If you’re curious to see what the critics are saying, scroll down below to read more about our Skyward Sword HD review round-up.
Screen Rant - 4/5
“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.” - Scott Baird
Nintendo Life - 9/10
“The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD introduces a raft of technical improvements and quality of life updates that reinvigorate and revitalise this ten-year-old game. With motion controls more precise than ever before, an alternate button control scheme that totally works, crisp HD graphics, smooth 60fps gameplay, and a bothersome sidekick who’s been streamlined into something altogether more useful, this really does feel like Skyward Sword as it was meant to be experienced.” - PJ O’Reilly
Game Informer - 8/10
“In some ways, Skyward Sword perfects Ocarina’s template, but that formula also feels well-worn and stuffed with unnecessary junk. Despite all the ways Nintendo updated this package, Skyward Sword remains far from my favorite entry in the series, but this is clearly the best way to play this blemished gem.” - Ben Reeves
Video Games Chronicle - 5/5
“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.” - Chris Scullion
IGN - 8/10
“The story and characters are some of the best in the series and the side quests and weirdness of the world are fantastic. On the other hand, the dungeons (and especially the boss fights) aren’t particularly challenging or memorable for the most part, and the gimmicky Wii-era motion control mechanics are still constantly right up in your face, reminding me why those never worked well. But with so much to do and a lot to love, Skyward Sword’s journey down memory lane has kept me smiling so far.” - Travis Northup
Is Skyward Sword HD Worth Buying?
Is Skyward Sword HD perfect? No. It’s still very much the same flawed game that was released for the Nintendo Wii in 2011. The only difference is that it’s not held back by being designed for a console with awkward controls. This means that we can now truly appreciate the game for what it is… and it’s an absolute gem. Sure, the sky overworld remains as empty as ever and the pacing still hasn’t changed. However, Skyward Sword HD improves the original enough that we might reconsider our rankings. Perhaps the most disappointing part here is that this is Nintendo’s way of celebrating Zelda’s 35th anniversary. Not that Skyward Sword HD isn’t enough. It’s just that, you would think that Nintendo would have something more substantial planned, like Breath of the Wild 2, now that the series has just turned 35. You can certainly dream though, right?
