The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

User 40136

Banned deucer.
Well, this game is coming out in a few weeks, (for America). And well, I'm stoked. Zelda is one of my favorite series of all time, and this installment looks to be the greatest yet.

It seems to be getting pretty much universal acclaim, as expected for Zelda.

I've compiled a list of all the Reviews I think, so far.






So far, 34 reviews have been published by IGN, Official Nintendo Magazine, EDGE, 1Up, GamesTM, G4TV, GamePro, GamePro (German Edition), Game Informer, Eurogamer, 4News, VideoGamesZone, The Guardian, Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM), Joystiq, Wired, Shack News, Games Radar, Giant Bomb, Metro, Computers & Video Games (CVG), Nintendo World Report, Cheat Code Central (CCC), Jeuxvideo.com, Game Blog, Game Kult, Jeuxactu.com, SFX, GoNintendo, InsideGamingDaily (Machinima), Digital Chumps, The Escapist, NGamer and Nintendo-Universe.

Skyward Sword is currently sitting on a score of 95/100 on Metacritic, based on 26 critics:

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword for Wii Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More at Metacritic

Its Game Rankings score is 94.24%, based on 17 reviews:

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword for Wii - GameRankings

As always, beware of potential spoilers!

IGN: 10/10

"The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is the greatest Zelda game ever created. It's the best game for Wii and one of the finest video game accomplishments of the past 10 years. The game has once again raised the bar and forged new territory for an iconic and innovative franchise. It's not enough that it finally establishes a powerful, stirring origin story or that it features near-perfect pacing. What puts Skyward Sword over the top is its layered, dense, absolutely perfect gameplay that manages to not only nail motion-controlled combat but remarkably offers a stunning level of diversity. "

Link: Where is the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Review? - Wii Review at IGN

EDGE: 10/10

"A triumph."

"How apt that this ultimate tale of heromaking should see Nintendo’s hardware become the console it was always meant to be."

Link: The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword review - Edge Magazine

Game Informer: 10/10

"Skyward Sword is one of those rare treasures, a 10/10 game."

"Nintendo took a long time, but the publisher has finally proven that it’s possible to build a great, hardcore-friendly gaming experience around motion controls – something that’s fun and challenging without feeling frustrating or silly. That fact alone makes Skyward Sword a title that every gamer should experience."

Link (preliminary review): Is The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword Another 10? - News - www.GameInformer.com
Link (full review): Skyward Sword Review: The Wii Game We've Wanted For Five Years - The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword - Nintendo Wii - www.GameInformer.com

Wired: 10/10

"It has taken Nintendo five years to release a game in this series developed exclusively for Wii, and it delivers in every way possible including some you wouldn’t necessarily expect."

Link: Review: Skyward Sword Slashes Zelda’s Sacred Cows | Game|Life | Wired.com

Eurogamer: 10/10

"Like a tale told from one generation to the next, the point is to keep the tradition alive for others - and for them, Skyward Sword will surely be the greatest adventure money can buy."

Link: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Review • Eurogamer.net

Metro: 10/10

"Far more than just the Wii's last big game, this epic new adventure threatens to not only change the way you think about Zelda but also the whole concept of motion controls."

"And so the final question must be is this a better game than Ocarina Of Time? The use of motion controls does seem almost as revolutionary, but in gameplay terms it's different enough to make the question largely irrelevant. It's certainly the first game in the series since then to forge its own course and the end result revolutionises not just Zelda but potentially the whole of gaming."

Link: The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword review - Hyrulian revolution | Metro.co.uk

GoNintendo: 10/10

"The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is a brave new beginning for the series, which is the only fitting way to celebrate 25 years. Here's to another 25 years with Link, Zelda and the rest of the gang. I can only hope that Skyward Sword is built upon from here on out, if only to show us just how amazing and relevant the series can be."

Link: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword - GoNintendo (spoiler-free) Review | GoNintendo - What are YOU waiting for?

The Escapist: 5/5

"The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is the perfect tribute to its impressive lineage, honoring its predecessors while maintaining its own identity. If you're a long-time fan of the franchise, you'll love it. If you're brand new to Link and Zelda, you'll love it. Even if you've felt like the series had become tired and stale, you'll love it. It will make you believe the Legend will continue for another 25 years."

