While it wasn’t stated explicitly, Skyward Sword HD is a part of Zelda’s 35th-anniversary celebration. This much is obvious, considering the occasion. We’re sure to be getting more later in the year, probably at E3, on how Nintendo is going to properly celebrate the anniversary of one of Nintendo’s most storied franchises, but Skyward Sword HD is the perfect way to kick off Zelda’s 35th anniversary. There are a number of reasons why this is, but it’s fitting in a way, considering Skyward Sword released on Zelda’s 25th anniversary. Skyward Sword is the story that set the foundation for the entire series and was the last console game before Breath of the Wild, establishing many of the trademarks that made that game great. Skyward Sword HD will be a treat to fans who played Breath of the Wild but not Skyward Sword and is the perfect way to celebrate the series’ 35th anniversary.
Skyward Sword set the foundation for Breath of the Wild. Many of the key features of the game, such as collectibles, upgrading items, a stamina bar, and more were first found in Skyward Sword. Many who play Skyward Sword HD for the very first time will quickly realize this. It is the culmination of all past Zelda games and bridges the gap between old and new. This is one of the many reasons why Skyward Sword HD is the perfect way to celebrate Zelda’s anniversary. It’s the best of both worlds. With the improved precision of the Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons, the motion controls should be smoother and players should have fewer problems with them (I never had a problem, but that’s just me.) The game also gives you the choice to play with a normal controller or play in handheld mode with the JoyCons attached like a normal controller, which makes the game extremely accessible to all who want to play. It’s similar yet different from the Zelda games that came before and the Zelda games that came after in terms of controls, which makes for a nice way to celebrate the anniversary. It’s the best of both worlds in terms of immersion.
Skyward Sword HD is the perfect way to kick off the year of Zelda. It’s the first HD remaster we’re getting this year, but it will undoubtedly not be the last. Despite this, Skyward Sword HD is the perfect way to celebrate Zelda’s 35th anniversary. It bridges the gap between old and new, has an immersive control system like no other, some of the best dungeons the series has to offer, and set the foundation for a game like Breath of the Wild to be made. If it’s the only Zelda remaster we get this year, that would be fine. Not only because it’s a massive undertaking, but because it’s the one Zelda game that truly deserves it.
Skyward Sword is one of the best games the series has to offer, even better than Breath of the Wild. The fact that it’s being used to celebrate the series’ 35th anniversary, even lowkey, is both an honor for the game and fitting, as it is the perfect game to do so.