SuperPhillip's Favorite VGMs - Skyward Sword Edition

Starting this week and lasting for the next nine weeks, SuperPhillip Central is doing the VGMs a bit differently. Instead of having five different games, each edition from now until much later will be devoted to one single game. Today's first edition of this new and temporary treatment focuses on SPC's Game of 2011 and Soundtrack of 2011, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword for the Nintendo Wii. We started SuperPhillip's Favorite VGMs with a track from this game, and now we come full circle and start the next 200 VGMs with five tracks from the title.

v201. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Wii) - The Sky

Much like the ocean of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Skyward Sword's sky is the overworld of the game, connecting multiple large islands and drop off points for Link to explore. Controlling the Loftwing took some getting used to, like any new control scheme, but once it was nailed, it was intuitive and felt great. The Sky's theme is a brass and woodwind-filled song that is incredibly triumphant.

v202. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Wii) - Koloktos / Moldarach

A brilliant boss battle theme for Koloktos, an idol that is listed on Best Boss Battles in Gaming History - Part Six, and Moldarach, this song increases the tension to an already tense battle atmosphere. For Moldarach, you had to use the Gust Bellows to blow away the sand to find the scorpion boss. For Koloktos, you needed to use the Whip to loosen and remove the golden statue's arms and then use a giant sword to unleash holy heck on it.

v203. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Wii) - Final Ghirahim

You face Ghirahim, the self-proclaimed Demon Lord, three times throughout Link's quest in Skyward Sword. This version of the theme, the final battle with the Demon Lord himself, starts off with a bang as a choir backs the traditional fight theme for Ghirahim. These battles put all of your sword-slashing skills and swordplay to the test. All those encounters with meager enemies has set you up for this final confrontation. Persevere, as Zelda and the world depend on it!

v204. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Wii) - Fi's Farewell

Fi's theme is played on piano and then pan flute for a gentle, forlorn theme, perfect for a goodbye. Master, there is a 99% chance that this theme tugged at my heartstrings. This was despite knowing that many players out there did not care for the character of Fi. Considering she constantly interrupted gameplay, I can empathize. Regardless, it's a fond farewell for Fi, and this theme only helps in giving the player a feeling of sadness.

v205. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Wii) - Staff Roll

The quintessential credits theme for a Zelda game, but then again it's so difficult to choose a best when many of them are so excellent, Skyward Sword's Staff Roll theme starts off with a flowing version of the Ballad of the Goddess, the main theme of the game. It is followed by the fully orchestrated version of The Legend of Zelda main theme, and finally, after an interlude, back to a rousing rendition of Ballad of the Goddess, punctuated by a full choir. A great sendoff to a great game.

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The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword was the first Zelda game to have the majority of its music be orchestrated. Not only did this punctuate the marvelous melodies and music very well, it brought a more "epic" - if you will - feel to the game. And it did so while retaining memorable melodies without having every song feel like its built for atmosphere solely like some games that are fully symphonic. I hope with these five songs you can see why The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword was nominated and won the category for Best Soundtrack of 2011.

Stay with SuperPhillip Central this week as we list the best Nintendo franchises, review Kirby's Dream Collection: Special Edition, and present ten more of the fifty best Nintendo Wii games. It's going to be a fun and busy week!

Until then, why not check out my VGMs Database for past video game tracks selected?