The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD

 Switch
User Score
7.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 569 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 370 out of 569
  2. Mixed: 85 out of 569
  3. Negative: 114 out of 569
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  1. Bnois
    Aug 18, 2021
    7
    It's an old school Zelda like any other (but with pretty interesting and engaging motion controls). If your first Zelda game was BOTW, you might not want to get this one. And it's understandable. It's outdated, a few improvements here and there, and not justified 60$ price tag.
    The models, animations and overall feeling is a little bit generic. You can check on youtube how FI sings or    It's an old school Zelda like any other (but with pretty interesting and engaging motion controls). If your first Zelda game was BOTW, you might not want to get this one. And it's understandable. It's outdated, a few improvements here and there, and not justified 60$ price tag.
    The models, animations and overall feeling is a little bit generic. You can check on youtube how FI sings or Link plays on his harp. It's rough and definitely is not on Nintendo quality level.    … Expand
  2. martinho_99
    Aug 21, 2021
    7
    My opinion about this game is divided. Motion control is even worse than on the old Wii. But controlling the sword with the curser comes with its own problems. Always holding down L to move the camera is really annoying. Pushing the left cursor in to conter with the shield becomes quite painfull after some time in boss fights since you need to keep holding ZL the same time to focus on yourMy opinion about this game is divided. Motion control is even worse than on the old Wii. But controlling the sword with the curser comes with its own problems. Always holding down L to move the camera is really annoying. Pushing the left cursor in to conter with the shield becomes quite painfull after some time in boss fights since you need to keep holding ZL the same time to focus on your enemy. Was a motion controlled or now cursor controlled sword an original idea? - Yes. Is it practical or fun? - No! Should it be repeated? NO!!! They tried something and it didn't work out, no need to hate on the game - end of the debate. The story is okay I guess, not very original or surprising but Nintendo games are never about the story. Although all those things kept annoying me I liked playing the game. There are dungeons and places with so much originality. And I liked the higher difficulty it offered. All the moments with the master sword are as magical as always. It is no masterpiece, they could have done better but it is a good game and it is worth playing.… Expand
  3. preppyak
    Aug 7, 2021
    7
    One of the things this game cant ultimately overcome is its reliance on motion controls for much of the game play. I actually think the structure of the game is well done overall, but having played Breath of the Wild, its very clear that it was the update the game needed to stay relevant for years to come. Skyward Sword closes its world by relying far too much on slash angle (andOne of the things this game cant ultimately overcome is its reliance on motion controls for much of the game play. I actually think the structure of the game is well done overall, but having played Breath of the Wild, its very clear that it was the update the game needed to stay relevant for years to come. Skyward Sword closes its world by relying far too much on slash angle (and timing...which it often fails to relay effectively), whereas other Wii games thrived on using motion controls to open up their game play. And Skyward Sword often leans into its campy/childish side in a way that neither Twilight Princess or BotW do.

    As an update over the 2011 version, its mostly a success by sidelining the games worst elements. But graphically, its far behind games that released 5+ years ago (thinking of the Uncharted Series and Horizon Zero Dawn specifically). Asking for the full $60 price at release is certainly a joke in comparison...as a $29.99 title it might have actually been a really smart bridge until the newest title in the series.    … Expand
  4. Arkz
    Aug 6, 2021
    6
    There's some great moments, some cool story elements and mysteries, interesting areas to explore and some fun and interesting dungeons, even if it all does look very dated.

    It basically looks like a Wii game just running in 1080p cause, well it pretty much is. No anti aliasing so jaggies everywhere, Nintendo seem to be allergic to any picture processing that cleans up stuff like that.    There's some great moments, some cool story elements and mysteries, interesting areas to explore and some fun and interesting dungeons, even if it all does look very dated.

    It basically looks like a Wii game just running in 1080p cause, well it pretty much is. No anti aliasing so jaggies everywhere, Nintendo seem to be allergic to any picture processing that cleans up stuff like that. 60fps is nice but lets face it, all fast paced games should be 60fps minimum, and the only reason this is, is because it's an old Wii game, and the Wii it's self was just a faster Gamecube probably only as powerful as the original Xbox. So yeah it looks... old.

    But graphics don't make the game, gameplay does. and it struggles here too. The original motion controlled mess was very annoying in places but you can now play with motion controls off all together. With the sword direction stuff mapped to the right stick. It's less tedious but still is rather bothersome. And the adapted controls aren't the games main issue. You could get around that and get used to it over time, tedious as it may be.

