Link takes off with stunning new amiibo for Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD
The upcoming Nintendo Switch remaster of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is getting an uplift, in the form of a brand new amiibo with dedicated in-game functions.
Not only does the figure – which shows the game’s take on Zelda petting a Loftwing bird – continue Nintendo’s trend for beautifully sculpted amiibos, it unlocks the ability to instantly transport protagonist Link between the surface world of Hyrule and the aerial world of Skyloft. Tapping the figure to your Switch at any time while exploring the overworld will create checkpoint, teleporting Link back to the sky; tap it again, and you’ll be returned to the same spot you left. The teleportation will also work in dungeons or inside buildings.
It is, however, fair criticism to point out that this does amount to Nintendo gating a gameplay feature behind a secondary purchase of a physical item. Given the scarcity of many amiibos, unlucky players may be unable to utilise the ability.
Nintendo has also confirmed that the Zelda & Loftwing amiibo is the only amiibo figure that Skyward Sword will recognise, so don’t expect any bonuses from your existing Legend of Zelda amiibo collection.
Originally released on the Nintendo Wii in 2011, Skyward Sword is chronologically the first game in the Legend of Zelda continuity. It follows the first Link as he battles the Demon King Demise and his acolyte Ghirahim, while uncovering the foundational myths of his world and leading up to the founding of the Kingdom of Hyrule.
However, the unique control scheme of Skyward Sword, which used the Wii Remote and Nunchuck to give players direct control over Link’s weapons, meant the games was only playable on the Wii and, via backwards compatibility, the Wii U. Skyward Sword HD will feature two control schemes, one using the Switch’s Joy-Con controllers for the same level of interaction as on the Wii, and a more traditional approach that uses the right analogue stick to mimic motion controls. This will suit anyone playing on a Switch Lite, which lacks removable Joy-Cons, the regular Switch in handheld mode, or using a Switch Pro Controller. Or, simply, anyone who doesn’t want to flail their arms around to play a game.
The remastered version will also feature higher resolution graphics, and offers 60 frames per second support, for a smoother experience. Both the game and the Zelda & Loftwing amiibo launch on 16 July – and if you want that amiibo, you might want to preorder now. In the meantime, check out the latest gallery of Skyward Sword HD screenshots, below!
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