The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD Reviews
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.
While it’s not perfect, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD is a massive improvement over the original release.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD is a conservative update to one of Link's less-heralded adventures that's unlikely to change many minds one way or the other. The padding, control limitations, and other issues fans have long bemoaned are still in full effect. That said, there's really no such thing as a bad Zelda game, and this one still shines at times thanks to a strong story, excellent dungeons, and some intense boss battles. If you're impatient for Breath of the Wild 2 and have never played Skyward Sword, by all means, give the game a shot, just keep your expectations slightly grounded.
Before Breath of the Wild, there was Skyward Sword; Nintendo revisit its mechanically brilliant adventure with this improved Switch version
The linear structure of the game and relative empty space of the sky will still frustrate some, but the core sword-fighting gameplay and straightforward Zelda structure is better here than it is in many other games. If you want a traditional 3D Zelda experience, then Skyward Sword HD is an easy choice.
This remastered game from the Wii-era remains a wildly imaginative and magical experience created by Nintendo's brainiest puzzle architects
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD makes a few smart improvements to an excellent game. A cumbersome control scheme still holds it back, however.
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
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
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.
Those that played the game when it was first released on Wii aren’t missing a ton if they skip this one. There’s no new content, just tweaks here and there. However, those who loved it will find this is the best way to play it now.
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.
Skyward Sword has some of the best dungeon design in the series, but the sections between each dungeon are a slog
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD is an adventure worth taking, a chance to reevaluate one of the largest and most experimental games in the series' history.
The most uneven of the 3D Zeldas but its highs soar well above its immediate contemporaries and while the motion controls are still hit or miss at least there's now an alternative.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD is a fantastic Zelda adventure that's aged like wine, even if Wii-era motion controls still aren't great.
It's the only Zelda game that I recommend you play only once, if only to experience the blue skies and sunshine that this game has on the outer layer.
Besides the obvious visual improvements, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD offers a clearly enhanced experience compared to the original Wii title. First and foremost the button controls offer a near-perfect alternative to the formerly mandatory motion controls, making the game more accessible. Beyond that, many of the original's hand-holding has been removed, leading to fewer gameplay interruptions. The game still has other flaws, but the HD version does a lot to bring out the good of the game.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Overall, the Skyward Sword HD remaster is an excellent game worth playing despite some of it’s flaws. There are some quality of life improvements throughout that may not stick out as obviously as you would expect, but they really help the game play a bit more like a modern game despite the janky controls. It may not be as beloved as Link to the Past or Ocarina of Time, but Skyward Sword is absolutely a game worth your time.
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