The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD

 Switch
User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 700 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 467 out of 700
  2. Mixed: 104 out of 700
  3. Negative: 129 out of 700
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  1. CavemanCossy
    Jul 29, 2021
    8
    Skyward Sword is the final entry in the 3D overworld-to-dungeon exploration Zelda games, before Breath of the Wild truly shook up the formula. If you've played previous entries like Twilight Princess, Wind Waker, or Ocarina of Time, then you know what to expect already. Follow the plot in the overworld while doing some side-quests here and there, go to a dungeon, get an item in thatSkyward Sword is the final entry in the 3D overworld-to-dungeon exploration Zelda games, before Breath of the Wild truly shook up the formula. If you've played previous entries like Twilight Princess, Wind Waker, or Ocarina of Time, then you know what to expect already. Follow the plot in the overworld while doing some side-quests here and there, go to a dungeon, get an item in that dungeon which lets you clear it, culminating in a boss battle. Then, follow the plot again to go to the next dungeon, rinse and repeat. Usually said item from the dungeon also lets you find new paths in the overworld, which is how the game controls player progress and ensures that they follow a set path with minimal freedom to explore. Now this may sound repetitive, and to a certain extent it is, but for the most part it works perfectly fine. The game may not be incredibly original, but it is still engaging and keeps you entertained for the entirety.

    This is due to the story, the environments, improved gameplay, and in particular the sound. The relationship between Link and Zelda feels believable, as they struggle throughout the game to balance their responsibility of saving the land with expressing their implied mutual feelings towards each other. The land is colorful and bright, with the improved framerate and performance of the HD version greatly favoring it. The dungeon design for the most part is incredible and gets better as you progress through more complicated mazes. The graphics do look a bit dated though, but don't detract from the overall art direction. The music in particular still is one of the best soundtracks in the Zelda series, and arguably one of the best orchestral soundtracks in video games in general.

    Furthermore, the HD version introduces gameplay improvements over the Wii version. Most notably is the option to use buttons without any motion controls; moving the right stick draws and points your sword, flicking the right stick slashes in that path, and clicking the left stick lets you use your shield and bash enemies. It does take a bit to get used to, but luckily the game has a practice area at the beginning, and it's a lot more reliable than the motion controls the Wii game had. For what it's worth, the motion controls have also been improved, courtesy of being able to reset the more reliably gyro in the joy-cons with a simple tap of the Y button. This is particularly notable in the sky where you fly on your Loftwing, which was very clunky in the Wii version and is much smoother in the HD version.

    There are a lot of other smaller quality of life improvements too. The beginning of the game was infamously known to be slow, and although it still drags out, it is nice to have the option to fast-forward dialogue and skip cutscenes. In particular all the tutorials and advice notes from Fi (your sword familiar) are completely optional, which greatly saves time when doing a new playthrough in the games higher difficulty. The game now autosaves which means you don't have to constantly hunt bird statues, the only way to save in the original game. All these little things add up to the overall experience and make the game much more fun than the Wii version. One small unfortunate note though, the biggest quality of life improvement is locked behind an amiibo; the one that lets you fly to the skies from any part of the surface that isn't a dungeon. You can do it, but you need to own the Loftwing & Zelda amiibo to do so.

    By the time the original Wii version of Skyward Sword was released, the Zelda overworld-to-dungeon formula was already tried and tested, and it was starting to get stale by this game. Regardless, this is very much so a game worth playing at least once, specially if you have not played or finished the original. It's classic Zelda action, it's fun, and it will keep you entertained for the ~30 hours of gameplay you will find.    … Expand
  2. Nintendopost24
    Jul 29, 2021
    9
    So here we are at the end of this review, and just like the Wii version 10 years ago, this Zelda will be talked about. On many points this opus is part of the pinnacle of the saga (storytelling, dungeons, risk-taking), but its gameplay and its overall rigidity will always be debated. Regardless, The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword HD is a great video game, a Legend just waiting to beSo here we are at the end of this review, and just like the Wii version 10 years ago, this Zelda will be talked about. On many points this opus is part of the pinnacle of the saga (storytelling, dungeons, risk-taking), but its gameplay and its overall rigidity will always be debated. Regardless, The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword HD is a great video game, a Legend just waiting to be experienced. Go ahead, you won't regret it!