    The main issue is the pacing. It feels like a 15 hour game stretched out to 30-40 hours. It's painfully boringly slow in places. And while there's some fun areas to explore and dungeons, there's equal amount of monotonous areas and boring dungeons that feel like a chore to get through. The silent realm challenges are interesting but it has you do them 4 times and again feels like a buffer to make the game last. So often you need to keep going back to old areas and mess about. When it leads to somewhere new, good, but a lot is just going over stuff again.

    There are times when you think we're finally getting on with stuff and they throw more and more pointless hurdles at you to slow the game down. And as much fun as you can have, you are forced through boring bits that just aren't fun. I would have been ok with a shorter game if it meant keeping it going and not feeling like "oh here we go again".

    Story is decent but you're getting it in such small snippets then being padded out by the boring bits.

    There are some fun dungeons with cool and interesting mechanics like the timestones. But other ones where it just feels like you're doing it cause you have to to proceed.

    There's fun items like the clawshot and beetle. And boring stuff like the whip.

    Travelling across the sky is very slow. and unlike Wind Waker where the ocean was massive but there were absolutely loads of islands to find with cool secrets, this feels baron. What you do find is mostly empty, but they've put goddess cubes on the surface that unlock chests in the sky to give a reason to visit them. A few have interesting methods of getting to the chests but most are land, open, leave.

    If you're a Zelda fan you may still enjoy it but end up stopping at some point and never going back. And if you're not a Zelda fan you may get bored early on and just tire of it. I still find older ones like Ocarina of Time and Wind Waker to be a lot more fun and rewarding, with better music and more atmosphere and character too.

    In the end I'd say watch a video review going over some of the game to see if it actually looks like your cup of tea. There are some fun bits and interesting story developments, if you can handle the slow progression. Otherwise go play something else. Ocarina of Time for the story or Breath of the Wild for the exploration.    … Expand
  5. Lordbread
    Oct 2, 2021
    6
    It’s a good game but it gets really repetitive after a while it doesn’t really add anything to the original skyward sword other than the ability to use button controls. It is pretty much just skyward sword ported to the switch.
  6. mr-ruukasu
    Dec 5, 2021
    6
    Nice beginning, then after completing all dungeons you backtrack to them again and again, story drags for too long, you doing the same things, but in different places. Flying mechanic could be used more, not just for going from place to place. There is no real challenge, bosses are easy and other enemies non-existent. Some puzzles are nice, some just over complicated. Controls are ok, butNice beginning, then after completing all dungeons you backtrack to them again and again, story drags for too long, you doing the same things, but in different places. Flying mechanic could be used more, not just for going from place to place. There is no real challenge, bosses are easy and other enemies non-existent. Some puzzles are nice, some just over complicated. Controls are ok, but not great (played on lite). Music is great, like in every Zelda game. Overall you can skip this one and just watch youtube movie to know the story.… Expand
  7. Kadaz
    Mar 29, 2022
    6
    Controls are so bad that I can't really enjoy the game at all. Haven't finished it yet and I come and go mostly , but for a Zelda game not being able to have me interested to at least finish the story is something.
  8. ThatCat54
    May 24, 2022
    5
    The original is awful, and the remaster made some good changes:

    - newer slightly better controls - Fi is a bit less annoying - 1080p But it honestly didn't fix the many problems with this game: - incredibly linear, the world design is claustrophobic and this game is way to linear - even the button controls are still bad - So much filler, you have to revisit each    The original is awful, and the remaster made some good changes:

    - newer slightly better controls

    - Fi is a bit less annoying

    - 1080p

    But it honestly didn't fix the many problems with this game:

    - incredibly linear, the world design is claustrophobic and this game is way to linear

    - even the button controls are still bad

    - So much filler, you have to revisit each location 3 times, defeat this one stupid boss 3 times, and there's so much filler content to pad out your playtime

