Skyward Sword Items

Shield

A familiar item, the Shield returns in Skyward Sword. Link has used the Shield in every Zelda main series title since the beginning. The Shield is controlled using the Nunchuck attatchment. Link uses this to defend against attacking enemies slashing with their weapons or shooting projectiles at him, just as we have seen before. Additionally, Link can use his Shield to deflect certain items back at enemies by players moving the Nunchuck in a forward, thrusting motion, an example being reflecting rocks back at Octoroks when they shoot towards him. It can quickly be held in defense following Sword combo. The Shield Link uses in Skyward Sword is very reminiscent of the Hylian Sheild from Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask, and Twilight Princess, as it follows the same design of the Hylian Shield. Motion control of the Shield is quite limited compared to the Sword, but it plays a vital roll in combat in nonetheless.

Sword

Link has more control over his sword in this adventure than ever before. By way of the Wii Motion Plus, the sword now can swing in whichever direction the player chooses, giving the experience of 1:1 swordplay. Often, this proves to be a very vital point in the game. Offensively, many enemies must be defeated by swinging the sword certain ways. Such is the case for Deku Babas, where Link must slash them in the way their mouth is open (either vertically or horizontally) to defeat them. Another example is the Mechanical Totem Pole, which must be sliced horizontally twice, and then stabbed to defeat. Other enemies will try to cover parts of their body from attack, whereas Link will have to attack the revealed areas to defeat the enemy. The Skulltula is a great example of this, as Link has to hit it so it becomes stunned and stands up on its hind legs, thus revealing a weak point. Others may have defenses up that must be broken with Sword, like the Spear Moglin, in order to defeat it. The player must use a variety of techniques to defeat a variety of enemies.

The sword also plays a key role in getting through doors. Certain doors will have an eye that will follow Link's sword as long as he is standing on a platform. Moving the sword in a circular motion will spin the eye around, causing a dizzying affect and allowing for the eye to be struck. Once destroyed, the doorway will be accessable to go through. A slash-able gear appears on another door version, which Link must quickly slash in two different directions in order to open.

Beetle

A new item, only referred to as the "Beetle", gives Link the ability to grab from long distances away. Player will equip the Beetle and release it with a button, thus taking control of the item as it flies through the air. Releasing the Beetle is a lot like aiming the Slingshot, and players choose a direction before releasing. Players will be given a 3rd-person perspective from behind the Beetle as it flies, controlling its path by tilting the Wii Remote. Flying into distant items, the Beetle will pick these up and return them to Link. The Beetle is also able to drop items, such as bombs, in flight. However, running into a wall will knock the Beetle down, resulting in having to re-equip the Beetle and try again. The Beetle is a mostly gold insect like item with a jade abdomen and dark gold claws. Its design is not based off of any past Zelda item.