The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

 Wii
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 2628 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,980 out of 2628
  2. Mixed: 360 out of 2628
  3. Negative: 288 out of 2628
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  1. wescrigg48
    Apr 22, 2019
    7
    good game but the motion controls sometimes dont allways do what you want they usaly work but they strugle with charging skyward srike and doing a foreward thrust
  2. NorwayGamer
    Mar 20, 2019
    9
    I think this game gets a lot of un-deserved criticism. sure there are quite a few things that keeps this game from being truly amazing, but overall, it is a really fun game.

    I've heard quite a few complaints about the motion controls for instance, but for the most part, they worked almost perfect for me. and I love how they're implemented, it gives the combat that extra depth and    I think this game gets a lot of un-deserved criticism. sure there are quite a few things that keeps this game from being truly amazing, but overall, it is a really fun game.

    I've heard quite a few complaints about the motion controls for instance, but for the most part, they worked almost perfect for me. and I love how they're implemented, it gives the combat that extra depth and challenge. instead of just mashing a button, you have to use strategy and think about how your enemy reacts - really cool in my opinion.

    the game is quite linear though, so you usually don't feel too compelled to explore, but there is some incentive for that too sometimes.
    the story I though was really good, and I really like the characters and many of the side-quests you do for them.
    I also loved how you can upgrade your equipment. that gets really addictive and fun. I'd love to see a HD-remaster of this game for the Switch, as that would make the great art-style really pop. I think the game is visually gorgeous, but unfortunately hindered by a low resolution.

    I didn't like the game as much the first time I played it, but then I did a second playthrough a couple of years ago, and it made me appreciate it a lot more. after my first playtrough, I would lean more towards an 8/10, but now I definitely think this game deserves a 9/10.

    and I have to mention the final boss - perhaps the best in the entire series. it was really great!

    a bit unconventional in many ways as a Zelda-title, but definitely an excellent game overall.    … Expand
  3. Daze072401
    Feb 20, 2019
    10
    No other game can show the Wii at its fullest potential better than Skyward Sword. The motion controls are responsive and add a layer to the combat and gameplay that has yet to be replicated. The graphics and soundtrack are, of course, a cut above the rest, but it's the game's surprisingly well-written story that pushes this Zelda up in my book. No one can pretend this gem's perfect; butNo other game can show the Wii at its fullest potential better than Skyward Sword. The motion controls are responsive and add a layer to the combat and gameplay that has yet to be replicated. The graphics and soundtrack are, of course, a cut above the rest, but it's the game's surprisingly well-written story that pushes this Zelda up in my book. No one can pretend this gem's perfect; but Skyward Sword's heart proves it's more than just the sum of its parts.… Expand
  4. philou
    Feb 17, 2019
    5
    Firstly let me say that I'm a big Zelda fan. Skyward Sword introduced some new ideas like upgrades with treasure and bugs. The shields now have limited durability for some reason, which only led me to not using it that much. The three main areas feel more like a big dungeon which I enjoy. Most side quests, are happening in the overworld but are actually just there to upgrade your wallet.Firstly let me say that I'm a big Zelda fan. Skyward Sword introduced some new ideas like upgrades with treasure and bugs. The shields now have limited durability for some reason, which only led me to not using it that much. The three main areas feel more like a big dungeon which I enjoy. Most side quests, are happening in the overworld but are actually just there to upgrade your wallet. Speaking of the wallet: I feel like rupees have a much higher value in this game. Stuff is pricy and getting money togther isn't as easy as one might think.

    But enough of the good stuff and on to the reason why I like this Zelda game the least so far.
    Some people described the game as challenging and praise it for the hard fights. Also the varying game mechanics like using the canon boat or the Groosenator were praised. The problem is - the game is only hard because of the awful motion controls which, regardless of motion plus, weren't as sophisticated as they are today. I played Twilight Princess on Game Cube so I was able to enjoy it.
    Many game mechanics are only there to give you a reason for using the wii remote.
    Trying to aim for something? Better hold your nunchuk perfectly still because Link gets his shield out and interupts anything you do with the remote.
    After playing the game for 30h it still happens from time to time.

