Update:
In Europe (not North America, sadly) this is part of a promotion where you can get this and New Play Control! Pikmin with 50% off the second title downloaded, until 15th September.
Original Article:
Today's Nintendo Direct had a few surprises on offer, and in a segment around The Legend of Zelda both European and North American viewers were treated to an 'out today' moment.
Wii title The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword will arrive on the Wii U eShop today. It was part of the 25th Anniversary celebrations when originally released, and in terms of the series timeline takes place right at the beginning. It was also notable for going big on Wii MotionPlus, so you'll need compatible controllers if you want to play it.
Back in our original review we loved this game, and if you missed it in the Wii's late period it's worth considering as a download.
Are you planning to download Skyward Sword?
Comments 65
I never played it before so I never seen the Groose being loose with eye sockets before, maybe something to get some day...that or cheap from ebay.
Is there any way to transfer my save? Its so good i want to buy it again (And don't have to find the disk every time i wish to play)
Waggle = nope.
@Dipso It'll automatically use your disc save.
If it's just a port of the Wii original then no, I won't buy it. Plus I don't even have Wii remotes anymore.
Getting this. My son and I both want it.
if it was playable on the gamepad it'd be an instabuy but I can't be bothered with motion controls
i might buy it as its my favourite game but i dunno, it dosent seem like paying 18 pound for a port is worth it
Great surprise. This made my day. Can't wait to download this.
@Jd12345678 It's actually not waggle. It's one to one motion control. If you try to play it like that you will die a lot.
Will this still have that game breaking glitch if one was to purchase the digital version?
The only Zelda Console game I never played.....but my backlog won't allow for it at the current moment.
I'm one of those guys who doesn't see the point of downloading a Wii game for Wii U that I a. Already own physical copy or b. Has to use motion controls.
However, anyone who somehow managed to miss this, it's an absolute buy!!
I'd rather Twilight Princess on N3DS. Or old 3DS.
Oh how I wish we could use regular controls on this game. I gave up on it after feeling carpel tunnel arm strain from the remote twist positions - thumbnail facing up -on A button- is horrible posture especially while waggle controls and it was really uncomfortable. The game never drew me in besides that though I gave up on it and sold it right after the desert area.
I'd be willing to give it another shot if it is introductory price (won't be) and/or other controller options (ain't happening either).
I'll be passing on this since I own the physical version, but I recommend this game to any Zelda fan. It's not without flaws, but I still got a lot of enjoyment from playing it.
Edit: I also don't see why everyone is making a stink about the controls. Other than the fact that thrusting the sword can be a pain, I never had any problems with them. If anything, the Wii Remote can be recalibrated.
Had this for Wii but never played it. Tempted to give it a go for the right price (about half the standard £18!)
I hated it when I played it last year, so i'll skip it. I will say i'm glad it arrived, though. Completes the series on Wii U, so to speak.
I bought a used copy of Skyward Sword on Amazon around a year ago that included the 25th anniversary cd. I haven't played it in a while mainly because I just have a hard time getting into it. It's really a love or hate game.
Been waiting for this one to release as I was not going to pay the still retail/used price of $40+. Just hate that I will be tied to the TV, as I've been spoiled by Off-TV.
Quick thought: I'm guessing the Song of the Hero bug is still in this version of the game. Is the patch still available in the Wii Shop Channel?
there better be backward compatibility on the nx so i can play this portably.
It's nice to see this, but like @PuzzleMaster7 I also got myself a used 25th anniversary copy via Amazon some months ago. I've been having more troubles with the motion controls than when I first played it a few years ago, but I will try recalibrating it to see if that helps.
Awesome! I love Skyward Sword! I actually don't understand the hate. Is it because most Zelda fans are too lazy to shake a controller? I hope not...
This game to eShop instead of Pokemon G/S/C. How exciting.
Why didn't they say anything about Pikmin? It would fit with the new game and they even have an offer with Skyward Sword, so why was nothing said in the Direct?
Skyward Sword is easily the weakest of all the main Zelda games. I really didn't like it, it's flawed in nearly every possible way. The controls are its only decent feature though they have to be constantly recalibrated. I was glad when the credits finally rolled. Very disappointing as I love the franchise and it's the only one I didn't like. Thankfully, Breath Of The Wild looks amazing and a triumphant return to form.
@Ninten-san I love the game, too. I played the whole game standing in front of the TV. A whole new experience
However, there is a lot of reading, especially in the beginning. Therefore I don't feel like playing it again.
@Darknyht you can play off-TV, but you have to use the Wii U Controller stand and waggle the Wiimotes at the little screen. I came back to this to finish it off a few months ago with the disc version that way.
@Ninten-san I too loved Skyward Sword as well! The 1:1 motion controls, combined with the unique art style and dungeons within a dungeon style gameplay is what truly hooked me. I hope gamers take advantage of it being on the Wii U VC and give it a second chance, or even experience it for the first time. It's a fantastic Zelda experience!
This is a good game. I'm getting it.
@Clownshoes
OK, that's your opinion. But the MotionPlus controller is not a "fresh turd".
I've been meaning to play it. I just need a motion plus controller.
oh man, been waiting for this one for ages. So glad to see it here at last. Typical it's dropped when I am broke. Hopefully get paid before the deal with Pikmin ends
I think Groose is the most interesting character of this game.