    Full review, in french, on my blog Nintendo Legacy. You can follow me on Twitter @NintendoLegacy1    … Expand
  3. Zebunker
    Jul 28, 2021
    0
    Watered down port that is essentaily $35 more than when it orginially came out, with the pay 2 win Amiibo you need.
  4. Bleeding_Jester
    Jul 28, 2021
    8
    they did a great job of porting this to the switch the controls are really good with the Pro Controller the only real issue ive had is with the camera and its a minor complaint
  5. Blacklich
    Jul 28, 2021
    9
    Finde Zelda Skyward Sword HD sehr gut abgesehen von dem Vollpreis.
    Die Knopfsteuerung ist nach einer Eingewöhnung gut zu Steuern.
  6. Timoerik3
    Jul 27, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is fantastic
    The Boss fites are varry good and ITs zelda so that's a 10    … Expand
  7. 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!
  8. 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!
  9. cc2224
    Jul 26, 2021
    10
    I already liked Skyward Sword back from the old Wii days. It also is one of my all-time favorite Zelda games, so I was looking forward to the HD version and in my opinion they totally delivered. It is so nice to see the locations from the past in HD graphics but the biggest positive change is the new motion control. It is way easier to handle than in the past and so fixes one of theI already liked Skyward Sword back from the old Wii days. It also is one of my all-time favorite Zelda games, so I was looking forward to the HD version and in my opinion they totally delivered. It is so nice to see the locations from the past in HD graphics but the biggest positive change is the new motion control. It is way easier to handle than in the past and so fixes one of the biggest problems of the original.… Expand
  10. revadb
    Jul 26, 2021
    10
    A great game in 2011, still a great game 10 years later.
    The QoL improvements really expedite the slower parts of the game experience, and replayability is much simpler with the ability to skip cutscenes. The visual really stand out in 1080p, 60fps.
    Finally, this game is always worth it just for having the best story in the series!
  11. scrump
    Jul 26, 2021
    9
    As a Zelda fan who missed this version, I have been hooked so far. Look forward to playing. Classic Zelda vibe with unique features. The only part that is annoying is the camera and having to move it around to focus. Since I didn't play it before I don't mind paying the full price, but if you owned it before I see no point in buying it again.
  12. agramonte
    Jul 25, 2021
    6
    There is just no way around it. The controls are awful. You would think that coming from Nintendo there would be a better solution than this. The flying, fighting, exploring... nothing feels natural.

    You stick with it and fumble along with the controls (well, mostly because it is a “Zelda” game), just to realize that the games has you backtracking and padding even the most trivial    There is just no way around it. The controls are awful. You would think that coming from Nintendo there would be a better solution than this. The flying, fighting, exploring... nothing feels natural.

    You stick with it and fumble along with the controls (well, mostly because it is a “Zelda” game), just to realize that the games has you backtracking and padding even the most trivial things... suffocating what fun you had managed to pull out of it a few moments before - basically insult to injury.

    I also find it crazy that one of the few quality of life update is locked behind a $25 Amiibo. For a game with no new content, barely a visual upgrade and a full $60 price tag - placing it as an extra DLC is just greedy. No idea how Nintendo is getting a pass on this,