    Also it seems the game designers were a bit lazy or maybe rushed by Nintendo. There are ao many recycled assets it's really sad. Most enemies you encounter are just the same ones you encountered from the beginning of the game with mote stamina and slightly different skills but in a different color.
    The Puzzles are okay I guess - sometimes almost too easy.
    Small Keys rarely appear and only serve as a method of preventing the player to progress. They could've just replaced them with switches. In other Zelda games you usually get a key and need to decide which of 2 or 3 possible doors you want to open next - in Skyward Sword: One key, one door.
    At one point in the game you need to get something for a character that is hidden in a dungeon you visited before but this time, what a surprise, different colored enemies and one door is locked again! Nothing at all was enjoyable about this segment.

    So: No, I will not play the game again. Unlike Ocarina of Time, which I play to a 100% at least once a year. Many reviewers compare the two games but I really don't get why. Is it the usage of a musical instrument? The one that you have to play with actual notes in OoT and in Skyward Sword you just wave the wii remote like an idiot?

    Yes: There are some quite good gameplay elements like the timeshift stones and making sword fighting more complex by introducing different directions.    … Expand
  5. Halyo
    Dec 28, 2018
    7
    Nice artstyle, OK gameplay, no replay value. 7/10
    3D Zelda games were a mistake.
  6. CalebTV
    Dec 21, 2018
    8
    This game gets too much hate. It has amazing dungeons and story. However when the controls don't work it gets really annoying. The combat become annoying if the controls don't work. However, if the controls do work it feels great. It has the best dungeons in the series yet the worst controls. The bosses are repetitive and they suck when the motion controls don't work. It is very hard toThis game gets too much hate. It has amazing dungeons and story. However when the controls don't work it gets really annoying. The combat become annoying if the controls don't work. However, if the controls do work it feels great. It has the best dungeons in the series yet the worst controls. The bosses are repetitive and they suck when the motion controls don't work. It is very hard to get used to the controls during the first part of the game. Fi is also the worst companion.… Expand
  7. Vexyy
    Nov 27, 2018
    10
    Oh my God ... what an incredible game ... Fly with the birds, the brilliant mechanics that the game has ... one of the best games in the world, in my opinion, it is in my heart forever ...
  8. Jorchking
    Nov 26, 2018
    4
    I have played a long Zelda list games, but Im sure that this game is the worst Zelda in 3D. Only the Motion was excellent, but the other things, same and same the same thing. With a Lower difficulty, dungeons very easy and not workered.
    This is, by far, the most overrated Zelda game of all time.
  9. Ernest_Figueroa
    Nov 23, 2018
    10
    Un juego que en su nivel normal no es gran cosa, pero en modo héroe es alucinante. Los boss en general son muy sencillo salvo uno, el Heraldo, la manera de usar el control es excelente y en esa batalla se lleva al extremo. La manera de obtener el Escudo Hyliano es un verdadero reto y pierdes peso de tanto agitar el mando.
  10. calanga
    Nov 6, 2018
    10
    A great game, beginning of all Zelda series, great gameplay, great puzzles, awesome
  11. Pippas1
    Oct 23, 2018
    10
    Having broken past the somewhat laborious first few hours, Skyward Sword has shown to offer some of the richest gameplay out of any adventure game. The main area in which the game can boast is its dungeons, which are finely crafted and challenging. Even the more open areas are puzzles in themselves. Despite the controls being exclusivist to disabled players, they are tight, skill-based andHaving broken past the somewhat laborious first few hours, Skyward Sword has shown to offer some of the richest gameplay out of any adventure game. The main area in which the game can boast is its dungeons, which are finely crafted and challenging. Even the more open areas are puzzles in themselves. Despite the controls being exclusivist to disabled players, they are tight, skill-based and rewarding. This game is phenomenal.… Expand
  12. Justjoined83
    Jul 2, 2018
    9
    Skyward Sword offers some of the best and worst aspects of modern 3D Zeldas. If you value story telling above gameplay, then Skyward Sword will be one of your favourite games in the Zelda franchise. The story was compelling and the characters had that unique Zelda charm that we’ve come to know and love about the series. The combat (which utilizes the Wii’s motion+ technology) can takeSkyward Sword offers some of the best and worst aspects of modern 3D Zeldas. If you value story telling above gameplay, then Skyward Sword will be one of your favourite games in the Zelda franchise. The story was compelling and the characters had that unique Zelda charm that we’ve come to know and love about the series. The combat (which utilizes the Wii’s motion+ technology) can take some getting used to, but I found myself having fun once I took the time to perform the correct motions. I should add that not all actions felt as natural as others. For example, rolling bombs seemed to require a great deal more precision than pulling back the string on your bow and arrows. Motion controls worked well all things considered, just so long as you remember to recalibrate the controller by swinging your sword vertically with large motions or by entering the menu screen and pressing down.

