The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD Reviews
Despite the game’s shortcomings, it’s difficult to deny that The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD is the best way to play what’s considered the origin point of the entire series. Going back to replay this adventure on Switch, I found myself enjoying it much more. While I completed the Wii version roughly a decade ago, I was never motivated to replay it in the same way that I have other titles including The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, A Link to the Past, and the first Breath of the Wild. Skyward Sword had multiple quirks that the remaster smooth out or eliminates completely. In fact, between this, the Link’s Awakening reimagining on the same platform, and the Wind Waker and Twilight Princess remakes that landed on Nintendo Wii U, it begs the question: what other Zelda titles could benefit from remasters? Rumors have been circulating about such titles as Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons being revisited, though, with any rumors in the gaming industry, these should be taken with a grain of salt. In regard to this Skyward Sword HD review, given the game’s improvements, shortcomings, and all, the game comes highly recommended.
"Ancient hero looks more polished."
Review in Finnish | Read full review
With The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD, Zelda fans will be able to experience a phenomenal adventure with captivating characters, ingenious puzzles and an unparalleled combat system, this time without the main aspects that degrade the game on Wii. It still has certain flaws, and while some of them are necessary to preserve the integrity of the original experience, others result from poor remastering choices. Still, Skyward Sword HD is undoubtedly the definitive version of one of the best Wii titles.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Skyward Sword is definitely one of the better games in the Zelda series. Some experimental ideas and mechanics were implemented that breathe some fresh air into the dungeons and puzzles throughout the adventure. When viewed from the timeline where Breath of the Wild exists, it is really interesting to see how Nintendo took the franchise from Twilight Princess to where it is now. Skyward Sword is absolutely a must-play for anyone who is a fan of the franchise.
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
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
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.
However, the story of the game continues to be fresh and engaging, and apart from the problems mentioned, you will get a fun and exciting experience.
Review in Persian | Read full review
The bad rap that Skyward Sword received is evidenced here to be undeserved. Even the worst Zelda game is still a good game, and this is by no means the worst Zelda game. It has some dungeons and experiences that are standing side by side with the very best of the whole franchise. While the controls aren't as good as they could have been, and some of the early annoyances remain, this is absolutely a must-buy. It's not the worst Zelda game, not a bad Zelda game, but a great Zelda game.
You may have sneered when it was announced, but you will be convinced like me as you play that it is a very logical remaster choice for Switch.
Review in Turkish | Read full review
Skyward Sword HD on Switch still suffers from backtracking and gimmicks, but its clever dungeons and engaging narrative make it one of the best games in the series.
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.
Another chance to save Zelda in old story, with slightly better movement and better graphics.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
Skyward Sword HD is a welcome improvement to the original game, but will likely do little to change the minds of any detractors.
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.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD makes great efforts to improve the original to make it the definitive way to play the series' origin story. Whilst the game's initially poor pacing has improved, the game can still be slightly tedious and repetitive. Putting that aside, the dungeon design, item ingenuity, and some of the boss battles are series highlights that no Zelda fan should miss.
A faithful remake of the most polarising 3D Zelda title, Skyward Sword HD provides numerous quality of life improvements that help polish some of the original’s roughest edges. Its issues with pacing, repetitive gameplay elements, and a lacklustre narrative remain moderate detractions from what is an otherwise legendary Zelda experience, filled to the brim with the charisma, creativity, and satisfying dungeoneering the series is famous for. While it doesn’t bring any new content to the table, the addition of button controls and portability (courtesy of the Switch) means there’s never been a better way for newcomers and diehard fans to experience the strategic combat and innovative puzzle-solving of this lofty adventure.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD flies far higher than the original Wii version. Most of the game's core issues have been addressed, and the presentation flows much more smoothly on Switch.
Not the hoped-for alternative for those who don't like to move, but still a fun Zelda. Although not the best.
Review in German | Read full review