    The only things I liked were the dungeons and some of the bosses, but you have to slog through terrible gameplay to get to them. Music is pretty good though.    … Expand
  9. fattythehutt
    Jul 17, 2021
    5
    If you have any drift at all in your right Joy-Con do not play this. If you play without motion controls sword attacks are mapped to the right thumb stick.
  10. Ryzar
    Jul 20, 2021
    6
    As a preface, I've only played up to the second dungeon using the pro controller. In my opinion, the motion controls of Link's sword don't map well onto the analog stick and holding L+ right analog stick to move the camera doesn't feel very intuitive. Nintendo should have removed every component of Skyward Sword which was reliant on motion controls and remade the game catering aAs a preface, I've only played up to the second dungeon using the pro controller. In my opinion, the motion controls of Link's sword don't map well onto the analog stick and holding L+ right analog stick to move the camera doesn't feel very intuitive. Nintendo should have removed every component of Skyward Sword which was reliant on motion controls and remade the game catering a traditional button controller. In its current state, I wouldn't recommend it - not at full price anyway. Having said that, I love the story-driven, dungeon aspect of this game and one can only hope Nintendo strikes the right balance in the next iteration of the Zelda series. Hopefully, breath of the wild 2 will embrace its roots once again and combine it with the "open-air" vibe that a lot of people seem to like.… Expand
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. sarisa
    Jul 17, 2021
    7
    Dungeons: 8/10
    Bosses: 9/10
    Music: 10/10 Surprisingly good working joycons. ... ....Graphics... 2/10 (Switch) and 9/10 (Wii) Yes. That's the point. Frame rate is very good. Game graphics is very sharp, but it doesn't go hand in hand with angular polygons... This really stings the eye. This graphics style designed for this game was clearly for lower resolutions.. And as such, this is    Dungeons: 8/10
    Bosses: 9/10
    Music: 10/10
    Surprisingly good working joycons.
    ...
    ....Graphics... 2/10 (Switch) and 9/10 (Wii)
    Yes. That's the point. Frame rate is very good. Game graphics is very sharp, but it doesn't go hand in hand with angular polygons... This really stings the eye.
    This graphics style designed for this game was clearly for lower resolutions.. And as such, this is where they screwed up. This game should have never been released as "remaster HD" in that state (what sort of remaster is this btw...?) Such games should be either remade or at least tiny effort in terms of remodelling should be put to earn "HD remaster" badge. Just compare Wind Waker HD or Twilight Princess HD from Wii U.
    Still this title has much to offer (just compare dungeons and story of SS with Breath of The Wild) in terms of superb story and gameplay.

    So to recap: it's good this game is on Switch for younger audience to taste one of the best Zelda in the series.
    Shame on Big N for another cash grab they did. The more they act this way, the more they justify homebrew scene.    … Expand
  14. BrushedRed
    Jul 20, 2021
    7
    Whoever said that this is better than Breath of the Wild has lost their mind. Lol. But I will say that I am enjoying this HD remake more than the first time I played this on Wii. It's nice to play the game in 60 FPS and in high quality textures. The art style is quite gorgeous and the game has held up well over time.

    Prior to this HD remake, I never finished my original playthrough of    Whoever said that this is better than Breath of the Wild has lost their mind. Lol. But I will say that I am enjoying this HD remake more than the first time I played this on Wii. It's nice to play the game in 60 FPS and in high quality textures. The art style is quite gorgeous and the game has held up well over time.

    Prior to this HD remake, I never finished my original playthrough of the game. I got several hours into the game, but I did not enjoy the controls and I ultimately traded the game in. I had no desire to really get this again, but I had a ton of store credit and just decided to go for it anyway. I was leery of the motion controls, but they seem to work just fine. I am definitely enjoying the non-motion controls. They seemed like they'd be awkard, but they work pretty well once you get the hang of using them.

    Still, a lot of the glaring flaws the game has are present (and there's not much they could've done to fix them). Like, the silent realm, back tracking, repetitive nature. Those things were part of the original game and they're still here. It's not quite as much of a chore this time around, though, because of the controls. I'm looking forward to finishing the game getting all collectables. That's what I've done on all the Zelda games and I intend to continue the tradition.

    But, yeah, it's obvious to see why Nintendo changed the direction of Zelda after this.    … Expand
  15. DreamCore
    Aug 18, 2021
    6
    I can start by saying that this is definitely the worst of the main-line games in the series. I don't understand how this could have been released after Twilight Princess, because it's worse in basically every way.

    Even with the non-motion-controls, the controls are pretty damn awkward, and so it the camera. The story is very weak and forgettable. There is an insane amount of    I can start by saying that this is definitely the worst of the main-line games in the series. I don't understand how this could have been released after Twilight Princess, because it's worse in basically every way.

    Even with the non-motion-controls, the controls are pretty damn awkward, and so it the camera.

    The story is very weak and forgettable.

    There is an insane amount of backtracking and running back and forth through the same few locations which gets really old.

