Potions, Lakes, and Links Detailed for The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

Potions, Lakes, Links, Faron Woods and Skyview Temple Detailed for The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. Get all the details, plus new screenshots and boxart, after the jump.

Nintendo has revealed another set of details about the fascinating areas, items and game play in the upcoming The Legend of Zelda™: Skyward Sword game, which will launch exclusively for the Wii™ system on Nov. 20. Following last week’s unveiling of new information about the Faron Woods area of the game, fans can now glimpse additional details about this and other areas, plus a sneak peek at how players can maneuver Link™ through watery environments and help him wield a whip using the Wii Remote™ Plus controller. Newly revealed game elements include the following:

• Lake Floria and the Parella Tribe: Later in his quest, Link must make his way to an as-yet-undiscovered section of the Faron Woods that is home to Lake Floria. The lake is inhabited by the squid-like Parella tribe, which makes its first appearance in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. Even when revisiting past areas like Faron Woods, players will make new discoveries and, occasionally, find drastic changes to the environment that require them to explore these areas in entirely different ways.

• Swimming: As one might expect, getting to and exploring Lake Floria requires Link to swim. The intuitive motion control of the Wii Remote Plus gives players a natural way to control Link as he swims across the lake’s surface or into its watery depths.

• Insects and Potions: Throughout the game, Link travels back and forth between the surface and Skyloft. Players can collect bugs in the various areas they visit, and these insects can be used to infuse new ingredients into the variety of different potions available for purchase at the bazaar in Skyloft, giving the potions powerful new effects. Players can experiment with different potions and insects to find the concoctions that best meet their needs.

• Fun Fun Island: Also new in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is Fun Fun Island, one of the small islands that float above the clouds near Link’s hometown. As the name suggests, there’s a lot of fun to be had there, but before Link can enjoy everything the island has to offer, he must find a way to fulfill the request of its lone inhabitant.

• Whip: Players can use the Wii Remote Plus to lash Link’s whip at enemies and objects. The whip also can be used to grab items and is integral to solving certain puzzles. Link’s items can be selected in real time without pausing the game when he is on the ground, making it easier to switch between a sword and other items.

• Faron Woods and Skyview Temple: The forest is the first location Link visits after leaving Skyloft, an island world suspended high in the sky. The people of Skyloft have never been to the surface, so this marks a strange new experience for Link. Traversing the forest leads him to Skyview Temple, where Zelda may be being held.

• Dash: By holding down the A Button, players can make Link run faster and grant him acrobatic abilities, such as the ability to briefly run up a sheer wall to grab onto a cliff. This uses up some of Link’s stamina, which replenishes itself over time after they stop using Dash. Certain powerful attacks, such as the Spin Attack, also use up stamina. When all of Link’s stamina is used up, his movements become slower for a few moments while he recoups his energy.

• Dowsing: Fi, the spirit of the powerful Goddess Sword and Link’s guide, informs Link that he can use the sword to search for things through dowsing. In dowsing mode, when Link holds out his sword, the sword will beep when pointed in the direction of the intended target which will flash. This technique can be used to search for many objects and characters in the game. In Faron Woods, Link uses it to search for Zelda, guiding him to Skyview Temple, where Zelda’s aura can be detected.

• Kikwi: The Kikwi are cute, fuzzy creatures that Link encounters while exploring the forest, resembling a cross between a plant and an animal. Link can search for the Kikwi in the forest using dowsing to aid him in his search for Zelda.

• Slingshot: This is one of the first items that Link receives in the game. While it’s not very powerful, it can be used to stun enemies and activate objects in the environment. As with many items in the game, players aim the slingshot by moving the Wii Remote™ Plus.Nintendo will continue to regularly provide fans with select details and information about the game prior to its Nov. 20 launch. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword will be available as a standalone game or as part of a limited-edition bundle that also includes a gold-colored Wii Remote Plus controller. Additionally, every copy in the initial production runs of the game will come packaged with a special music CD containing orchestral arrangements of select songs that will be performed at the upcoming The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Symphony Concert.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is now available for pre-order at major retailers throughout North America. A deposit may be required for pre-orders. See individual retailers for details. For more information about the game, visit http://www.zelda.com/skywardsword.