Link: The Escapist : The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Review

SFX: 5/5

"Skyward Sword does the unthinkable and pushes The Legend Of Zelda into new territories. Has Ocarina been dethroned? Only time will tell…"

Link: The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword – Videogame Review | SFX

The Guardian: 5/5

"If you own a Wii, do we even need to advise you to buy it? Whether or not it's the best ever Zelda game is open to debate, but it's certainly up there. However, nobody could argue that it's anything less than a masterclass in the art of crafting video games."

Link: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

Cheat Code Central (CCC): 5/5

"Skyward Sword is a game that delivers on the promises made before its release, but it also makes good on several promises five years old. Simply put, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is why you bought a Wii in the first place. So if you hid away your Wii, sold it, or whatever, it's time to reclaim it and prepare yourself for an adventure in Hyrule unlike any you have experienced before."

Link: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Review for Nintendo Wii (Wii) - Cheat Code Central

Nintendo World Report: 10/10

"Not only is The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword the ultimate Zelda game, it’s also the ultimate Wii game. You can see bits and pieces of nearly every other Zelda game and any game Nintendo has worked on with motion controls, from Super Mario Galaxy and Wii Sports Resort to Wii Music and Animal Crossing. If you bought a Wii, you owe it to yourself to get this game right away. After all, isn’t one-to-one swordplay what made us all excited about the Wii in the first place?"

Link: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Review - Review - Nintendo World Report

Official Nintendo Magazine: 98/100

"It's not something we say lightly, but the Zelda series really has never been this good."

"Skyward Sword has a lot of heart, backed up by a lot of brains. It's an intelligent and captivating adventure that, through sheer scale and diversity of content, variety of location and ingenious and refined use of Wii Motion Plus, never fails to maintain a firm chokehold on your attentions."

Link: The Legend Of Zelda Skyward Sword review - 98% in ONM - Official Nintendo Magazine
Scans: All the New Details from ONM's Skyward Sword Review, Along with Scans and Plenty of Discussion

Computers and Video Games (CVG): 9.8/10

"Nintendo have crafted an adventure to resonate through the digital ages: wide of eye, pure of heart and wavy of arm. Forget timeshift stones: Link's latest takes us back and forward. To icons we loved in the past, and new icons we'll love for years to come.

In every sense of the word: legendary."

Link: Wii Review: Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Review - ComputerAndVideoGames.com

Digital Chumps: 9.8/10

"It is decidedly Zelda, but ultimately, it’s what makes Skyward Sword different that renders it so memorable. This is a creative and unique entry in the series that nevertheless feels right at home. The foundations are intact, but the specifics and the parameters have all been bravely adjusted."

Link: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword@DigitalChumps.com

Nintendo-Universe: 98%

"A masterpiece in both game design and narrative, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword resonates as a radiant beacon of brilliance."

Link: Review: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword « Nintendo Universe

NGamer: 98/100

No link yet

4News: 97/10

"The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword is a title of "AAA" and although it came very late to the expectations of many fans, is able to offer a breath of fresh news without damaging the global atmosphere of the series that has been maintained in part also in this chapter."
(Translated - badly, sorry! - from Italian)

Link: Review The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword | 4News.it | N4G

Joystiq: 9.5/10

"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."

Link: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword review: Such great heights | Joystiq

InsideGamingDaily (Machinima): 9.5/10

"The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is not only one of the best Zelda games, but one of the best games ever made. It will take you places you’ve never been and show you sights you’ve never seen, so ignoring it just because it’s on the Wii would be a damn shame. I’d recommend Skyward Sword without hesitation to anyone on the planet, which also means I’m recommending it to you. Play it and love it."

