In the time it's taken you to look at the scores and reply twice in this thread you could have scanned the summaries in the OP and answered your original question
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The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD | Review Thread
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SS originally came out a time when Zelda fatigue was a thing. Between the home console and handheld markets it felt like they were churning them out relentlessly. That was one reason why I couldn't get on with this. I didn't really get on with any Zelda between Wind Waker and Breath of the Wild.
I'm giving it another chance. Switch has worked its magic on a lot of titles and franchises that I never managed to connect with before. This is its biggest task yet. It cannot be denied that Breath of the Wild now casts an imposing shadow over everything that came before it.
I'm giving it another chance. Switch has worked its magic on a lot of titles and franchises that I never managed to connect with before. This is its biggest task yet. It cannot be denied that Breath of the Wild now casts an imposing shadow over everything that came before it.
82-85 seems about right to me. That's a great score for a great game with some road bumps along the way.
I beat this on the Wii back in the day. Might be my least favorite 3D Zelda but I still really enjoyed it a lot. Motion controls back then had major issues like the need to constantly re-sink the cursor as it would quickly start drifting. I hope that has improved.
The QOL changes seem really good here. I don't feel the graphics needed redone. We get 1080p/60, some improved texture work, a re-done opening cutscene now in HD, reworked controls, camera, tutorial stuff, etc. Basically seems like an A+ port to me so I'm happy.
The game may have aged but that I feel is to be expected. This is still a solid Switch port from what I can see from the reviews. I preordered at $50 which I felt was a good price. Wish I could have gotten those Zelda Joycons though.
The QOL changes seem really good here. I don't feel the graphics needed redone. We get 1080p/60, some improved texture work, a re-done opening cutscene now in HD, reworked controls, camera, tutorial stuff, etc. Basically seems like an A+ port to me so I'm happy.
The game may have aged but that I feel is to be expected. This is still a solid Switch port from what I can see from the reviews. I preordered at $50 which I felt was a good price. Wish I could have gotten those Zelda Joycons though.
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I'd say SS is a 80-85 game, it has some great dungeons and solid combat but wonky pacing and a bit of an iffy story always restricted the game for me on Wii. Hopefully on Switch the combat feels a little better and the general QoL changes help improve the game a little. Real shame this is all we're getting for Zelda's 35th though, would have liked the 2 3DS remakes and the 2 Wii U remasters on Switch too.
The amiibo is not some massive QoL change people like to make it out to be, probably why after the initial reveal people stopped caring about it
I think 82 is a fair review aggregate score, and I'm a fan of this game. But if Skyward Sword is in the low 80s, my opinion is that Twilight Princess should be too
more reviews
OP
OP
Eurogamer (recommended):
3DJuegos (recommended, review in Spanish):
The Verge (no score):
EGM (review in progress):
IGN (review in progress):
Daily Mirror (5/5):
Everyeye.it (8.5/10, review in Italian):
PPE.pl (8.5/10, review in Polish):
Vandal (8.5/10, review in Spanish):
GamesRadar (4/5):
TheSixthAxis (8/10):
IGN Italy (8/10, review in Italian):
Guardian (4/5):
Stevivor (8/10):
SECTOR.sk (8/10, review in Slovak):
My Nintendo News (8/10):
TheGamer (4/5):
Screen Rant (4/5):
The Games Machine (7.8/10, review in Italian):
Cerealkillerz (7.3/10, review in German):
3DJuegos (recommended, review in Spanish):
The Verge (no score):
EGM (review in progress):
IGN (review in progress):
Daily Mirror (5/5):
Everyeye.it (8.5/10, review in Italian):
PPE.pl (8.5/10, review in Polish):
Vandal (8.5/10, review in Spanish):
GamesRadar (4/5):
TheSixthAxis (8/10):
IGN Italy (8/10, review in Italian):
Guardian (4/5):
Stevivor (8/10):
SECTOR.sk (8/10, review in Slovak):
My Nintendo News (8/10):
TheGamer (4/5):
Screen Rant (4/5):
The Games Machine (7.8/10, review in Italian):
Cerealkillerz (7.3/10, review in German):
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not sure which game you're talking about because it's not this one.
Ack! I thought the few reviews I skimmed mentioned that the motion controls were more reliable here.
I've heard that they were worse unfortunately, but not unplayable
There were five years between this and Twilight Princess and only two DS entries in between. I played them all near release and Skyward Sword felt like it was taking forever to come out.