    It is ok to skip this Zelda.... Again.    … Expand
  13. LudwigBeethoven
    Jul 25, 2021
    8
    One thing is for sure. This is more of a Zelda game than BOTW will ever be. Its rough around the edges, but the dungeons are some of the best in the entire series, which makes it worth playing.
  14. PimmyPete
    Jul 25, 2021
    10
    Not the best zelda game, but a lot of fun. I put in a 10 because so many people put in bad reviews, in fact, the original reviews were better, and the original game is unpolished. Totally worth the price. This game has about 10000x more effort put into it than most of these negative reviews do.
  15. profittsc
    Jul 25, 2021
    1
    The controls are awful in this game and make it a literal chore to play. Everything revolves around gimmick motion controls that in 2021 just don't hold up. The game is just almost unplayable, for example you have to run around with the L trigger held down just to be able to navigate the camera. Also the sword controls are terrible and just not fun at all, everything depends on you movingThe controls are awful in this game and make it a literal chore to play. Everything revolves around gimmick motion controls that in 2021 just don't hold up. The game is just almost unplayable, for example you have to run around with the L trigger held down just to be able to navigate the camera. Also the sword controls are terrible and just not fun at all, everything depends on you moving your sword in a certain way. Like diagonal up left or diagonal up right or diagonal down left or right or straight up or straight down. It gets really old, really fast !! I am not a Nintendo hater, I loved BOTW and many of the Mario games. Skyward Sword though just does not work at all, maybe if it was $15 dollars in a bargain bin but not a $60 stand alone game.… Expand
  16. Davidq
    Jul 25, 2021
    6
    I am a huge fan of the saga and this is not a good remastered, they have made big improvements over the original, but for a game revived in 2021 at this price it is not enough. They could further improve the graphics, the camera, the controls (which are really awkward and cumbersome) and add some innovations taking inspiration from Btow, but they didn't do it and this makes me sad ... TheI am a huge fan of the saga and this is not a good remastered, they have made big improvements over the original, but for a game revived in 2021 at this price it is not enough. They could further improve the graphics, the camera, the controls (which are really awkward and cumbersome) and add some innovations taking inspiration from Btow, but they didn't do it and this makes me sad ... The game is not to be rejected, but it certainly does not deserve 8-9. I hope that Nintendo returns to being what it once was, returns to being the Nintedo of Iwata and that you remember that in addition to the money there are also the players who have always loved and supported it.… Expand
  17. 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 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,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 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
  18. Kvr
    Jul 25, 2021
    10
    A great Zelda game! Has everything that a fan of the series will love. Great world, great music, funny npcs, rewarding sidequests, collectables! Amazing dungeons. Really nice story. This Zelda has it all!
  19. thedaarkbatty
    Jul 25, 2021
    0
    I played it for the first time last year and was shocked by how bad the graphics were. Seriousl, games released in 2008 have better graphics and effects than this garbage. Not to mention the gameplay is boring and unoirinal. I got about 30 minutes in before quitting. It's so hard because the controls suck. 0/10.
  20. Davesreview83
    Jul 24, 2021
    0
    Shamless cash grab that's over priced because Nintendo knows your going to buy the game
  21. zenn22
    Jul 24, 2021
    0
    absolute garbage, spent 3hrs wondering around with no idea where to go, omegalul
  22. Ughduty
    Jul 24, 2021
    4
    Boss battles are a pain in the a.. even after you somewhat got over the bad control scheme. There is nothing that really prepares you for them.
  23. DonnieTrump
    Jul 24, 2021
    8
    Yes, this game is better than you actually remembered!

    Did you know that – although there have been multiple Zelda release the last decade – Breath of the Wild is the only 'new' 3D Zelda that Nintendo has created in the last ten years? I didn't play the re-releases of the HD-versions of Twilight Princess and The Wind Waker and that means that Skyward Sword HD is my second 3D Zelda in a    Yes, this game is better than you actually remembered!

    Did you know that – although there have been multiple Zelda release the last decade – Breath of the Wild is the only 'new' 3D Zelda that Nintendo has created in the last ten years? I didn't play the re-releases of the HD-versions of Twilight Princess and The Wind Waker and that means that Skyward Sword HD is my second 3D Zelda in a decade. This is probably also the reason why I look at this HD-game with an entire new set of eyes.

    Reviews tend to be a descriptive analysis about a sequence of events in a game, but rarely a review describes the emotional experience a gamer is going through and that's why I want to focus on this aspect of gaming. After all, it's the game experience that is mostly valued by a gamer when playing a game. And the most defining aspect of a Zelda game is without a doubt its dungeons. These places test your wits and combat abilities in the most imaginative way possible. Certainly in Skyward Sword that has some of the best designed dungeons in the entire series.

