Nintendo have unveiled a bunch of new details regarding The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword today, including information about characters, locations and Link’s new abilities.
Warning: The following contains spoilers regarding the early portion of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
Your adventure begins in Skyloft, an island town suspended high in the sky, the day prior to which Link is to compete in a major bird-flying competition. Whoever wins the competition will earn the honour of taking part in a special ceremony with Zelda, who has shared a special bond with Link since childhood.
Initial characters also include: Groose, a bully and Link’s nemesis at school, who is jealous towards the bond that Link and Zelda share; Fi, the spirit of the powerful Goddess Sword who will provide necessary guidance on Link’s quest that will see him ultimately create the Master Sword; and Gaepora, Zelda’s father and the headmaster of Link’s school.
Further to this, Nintendo has also confirmed that, once you eventually leave Skyloft, the first location you visit will be the Faron Woods. The people of Skyloft have never travelled to the surface, so this will mark a strange new experience for Link, and as he makes his way through the forest he will be lead to Skyview Temple, the first dungeon within the game.
Lastly, a number of new abilities have also been revealed. Link may now perform a ‘Dash’ by holding down the A button, allowing him to run faster and granting the ability to perform acrobatic maneuvers such as briefly running up a sheer wall to grab onto a cliff ledge. However, doing so uses some of Link’s stamina that may be replenished when not performing a Dash.
This leads us on to Dowsing, which Fi, the spirit of the powerful Goddess Sword and Link’s guide, informs Link that he is able to use the sword to search for hidden objects and items. Whilst in Dowsing mode, when Link holds out his sword, it will beep when pointed in the direction of the intended target and will flash. Such a technique will allow you to search for many objects and characters in the game, and in Faron Woods, for instance, Link uses it to search for Zelda, which guides him to Skyview Temple where her aura can be detected.
The Kikwi, which are cute, fuzzy creatures that resemble a cross between a plant and an animal, are encountered by Link whilst exploring Faron Woods. He can utilise the Dowsing ability to find them to aid his search for Zelda.
Lastly, Nintendo have confirmed that, as per usual, the Slingshot will be amongst the first items that you receive in the game. Whilst not especially powerful, it is still capable of stunning enemies and activating objects, and can be aimed by moving the Wii Remote Plus.
Nintendo have also explained that they are to continue to reveal more information regarding Skyward Sword as it nears release, so keep your eyes peeled!
Nintendo detail characters, locations and new abilities in Zelda: Skyward Sword