Link: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Review - Machinima.com | Inside Gaming Daily Blog

GamePro (German Edition): 93%

"Once again, a Zelda game managed to wake the adventurous child within us...Once again, we were happy, sad and touched all at once. Not many games manage to create so many emotions. Especially in recent years. Indeed it was about time for a bit of video game magic. And we're sure: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword will enchant you all as well."
(Translated from German)

Link: Spoiler German Gamepro's Full Review

VideoGamesZone: 93/100

"Is Skyward Sword a Zelda game which every Wii owner should have? No question, yes! Is it the best [Zelda game] of all time? No - but undoubtedly a very good one!"
(Translated from German)

Link: Zelda: Skyward Sword im Test für Wii - Episch, elegant und extrem experimentierfreudig
VideoGamesZone Reviews Skyward Sword, Loves It

GamesTM: 9/10

"Playing the Wii out in style."

"Buffed and polished to a perfect point, ZSS is one in the eye for the naysayers, and a spectacular return to form for its developer; a solemn reminder that, when it comes to crafting worlds, nobody does it quite like Nintendo."

Link: The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword review

Games Radar: 9/10

"The question is: is Skyward Sword objectively superior to its predecessors? No, it isn't. But it does live up to the Zelda legacy, and that's enough to make it superior to most other non-Zelda games."

Link: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword review, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Wii Reviews | GamesRadar

Jeuxvideo.com: 18/10

"Skyward Sword comes close to being an absolute masterpiece."
(Translated from French)

Link: Test de The Legend of Zelda : Skyward Sword sur Wii

Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM): 8.5/10

"Skyward Sword has all the elements of a spectacular Zelda tale, but poor controls prevent this from reaching an Ocarina-like level."

Link: EGM Review: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword | EGMNOW

1Up: B+

"So, is The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword the best game of the franchise? Unfortunately, no. But few things should ever be viewed in absolute terms. The better question would be, "Is Skyward Sword another great Zelda game?" To that I'd say, "Absolutely.""

Link: The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword Review for Wii from 1UP.com

G4TV: 4/5

"Skyward Sword joins Super Mario 64 as a game that almost single-handedly justifies Nintendo's approach to hardware development, and stands as one of the best titles in the storied franchise. Still, it can't get away from a few minor faults that stop it just short of perfection."

Link: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Review for Wii - G4tv

Giant Bomb: 4/5

"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."

Link: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Review - Giant Bomb

GamePro: 4/5

"...Skyward Sword is a remarkably well-designed adventure with some superb boss encounters, the best of which seamlessly integrate the motion controls that lay at the heart of the experience. Its main sins are that its a bit of a slow starter and lacks the exploration that has long been one of the franchise's strengths. And even the terrific new motion controls aren't apt to alleviate the burnout some fans might be feeling after a decade's worth of 3D Zelda titles.

Nevertheless, it's a good, well-designed adventure that does much to redeem five years of motion controlled shovelware."

Link: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Review from GamePro

Game Blog: 4/5

"...a good adventure, a proud way to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Link, Zelda & co ... but not dazzling enough to eclipse the infinite magic of Ocarina of Time or Link to the Past."
(Translated from French)

Link: Test : The Legend of Zelda : Skyward Sword Wii - L'apothose de 25 ans de lgendes ? - GAMEBLOG.fr

Game Kult: 8/10

See link for video review.

Link: Test vidéo : Zelda Skyward Sword

Jeuxactu.com: 16/20

"No, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is not as good as its illustrious predecessor, Twilight Princess...yet it would be a shame to miss it."
(Translated from French)

Link: Test Zelda Skyward Sword

Shack News: Recommended (No score given)

"Skyward Sword is a triumphant achievement in the Zelda franchise. Even with my minor quibbles, some of the series’ better moments are to be had in this expansive world. With a touching story, some of the Wii's best motion-control action, and intricately designed environments and dungeons, Skyward Sword is an experience that is not to be missed."

