link and Loftwing soaring through clouds of Skyloft is crisp, defined, and shows a much more fluid and smooth motion.
So far, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD seems to be the only Zelda game releasing to coincide with the 35th anniversary of the successful series. However, rumours are currently circulating in the Zelda community that both Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask will be making a move to the Nintendo Switch within the year. Even without any official confirmation, this would make sense for Nintendo since they’re now focusing on the next generations of the Switch and making sure Zelda fans can relive their favourite games, even on a new console.
E3 2021 is coming in June, so it’s possible that Nintendo will reveal more of their anniversary plans there. In the meantime, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD is available to pre-order right here on UGP.
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