    The sky is basically a glorified world map. It's very empty/dead and just tedious having to fly through.

    The enemy variaty is also severly lacking and the bosses feel extremely generic and straight forward.

    The side quests are the worst of their kind, with no map indicators and not even a quest log to remind you what the heck you're supposed to do.

    Again, this is definitely the weakest of the main-line entries in the series, and easily skippable if you're not a die hard Zelda fan.    … Expand
  16. mtkf
    Oct 18, 2021
    5
    Horrible controls! Even with the upgrades I could never get used to them by the time I finished the game. The story is okay, music is a bit bland for a Zelda game. The controls really ruin the game and I'm glad I finally finished it so I can resell it. Not worth $60.
  17. couchmonkey
    Sep 10, 2021
    7
    I have only played the Wii version so take this review with a grain of salt. I think this version allows you to pick motion or no-motion, for my part, I have doubts about how well it would work without motion controls, see the other reviews!

    Aside from controls, here are my thoughts - Pros and cons from top to bottom: #1. Con: The world design sucks - I expect something reasonably    I have only played the Wii version so take this review with a grain of salt. I think this version allows you to pick motion or no-motion, for my part, I have doubts about how well it would work without motion controls, see the other reviews!

    Aside from controls, here are my thoughts - Pros and cons from top to bottom:

    #1. Con: The world design sucks - I expect something reasonably open-world from Zelda, but this is more like a hub with three mega-dungeons tacked on. Link finally gets to fly...as long as he stays in his closed-in cloud land and only enters the "regular" overworld from above.
    #2. Con: The story forces you down a linear path with a load of backtracking. In one open lake area, I was forced to do four different things in order...go to the wrong area at the wrong time and you'll just be sent away. Sad!
    #3. Pro: The motion-control sword battling was pretty great back in the day, as mentioned above, I don't know how this version controls.
    #4. Pro: Possibly the best soundtrack in the series.
    #5. Con: The swordless scavenger hunting sequences with one-hit deaths are a pain in the rear.
    #6. Con: I hate the sidekick, Fi. Worse than Navi from Ocarina of Time, for real.
    #7. Small Pro: the story is pretty entertaining, albeit with some weirdo characters in the mix.

    Replay value: The game lasted about 80 hours for me, maybe more like 65 for most folks...I doubt I"ll ever replay this game, it's too big and too mediocre, I could see myself playing the first 10-20 hours again.

    Dollar value: I'd pay around $40 Canadian for this game.    … Expand
  18. Doctor-J
    Jul 17, 2021
    6
    I'm a few hours into this game and just can't get used to the controls. The camera is impossible to deal, and link seems so dumb moving his sword around like an ape swinging a stick. I'm sorry, but this is not for me, and i truly love zelda games.
  19. Maestra
    Jul 18, 2021
    7
    I did not play original game. "Storytelling" , game-play are fine. resolution of texture - normal. But sometimes I see non-remastered textures (e.g. in Chrono-factory). But both motion and stick control schemes are awful. I cannot catch ANY bug at all, I need to re-setup gyroscope every several minutes, I start using sword every time I want to change view if I use sticks control.I did not play original game. "Storytelling" , game-play are fine. resolution of texture - normal. But sometimes I see non-remastered textures (e.g. in Chrono-factory). But both motion and stick control schemes are awful. I cannot catch ANY bug at all, I need to re-setup gyroscope every several minutes, I start using sword every time I want to change view if I use sticks control.
    Resolution: I like situation that I can play this game without Wii. But it is pure remaster.    … Expand
  20. toonlinkman
    Jul 19, 2021
    7
    I would have given this a 10 on the Wii. This is now my 4th play through of the game. Twice on Wii, once on Wii U and now on Switch.

    It is really great to go back to traditional dungeons and I even enjoy the linear style of the game. The graphics are better but then it looked better upscaled on the Wii U also. Why did I give this game a 7? It has aged a bit making it loss 1 point.    I would have given this a 10 on the Wii. This is now my 4th play through of the game. Twice on Wii, once on Wii U and now on Switch.

    It is really great to go back to traditional dungeons and I even enjoy the linear style of the game. The graphics are better but then it looked better upscaled on the Wii U also.

    Why did I give this game a 7? It has aged a bit making it loss 1 point. But the other 2 points are because of motion controls. The button controls are awful. If they reversed it made it so you press L button to use sword and R stick is for camera that would have been better.