But, I was in middle school at the time. That might have something to do with it.
It seems like, from what I'm seeing is this thread, that it didn't deserver that score 10 years prior. Many seem to indicate that a 93 was quite ridiculous.
Swordplay felt fine, but I really had issues with slingshot/bow aiming -- had to recenter basically every time.
Personally for me I'd rather buy it for a system I already own, than go buy a Wii U just to play it...this option makes far more sense for me
This is still a misunderstanding of how the cursor works. Every time you activate something that requires the cursor, the position the Wiimote is in when you activate the cursor is used as the default position. You can recenter it if you held the Wiimote in a bad position, but it is not a drift, it is just being unattentive with your "neutral" position for the cursor.
Own the game on Wii but the furthest I ever made it was the entrance to the first dungeon. The tutorialization and padding at the beginning, the forced motion controls and formulaic approach to the Zelda formula was too much to get passed for me. That said, it looks like they've improved all the major issues I had with the game so I'm looking forward to giving it a shot. It's the only Zelda game I haven't really experienced.
This has been discussed at length, but:
- It's generally agreed that SS hasn't aged very well in some respects
- SS now exists in a world alongside BOTW
- SS was seen to be overrated to some extent even just after its release
- It's the same game (Remastered with QOL) released at full price. It isn't part of a collection like Super Mario Galaxy was and other older games often are. Whether you agree or not, there is often an expectation from some that these older remasters are either remade entirely instead, priced lower, or released as part of a collection.
I centered it and as using it, it would slowly move away from the direction I was aiming in.
It really makes me sad that people don't value high effort remasters. They've put a fair bit of work into this. It's similar to FFXII The Zodiac Age. No new content, but visual enhancements, QoL improvements and balance changes.
Yes it's not as good value as a new game, but remasters never are. I do think Nintendo remasters should go on sale more though.
Yes it's not as good value as a new game, but remasters never are. I do think Nintendo remasters should go on sale more though.
Those saying this should also consider that Super Mario Galaxy wouldn't have fared any better than 3D All-Stars had it been released individually for $60 with potential QoL improvements. Would it also be considered undeserving of a 97 thirteen years prior to 3D-All Star's release? I wonder.
Too bad, but I'm glad I know now, thanks. Maybe I'll get around to it some day
It's a controversial game. I played it on release and felt that 93 was very much deserved. Whether you love it or hate it, for better or worse this game is pretty much the antithesis of Breath of the Wild. The open free exploration replaced by an almost Metroidvania like progression, a game far more interested in throwing interesting gameplay ideas your way then letting you settle and play around. It's the linear 3D Zelda formula brought to its natural peak, before BOTW spun around and slammed the gas pedal to drive in the opposite direction.
Bigger drop from the original than I was expecting, especially considering Nintendo actually put some effort in to updating the game.
Good, passing off $60 remasters of single games should be criticized in my opinion and people seem to have been quite thoughtful in their reappraisal of the game itself.
Good, passing off $60 remasters of single games should be criticized in my opinion and people seem to have been quite thoughtful in their reappraisal of the game itself.
A game re-released 10 years later is not gonna get as good scores as it did originally, that just makes sense. Game design will have evolved since then.
Not to mention that like Bioshock Infinite and Dragon Age 2, reviewers were perhaps a bit too generous.
Still excited to give the game another chance, I fell off of it pretty quickly back in the day.
Not to mention that like Bioshock Infinite and Dragon Age 2, reviewers were perhaps a bit too generous.
Still excited to give the game another chance, I fell off of it pretty quickly back in the day.
Why are people making such a big deal about the score. Either you want to play it or you don't. It's not like it's a 40 or something. I hope you all can get over that and enjoy the game if that's your intention.
I don't think the reviews would be that favorable if Fi wasn't streamlined substantially.
But yeah, can someone confirm?
I think the bolded is a major key point. Other big titles were released since SS was originally released, but BOTW definitely changed expectations of a Zelda game for many players.
edit: mild spoilers for the desert area (the best in the game by far)
I found one example at the end of the Gamexplain graphics comparison: https://youtu.be/MzcwqGEqTy8?t=618
At about 10:20. Basically the whole encounter is already over by the time Fi has just started speaking in the Wii version. Looking good!
I really lime skyward sword but it looks horrible. The animation is really bad. The graphics, even though cartoonish, don't look good as windwaker.