Link: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword review - Shacknews.com - Video Game News, Trailers, Game Videos, and Files

(In addition, TSA has posted his impressions on Neogaf:

NeoGAF - View Single Post - Skyward Sword review thread [Reviews are go - Check The OP])

The quick rundown of scores:

100 - IGN
100 - Game Informer
100 - Edge
100 - Wired
100 - Eurogamer
100 - Guardian
100 - Metro GameCentral
100 - CCC
100 - Nintendo World Report
100 - GoNintendo
100 - SFX
100 - The Escapist

98 - Nintendo-Universe
98 - Computer and Video Games
98 - ONM UK
98 - Digital Chumps
98 - NGamer
95 - InsideGamingDaily
95 - Joystiq
93 - VideoGamesZone
90 - Games Radar
90 - Gameblog.fr
90 - Games(TM)
90 - Jeuxvideo.com

85 - EGM
83 - 1up
80 - Jeuxactu.com
80 - Gameblog
80 - GameKult
80 - GamePro
80 - Giant Bomb
80 - G4TV
 
Can't say I'm not going crazy waiting for this. I ordered the bundle with the gold controller 'cause I have need a controller with the MotionPlus, but I think it might not come until a little bit after the game is out and that drives me nuts.

I don't really hate on motion controls but they seem to have gotten them really right this time so I am excited for that.

Also the art style yessssss
 
I am going crazy waiting for this. But I still need the motionplus. As someone who actually didn't get Twilight Princess (don't kill me), I'm beyond stoked for this game. It has a bit of the cel-shading from Wind Waker, but still looks realistic enough. Motion Controls are definitely different, but I think they can be fun instead of just rapidly spamming the b button. As long as this game has the hook shot, I'll be fine.
 
sax king said:
I am going crazy waiting for this. But I still need the motionplus. As someone who actually didn't get Twilight Princess (don't kill me), I'm beyond stoked for this game. It has a bit of the cel-shading from Wind Waker, but still looks realistic enough. Motion Controls are definitely different, but I think they can be fun instead of just rapidly spamming the b button. As long as this game has the hook shot, I'll be fine.
Click to expand...

The game comes with the motionplus.

And also, about the hookshot:

The Double Clawshots from Twilight Princess are returning. If you don't know what those are, look them up, because they were the best weapon in that game, and I'm excited for their return.
 
i never played twilight princess either but i plan on it after i beat skyward sword into oblivion

limited edition awwww yeeea
 
I am so pumped for this game.
Unfortunately for me, I live in China and I have to wait for an English copy to be shipped to me.
I wont get it for at least a week or two.
BUT I CANNOT WAIT.
It looks so good, I just cannot wait. I would definitely be at the Midnight release for this thing if I could be.
 
I'm pretty sure this has leaked onto the internet if anyone has access to bitgamer or something. I'm waiting for the release, but the option is there.

And yeah I think the art style is pretty much perfect for Zelda. But I'm sure they'll do a 180 and change things again for the Wii U Zelda. Which is fine with me as long as it looks better than Twilight Princess.

From what I've heard the plot is excellent.
 
Apparently we live in an age where 4/5 or 8/10 is a bad score for a video game, judging by the feedback on some of these websites.

It looks absolutely stunning.
 
SgtWoodsy said:
Apparently we live in an age where 4/5 or 8/10 is a bad score for a video game, judging by the feedback on some of these websites.

It looks absolutely stunning.
Click to expand...

Yeah this isn't a new thing sadly, gamers have become such a broken base lashing out at reviewers for a score that while still great is not good enough, even though they often haven't even played the game. They are like the stereotypical asian parents with those review numbers.

I suppose I'll finally have to reconnect my wii for this one, and find wherever I left my wii motion plus.
 
Gonna be awesome. The lack of distinction between towns and dungeons is either gonna be a major selling point or the games main flaw. I'm hoping it will be like majoras mask where each area will essentially have two dungeons, a minor one in the town area and a major one.
 
Layell said:
Yeah this isn't a new thing sadly, gamers have become such a broken base lashing out at reviewers for a score that while still great is not good enough, even though they often haven't even played the game. They are like the stereotypical asian parents with those review numbers.

I suppose I'll finally have to reconnect my wii for this one, and find wherever I left my wii motion plus.
Click to expand...

It's all relative.

80 looks bad when a lot of reviewers are saying it is one of the greatest games of all time, some even claiming that it surpasses even OoT.

80 doesn't look as bad when you're talking about a B-Grade Game that's just sort of wandering on by in a forest of gaming mammoths.
 