    I actually think the sword combat is better on Switch than on Wii with motion controls. I'm not sure if it the 60fps making it easier, or if the joycons are better suited. But everything else like the sling shot, or the beetle I have to recalibrate every time I use it!    … Expand
  21. Sergiovolker
    Aug 1, 2021
    5
    La historia esta bastante bien, los gráficos, bueno remaster, pero los controles son odiosos. Para jugar hay que elegir entre el joycon drift que se te va todo para donde no quieres o con mando, que no está preparado para ello, o luchas contra enemigos o contra la cámara, por no decir que atacar con un jostick no ayuda, atacas lateral, pero como se te ha inclinado la palanca 1º ya te loLa historia esta bastante bien, los gráficos, bueno remaster, pero los controles son odiosos. Para jugar hay que elegir entre el joycon drift que se te va todo para donde no quieres o con mando, que no está preparado para ello, o luchas contra enemigos o contra la cámara, por no decir que atacar con un jostick no ayuda, atacas lateral, pero como se te ha inclinado la palanca 1º ya te lo considera vertical...… Expand
  22. weaselstink
    Jul 21, 2021
    6
    Skyward Sword has a well written story and some clever mechanics at play. The upscaled graphics look good, framerate is consistent.

    The motion controls are fidgety, sometimes unresponsive and require constant recalibration. Combat is more frustrating than a challenge. There are aspects of this game that were clearly put in place just to be a time sink (I'm looking at you underwater    Skyward Sword has a well written story and some clever mechanics at play. The upscaled graphics look good, framerate is consistent.

    The motion controls are fidgety, sometimes unresponsive and require constant recalibration. Combat is more frustrating than a challenge. There are aspects of this game that were clearly put in place just to be a time sink (I'm looking at you underwater notes).

    Skyward sword doesn't feel like much of an adventure, more of a never ending fetch quest sprinkled with puzzles. Worth it for the story, but fun is not a word I would use to describe this game.    … Expand
  23. Slmft
    Aug 27, 2021
    5
    Sadly Skyward Sw. is a lazy HD port. The difference to the Wii Version is that it runs with "Anti Aliasing" on the Switch... The environment textures are really bad. No improvements. Controls are little improved but still annoying. Motion control with Joy-Con-Drift... Fck it. The controls feels weird overall. The HD ports, back in the days on the WiiU, WW and TP, looked way better. JustSadly Skyward Sw. is a lazy HD port. The difference to the Wii Version is that it runs with "Anti Aliasing" on the Switch... The environment textures are really bad. No improvements. Controls are little improved but still annoying. Motion control with Joy-Con-Drift... Fck it. The controls feels weird overall. The HD ports, back in the days on the WiiU, WW and TP, looked way better. Just sad. Not worth the full price.… Expand
  24. 2bitplayss
    Sep 9, 2021
    7
    I DON'T KNOW THIS GAME NEVER GRABBED ME I KEEP TRYING BUT...
    FIRST TIME PLAYING IT BUT..
    NEGATIVES im not the biggest complainer about graphics but just never liked this art style and i think it looks flat and boring i hate the motion controls and the button controls could they idk let you swing left with x and hold x for the charge and press y to swing op and hold y to charge idk    I DON'T KNOW THIS GAME NEVER GRABBED ME I KEEP TRYING BUT...
    FIRST TIME PLAYING IT BUT..
    NEGATIVES
    im not the biggest complainer about graphics but just never liked this art style and i think it looks flat and boring

    i hate the motion controls and the button controls could they idk let you swing left with x and hold x for the charge and press y to swing op and hold y to charge idk
    the flying is inverted and i hate that
    even though most tutorials are optinial i still went throug most of them to follow the story and because of that it took A WHILE to finaly get going.

    POSITIVES
    it runs at smooth 60 fps
    i like the story a lot
    i like the relation of link and zelda
    the bosses are great
    the dungeons are okay
    i don't mind it being more liniar
    music is good

    so yeah i don't hate the game its not a bad game but it never holds my attention    … Expand
  25. sepam21
    Jan 30, 2023
    6
    Terrible controls, weak plot, constant repetition of locations and bosses. One of the worst, if not the worst Zelda.
  26. FireBroFilms
    Aug 15, 2022
    7
    ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎
  27. doodlerman
    Aug 21, 2021
    7
    In terms of story and character, Skyward Sword is one of the best. When it originally came out 10 years ago, I was blown away. The motion controls were immersive, the puzzles were challenging, and I thought the painted style was beautiful (and I loved how the further you were from things the more they appeared like broader daubs of paint). Granted, this was how I felt with my firstIn terms of story and character, Skyward Sword is one of the best. When it originally came out 10 years ago, I was blown away. The motion controls were immersive, the puzzles were challenging, and I thought the painted style was beautiful (and I loved how the further you were from things the more they appeared like broader daubs of paint). Granted, this was how I felt with my first playthrough. When I returned for the next playthrough, I found myself irked by so much of it.