But there's something about the music and the way everything works together that it feels so joyful to play. I don't know why, but it feels like a Capcom game from the 90s (their disney collection of games for Snes).
I really like this one, but it's not a Mario Galaxy or a BoTW.
But there's something about the music and the way everything works together that it feels so joyful to play. I don't know why, but it feels like a Capcom game from the 90s (their disney collection of games for Snes).
I really like this one, but it's not a Mario Galaxy or a BoTW.
This video is really making me wish that DOF Strength was like a toggle in this. In stuff like Skyloft or Faron I can see the appeal of toning it down, but in Eldin and Lanayru it served double duty as a heat haze effect that's basically lost now unless you have a large enough screen to discern it.
Being a huge fan of the original N64 The Legend of Zelda games, and more recently Breath of the Wild, I was expecting Nintendo's reincarnation of Skyward Sword to be huge. Unfortunately, blindly going into the game having such high expectations was a mistake. From the screenshots, movies and demo, the game definitely looked promising. Soon after the game begins, however, most of the visual beauty takes a back seat to a bad camera and fairly repetitive gameplay.
To be blunt, the camera system in Skyward Sword HD sucks. The game takes place from a 3rd person point of view, and as soon as Link start moving forward it's obvious that the camera sits way too low and too far back. In a tight room or area, the camera attempts to give you the best view possible, but there are always enemies seemingly falling from the sky right beyond your view or shooting arrows at you from off-screen. As soon as you try to re-center the camera and see where the beating is originating from, you end up being surrounded and taking additional damage. The camera has a tendency to just focus on Link at the most inopportune moments and frequently you'll be fighting an attacker you can't even see. In other circumstances, objects and the environment itself will obstruct your view as the camera swings around. I seriously believe I spent more time fighting the camera than the bad guys. The camera issue is extremely frustrating and is clearly the game's primary shortcoming.
From the few instances where the camera does behave, the gameplay in Skyward Sword HD isn't necessarily bad. Link unfortunately has nowhere near the amount of technique he has in Twilight Princess HD. He can block/dodge, perform a regular attack, a special attack, and a long distance attack. Jumping towards certain walls will result in Link either running along or climbing up the wall with the option to perform an attack from that position. Holding the sword up charges up a super special attack, which is unleashed upon the swing of the sword. Eventually Link finds other weapons and learns additional attacks and techniques such as the slingshot and whip. As mentioned earlier, besides attacking from off-screen, enemies will frequently surround Link and begin pounding away. Trying to fight out of those situations will frequently end badly, because as soon as one gets a hit in, the others will take some cheap shots.
Besides the fighting scenes, Skyward Sword HD also contains some minor adventure and puzzle elements. Link can find various healing potions, status altering relics, maps, weapons and key-like items. The key items are used to open doors or unlock new areas, and once in a while you'll need to backtrack through previously completed areas to progress through the game. Link can also trade some of the enemy items for various upgrades such as potions and shields whenever he comes across a shop statue. In the end, the adventure elements are uninvolving and simple and serve merely as a way to help break up the action segments.
As touched on earlier, Skyward Sword HD is a beautiful looking game. It's obvious that Nintendo knows the Nintendo Switch hardware well, as most of the environments, animation and effects are gorgeous. The environments are not as interactive as hoped though, with only small, obvious objects such as lanterns, torches and book cases being interactive. Some of the best dungeons look like they were pulled directly from Assassin's Creed's universe. However at one point early in the game, Skyward Sword HD abruptly shifts from a lush feudal Japanese style to a more modern, sterile, mechanized world. The enemies also follow the same pattern. Later on towards the end, the game takes on a more weird fantasy-like element. There are a few (often confusing) realtime cut-scenes mixed into the game and they are of your typical modern Nintendo variety. The plot and storytelling totally pale in comparison to Link's Awakening on the Nintendo Switch. Which, for it's time, was a cinematic masterpiece. Overall, Skyward Sword HD doesn't really stick to the classic Zelda formula and style, but it's an attractive game nonetheless.
The soundtrack doesn't really stand out and the limited voice acting is quite forgettable. There are some nice sound effects and ambient tunes here and there, though you'll probably hear more sword clashing effects than anything else in the game.
