As one of the last 3D Zelda Games I played, I didn't expect anything to displace my favorite at the time (Wind Waker), but upon finishing this game, I realized that something had.

The one feature of Skyward Sword that almost everyone can agree on is that the story is one of if not THE best in the series. With great side characters, great villians, the peak depiction of Zelda, this game is chock full of charm and personality.

The environments themselves are also incredibly well made, finding the perfect balance between the realistic style of Twilight Princess and the beautiful cel-shaded style of Wind Waker. Each area of the game feels distinct and lively, with new enemies and puzzles to discover.

Speaking of enemies, most of the usual suspects from previous games show up here, but with the new combat system, the way you have to deal with them can vary wildly. While the motion controls are most peoples biggest problem with this game, if you've played enough Wii Sports Resort swordfighting (and I have) you know how to prevent desync and how to ensure your movements get read correctly. Simple, quick, controlled movements, no wild swinging of your arm. With this in mind, I had zero issues with the controls throughout this game other than the occasional accidental parry because I shook my shield hand too hard while swinging. The satisfaction of defeating enemies is so much higher when you have to really watch and learn the patterns to finally strike the right place at the right time from the right angle. Lizalfos are an absolute blast to fight in this game, and even Deku Babas finally are a little more fun. My first experience with a Skulltula here was incredibly thrilling, when it dropped to the ground and I realized I'd lost access to it's weakpoint I was scrambling to find a way to hurt it until I realized I had to stick my sword UNDER it and flip it on its back to finish it off.

Following the enemies, the bosses in this game are hands down, no contest, best in the series. The intensity and complexity is so much higher here since even after you figure out the pattern and method, the execution still requires effort to pull off correctly. Fighting Ghirahim, Kolokotos, Tentalus, all felt unique and thrilling. The different methods and tools required (as in all Zelda games) are really highlighted here due to the control scheme, since using items isn't just pressing the same button with a different item equipped.

Now, the negatives. Fi and the Imprisoned. I didn't like Fi much either, but I think a lot of the hate is exaggerated. If you don't need to hear what she's saying, you can skip through it, though I know it still is a pretty frustrating interruption. Thankfully, I hear this was vastly improved in the HD Switch version, so maybe give that a try. The Imprisoned fights are rough if you mess them up, but as long as you're careful and take your time to aim properly each time I don't find them to be that difficult. It is annoying to fight it three times, but it does change slightly each time, and by the third I don't feel like it's too much of a bother.

All in all, this game pulls together so much of what makes the Zelda series great and wraps it up in the most immersive and engaging package I think the Zelda series has ever had. This game is the pinnacle of Action-Adventure games and no one can convince me otherwise.

My all-time favorite game, every system here works perfectly together and the devs are constantly working to improve it even further. Dungeon exploration feels tense and exciting and provides very worthwhile rewards, the arena mode is a great way to get your fill of the combat, and the practice mode allows new players to get the hang of the very unique control scheme.

Then there's the combat itself. You may see people say it feels clunky and unpredictable, and it probably does for them, just as much as it would if you put a weapon in their untrained hands. BUT, with practice and time, the amount of control you have over your character in this game is unsurpassed. You can precisely strike ANY part of the enemy that you set your mind to, bypassing armor by stabbing at holes and slits, or trying to knock your opponent off their feet with a well-timed strike to the ankle. The versatility of the four possible attacks in this game is limitless.

THEN, you can now add in the thaumaturgy system (magic). Currently two schools exist, Force and Mind. Force is like you expect, push people around, throw rocks and random items, but it also has a couple more interesting abilities, like creating a bubble around yourself or a wall of energy to block off your foes. Additionally, you can amplify the impact of your weapon with magic to increase the oomph factor. Hitting hard feels so satisfying in this game anyway, adding even more to that is glorious.

Mind thaumaturgy has a wide range of utilities from sense minds, astral projection, to straight up necromancy, all of which are fun to play with in the intricate world Bare Mettle set up.

Speaking of the world, the little lore that is provided by books and scrolls that you can find scattered throughout the dungeons makes the world feel very lived in. The sheer amount of useless items (spoons, cups, pens, tools) makes it actually feel like you are exploring an abandoned society and makes finding useful items so much more thrilling.

This game is one of the most unique concepts I've ever played and never feels dull for a moment, even on replays. I've played through this game more times than I can count but every run is a little different due to certain randomized elements. Definitely give it a try, I doubt we will ever get a better game than this until Sui Generis