    I went into Skyward Sword HD with high hopes, but even with all the quality of life changes, I found myself super irked by all of the little things that annoyed me before. Fi doesn't butt in as much as she used to, but she still butts in a lot. You can skip story cutscenes on your first playthrough now, but there's still a lot of really annoying, unskippable in-game cutscenes. Then there's The Imprisoned— arguably the worst boss in the series, and you have to fight it three times (upwards of six or more times if you want the Hylian Shield). The unskippable 'cutscenes' during the fight with The Imprisoned (and after you defeat it) are egregious.

    For some reason, in HD, the characters all have these sort of glassy eyes that make them look like they're really, really high. You get used to it after a while, but in the beginning it was driving me nuts. I don't remember the characters looking so high in the original release, but some friends of mine said they did, so I dunno. Another weird aspect, which I suppose makes sense with greater draw distances in HD, is that faraway aspects of the map no longer look like those appealing big daubs of paint. Instead, they retain their HD look and get smaller with distance.

    I played this entirely in handheld mode, and it took some getting used to. The non-motion control experience is nowhere near as immersive, but that's what I had to stick with. I might go back to trying the motion controls, but I'm just sort of lazy in setting it up, and, having just beaten it, I'm kinda Skyward Sworded out. I guess that's where other Zelda games shine. I can always go back to Breath of the Wild, or Ocarina of TIme, or, especially, Majora's Mask. In fact, with very few exceptions, I can dive back into just about any Zelda game after beating it. As for Skyward Sword, it's a game you take a break from. Maybe in a few years, I'll be in the mood to give it another go, but it just doesn't hold that much replayability for me.

    Still solid, though, I guess.    … Expand
  28. PizzaW0lf
    Apr 2, 2022
    5
    Skyward Sword itself is a pretty fine game and they did a good job bringing it over to the Switch. I think it's a bit overpriced but regardless, you now have the game.

    However, I'm writing this review for a different reason that relates to the game. The reason why I'm giving this game a 5 has to do with the unethical use of amiibo in this game. In general, I never really like amiibo but    Skyward Sword itself is a pretty fine game and they did a good job bringing it over to the Switch. I think it's a bit overpriced but regardless, you now have the game.

    However, I'm writing this review for a different reason that relates to the game. The reason why I'm giving this game a 5 has to do with the unethical use of amiibo in this game. In general, I never really like amiibo but as long as they never came to the detriment of gameplay I never minded them too much. But this game takes amiibo use too far.

