The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD

 Switch
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD Image
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 106 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 700 Ratings

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  • Summary: Take to the skies, draw your sword, and experience the earliest story in the Legend of Zelda series. Join Link in his high-flying quest to save Zelda, a childhood friend who must confront her destiny. Soar between floating islands and descend to the treacherous surface world in this updatedTake to the skies, draw your sword, and experience the earliest story in the Legend of Zelda series. Join Link in his high-flying quest to save Zelda, a childhood friend who must confront her destiny. Soar between floating islands and descend to the treacherous surface world in this updated HD version of the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. Master realistic swordplay that matches your movements. Swing your sword and angle your slashes to uncover and break through opponents’ defenses using intuitive motion controls. Link will match the angle of each strike you make with the Joy-Con controller, creating immersive swordplay that relies on strategy and accuracy. Movements feel smoother and more immediate thanks to the Nintendo Switch system’s increased processing power and HD graphics. Take advantage of the newly-added button only control scheme—perfect for playing in handheld mode or on the Nintendo Switch Lite system.… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 89 out of 106
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 106
  3. Negative: 1 out of 106
  1. EGM
    Jul 18, 2021
    100
    The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD improves on the original in every conceivable way. The visual and performance upgrades make it feel like a new game, and the motion controls feel much more responsive, thanks to the Switch’s Joy-Cons. But the new button controls are the biggest improvement; instead of fighting against the motion controls, players can now savor the satisfying combat and genius level design. What was once the outcast of the 3D Zelda games now stands tall as one of the best in the series.
  2. Hardcore Gamer
    Jul 21, 2021
    90
    For those who didn’t enjoy Skyward Sword because of the motion controls, it’s worth picking up to experience the title in a much more enjoyable control scheme. This isn’t even to mention the overall fantastic gameplay, characters and story that make it well worth getting for those reasons along. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD is not only the best way to enjoy this title, but hopefully will be remembered more fondly thanks to welcome adjustments and improvements that make an already wonderful entry in the long-running series even more wonderful.
  3. MGG Spain
    Jul 21, 2021
    89
    An improved technical aspect, new features that make it easier to play, new contents and hours of fun are the main points to take into account to get a game that will please both fans of the saga and those who want to get started.
  4. Destructoid
    Jul 14, 2021
    80
    I understand that $60 for a remaster of a 2011 game is a big ask. But this is the definitive version of a flawed yet fun adventure that should be part of any Zelda rotation.
  5. Shindig
    Jul 22, 2021
    80
    While not every design choice has aged as gracefully as its gorgeous art style and incredible dungeons, the implementation of a wide range of improvements ensures The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD remains a memorable adventure worth experiencing on the Nintendo Switch.
  6. GamesRadar+
    Jul 14, 2021
    80
    Skyward Sword HD gives one of the most misunderstood Legend of Zelda games a second chance. It's an under-appreciated gem, one that finds the space to really breathe with a more reliable and relaxing method of control embedded within it. Skyward Sword has its fair share of problems, but it makes up for many of them in moments of true brilliance and defiance against established series conventions. Say what you will about Skyward Sword, but it's good to be out on an authored adventure with Link again – saving Hyrule one inventive dungeon and challenging boss battle at a time.
  7. Het Nieuwsblad
    Aug 13, 2021
    40
    No reviewer on earth enjoys scathing a Zelda-game. More often than not they are grand cru-games players are willing to wait years for. Ever since BOTW we’ve been given crumbs while waiting for the much awaited sequel through remasters and remakes. ‘Link’s Awakening’ scratched that itch. Skyward Sword HD does not. Spoler alert: in the year 2021 motion controls are still horrible.

See all 111 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 180 out of 302
  2. Mixed: 48 out of 302
  3. Negative: 74 out of 302
  1. JuanaPalotes
    Jul 26, 2021
    10
    If this is your first time playing this game, I would absolutely recommend it, if not I would recommend it too!
  2. Flakegriffn
    Jul 26, 2021
    10
    Amazing game with amazing story telling! Glad they brought this over to help the new generation try out the first Zelda in the timeline!
  4. Reed618
    Jul 17, 2021
    10
    Unfortunately ports are a target for review bombing so the user score probably won't be that reliable as people who haven't played the gameUnfortunately ports are a target for review bombing so the user score probably won't be that reliable as people who haven't played the game will just give it a 0.

    I'm a few hours in and really enjoying the game though. The art style really holds up and this is such a great version of Zelda (the character I mean). I love her design and she's quite funny. The quality of life features make the experience noticeably better.

    I also really appreciate that I can use a gamepad. Joycon drift is a big headache so I just couldn't handle playing with joycons.

    Having tried the original version on wii just a few months ago I can definitely say this is hands down the best version of the game. Better control options, less annoying tutorials/pop up messages, visually it's far nicer (the old wii version looks awful on modern tvs), autosaves, camera controls etc. It really is a massive improvement.

    Is it better than breath of the wild? personally not at all. botw has a lot more to offer but skyward sword is full of charm and it's a fun adventure. I'd definitely recommend it.    … Expand
  5. Asdrubbale
    Jul 25, 2021
    8
    It wasn't perfect in 2011 and, of course, it still isn't. The big problem remains the control system. In the most agitated moments it is notIt wasn't perfect in 2011 and, of course, it still isn't. The big problem remains the control system. In the most agitated moments it is not possible to do exactly what you want, in other situations, to meet the particular use of the sword, the enemies use patterns that ruin the atmosphere of the fight. Let's talk about the positives: the art direction is wonderful, the music is amazing, the dungeons are inspired and the story finally gives roots to the legend of Zelda. If you are a fan of the saga it is a "must-play". If you're not, it still remains a very good game but you can safely avoid playing it.… Expand
  6. ironfoam
    Aug 11, 2023
    7
    A game with many interesting aspects. Some fun dungeons and puzzles, and some interesting tools. However, the game was way too long relativeA game with many interesting aspects. Some fun dungeons and puzzles, and some interesting tools. However, the game was way too long relative to its content. The game would have been a better experience if it was condeced down to half the play time. Also, the controls were frustrating, especially during some of the boss fights. By the time I finished the game, I was tired of it. However, I really did enjoy many parts of it along the way.… Expand
  7. Aziz-alharbi
    Apr 20, 2022
    5
    the controls experience was so awful that made me hate the game and hate to continue playing it.
  8. pugach87
    Jan 15, 2023
    0
    Messy port with poor controls. It simply doesn’t work. Unbearable, **** camera and joycon tracking. I can’t take it anymore. For full-priceMessy port with poor controls. It simply doesn’t work. Unbearable, **** camera and joycon tracking. I can’t take it anymore. For full-price release it’s ripoff. Worst Zelda experience ever.… Expand

See all 302 User Reviews

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