The Legend of Zelda franchise has captivated gamers for decades with its immersive worlds, captivating stories, and innovative gameplay. One entry in the series, in particular, has sparked both controversy and admiration – The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. Released in 2011 for the Nintendo Wii, Skyward Sword divided fans with its unique motion controls and linear quest structure. However, as we delve deeper into the game, we discover that many of the mechanics and themes that made The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild a revolutionary hit were actually present in Skyward Sword. In this article, we will explore the connections between these two games and how Skyward Sword’s influence shaped the open-world masterpiece that is Breath of the Wild.
One of the defining features of Breath of the Wild is its emphasis on vertical exploration. The ability to climb freely and reach any point in the vast world of Hyrule was a game-changer for the franchise. Surprisingly, this concept was not entirely new. Skyward Sword, with its theme of a land lost in the skies, also incorporated vertical exploration. While climbing mechanics were first introduced in Ocarina of Time, they were never as extensively utilized as in Skyward Sword. The game introduced a stamina meter that drained with physical effort, adding an extra layer of resource management for players. Although Breath of the Wild improved upon this mechanic, Skyward Sword laid the groundwork for the balance between freedom and limitation that made vertical exploration so compelling.
Link’s movement and mobility underwent significant enhancements in both Skyward Sword and Breath of the Wild. Skyward Sword, despite lacking a dedicated jump button, allowed players to navigate levels by leaping over obstacles, grabbing ropes, and climbing walls. This fluidity of movement was further refined in subsequent 3D instalments of The Legend of Zelda series. Additionally, Skyward Sword introduced the Sailcloth, a parachute-like device that broke Link’s fall, enabling players to dive from any height without fear of death. This concept evolved into Breath of the Wild’s iconic Paraglider, which not only saved Link from fatal falls but also allowed him to glide gracefully over the vast landscapes of Hyrule.
Breath of the Wild introduced the concept of marking points of interest with beacons of light. However, this mechanic was first seen in Skyward Sword. Players could set custom points on the map, creating beacons that shone on the horizon, and facilitating navigation towards specific objectives. In Skyward Sword, this feature was crucial in guiding players through treacherous terrains like quicksand. Breath of the Wild expanded upon this concept, allowing players to set beacons over any point of interest they spotted in the distance. Similarly, Skyward Sword introduced the dowsing ability, which allowed players to track objects using their sword. This mechanic was akin to Breath of the Wild’s Sheikah Slate ability, where a radar detected the proximity of desired objects. These tracking systems played a vital role in both games, enhancing the exploration and collection aspects.
The crafting and upgrading systems in Breath of the Wild were widely praised for their depth and versatility. However, these mechanics were not entirely new to the franchise. Skyward Sword introduced crafting elements, allowing players to collect monsters’ parts, minerals, and other materials to upgrade their tools and shields. Players could even catch bugs with a net and use them to boost potions and enhance their effects. Skyward Sword’s crafting system served as the foundation for the more intricate upgrade and cooking systems in Breath of the Wild. Notably, Skyward Sword went beyond Breath of the Wild’s upgrade system, offering more powerful versions of permanent equipment, such as the Bow and Slingshot. The ability to upgrade quivers and bomb bags also allowed players to carry more ammunition, further enhancing their gameplay experience.
One of the more controversial aspects of Breath of the Wild was the introduction of weapon durability. However, this concept was first explored in Skyward Sword, albeit with shields instead of weapons. Skyward Sword allowed players to block and parry enemies’ attacks, draining the durability of their shields in the process. Shields would eventually break over time, but players had the option to repair and upgrade them. This feature was absent in Breath of the Wild, leaving players with a sense of longing for the ability to maintain and improve their shields. Skyward Sword’s durability system laid the groundwork for the weapon durability mechanics in Breath of the Wild, highlighting the importance of resource management and strategic decision-making.
Breath of the Wild’s worldbuilding incorporated a fascinating blend of technology and magic. Link’s Sheikah Slate, a tablet of Sheikah technology, allowed him to perform incredible feats. The game also featured giant machines shaped like animals, known as the Four Divine Beasts, which players had to activate to defeat the formidable Calamity Ganon. These concepts were inspired by Skyward Sword’s exploration of techno-magic themes. Skyward Sword introduced mechanical tools like the Beetle and the Gust Bellows, which operated in miraculous ways. The game also featured a race of robots, constructing complex machines and mining rocks capable of manipulating time flow. The introduction of heavy machinery in Breath of the Wild’s story, where the Kingdom of Hyrule utilized ancient machines to combat Calamity Ganon, was a natural evolution of the technological wonder established in Skyward Sword.
Despite its divisive reception, Skyward Sword played a crucial role in shaping the revolutionary nature of Breath of the Wild. The lukewarm success of Skyward Sword prompted Nintendo to rethink the franchise’s direction, leading to the creation of an open-world experience that prioritized player freedom and exploration over linear quests and cinematic storytelling. Many of the mechanics and themes that made Breath of the Wild such a groundbreaking game were rooted in Skyward Sword’s experimentation and innovation. The evolution of vertical exploration, fluid movement, tracking systems, crafting and upgrading, durability mechanics, and techno-magic worldbuilding all bear the fingerprints of Skyward Sword. Without this despised entry in The Legend of Zelda franchise, Breath of the Wild may not have achieved its status as one of the best games of the last decade.
While Skyward Sword may not have received universal acclaim upon its release, its impact on the Zelda franchise cannot be underestimated. It served as a stepping stone towards Breath of the Wild’s groundbreaking success and solidified the series’ commitment to pushing boundaries and embracing innovation. Skyward Sword’s flaws and successes taught Nintendo valuable lessons that shaped the future of the franchise. As we eagerly await The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD release for the Nintendo Switch, we can appreciate the game’s importance as a bridge between the past and the future of The Legend of Zelda series. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of Skyward Sword and the constant evolution of the beloved Zelda franchise.
The connections between The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword and Breath of the Wild run deep. Despite the initial backlash and controversy surrounding Skyward Sword, the game laid the foundation for many of the mechanics and themes that made Breath of the Wild a revolutionary masterpiece. From the concept of vertical exploration to the introduction of beacons of light, tracking systems, crafting and upgrading, durability mechanics, and techno-magic worldbuilding, Skyward Sword’s influence is undeniable. As we embark on the journey of re-experiencing Skyward Sword in its HD version, let us appreciate the game’s impact on the Zelda franchise and its role in shaping the unforgettable adventure that is Breath of the Wild.
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