Skyward Sword HD is just not the Zelda remake I expected. It's overwhelmingly mediocre, not enjoyable to play, and the horrendous camera alone destroys any redeeming factors the game may have. Most PlayStation 4 owners should remember Bluepoint's similarly overhyped Shadow of the Colossus. I'd almost go as far as proclaiming Skyward Sword HD to be the Nintendo Switch equivalent.
Rating: C-
To be blunt, the camera system in Skyward Sword HD sucks. The game takes place from a 3rd person point of view, and as soon as Link start moving forward it's obvious that the camera sits way too low and too far back. In a tight room or area, the camera attempts to give you the best view possible, but there are always enemies seemingly falling from the sky right beyond your view or shooting arrows at you from off-screen. As soon as you try to re-center the camera and see where the beating is originating from, you end up being surrounded and taking additional damage. The camera has a tendency to just focus on Link at the most inopportune moments and frequently you'll be fighting an attacker you can't even see. In other circumstances, objects and the environment itself will obstruct your view as the camera swings around. I seriously believe I spent more time fighting the camera than the bad guys. The camera issue is extremely frustrating and is clearly the game's primary shortcoming.
From the few instances where the camera does behave, the gameplay in Skyward Sword HD isn't necessarily bad. Link unfortunately has nowhere near the amount of technique he has in Twilight Princess HD. He can block/dodge, perform a regular attack, a special attack, and a long distance attack. Jumping towards certain walls will result in Link either running along or climbing up the wall with the option to perform an attack from that position. Holding the sword up charges up a super special attack, which is unleashed upon the swing of the sword. Eventually Link finds other weapons and learns additional attacks and techniques such as the slingshot and whip. As mentioned earlier, besides attacking from off-screen, enemies will frequently surround Link and begin pounding away. Trying to fight out of those situations will frequently end badly, because as soon as one gets a hit in, the others will take some cheap shots.
Besides the fighting scenes, Skyward Sword HD also contains some minor adventure and puzzle elements. Link can find various healing potions, status altering relics, maps, weapons and key-like items. The key items are used to open doors or unlock new areas, and once in a while you'll need to backtrack through previously completed areas to progress through the game. Link can also trade some of the enemy items for various upgrades such as potions and shields whenever he comes across a shop statue. In the end, the adventure elements are uninvolving and simple and serve merely as a way to help break up the action segments.
As touched on earlier, Skyward Sword HD is a beautiful looking game. It's obvious that Nintendo knows the Nintendo Switch hardware well, as most of the environments, animation and effects are gorgeous. The environments are not as interactive as hoped though, with only small, obvious objects such as lanterns, torches and book cases being interactive. Some of the best dungeons look like they were pulled directly from Assassin's Creed's universe. However at one point early in the game, Skyward Sword HD abruptly shifts from a lush feudal Japanese style to a more modern, sterile, mechanized world. The enemies also follow the same pattern. Later on towards the end, the game takes on a more weird fantasy-like element. There are a few (often confusing) realtime cut-scenes mixed into the game and they are of your typical modern Nintendo variety. The plot and storytelling totally pale in comparison to Link's Awakening on the Nintendo Switch. Which, for it's time, was a cinematic masterpiece. Overall, Skyward Sword HD doesn't really stick to the classic Zelda formula and style, but it's an attractive game nonetheless.
The soundtrack doesn't really stand out and the limited voice acting is quite forgettable. There are some nice sound effects and ambient tunes here and there, though you'll probably hear more sword clashing effects than anything else in the game.
Skyward Sword HD is just not the Zelda remake I expected. It's overwhelmingly mediocre, not enjoyable to play, and the horrendous camera alone destroys any redeeming factors the game may have. Most PlayStation 4 owners should remember Bluepoint's similarly overhyped Shadow of the Colossus. I'd almost go as far as proclaiming Skyward Sword HD to be the Nintendo Switch equivalent.
Rating: C-
Honestly, it makes sense to me; standards change, novelty wears off, and reviewers have to take the value of the rerelease into account.
It's the same reason why Mario 3D All-Stars is sitting on Metacritic with an 82 despite every game in that collection being a 90+ on Metacritic. The player is getting the same games that play just as well as they did in 96, 02, and 07 with QoL improvements but its also a rerelease of old ass games with old ass graphics and no compelling bonuses (Dev commentary tracks, art gallery, model viewer, etc etc.) for 60 fuckin' bones. It's not a great deal.
So excited to play this game again. It's the only Zelda game I ever beat just once. I loved it at launch but I was over motion controls soon after.