I dunno...I'm moderately interested but between the relative mediocrity of TP, having to buy a MotionPlus, all the other big releases lately, and Wii's horribly grainy 480p output, I'll probably give Skyward Sword a miss for now.
 
The european version will be released about in a week and i can't wait for it. ZElda is my favourite videogame series of all times (under pokemon) and i heard about this videogame about 1-2 years ago before of OoT 3D so it's really hard to wait
 
I'm going to comment on the length of Skyward Sword and the length of its intro area. Just in case some pussies can't even handle that in terms of "spoilers" I'll hide it.
So I've played through Skyward Sword a bit now. It should come to no surprise to anyone who has listen to any reviews that the game starts off slow. Really Slow. Like Wind Waker is comparatively fast as a start-up to the game.

Playing just a few hours into the game, I've realized that it's completely warranted. Albeit I have THOROUGHLY explored any area I've come in contact with, I've played maybe 4+ hours now, and I'm about to enter the first dungeon.

In other terms, in the time you can beat Portal, you won't even be to the first dungeon in Skyward Sword. The length of the intro is alluding to the length of the game, somewhat. Long-ass intro for a long-ass game.
 
This looks awesome, I am buying it.

But I am very worried about the motion controls, most games they were downright terrible. (cough cough force unleashed cough)

Bad controls and bad handling just ruin the game and can turn a game with lots of potential into a waste of time and frustration. But this thing got incredible reviews, so I think nintendo did it right this time around.

I never got my hands on the Zelda games, (too young) but now I can venture into the series.

Oh, and do you need to play the first games to understand the sequels?
 
quietly awaitin till i have the game and realize once fucking again Ganon is the real villain behind the nice-and-cool showcase villain and then ill be pissed

then ill resign, quietly sigh and just enjoy the game. so far ive been lovin the little bit of personality the protags and sidecharacters seem to have and im p excited about zelda not being your usual princess and link havin... some emotion? some character.

also kinda heartwarmingly happy about giving them a romance? lol i feel that wouldn't have worked in any other game where zelda'd have been a princess but in this game it seems perfect

edit: pissed off about amazon pullin back the limited-edition Motion+ wiimote >:(

edit2: watchin GT review, Ghirahim trying to revive his evil master

asiodioasdmiopsadmiopsamdopsmdopfsdf
 
UltiMario said:
I'm going to comment on the length of Skyward Sword and the length of its intro area. Just in case some pussies can't even handle that in terms of "spoilers" I'll hide it.
So I've played through Skyward Sword a bit now. It should come to no surprise to anyone who has listen to any reviews that the game starts off slow. Really Slow. Like Wind Waker is comparatively fast as a start-up to the game.

Playing just a few hours into the game, I've realized that it's completely warranted. Albeit I have THOROUGHLY explored any area I've come in contact with, I've played maybe 4+ hours now, and I'm about to enter the first dungeon.

In other terms, in the time you can beat Portal, you won't even be to the first dungeon in Skyward Sword. The length of the intro is alluding to the length of the game, somewhat. Long-ass intro for a long-ass game.
Click to expand...

Release dates are the 18th in Europe, the 20th in NA, 23rd in Japan, and 24th in Austrailia, so how have you played it?

I was very apprehensive when I first saw the trailer and everything, but after a while and after seeing all these reviews I am very anxious to buy this game. It will take a lot to top Wind Waker in my opinion, but this seems like a very, very good game now.

By the way, do we know what the Golden Wiimote from the special edition looks like? And does it have the MotionPlus peripheral built in? I'd like to know this before I pay $10 extra.
 
Kingclown50 said:
Release dates are the 18th in Europe, the 20th in NA, 23rd in Japan, and 24th in Austrailia, so how have you played it?

I was very apprehensive when I first saw the trailer and everything, but after a while and after seeing all these reviews I am very anxious to buy this game. It will take a lot to top Wind Waker in my opinion, but this seems like a very, very good game now.

By the way, do we know what the Golden Wiimote from the special edition looks like? And does it have the MotionPlus peripheral built in? I'd like to know this before I pay $10 extra.
Click to expand...

Skyward-Sword-Europe-Bundle.jpg

built-in motion+
 
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