    Speaking of the menu, the new item wheel was the most convenient way to swap out weapons on the fly, even better than using a touch screen because once you get accustomed to where your items are located on the wheel, muscle memory naturally guides your motions to the proper selection. I should also add that swimming in Skyward Sword feels great too. After spending roughly 400+ hours playing Breath of the Wild over 2 full playthroughs, it felt nice to go back and revisit Skyward Sword’s more traditional looking dungeons. The sandship was a personal favourite of mine and the lead up to it was just as fun as the dungeon itself. And of course, Nintendo nailed the music in this game as they always do for their AAA titles.

    With these positives out of the way, it’s time to discuss the negatives. Link is accompanied by a companion whose very existence can annoy even the most patient of gamers. I’m talking of course about Fi, Link’s spirit companion that resides within his sword. At first, Fi seems just like any other companion until you take your first steps towards freedom...and by freedom I mean when the game actually begins, approximately 2 hours after introduction. Fi is not a “bad” companion per se. She’s actually very sweet and she does grow on the player towards the end of the game, if her warning alerts could be disabled that would make it so much easier to appreciate her character. Then we have the collection screen which mysteriously pops up each time Link collects new treasure and if you reset the system, all items collected are treated as “new items“ so the player is once again greeted with a 10 second pause to revisit the collection screen just to remind you that you have 60 amber relics. The good news is that most of these issues can be fixed with a remake.

    One issue that may be harder to fix is the overworld itself. The sky is barren and there are only 3 areas below the clouds (Forrest, Desert, Volcano) and each of these areas has a sub-area which can only be reached by backtracking. This feels relatively small for a Zelda game even if the areas themselves are quite large. Some of the bosses, like Ghirahim and the Imprisoned, were recycled 3 times over and that does not include the times you’ll spend fighting them in boss rush mode. A completionist will have fought them both 5 times over the course of 1 playthrough. This isn’t a little excessive, this is padding pure and simple.

    So in conclusion, if you had the patience to read my full review then you will probably enjoy Skyward Sword. It is a great game buried beneath a layer of frustrating decisions that can be easily rectified by an HD remake.    … Expand
  13. Pakon
    Jun 16, 2018
    10
    A spectacular Legend of Zelda game and the first one storywise. Don't let the motion controls distract you from playing the game; they perfectly fit in with the gameplay, which is really engaging and beautiful. The graphics look great as always. A unique and fantastic experience for Zelda fans.
  14. forevernes
    May 20, 2018
    9
    nota 9,5 Un control perfecto
    Zelda skyward llego a la wii para demostrar el potencial de la consola, el uso del wiimote en su perfección y una ves mas nintendo demuestra por que es la reina de la innovaccion creando un entretenido y único uno de los grandes de wii bueno, quiero hablarles de los puntos negativos del juego, demasiado lineal nuevamente el mismo problema que tenia    nota 9,5 Un control perfecto
    Zelda skyward llego a la wii para demostrar el potencial de la consola, el uso del wiimote en su perfección y una ves mas nintendo demuestra por que es la reina de la innovaccion creando un entretenido y único uno de los grandes de wii bueno, quiero hablarles de los puntos negativos del juego, demasiado lineal nuevamente el mismo problema que tenia twilight princess, se pierde mucho el tema de exploración en el juego y para los jugadores avanzados se les hace muy fácil lograr los objetivos demasiado tutorial en el juego te explican hasta lo mas sencillo y eso quita mucho tiempo de juego, esta bien que nintendo quiera entrar a las nuevas generaciones a la saga zelda y es un buen juego para empesar con esta maravillosa franquicia pero para los mas veteranos se nos hace un poco tedioso lo que es el tutorial vamos con los puntos que me maravillaron del juego, mazmorras para mi son una de la mejores de la saga zelda, con puzzles muy entretenidos que explotan el wiimote al máximo una gran    … Expand
  15. Kick454
    Apr 30, 2018
    8
    Skyward Sword was a great game, but Hero Mode just flat out sucks.