    In general, I don't like amiibos and I don't want Nintendo to set a precedent with this. It just sucks that they decided to be greedy with this title and I hope they learn in the future that amiibo should never come at the cost of content or gameplay. At MOST they should only be there to give the player a little boost or help item.    … Expand
  29. lumberjackBR
    Apr 21, 2022
    6
    Kinda fun, but repetitive and not challenging. Camera control and Sword control are bigest downsides.
  30. AudioRemedy
    Apr 17, 2022
    6
    Arguably the worst LoZ. They should have remastered Windwaker before this, imo. Admittedly better than playing the original on Wii, however.
  31. Aziz-alharbi
    Apr 20, 2022
    5
    the controls experience was so awful that made me hate the game and hate to continue playing it.
  32. Spagh8tti
    Jan 21, 2022
    7
    There are some things I like, such as the atmosphere, the characters... I guess, but there are also some things I really don't like about this game, one of them being the thing that ruins this game for me, the controls, the motion controls make this game tedious and I also really don't like the button controls either, having to do the same boss 3 different times all of them being prettyThere are some things I like, such as the atmosphere, the characters... I guess, but there are also some things I really don't like about this game, one of them being the thing that ruins this game for me, the controls, the motion controls make this game tedious and I also really don't like the button controls either, having to do the same boss 3 different times all of them being pretty much the same thing is also pretty lame, there are other things I like and things I don't but I don't really feel like writing them out, the game is OK.… Expand
  33. SimonHofling
    Jul 20, 2022
    5
    Poor level design, gimmicky motion controls and an unengaging story makes Skyward Sword my least favourite 3D Zelda game.
  34. RyanRedemption2
    Jul 25, 2022
    7
    This game is well put together. I loved the game when it was first released 11 years ago on the Wii but absolutely hated its dependency on motion controls (that rarely worked as they were supposed to). The game is a nice graphical upgrade, but not mind-shatteringly better, and the control scheme isn't great. I did find that many of the little things that bothered and annoyed me about theThis game is well put together. I loved the game when it was first released 11 years ago on the Wii but absolutely hated its dependency on motion controls (that rarely worked as they were supposed to). The game is a nice graphical upgrade, but not mind-shatteringly better, and the control scheme isn't great. I did find that many of the little things that bothered and annoyed me about the Wii release were fixed or toned down. Fi doesn't butt in all the time, cutscenes are skippable, no motion controls, etc. Possibly my biggest issue with this port is the price. I don't think it is ever reasonable to charge a full $60 for a graphics update. This is especially true when $60 is more than the price of the game when it was originally released ($50). Overall, this is a decent remaster, that fixed some things, but still had a few issues. I would recommend buying this if you wish to play skyward sword without motion controls, but I wouldn't recommend paying full price for it.… Expand
  35. Ritooon
    Mar 13, 2023
    5
    Quick review : From far, not the best Zelda I played in my life. I couldn't wait to finish it and move on
  36. Pnwotter
    Apr 20, 2022
    6
    A massive improvement from the original game. Still carries a lot of the frustrations of theboroginal, though. Definitely worth getting second-hand at a discounted price. The story is lovely and so are the graphics, but the gameplay really lacks. The button controls don’t really provide an adequate alternative to the motion controls and the motion controls really lack in clarity and needA massive improvement from the original game. Still carries a lot of the frustrations of theboroginal, though. Definitely worth getting second-hand at a discounted price. The story is lovely and so are the graphics, but the gameplay really lacks. The button controls don’t really provide an adequate alternative to the motion controls and the motion controls really lack in clarity and need constant reconfiguring. I love Zelda games and this one is easily the worst I’ve played.… Expand
  37. Zski
    Aug 8, 2021
    5
    I’m really torn about this game. It’s not as bad as I remember it from 10 years ago, I’m actually able to see several redeeming factors that I wasn’t able to see the first time around. I appreciate what this game adds to the lore of Legend of Zelda, while the characters aren’t anything revolutionary I can appreciate the effort they made with the character development (minus the awfulI’m really torn about this game. It’s not as bad as I remember it from 10 years ago, I’m actually able to see several redeeming factors that I wasn’t able to see the first time around. I appreciate what this game adds to the lore of Legend of Zelda, while the characters aren’t anything revolutionary I can appreciate the effort they made with the character development (minus the awful antagonist), the soundtrack is pretty good, and as far as a “traditional 3D Zelda” game goes, it’s great in terms of dungeons but bad in terms of adventure. The world is big and empty, there is no need to explore because the game had a very linear path set up for you - sure you can venture out and explore some islands but there’s almost no point. But the controls are just as bad as I remember, and it truly takes away from the experience. While the button controls are a nice touch so you don’t have to flail around while playing a game, they’re still very inaccurate and ineffective. The more I played, the more I realized that just randomly throwing attacks is more effective than trying to land the one specific swipe you’re looking for. I appreciate them allowing you to control the camera, however I think activating sword mode from holding the left bumper would have been far more intuitive than activating camera mode. You use the camera all the time, but you only use the sword sometimes. This causes me to input attacks instead of moving the camera. It’s incredibly annoying and it really takes away from the experience. Unfortunately the sword control is an integral part of the game, so you can’t avoid it - I would have much preferred a reduced version of the button controls where they redid the whole game and took away any and all sword motions, and just reduced it to one or two buttons. The game is one of the weakest Zelda games - it’s playable and you can enjoy it, but the experience is awful because of the frustrating controls.… Expand
  38. XxDeciousxX
    Aug 17, 2021
    6
    This being my first time ever playing Skyward Sword HD I had a good time for the most part.  A few of the things I didn't enjoy about the game.
    1. Joy Con support for a switch game was terrible. I had to re connect them maybe every five minutes. I eventually got tired of doing it so I tried my pro controller. Wasn't a whole lot better . 2.) Back tracking! I couldn't stand it..... for the    This being my first time ever playing Skyward Sword HD I had a good time for the most part.  A few of the things I didn't enjoy about the game.
    1. Joy Con support for a switch game was terrible. I had to re connect them maybe every five minutes. I eventually got tired of doing it so I tried my pro controller. Wasn't a whole lot better . 2.) Back tracking! I couldn't stand it..... for the most part every Zelda game I've played has had some, but this game you go back to the same places over and over again and it got rather annoying. 3.)Combat never got fun for me. I literally killed 90% of what is in front of me from just randomly flicking my thum stick right or left continuously. 4.)The last major turn off for me was the camera. So many times I wojld be holding the left bumper and move the right stick and oh hey look my sword wants to come out.
    Now it's time for the good stuff. 1.) The story< not putting spoilers, but I rather enjoyed the story even if it was inflated to a 37 hour play time. That was without guides and loosely collecting any of the collectible boxes. 2.)Even though you visit them way to often the zones looked amazing. I throughly enjoyed each area and each of the different races of creatures you would run into. 3.) The puzzles. I enjoyed them! All of them and at no point did I feel stupid because I couldn't figure them out. I just took time and explored  every option I could think of with the odd mechanics that were provided. Overall I don't believe this game is a 10 far from it, but it's not a terrible game. I can't even knock points off for it being full price. Walmart 48 bucks or Gamestop 60 there are options.  I could justify it though if a person would have never played it initially like me. That being said I would have preferred a port of the WII U remasters of Twilight Princess HD or Windwaker HD over this.    … Expand
  39. HeraticParadox
    Jul 4, 2022
    7
    I wanted to rate this game higher. It has some of the best designed dungeons, and one of the best stories in the franchise. I just couldn’t justify it with how horrid the controls are. If Skyward Sword had a traditional Zelda control scheme it could have easily stood amongst best of the Legend of Zelda games.
  40. ZKevin
    Jul 23, 2022
    5
    Para mi personalmente es el peor zelda que he jugado ya que el juego es muy repetitivo incluso con los jefes que se repiten mas de 4 o 3 veces en todo el juego,Tambien no me gusta como nintendo configuro los botones literalmente tengo que dejar apretado el boton L para poder girar mi camara, y ya se que se puede escuchar exagerado por mi parte pero es que llegua a molestar bastante.Para mi personalmente es el peor zelda que he jugado ya que el juego es muy repetitivo incluso con los jefes que se repiten mas de 4 o 3 veces en todo el juego,Tambien no me gusta como nintendo configuro los botones literalmente tengo que dejar apretado el boton L para poder girar mi camara, y ya se que se puede escuchar exagerado por mi parte pero es que llegua a molestar bastante.

