The Legend of Zelda series is home to some of the best games of all time, and many gamers would like to see more games from the series make it onto the Nintendo Switch. While a port of Wind Waker HD from the Wii U or the seminal classic Ocarina of Time are probably the most frequently requested, it is 2011's The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword that would benefit the most from a Switch release.
While most other Zelda games need little more than a port or a remaster that brings the visuals in-line with current-gen hardware, Skyward Sword is a trickier situation. Its reliance on the traditional, though somewhat tired, Zelda formula divided fans. But its motion controls, which were built into puzzles and combat, would be the biggest hurdle for a Switch remake.
Even though Skyward Sword isn't nearly as beloved as other Zelda games, it still does a lot right. It featured the closest relationship between Link and Zelda, making the princess feel more like a character and less like an end goal. It had great supporting characters in the Knight's Academy, especially Link's rival Groose. Skyward Sword's dungeon design was also incredibly inventive, like the Sandship with its Timeshift Stones, and it was the first game in the series to use a live orchestra, which was apparent in its fantastic score.
It's for all of these reasons that some passionate fans feel Skyward Sword is underrated. If Nintendo chose to remaster the game for Switch, its gorgeous pastel art style would benefit from updated graphics, but there are definitely mechanical changes Nintendo could make to improve its gameplay.
The motion controls are the biggest aspect Nintendo would need to change, as these aren't nearly as prevalent now as they were when Skyward Sword was released. Even in 2011, having to swing a controller every time Link fought an enemy or came across a puzzle was a problem for some players. However, removing the motion controls might prove to be difficult given how ingrained they are into the game. Twilight Princess was remastered for the Wii U without motion controls, but because it was designed for and released on the GameCube as well as the Wii, the game wasn't as reliant on them.
Still, removing the motion controls wouldn't be impossible for a remake. Nintendo could even include the option to turn them on and off, as the Switch's Joy-Cons do have motion control capabilities and are more advanced than the Wii remotes. This would be a nice way to acknowledge the game's roots while still addressing its greatest criticism.
While other aspects of the game could use some tweaking, these are much more easily manageable. Another fair criticism of Skyward Sword is Fi, Link's spirit companion who resides within the Master Sword. Even though her goodbye is one of the most emotional moments in the Zelda franchise, her constant interruptions to tell players their health was low or to give the odds of certain situations made her feel like an incredibly unfun chaperone in a series where exploration, critical thinking and problem-solving are supposed to be key features.
That's an easy fix, as Nintendo would simply need to limit how many times Fi unnecessarily butts in. Taking out some of these moments (or replacing them with different dialogue) would enhance the character. However, she also gives Link an ability that ties in with motion controls called dowsing. In a first-person view, Link uses his sword to point towards an item or character he is searching for. This ability is interesting at first, but leads to needless backtracking later on in the game. Link must traverse several places he's already been, using dowsing to find certain objects to progress in the game. Changing this in a remake wouldn't be a huge issue, as Nintendo already proved it could shorten missions through the Triforce Quest in The Wind Waker HD.
The sky overworld where the Hylians live also felt rather empty, which is a shame given how much cheerful charisma was packed into Skyloft. Outside of Link's home and Pumpkin Landing, there aren't many places to venture to. Changes in gameplay and Fi are priorities, but a few extra islands and sidequests would be welcome additions.
Skyward Sword has a lot great things going for it. Taking place at the beginning of the franchise's timeline adds intriguing lore, while the supporting characters like Zelda and Groose flesh out the plot. However, its gameplay has kept it tethered to an outdated console. While many other Zelda titles have been remastered or ported to Nintendo's other systems, Skyward Sword has been left behind. But with a few key adjustments, the game could finally be elevated to the level of other entries in Nintendo's revered series.