    Pros: + Gameplay: I really liked the items found in dungeons and loved that they had uses outside of the dungeons. + Dungeons: Really unique and fun. However, they can occasionally be a bit boring and tedious. + Side Quests: I encountered quite a number of side quests (if you consider the Thunder Dragon one, then that    Skyward Sword was a great game, but Hero Mode just flat out sucks.

    Pros:
    + Gameplay: I really liked the items found in dungeons and loved that they had uses outside of the dungeons.
    + Dungeons: Really unique and fun. However, they can occasionally be a bit boring and tedious.
    + Side Quests: I encountered quite a number of side quests (if you consider the Thunder Dragon one, then that would be another great one), but they were pretty great.
    + Soundtrack: Pretty great to be honest.

    Mix:
    = Motion Controls: There were rarely issues with them, but when they popped up they screwed me over.

    Cons:
    - Overworld: It's a pretty bad one. However, unlike BotW, it has quite a lot of content within it that isn't golden poop.
    - Linearity: Usually I love linearity, but this just flat out sucks. No freedom to explore everywhere until you're at the end of the game.

    Overall, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is a wonderful 25th anniversary celebration (a WAY better celebration than Breath of the EA) and warrants an 8.4/10 from me.    … Expand
  16. Meta1234
    Apr 20, 2018
    7
    Very good effort except for the clumsy controls that give back frustration. Story repetitive as always. Only the boss was named Demise instead of Ganon, Wow!
  17. Zerreth
    Apr 8, 2018
    9
    Fi: Thank you.
    Me in tears: No, Fi, thank you for everything.

    The most equally beautiful and saddest moment in any game I've ever played.
  18. Aus_CriticX
    Mar 26, 2018
    10
    Masterpiece, absolute masterpiece, story wise, character wise, graphic wise, everything, Apart ... from the controls. The controls are the only problem though. Skyward sword is at the level of Breath of the Wild and Ocarina of time and I give 10/10 for this masterpiece of a game!
  19. Stoneworth
    Mar 15, 2018
    10
    My rating might have something to do with the fact that I was 12 years old when I first played Skyward Sword. Still, I absolutely adore this game and have played it multiple times in the past and probably still will in the future. The story is in my opinion the best in the Zelda franchise, which ultimately makes this my all time favourite game!
  20. thanaklas
    Feb 21, 2018
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. it's perfect, I put the 10/10, very nice graphics, fantastic story
    and has many items and gadgets!    … Expand
  21. Ocarina_Crews
    Feb 2, 2018
    10
    Beautiful, fun, a good adventure that offers good playthrough. While I like other Zeldas more this is one of the best, while also being one of the best things you can play on a Wii.
  22. CaptainClogga
    Dec 23, 2017
    8
    This game is a good Zelda game. Its not the worst, but not the best, either. The dungeons were incredible. Sky Keep, Sandship, and Ancient Cistern being some of my favourites in the entire series! People complain that the motion controls were bad and laggy, but I enjoyed them and didn't have any major lag or problems with them. The bosses were awesome, with Ancient Cisterns "KOLOKTOS"This game is a good Zelda game. Its not the worst, but not the best, either. The dungeons were incredible. Sky Keep, Sandship, and Ancient Cistern being some of my favourites in the entire series! People complain that the motion controls were bad and laggy, but I enjoyed them and didn't have any major lag or problems with them. The bosses were awesome, with Ancient Cisterns "KOLOKTOS" being my all-time favourite Zelda boss to date. The art style is beautiful, and looks even better when upscaled to HD. I enjoyed Skyloft a lot, and the other islands were great supplements. Some problems is the huge amount of backtracking. this is where a lot of criticism come from, and I get it. Backtracking can be tedious, unless you're playing Metroidvanias, they have a pass. Redoing the Skieview temple was not that great, but if it leads to Ancient Cistern, then I'm all for it. The overworld was also small and linear, which a lot of people did not like because every Zelda game has to be open and can't change anything unless its BoTW.

