Summary
- Fans debate the weakest 3D Zelda game, with Skyward Sword often receiving criticism for its linearity and control scheme.
- Some fans defend Skyward Sword's memorable characters, side quests, and dungeons, while others struggle to rank it above other titles.
The Legend of Zelda fans have recently shared their thoughts on which entry deserves the dubious title of "Worst 3D Game in the Series." As one of Nintendo's most beloved franchises, it’s much more common to identify Zelda games by their strengths rather than their shortcomings. However, even in a series as critically acclaimed as The Legend of Zelda, there can be a weakest link.
Though the top-down entries are often well regarded, 3D Zelda titles have been very influential in shaping modern game design sensibilities. They each contain flaws, however, which longtime fans are quick to point out. For example, even though Ocarina of Time revolutionized the action-adventure genre, it also exhibited some growing pains in the jump to 3D. Fans of the traditional Zelda formula sometimes struggle to click with Majora’s Mask’s ever-present time limit and focus on side quests over main dungeons. Similarly, Breath of the Wild’s radical departure from series tradition left some fans hoping for a return to classic Zelda fare. There is one 3D title that tends to get slightly more criticism than the rest, however.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD's Fi Change is Big for Nintendo
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD is bringing many quality of life changes, and one concerning Fi is indicative of how far Nintendo has come.
In a post on the Zelda subreddit, user Rawkhawkjayhawk defended the often-criticized entry The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. As points in the game’s favor, they cited memorable characters, varied side quests, and a strong lineup of dungeons. In response to a common complaint about Skyward Sword’s original Wii Motion Plus control scheme, they pointed out that “the button controls on the HD version work great.”
Zelda Fans Think Skyward Sword Struggles in a Crowded Field
Although many commenters acknowledged the strengths of the game, some fans remained unconvinced that Skyward Sword could match the quality of other entries. The general consensus was summed up in a comment by user D0MiN0H, who wrote, “It’s less that Skyward Sword is bad and more that I can’t bring myself to rank another 3D Zelda below it.” There were some dissenting opinions, however. User MattR0se selected Twilight Princess as their least favorite, claiming that Nintendo "relied too heavily on recycling elements from Ocarina of Time." Several commenters brought up Wind Waker's final act, which involves a lengthy hunt for pieces of the Triforce, as a reason to rank it below the rest.
The relative apathy towards Skyward Sword was shared by many fans when the game was initially released in 2011. Critically, the game received a largely positive response, but it failed to sell as well as most other Zelda games, especially considering that it launched on the popular Wii console. Criticism was directed towards the game’s linearity; although the dungeons and overworld were well-designed, they did not allow for much exploration off the beaten path.
Nintendo has confirmed that the next 3D Zelda game will not be another sequel in the line of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, so the future of the series is largely a mystery. Previous comments from series producer Eiji Aonuma indicate that he intends to stay away from the classic linear structure in favor of more player freedom. Even still, many fans have requested the return of traditional dungeons, so perhaps the next title will combine two philosophies and feature an open overworld with more restrictive, Skyward Sword-esque temples.
- Released
- November 20, 2011
- ESRB
- E10+ for Everyone E10+: Animated Blood, Comic Mischief, Fantasy Violence
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
- Engine
- Proprietary Engine
- Franchise
- The Legend of Zelda
