The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD Reviews

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD is ranked in the 89th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
Jul 14, 2021

Skyward Sword HD is a superb remaster of the decade-old Wii game that not only gives it a much-needed visual upgrade but also throws in so many quality of life improvements (not least of all a free camera) that it immediately makes the original version obsolete.

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Liked-a-lot
Jul 14, 2021

Skyward Sword HD’s quality of life improvements made to the game are a step up from the Wii version of the game. No more constant interruptions while you are playing, from Fi the spirit of the sword, that’s a blessing. The controls are better. However, I think it will boil down to how well you gel with the updated control system. I do recommend giving the game a go for those that are on their journey through The Legend of Zelda series of games. As while it isn’t the best of the best in the series it shouldn’t be overlooked completely.

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80 / 100
Jul 14, 2021

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD is an incredibly diverse and constantly evolving game. If you haven't played the Wii version, you shouldn't miss this adventure.

Review in Turkish | Read full review

EGM
Top Critic
10 / 10.0
Jul 14, 2021

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD improves on the original in every conceivable way. The visual and performance upgrades make it feel like a new game, and the motion controls feel much more responsive, thanks to the Switch's Joy-Cons. But the new button controls are the biggest improvement; instead of fighting against the motion controls, players can now savor the satisfying combat and genius level design. What was once the outcast of the 3D Zelda games now stands tall as one of the best in the series.

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90 / 100
Jul 14, 2021

A great new version for a awesome Zelda entry. Skyward Sword looks great in HD and 60fps, but it lacks of extra content.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

9 / 10.0
Jul 14, 2021

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD offers some much needed enhancements that result in a better game. Whether it's your first or second time exploring Skyloft, you will definitely find some charm in revisiting the story where everything started.

Review in French | Read full review

8 / 10.0
Jul 14, 2021

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD is, like the original, a good game and a must-have recommendation for fans of the series. It is not, however, a magnum opus, as there are defects and problems that can disturb the experience, even if some of them have been mitigated by remastering while others have been aggravated. As a remaster, this new version brings important improvements to the Skyloft adventure and certainly consolidates as the definitive version of the franchise's origin story. However, the focus of its production was certainly those who didn't play the original, as, for longtime gamers, there's not much new to be expected.

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

8.5 / 10.0
Jul 14, 2021

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD is a solid game that in several respects makes it clear that the original was released 10 years ago. But don't be discouraged – you will experience a decent and rewarding gameplay.

Review in Polish | Read full review

Jul 14, 2021

Skyward Sword HD is the definitive version of the game, with many of the annoyances from the original Skyward Sword scrubbed from the experience. Skyward Sword HD has its frustrating moments, but it's still an excellent game, and it's worth a return trip to those who already soared through the skies on the Wii.

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8 / 10.0
Jul 14, 2021

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD is a good re-release of a game that renews, evolves or even upsets many of the distinctive elements of the series, but suffering from substantial rhythm problems in its second half.

Review in Italian | Read full review

GameXplain
GameXplain
Top Critic
Liked
Jul 14, 2021
Is Zelda: Skyward Sword HD Better on Switch? - REVIEW video thumbnail
Nintendo News
Top Critic
8 / 10.0
Jul 14, 2021

While Skyward Sword HD’s visuals breathe new life into the decade-old title, the quality of life improvements aren’t quite enough to make this instalment in the Zelda franchise soar to new heights. However, its strong cast of characters, hallmark dungeon designs and excellent storytelling keeps it afloat comfortably above the clouds, offering an experience that’s hard to forget.

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8 / 10.0
Jul 14, 2021

Another chance to save Zelda in old story, with slightly better movement and better graphics.

Review in Slovak | Read full review

Ben Salter
Top Critic
8 / 10.0
Jul 14, 2021

Skyward Sword HD is more about updating a game designed for the Wii’s waggle to work well on a handheld and with a conventional controller. With that focus, it delivers a version of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword that is much easier and more natural to play from start to finish.

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8 / 10.0
Jul 14, 2021

Zelda: Skyward Sword was a weird game to assess in 2011, much less today. It had a lot of great ideas undercut by some questionable design choices, but to some, it was the best Zelda ever made. I understand that $60 for a remaster of a 2011 game is a big ask, but this is the definitive version of a flawed yet fun adventure that should be part of any Zelda rotation.

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7.5 / 10.0
Jul 14, 2021

Though it may be one of the weaker Zelda games, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD is a good adventure in its own right.

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Jul 14, 2021

It’s great to see a Nintendo classic like this get a decent makeover and opens up one of the early Link efforts to a whole new fan base by weighting it in more modern gameplay standards.

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8 / 10
Jul 14, 2021

This is what people truly want from a Switch port. A gentle, well thought out, genuine upgrade that captures the heart of the original game and allows it to flourish at a higher standard. Although it is still perhaps a little simplistic, the game has redeemed itself through the quality-of-life updates that were sorely needed the first time around. Skyward Sword is finally a winner, and will undoubtedly delight newcomers and old fans alike.

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Recommended
Jul 14, 2021

The remastering of The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword HD makes it a drastically more accessible game on the Nintendo Switch that offers a wider audience the chance to explore the earliest point within the expansive Legend of Zelda timeline.

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IGN Spain
Top Critic
8 / 10.0
Jul 14, 2021

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD is the return of a title that celebrates a decade but that is an example of the good work that occurs in the most careful Nintendo. A review of the classic formula of the saga read and executed through the prism of motion control, and a lesson in design that offers good palaces, a succession of puzzles very well measured that ends at the top, one of the most worked stories of the series, a spectacular soundtrack and a unique combat system. A revision to the height that updates with success what is already a classic of the franchise.

Review in Spanish | Read full review