    Skyward sword is a great game, and Its fairly cheap right now, so buy it, give it a chance, and enjoy!    … Expand
  23. CyberRobotnix
    Dec 19, 2017
    10
    This game despite having the best graphical quality you can ever find on the WII, a cool story and a great ost suffers from the motion controls.

    That's the unique problem with this game if we exclude the fact that this ugly psycho of ghirahim is in this game. Your new mount replaces Epona, it was getting a shore to have the same boring horse every game. The game also has new    This game despite having the best graphical quality you can ever find on the WII, a cool story and a great ost suffers from the motion controls.

    That's the unique problem with this game if we exclude the fact that this ugly psycho of ghirahim is in this game.

    Your new mount replaces Epona, it was getting a shore to have the same boring horse every game.

    The game also has new dungeons with kinda interesting puzzles and some challenge, but it's not that different compared to twilight princess.

    The game has a couple of funny jokes/gags, whichn I'm fine with and unlike sonic boom it's not forced as heck.

    In the end, the game is still let's say a masterpiece despite the motion controls.    … Expand
  24. SuperSourSauce
    Nov 14, 2017
    2
    Playing this game makes me wanna thrust my sword skyward into the nearest lightbulb outlet.

    Motion controls ruined the gameplay for me, and I found everything else to be bland.
  25. Sausage22
    Nov 7, 2017
    8
    Great game, but too linear, sky isn't interesting enough and I reccomend you play it only one time. Becouse for the second time game becomes way more tiring in the late game. Still amazing dungeones and places to explore. The beginning may be a little to long too and infamous Fi is here but I'm sure that you will like her after credits.
  26. Daug
    Oct 3, 2017
    10
    best zelda game ever.
    the controls never posed any problem. they never got unsyncronized, and anyone that says otherwise simply doesnt use them properly.
    best music, bosses, and dungeon design in any zelda game, and second best story (after twilight princess). minor complaints: 1. fighting the imprisoned for the 3rd time. the first 2 were fine but 3rd got repetitive. 2. a bit too    best zelda game ever.
    the controls never posed any problem. they never got unsyncronized, and anyone that says otherwise simply doesnt use them properly.

    best music, bosses, and dungeon design in any zelda game, and second best story (after twilight princess).

