There’s a lot to be said for the open-world exploration mechanic that we have come to associate with, and expect from, the Zelda series. Dropping into the middle of a vast, sprawling landscape teeming with beauty, danger, and hidden secrets is absolutely exhilarating, especially when you have no clear destination and must carve out a non-linear path to discover your true mission. But I’ve found that when it comes to endless replayability and pure childlike delight, the level-based platform games of my youth are still the clear winners, and one prominent feature of these titles that I find particularly endearing is the central hub world. Who could forget their first time soaring through the gorgeous Comet Observatory in Super Mario Galaxy, or bumbling around the whimsical DK Isle in Donkey Kong 64? Locations like these solidly embed themselves in our memories over time, serving as comforting home bases where we can have leisurely chats with locals, stock up on supplies, and just take in the scenery before venturing back out into the world.
Hub worlds aren’t commonly encountered in the Zelda universe, but when they do show up, they seamlessly meld with the open-world environment in a way that feels both lovingly nostalgic and wonderfully innovative. The energetic Hyrule Town practically bursts at the seams with puzzles and minigames, and the picturesque Windfall Island serves as the backdrop for some of the wackiest sidequests I’ve ever completed. Clock Town will always be my favorite Zelda hub world, but if you were to ask me which one gets the silver medal, I would enthusiastically proclaim that Skyloft takes the prize.
The word that I think best describes a place like Skyloft is “wholesome.” Meandering along the pathways of this breathtaking playground, awash in dazzling colors and filled with kind, down-to-earth people (as well as adorable Remlits), never fails to make my heart swell with happiness; in all seriousness, I think I get more pleasure from just hanging out on this floating island than I do from playing the rest of the game. And what really sells me on this marvelous locale is the music that accompanies us on our relaxing tour of the island. It’s such an upbeat, vivacious melody where guitar and harmonica take the spotlight, complemented by the airy lilt of a flute and the gentle beat of a tambourine; this results in a charming little tune that calls to mind a cozy Italian village, where time seems to stand still as we watch the clouds slowly drift by.
In my mind, there’s only one possible way to improve upon such a fantastic song, and if you’ve ever read my very first Medli’s Melodies article, you can probably guess what I have in mind here. Now, thanks to musician Sanjesh P., we can bask in the ethereal glow of a moonlit Skyloft night while being soothed by a familiar lullaby.
The first minute-and-a-half of this gorgeous remix is tender and enchanting, painting a vivid picture of a vibrant twilit sky slowly speckling with stars as the rich hues of day fade to the dark indigo of night. Gone are the industrious island folk merrily buzzing about and the cacophonous shrieks of Loftwings as they dart to and fro; now this beloved floating hamlet they call home, while no less beautiful than before, has donned an entirely different guise. Under the light of the rising moon, only the soft plucks of guitar strings echo in the wind, accompanied only by some light, shimmery synths. One immediately feels the day’s tension wash away as they relax in the grass and contentedly watch the night gradually unfurl its splendor like a lotus blossom unfurls its petals.
But then, the witching hour arrives, and we sense a subtle shift in the atmosphere. The sweet, gentle notes of the acoustic guitar metamorphose into the mellow, jazzy tones of its electric cousin, and the lonely shadows reaching out across the field begin to sway to the melancholic music that validates their existence. This is the time of night when most of us are lost in dreams, oblivious to the mysterious and lovely entities who thrive in the still, inky blackness devoid of human consciousness. Personally, I believe that this strange nebulous period of time is when Fi, our quiet, reserved sword spirit, would feel free to release her inhibitions. Picture her gracefully pirouetting down the waterfall, her delicate form glimmering as she silently skates across the mirror-like surface of the pool below. She is a phantom, a beautiful ghost celebrating the solitude of the night by performing for her fellow spirits who shun the garish light of day. What a perfect image, and an equally perfect song, with which to lull yourself to sleep.
If you enjoyed this piece, then you should definitely take a peek at the rest of Sanjesh’s musical catalog. He is an absolute master of chill, dabbling in everything from ambient soundscapes to jazz and funk, so seek out his music if you need to unwind from a stressful day or simply wish to turn your mind off and relax!
Skyward Sword is 10 years old on November 18, 2021! We’re celebrating with dedicated articles all week.