    Ten years ago my opinion about the dungeons in Skyward Sword was mixed. Although I really like the design I was a bit disappointed with how easy some of the dungeons were. This is the era of the Wii we're talking about where the Super Guide was the norm and Nintendo tried to be as casual friendly as possible. Although the difficulty grade of the dungeons in Skyward Sword pales in comparison with Ocarina of Time or Twilight Princess it more than makes up for it with brilliantly designed dungeons. Some dungeons are designed with a big central room in mind where the puzzle is to go through all the smaller rooms in order to to activate a switch – or something else – in the big central room. Gone are the days with block puzzles and new puzzle elements are introduced with new weapons like the Beetle.

    The Beetle is a flying device that does some classic Zelda stuff such as activating switches, but also enables the capability to explore a room by flying through it. Later the Beetle is upgraded so it can carry bombs. Ideal for blowing up enemies or creating new paths by blowing up statues and other things. A decade ago Skyward Sword was criticized for keeping the same formularic design of the Zelda series, but it's in fact one of the most refreshing experiences in the series up until Breath of the Wild destroyed all conventions and re-established the series as an open world game.

    The design of the dungeons is complemented with a really wonderful art style that gives the game an unparalleled atmosphere in the dungeons. Ten years ago this game was described as a watercolour painting, but this was also done in order to mask the limitations of the Wii. With upscaled textures in HD and a very fluid sixty frames per second the HD-version of Skyward Sword finally gets the graphical style it truly deserves. Seeing the vibrant colours in the Earth Temple in a fluid motion is a joy for the eyes. The HD-version is – even more so than the original – a painting that comes to life.

    The most fun I had in the game was in the Laynaru Desert with the help of the time crystals. In a limited radius of these crystals objects and creatures come to life in an otherwise dead environment. The creative application of these time crystals result in some of the best puzzles and moments of the entire game. Some of the most challenging puzzles in the Zelda series are related to switching to past and current time in the Sandship. And did I also say there's some fun to be had with some mine carts?

    A special mention is also reserved for the last dungeon, Skyview. This is literally a jigsaw puzzle where rooms have to be connected in a maze-like structure. Each room is in old Zelda fashion themed after a certain area of the game and the difficulty grade is slightly increased. One or two rooms can be even called challenging, but seasoned Zelda veterans will find Skyward Sword too easy. I share that opinion, but it doesn't impact my enjoyment of the game for a bit. As you have read the last couple of paragraphs: I liked the dungeons, a lot!

    Then there are the small 'quality of life' improvements that have a considerable impact on the game. Plenty of people have already discussed this so I won't spend too much time on this. I can only say it makes the game a much more fluid experience making Skyward Sword HD the definitive edition of this game.

    For my conclusion I would like to come back to the statement of valuing game experience. As flawed as Skyward Sword is I really enjoyed my time with the game. Eighty to eighty-five percent of my time in Grooseland was a wonderful experience where I enjoyed the brilliant design of the dungeons and great atmosphere. The end of the game is a bit of a letdown with a series of fetch quests, but gets a quality boost at the very end with a fun final dungeon and the most moving story of the franchise.    … Expand
  24. Andreas1305
    Jul 24, 2021
    8
    The game is way better as most other reviewers are saying. Yeah it is expensive for a port, but the new motion controls for Switch are very nice and felt pretty refreshing.
    I definitely endorse playing the game, for the story alone. The music is great and the visuals are pretty good on Switch.
  25. Hassan123
    Jul 24, 2021
    0
    The game not ready to be play and also with this price is too much for port
  26. Syhlcam
    Jul 24, 2021
    8
    The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword HD est un excellent jeu. Un jeu qui a tout le potentiel de se refaire une seconde jeunesse via cette sortie sur Nintendo Switch.

    Le choix d’avoir soit le motion gaming pour jouer comme il a été initialement pensé ou aux boutons, permet à tous d’y joué. Bien que le jeu ait 10 ans, excepté quelques défauts graphiques, ce lissage HD lui fait le plus grand    The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword HD est un excellent jeu. Un jeu qui a tout le potentiel de se refaire une seconde jeunesse via cette sortie sur Nintendo Switch.