    minor complaints:
    1. fighting the imprisoned for the 3rd time. the first 2 were fine but 3rd got repetitive.
    2. a bit too short. BUT judging a game on what it doesnt have is stupid. what IS in the game is fantastic.    … Expand
  27. sooper_walrus
    Aug 30, 2017
    10
    I absolutely love Skyward Sword, and it may be my favorite Zelda title to date. Yes, even after Breath of the Wild's release. To the average Zelda fan, this is complete and utter blasphemy, and let me just say that I totally understand why people choose to hate this game. However, I adore this game because it lines up with my own personal taste in video games perfectly. I concede that theI absolutely love Skyward Sword, and it may be my favorite Zelda title to date. Yes, even after Breath of the Wild's release. To the average Zelda fan, this is complete and utter blasphemy, and let me just say that I totally understand why people choose to hate this game. However, I adore this game because it lines up with my own personal taste in video games perfectly. I concede that the controls may not work for everybody, but I for one loved the implementation of motion controls, as they set up a whole new variety of creative puzzle-solving possibilities. It is also true that this game is linear, but I do not see that as a bad thing; this game is story-driven to its very core, and that results in a linear gameplay model based on progressing through the game from point to point. If you are not a fan of story-driven games with long cutscenes, then you will most likely not be a fan of Skyward Sword. But if you are like me and enjoy having plenty of context and a sense of direction for your adventure, then this game is made for you. The story itself is complex, multi-faceted, and at times very emotional, and this helps you immerse yourself into the action. The presentation of this game is fantastic as well, with a beautiful impressionistic art style that results in these unforgettable colorful environments and landscapes that all stand out as some of the most beautiful locations in Zelda history. The music is on par with Super Mario Galaxy as some of the most beautiful, evocative music in video game history, written chiefly by Mahito Yokota. The beautiful environments blend with the music seamlessly, making for a variety of unforgettable moments from when you first experience these areas. The Faron Woods, Ancient Cistern, and Lanayru Sand Sea stand out in particular as areas you just want to explore to your heart's content... and you can!! This game is an unforgettable experience and I completely recommend it to anybody wanting to immerse themselves in a long, inspired, story-driven experience.… Expand
  28. FrankoAmmo
    Aug 18, 2017
    10
    I've competed Skyward Sword in 2012 and I am ashamed to admit it was my first Zelda game ever (at that time). I then completed TP, WW, BOTW, ALTTP, ALBW, both oracle games, the Minish Cap, FSA, Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask and Link's Awakening. This is the best Zelda game hands down for me. Not because it was my first one, but because of all the weapons, the graphics, the puzzles, theI've competed Skyward Sword in 2012 and I am ashamed to admit it was my first Zelda game ever (at that time). I then completed TP, WW, BOTW, ALTTP, ALBW, both oracle games, the Minish Cap, FSA, Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask and Link's Awakening. This is the best Zelda game hands down for me. Not because it was my first one, but because of all the weapons, the graphics, the puzzles, the linear story, etc. This is very nice and special game especially with the wii remote and the nunchuck!! Anybody who owns a Wii should play this title. 10 out of 10 for me nothing more nothing less.

    PS The people complaining about the controls must not be very...how can I say it...well you know what I mean...    … Expand
  29. JuanLuisGG14
    Jun 21, 2017
    8
    After two complete walkthroughs, i have to say it is not the best Zelda game, but it is still very good and while it fails at some ponts, it rightfully succeeds at others.
    Gameplay: peoplr often complain about this. I have to say controls aren´t that bad. They work brilliantly most of the time ( that doesn't mean it didn't give me problems). 8/10
    Graphics: charismatic and beautifully    After two complete walkthroughs, i have to say it is not the best Zelda game, but it is still very good and while it fails at some ponts, it rightfully succeeds at others.
    Gameplay: peoplr often complain about this. I have to say controls aren´t that bad. They work brilliantly most of the time ( that doesn't mean it didn't give me problems). 8/10
    Graphics: charismatic and beautifully done, good for wii standards
    Story: Maybe one of the strongests point in this game: every character here is outstanding and it feels pretty emotive.
    Although that, it isn't really unique. 9/10
    Soundtrack/ sound design: Srongest point, it has many beautiful tunes and works complementing with story masterfully done, embracing the emotion. Sound design is very good, too 10/10
    Level design: Probably weakest point of the game, there's some nasty repetition and its worls was too linear 7/10
    overall: 8/10 , at least here    … Expand
  30. artificeprime
    Jun 11, 2017
    8
    Skyward Sword is a great game but in a series of consistent masterpieces it falls a bit short. I was very torn about Skyward Sword, it is a unique experience and a bold change from the more traditional style of Twilight Princess. A lot of the ideas in terms of gameplay and story are really good but I felt that the execution of many of those ideas just wasn't as good as they could haveSkyward Sword is a great game but in a series of consistent masterpieces it falls a bit short. I was very torn about Skyward Sword, it is a unique experience and a bold change from the more traditional style of Twilight Princess. A lot of the ideas in terms of gameplay and story are really good but I felt that the execution of many of those ideas just wasn't as good as they could have been. It seems to be one of the most polarizing games in the series and I think it deserves both the criticism and the praise. It's my least favorite 3D Zelda but I still like it a lot.

