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Play Overview
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (2011) is an adventure game in the Zelda series. You navigate the floating island of Skyloft before diving down to explore, escape dungeons and bring balance back to the world. It stands out not only for the cleverly designed dungeons and new weapons but how these make perfect use of the motion controls of the Wii and Switch.
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.
Our examiner, Jo Robertson, first checked The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword 4 years ago. It was re-examined by Ben Kendall and updated 4 months ago.
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.
Our examiner, Jo Robertson, first checked The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword 4 years ago. It was re-examined by Ben Kendall and updated 4 months ago.
Kids not old enough for this yet? There are lots of games similar to The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. Here are some similar younger-rated games:
Play Style
This is an Adventure game with Action, Fighting, Narrative, Physically Active, Puzzle, Role-Play and Stealth elements. This is a single-player game.
You can play this game in the following styles:
Benefits
Age Ratings
Rated for younger players in the US. ESRB EVERYONE 10+ for Animated Blood, Comic Mischief, and 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 sword 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 Level
9+ 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 skills 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
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword usually costs £49.99.
You can only play this on older systems (Nintendo Wii and Nintendo Wii U) but can usually find it second hand on eBay.
You can only play this on older systems (Nintendo Wii and Nintendo Wii U) but can usually find it second hand on eBay.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
There are no additional in-game purchases, loot boxes, adverts or subscription costs.
Game Details
Release Date: 23/11/2011, updated in 2021
Out Now: Switch, Wii and Wii U
Skill Rating: 9+ year-olds
Players: 1
Genres: Adventure (Action, Fighting, Narrative, Physically Active, Puzzle, Role-Play and Stealth)
Accessibility: 20 features
Components: 3D Third-Person, Day and Night and Open World
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