Possibly my favorite of all the Zelda games. I thought the controls were really good. I loved the story and was hooked from the intro. Maybe I only stand with a few, but this is on my list of favorite games. Still not buying it because I already have it.
@gspro15198 I was under the impression that all Wii games have gamepad support.? I'll have to check into this. I am certain you can sync a Wiimote with the game pad, as this is how I love to play the VC games.
@TomKnows You can play all Wii games on the GamePad. But if the game is not playable with a classic controller, you can't use the GamePad buttons. Therefore the GamePad is just a small TV in these cases.
I tried playing Metroid Prime Trilogy with the Wii Remote in front of the GamePad. Technically it works really great and the 480p of the GamePad brings the best picture for Wii games. However, the screen is too small when you can't hold the Gamepad in your hands.
I know this game wasn't received well, but I enjoyed it. I still have my copy so I'll pass. Just waiting on Pokemon Snap!
Finally!
@retropunky It's one of the highest rated games of all time
I already have the physical version so there's no point in buying it again
Price?
Does it still have that bug? Or is the patch they made included?
Never played this Zelda, I think we will see a NX remaster in the future. Or I'll have to revisit my Wii again.
Kind of a shame Skyward Sword isn't getting the HD treatment as Wind Waker & Twilight Princess before it got, but I'm happy to see it's getting some love for once! ^_^ will continue to keep my Wii copy for now!
I'm surprised that they chose to give Wind Waker and Twilight Princess the HD remake treatment but not this, to be honest.
I think the reason they didn't remake this game is that it is not meant to be played with gamepad controls. The game is built around 1:1 motion control, most puzzles would be pointless without it. The art style also holds up quite well
Awesome for those who missed out on it. What about those who didnt.
The one Zelda game that could really use the HD treatment, doesn't get it. Of course!
I've got the Wii version, so this doesn't really affect me at all.
@Dakt "So no Skyward Sword HD then"
Not on Wii U at least!
I was so hoping this release would remove motion controls, as that's the only reason I stopped playing this. Just too frustrating. Perhaps I'm just awful at it but after about 4 hours in and I was still not loving it, I just had to set it down. Maybe i'll try it again, as it's a beauty.... we shall see.
@Dipso Digital Wii games boot into Wii mode so you can play directly off of your exsisting save file.
Meh. Twilight Princess is more my cup o tea.
I still expect a skyward sword hd port on nx in future with normal controls as they made it clear it was wii version in direct numerous times. But do i wait or just play my wii disc as got sick of the controls.
WOOOHOOO! Finally, my favourite Zelda game has arrived! I'm still disappointed that those two gimmicky Zelda entries (Wind Waker and Twilight Princess, hated that uncontrolable ship and the sea instead of running on land and having to play as that Wolf with limited moves and no sword etc) got HD remasters and SS didn't, WW and TP are some of the worst entries in the series if you ask me. But I'll totally get SS from the eshop. I sometimes regret that I sold my disc version with my Wii a few years ago, but I dislike discs anyway and prefer the download version. Can't wait to play it again!
@Undead_terror I doubt you'll get it cheaper on ebay.
@Dipso Yes there is! If you still have those saves on your SD card, just put it into the Wii U (if I remember correctly)!
@Jd12345678 Sorry, but you have no idea what you're talking about. Just by using the negative term 'waggle' I assume you've never really tried motion controls properly or haven't played a game that puts them to good use. Skyward Sword was probably the best game in that regard, the motion controls played an integral part for the gameplay and enriched it in a way no other game ever could.
@Dakt Exactly my first thoughts! I'm not even a 100% sure whether I should buy it or not, just because of the off-chance that there will be a SSHD...
@majinx07
Which game breaking glitch? At least I never experienced one back then.Ok never mind, found it. Phew, then I was lucky!@SLIGEACH_EIRE Everyone has their own opinion, but what exactly did you perceive as flawed? I'd say all the other Zelda games had more flaws. Anyway, if you constantly had to recalibrate, you either used the Wiimote wrong (= you waggled instead of making well-directed moves - the more you waggle, the more often you have to recalibrate) or you played it on Dolphin. Because on Dolphin it constantly lost its calibration, somehow the motion controls weren't emulated properly. From my experience it's impossible to finish the game, at least the boss fight against Tentalus is impossible to clear. Dolphin offers HD graphics with AA which make this game more beautiful than it already is (the sole reason why I tried it out), but you only get the best experience on Wii/Wii U.
If you haven't played it on Dolphin, just try to play it with more calm and precise movements.
I have a gold Wii Remote to play my disc version. Because I'm special, and Zelda loves me 8P
I love this game and if I didn't already own it I would get it! If u haven't played it it's definitely worth a try!
Anyone know the download size of this game?
I love this game! Played through it three times on my friend's copy. Maybe now I can finally get my own.
Thought it was just an OK Zelda game. Definitely not my favorite, but not my least favorite either. I also didn't mind the motion control 1 to 1 sword play. That said, I would play it again, but only if it were remastered in HD. Can't stand going back and looking at those blurry, grainy SD Wii graphics. I would think / hope that Ninty would eventually remaster it seeing as they gave WW and TTP the HD treatment.
Kinda feels too soon to see this on the Wii VC, as it only feels like I picked it up a couple of years ago even though it was the game's actual launch day. I guess I'm just getting old...
I missed this so it's a definite purchase
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