Screenshots & trailers
How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (Metacritic) | – | 81 | 20 |
| Creator reviews (2 tracked) | – | 78 | 2 |
| All-time Steam reviews | – | – | 0 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 79 | 555 |
| Backloggd ratings | – | 85 | 750 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | – | – | 0 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 0 reviews sampled · 0 total reviews in window · weighted 0 up / 0 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (103)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 80
“Skyward Sword HD certainly has its quirks, and it’s not perfect, but for fans of the series it is a faithful and well-improved remaster that will remind you how much you enjoy the older Legend of Zelda games. If all you’re looking forward to is the next Breath of the Wild, it could be worth taking a look, because there are a lot of great experiences and potential additions that might find their way into the next game. Not to mention that a more story-focused game might give you more of an appreciation for the hidden corners in Breath of the Wild.”
read full review ↗ - 95
“The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD gives a misunderstood title in Nintendo’s celebrated franchise a well-earned second shot. If motion controls and lack of polish turned you off this game the first go around, now’s your chance to give this adventure a try. Like all great remakes, it’s got some serious QoL upgrades and not an insignificant amount of graphic upgrades as well. ”
read full review ↗ - 90
“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. Yes, the locking off of instant travel behind the official amiibo is a misstep, but beyond this one issue what's here is a sublime experience, a technical triumph and an absolute must-play for Switch owners and Zelda fans.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Skyward Sword was and still remains to be one of the greatest Zelda titles of all time. Fans of the original formula might not agree, but innovative, intuitive, and different style of gameplay, always boldly stood their ground in face of the critique that yearns for the familiar experience. HD remaster is undoubtedly well earned, and while it hits many points on improving the sluggish aspects of the original, the very core remains intact. Yet even after it all, the biggest regret might be a missed opportunity to improve on the graphics that needed more than a resolution boost. But either way, it is an experience that is very easy to recommend, yet even easier to fall in love with. You may even find it to be just perfect - just for you.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD is a good remaster - it's obvious that Nintendo put some serious work into it. But remember that this Zelda is a peculiar game that can throw you off - especially because of its huge reliance on motion-sensor controls.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Skyward Sword HD should be commended for its attempt to improve on the original. Having a new control scheme and making a good deal of Fi’s advice optional make it a more palatable experience. However, the game still suffers from pacing issues that made the original feel too bloated as well as a disappointing deemphasis on exploration. This remaster could have realistically improved upon a lot, yet it would still fall short compared to the series’ strongest entries. There is still enough for those looking for a more traditional 3D Zelda experience on the Switch provided they keep their expectations in check.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“The bad rap that Skyward Sword received is evidenced here to be undeserved. Even the worst Zelda game is still a good game, and this is by no means the worst Zelda game. It has some dungeons and experiences that are standing side by side with the very best of the whole franchise. While the controls aren't as good as they could have been, and some of the early annoyances remain, this is absolutely a must-buy. It's not the worst Zelda game, not a bad Zelda game, but a great Zelda game.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“I would not say that Skyward Sword HD radically changes my opinion of the original, although it did let me see in in a new light. It still has a lot to do to keep up with the best installments of The Legend of Zelda since it highs are good, but the lows points lack the quality the franchise is known for.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“What Skyward Sword HD does best is make a 3D Zelda once thought limited to a unique console playable in perpetuity (hopefully). Along the way, enough changes and tweaks are made to improve the adventure, whether it’s streamlined tutorials or satisfactory button controls. It wasn’t known at the time, but this represents the final chapter of Nintendo’s 3D Zelda design that started with Ocarina of Time. With hindsight, Skyward Sword HD serves an interesting coda that paved the way for Breath of the Wild. The linear ebb and flow of Link’s earliest chronological story might be rooted in the past, but it’s still an engaging and cozy adventure in the present that’s well worth playing or revisiting.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“While not every design choice has aged as gracefully as its gorgeous art style and incredible dungeons, the implementation of a wide range of improvements ensures The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD remains a memorable adventure worth experiencing on the Nintendo Switch.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“For anyone who wrote this game off for any reason, please give this game another shot. It contains a wonderful story, one of the most satisfying final battles, some of the best humor in any Zelda game, plenty of completely optional side content, and some really unique gameplay that only Skyward Sword has offered. I have never been happier to say I was wrong about a game.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD’s upgraded visuals and motion-free control options make this the best way to play the Wii classic, even if the game is firmly stuck in Zelda’s past.”
read full review ↗
Gamepressure
Pure Nintendo
Nintendo Life
PLAY Zine
GRYOnline.pl
RPGamer
Cubed3
LevelUp
NintendoWorldReport
ZTGD
PCMag…and 91 more tracked reviews.