The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is the latest Zelda addition to the Nintendo Switch family and for those who do not know, it’s a remaster of a game from a decade ago. Nintendo have a hit and miss relationship when it comes to releasing older titles again on the Nintendo Switch, but I must be honest this is one of the better attempts in doing so. Let’s start a quest together, shall we? Find out if this Zelda is one to remember or a relic that should have been left behind.



As mentioned, this is a remaster of a Zelda game designed for the Wii. The Wii is often described as more of a controller than a console, it was both infamous and beloved with regards to the motion control system it boasted. The graphics and gameplay were always second to its Wii motion systems. Skyward Sword is particularly important though and must deliver more than just some gimmicks. Chronologically, this is the first ever Zelda story… You could say it’s the “Legendest of Zelda.” - Hehe.

When you recall your old favorites, they seem different to how they actually play out and for Skyward Sword, this is a good thing.

The great part about technology, is that it keeps moving forward, much like time it waits for no fan. When you recall your old favorites, they seem different to how they actually play out and for Skyward Sword, this is a good thing. Wii controllers from a decade ago are simply not going to stand up to the power of the Joycon and the motion controls are far more responsive. Against all odds, I preferred playing in the motion control setup than with the button setup. The button setup wasn’t available in the original title, and I thought it was the perfect way forward for me… Except I struggled to use them. It was clumsy and ill thought out and was frankly bailed out by the superior motion control scheme.



With that said, it's not going to work for everyone, particularly those who intend to play in handheld mode. My honest opinion is that although the button controls can get you through the title, it’s not the best experience or how the game was intended to be played. The motion controls are not without its flaws though and I did have difficulty performing certain actions, but it became notably easier the more I played. I will admit, there was also something very fun about swiping around madly even though you don’t really have to.

This story is a thing. It includes time travel, mystical sky lands and multiple twists and turns. Some of the characters are truly a spectacle and I felt their presence made a massive difference to the game. I enjoyed the moments and interactions I had with the NPCs and I felt that the game had a far more established relationship between Zelda and Link. I allowed myself to fall in love with the story as I am a sucker for old school RPGs and a lot of it all there. The rival, the lover, the villain, and the sidekick.



It’s also an important story as it is the first event in the Zelda timeline. It feels like you are creating the footpath for other Links to follow and glues the different worlds together. If you don’t play this game, I would recommend watching a YouTube channel that covers the story to bridge the gap the next time you step into Link's shoes.

You are going to struggle to find a better orchestral soundtrack than Skyward Sword.

Speaking of characters, I feel that music and sound is one of the most important characters in a game. Music alerts you to danger, creates connections with places and is more than just a nostalgia generator. The main theme of the game is an orchestral smash and it gave me shivers listening it whilst preparing for this review. It alone has triumphant ups, gloomy lows and serene moments. You are going to struggle to find a better orchestral soundtrack than Skyward Sword. Now go listen to it and go ♫aaaah, oooh aaaah, dalalala♫ with me.



As time went on, gamers also became more appreciative of the little things. Skyward Sword needed a makeover! And what a makeover it is. I can only suggest that the comparison between now and then is impressive. The game has been upscaled from 480p to HD. I cannot express enough how different it is. The title also fixes many of the frustrating issues found in the original title and it is clear that this was a game handled with care by its developers.

Now before you rush out to get your very own copy of The Legend of Zelda: Ten out of Ten Sword, there is a 'but' and it’s a big but. The gameplay loop is often tedious. There are so many gimmicks relating to the motion controllers that are clumsy and a chore. I enjoyed the combat and some of the bosses really were fun to engage with, but when this game was released, it was intended to cash in on the motion control aspect and today we are far less impressed by the ability to swing a Joycon around and that shows. "But Devin," you said, "the motion controls were far more responsive and you preferred them to the button system" – Yes, that’s true, but the gameplay mechanics associated with them cared more about showing that it could be done rather than if it would be fun to do so a decade in the future.



I’d advise caution with The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD, it’s a solid title and for a hardcore Zelda fan, I’d recommend it. For a player who can overlook the button scheme on a handheld, I’d recommend it and for someone who enjoys motion control schemes and RPGs, I’d definitely recommend it. However, for the average gamer, this is all I can say… I would have happily parted with my money to raise my Joycon to the sky. It’s not perfect, but it was an adventure.

BY THE POWER OF GRAYSKULL! I HAVE THE POWER! Oh, wrong franchise, but you get the idea.



*Nintendo Switch Review code provided by Nintendo | Reviewed by Devin Rigotti