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.
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.