The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword: Review Round-up


It’s been nearly five years since we’ve seen a new The Legend of Zelda title. Sure, we were treated to a pretty solid remake of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess on the Wii, but fans were hungry for a new entry in the franchise. Enter The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.

The Zelda franchise has rather consistently cranked out incredible games, some more than others admittedly, so it would be an understatement to say there are high expectations going into Skyward Sword. Judging by the reviews, it looks like there isn’t much to worry about.

Actually, that’s probably an understatement itself; the reviews so far have been overwhelmingly positive, with over 20 outlets giving The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword a perfect score. Nearly all consider it to be a more than worthy entry into the franchise, but it isn’t without at least a few flaws.

To see what a few reviewers have to say about Skyward Sword, you can check out a collection of rounded-up reviews directly below, ordered from lowest to highest score.

GameSpot – 7.5/10 (Read full review)

“The formula is beginning to show its age. There just aren’t enough new ideas to separate Skyward Sword from its predecessors, and the few additions come with mixed results. Even with many bright spots, Skyward Sword still feels like a nostalgic retread. Those yearning for something new will be disappointed, but anyone thirsty for another exciting adventure will find plenty to enjoy here. “ – Tom McShea, GameSpot

Giant Bomb – 4/5 (Read full review)

“Skyward Sword is simultaneously a very good Zelda game and a rather great adventure game. It has some of the most inventive dungeons the series has ever known, sports the most impactful changes to the combat since Z-targeting, introduces wrinkles to the Zelda mythology that will force fans to rethink the entire series, and will have you gawking at it constantly, 480p ‘n all. But the series finds itself facing an identity crisis, as it flirts with expanding what has defined the series without abandoning its charming but waning simplicity. Zelda doesn’t need to become something else to maintain relevance, but at a certain point, when “a brand-new great Zelda game” isn’t enough, there’s reason to pause.” – Patrick Klepek, Giant Bomb

Joystiq – 4.5/5 (Read full review)

“Somewhere within Skyward Sword slumbers the best Zelda game of all time. It is choked by a dozen hours of needless cruft; but it’s there, a masterpiece entombed by a misguided ambition to be the lengthiest game in the franchise’s history. It’s still an incredible game, but it could have been the greatest game ever made, and the moments that keep it from doing so are absolutely going to break your heart.” – Griffin McElroy, Joystiq

Destructoid – 9.5/10 (Read full review)

“It’s a very different Zelda game, one that will undoubtedly turn off some and absolutely enthrall others, but that’s part of what Zelda does best, right? Fans of the series are still debating which game in the series is the best, and the arrival of Skyward Sword won’t change that. Either way, there is no arguing that Skyward Sword is one of the most painstakingly crafted, lovingly developed titles in Nintendo’s long, illustrious history. If you like videogames at all, you’d be goofy to not give it a try.” – Jonathan Holmes, Destructoid

Eurogamer – 10/10 (Read full review)

“Skyward Sword feels like the Legend of Zelda game producer Eiji Aonuma always wanted to make. As director of Wind Waker and Twilight Princess, he first pushed against then tried to imitate the towering Ocarina of Time; now he is simply and confidently stepping away from its decade-long shadow. It is the most formally inventive Zelda in a long time (admittedly, that’s not saying a great deal). But it’s the game’s carefree attitude, quick tempo and warm heart that do the most to make it feel new.” – Oli Welsh, Eurogamer

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