    Tambien podemos hablar sobre como este zelda desaprobecha muchas cosas,por ejemplo las herramientas que usas para poder pasarte las mazmoras muchas de ellas ya no las usas mas adelante en el juego y eso es una pena ya que la mayoria de ellas eran muy interesantes mecanicamente,Unas de las cosas que mas me parecio triste es el pelicaro ya que deverdad me gusto mucho usarlo pero luego se vuelve como algo mas para poder lleguar a tu objetivo y no como un compañero de viaje lo que me refiero es que dejas de cojerle cariño mientras sigues la historia,Puedo seguir diciendo muchas cosas que no me gustaron de este juego pero sinceramente seria mucho texto.

    Pero a pezar de todo el juego tiene momentos muy bonitos y epicos como tambien tiene cosas muy buenas pero todo esto es mi opinion yo diria que le des una oportunidad es toda una esperiencia.    … Expand
  41. Hodenkobold187
    Jul 25, 2022
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Zelda skyward is a Good Zelda game by far not the best. The Dungeons are solide. The side quests are good and the boss fights too.
    The normal steering is Bad. the Motion steering is acceptebal.    … Expand
  42. Jobni
    Sep 4, 2022
    7
    I would really have loved this game if it wasn't for the horrible controls. I love the storyline, dungeons, puzzles, music etc. but the controls are just horrible and really frustrated me so many times. This could have become one of my absolute favorites.
  43. fredno8
    Feb 9, 2023
    5
    Look, its not great. Skyward Sword is a huge drag in comparison to the other 3D Zelda games, but I can't say that I don't enjoy the game. The original is as good as mediocre gets. This HD version is nothing spectacular, in fact, I can not think of anything except for the minimal graphical improvements. This is the definition of mediocre.

Awards & Rankings

56
#56 Best Switch Game of 2021
7
#7 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.
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  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.
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  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.
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