    Gameplay wise Skyward Sword is a very mixed bag. It has some really cool new mechanics. Flying around on a loft wing was an awesome idea and its pretty fun at first but it gets old pretty quickly because there really isn't much to explore or do while flying. Flying felt far more like a mini-game than an immersive way to explore the world. Combat being controlled with the Wii mote can be rewarding because it requires a lot more than just taping the attack button but it can get tiresome. For the most part it works pretty well but there were times that I found it frustrating to use and shoehorned in. The camera is also inferior to many of the past Zelda games because you don't have as much control over it. I really like the item crafting though as it made collecting far more rewarding than it is in many other games. There were a few really cool items like the whip and flying Beetle but there aren't that many items compared to some of the past entries. Like most Zelda games the gameplay is very good with easy menus and an intuitive interface but the motion controls do more harm than good.

    The story is good but not great. In many areas it attempts to flesh out Zelda and Link more than in the past, which I liked but I didn't like the tone nearly as much as some of the past games. While I enjoyed seeing Zelda take a bit more of an active role in her own quest her actions seemed kind of superficial in the end. The concept behind Demise started out pretty interesting but the ending was a disappointment. Overall I felt that the story, while more complex than a lot of the Zelda games, lacked the subtlety and tone of games like Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask. There are some really great scenes throughout the journey though and the story is fairly well paced. Not one of my favorites but certainly not bad.

    The world in Skyward Sword is also a mixed bag. A couple of the Dungeons are some of the best in the series while others are very average. The Ancient Cistern is awesome, full of cool fun puzzles and really memorable moments within. There are more dungeons than Wind Waker but far less than Twilight Princess. The number of Dungeons would be fine if there were a big over world with lot to explore like in Wind Waker but that isn't the case. The over world in Skyward Sword is not very open and is instead broken into sections that seem more like entry points to the dungeons themselves. While these areas are still fun to explore to me they are far less interesting than the over worlds of past Zelda games. Despite its flaws though I still think its a far better than most game. Each area is well thought out and most of it is fun to traverse.

    For the most part I didn't like the characters nearly as much as I have in past Zelda games but I did like that there were more character driven scenes. Even though Link and Zelda are both given more story scenes than usual I felt that both of their depictions were far less interesting than other games in the series. Link seems generic this time around, nothing about him stood out to me as unique or interesting. Link has never been the deepest character but he usually starts out with something compelling about him (Such as being the only Hylian living among the Kokiri making him an outsider both to them and everyone else he encounters). Zelda is fine but there is very little mystery about her and she doesn't seem to do much to earn her triforce of wisdom. Ghirahim started out as a pretty unique villain and he has some great scenes but his ending was a big letdown. There are a few standout characters. I thought Groose was a really amusing character and seeing his journey over the course of the game was quite satisfying. Fi is a far inferior sidekick compared to Midna, the King of Red Lions, and even Navi.

    The soundtrack is classic Zelda, it's excellent. I wouldn't say it is the best in the series but it is just as good as past entries. Fi's theme, Ballad of the Goddess, and Romance in Sky all stand out as some of my favorite songs in the series. My only major disappoint with the soundtrack is that the role of music doesn't seem to be nearly as well integrated into the plot and gameplay. Link having an instrument just seems put in an afterthought and doesn't play nearly as significant or meaningful a role as it did in Ocarina of Time and The Wind Waker.

    I give Skyward Sword 84%    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best Wii Game of 2011
1
#1 Most Discussed Wii Game of 2011
1
#1 Most Shared Wii Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
93

Universal acclaim - based on 81 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 78 out of 81
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 81
  3. Negative: 0 out of 81
  1. Armchair Empire
    Feb 6, 2012
    100
    Overall, this is the best experience I've had playing a Zelda game since Ocarina of Time and I'd have to say they are pretty equal in my opinion. Either way, you won't be disappointed getting this game, it's a masterpiece.
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  2. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Jan 19, 2012
    90
    New Zelda is the best game of whole series since the groundbreaking Ocarina of Time. It is a true masterpiece with uncompromising playability. [Christmas 2011]
  3. PALGN
    Jan 19, 2012
    95
    A magnificent homage for the 25th anniversary of one the biggest franchises in gaming, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword provides a compelling gaming and artistic showcase for the indefatigable potential of the medium as a whole, and a reason to have gaming as a hobby.
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