    Le choix d’avoir soit le motion gaming pour jouer comme il a été initialement pensé ou aux boutons, permet à tous d’y joué. Bien que le jeu ait 10 ans, excepté quelques défauts graphiques, ce lissage HD lui fait le plus grand bien.

    L’aventure qu’il nous conte, d’une grande importance pour la licence. Narrant la genèse de bien des éléments essentiels de la série. Il offre une très bonne expérience de jeu, via des donjons et des énigmes très les plus travaillé.

    Pour ceux qu’ils l’ont déjà fait sur Wii il n’est pas essentiel, mais pour les autres vous pouvez y aller.

    Avis complet >> https://www.geekexperience.fr/tag/avis/    … Expand
  27. Sabrewulf1
    Jul 24, 2021
    10
    The most under rated of the Zelda games, I remember purchasing this for my wii but never finished it because It was right at the back end of the wii life and I had purchased a ps3 and a then a wii u. Nintendo have absolutely smashed it out of the park again like they did with wind waker hd. You can feel the DNA of the last ocarina style game, the music and jumping is right out of ocarina,The most under rated of the Zelda games, I remember purchasing this for my wii but never finished it because It was right at the back end of the wii life and I had purchased a ps3 and a then a wii u. Nintendo have absolutely smashed it out of the park again like they did with wind waker hd. You can feel the DNA of the last ocarina style game, the music and jumping is right out of ocarina, with added bells. Feels like the more adult link from Twilight with an art style between windwaker and ocarina. But the way nintendo has had the gfx touched up is sublime. I loved BOTW (500 hours in, total completion) and I'm also pretty old, so when the first zelda came out on NES in '86 (I was 13) it blew my mind. This variation of links travels was unloved and wrong so. Its a classic. The dna of the wii is here with the motion controls, and I hope that we see more games from wii come over, becuase the motion controls actually really work well on the joycons. The nostalgia trip is jedi levels of fun, but the core game is right there, and will smash a smile on your face in that way only nintentdo seem to do. Perfection remaster.… Expand
  28. FortyOneDZ
    Jul 24, 2021
    10
    Once you get over the initial learning curve of the motion controls, there is a gripping story to get lost in.
  29. Flumazenil
    Jul 24, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Fantastic game! Skyward sword is the beginning! Great story, development and puzzles! I love it. And they enhanced and improved the control system.… Expand
  30. Vanta77
    Jul 23, 2021
    2
    The most frustrating and boring 3D Zelda, a game that throws you endlessly in same areas/bosses the whole entire game. Cool updates to graphics but way too pricey.

    Should've done the same like they did with Mario Galaxy last year, but they wanted to max profit from Zelda fans
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Awards & Rankings

56
#56 Best Switch Game of 2021
4
#4 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2021

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 106 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 89 out of 106
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 106
  3. Negative: 1 out of 106
  1. Gamersky
    Dec 20, 2021
    77
    The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD on NS brought this once masterpiece back to the player's vision. However, its crappy control and a somewhat old-fashioned design make it seem less attractive nowadays.
    Read full review
  2. RPGamer
    Nov 22, 2021
    70
    Skyward Sword HD should be commended for its attempt to improve on the original. Having a new control scheme and making a good deal of Fi’s advice optional make it a more palatable experience. However, the game still suffers from pacing issues that made the original feel too bloated as well as a disappointing deemphasis on exploration. This remaster could have realistically improved upon a lot, yet it would still fall short compared to the series’ strongest entries. There is still enough for those looking for a more traditional 3D Zelda experience on the Switch provided they keep their expectations in check.
    Read full review
  3. JeuxActu
    Oct 16, 2021
    65
    Yes the picture is sharper, yes the game is smoother (60fps), yes there have been some improvements to make the adventure more enjoyable, but damn the gameplay has taken a hell of a beating in the back of the head. It was already painful in 2011, it is even more 10 years later, and it is not the tinkering in classic controls that will sublimate the gameplay of this Zelda : Skyward Sword HD.
    Read full review
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