Why Skyward sword was a disappointment

Originally Posted by Thegargoylevine

Shigeru Miyamoto: "[Twilight Princess is] without a doubt, the last Zelda game as you know it in its present form."

Aonuma: "So far, the basic flow of the Zelda games is you’re exploring a field, you go to a dungeon, you conquer it and return to the field. We’re looking at altering that traditional flow."

What's this "talk of going back to the roots?" That was TP, not SS.

The idea of having a more dense over world. My present form, I am pretty sure Miyamoto was implying the fact that the over world in TP, WW, and Oot was pretty barren, because even Skyward Sword did not alter that "traditional flow". I am pretty sure that the developers were going to rekindle the classic Zelda experience of discovery.

That or I am simply mixing up my 25th anniversary news with the SS hype news.

Skyward Sword blows Twilight Princess out of the water.

Majora's Mask doesn't compare to OoT, WW, TP, or SS.

Ocarina of Time did not have as many side quests as the other 4.

But you are correct in saying it doesn't beat out Wind Waker.

Although I don't really have a place in this discussion since it feels like humongous troll bait, I want to say a few things:

- There never was any sort of "back to Zelda's roots" movement. In fact, for the last five years Nintendo has been trying very hard to move away from traditional Zelda mechanics in order to keep the series fresh.
- Zelda's old mechanics were pretty repetitive and clearly designed for an age of video games that is long gone.
- Nostalgia is really powerful.

Ocarina of Time has a permanent spot on the top games of all time list because everyone played it in their late singles or early teens. My guess is that Skyward Sword will have a similar effect on kids in that age group today - i.e. in ten years or so they'll be here on ZU trumpeting Skyward Sword as the game with the perfect formula.

Skyward Sword was fantastic precisely because it was different. Although your first post posits that it was a disappointment for those reasons, I - and I think a rather large portion of Nintendo-playing gamers familiar with Zelda - would have been pretty bored with another Ocarina of Time clone.

I still say the most innovative Zelda game of all time is Okami.

In the end, I did not want those four things in the exact same way I got them in Twilight Princess or Ocarina of Time or The Wind Waker. They were great games. I've replayed them all enough. I don't really want to replay them again, as much as I love them. And I expected Nintendo to be dynamic with Skyward Sword and prove that, in the face of one of their major franchises waning in innovation, they are able to reinvent a core franchise and make it even better, with more modern game mechanics, graphics, storytelling, and polish.

To that, Skyward Sword was an incredible success and a remarkable push forward for the series that lays an important groundwork for all Zelda games - and all adventure/RPG games at that - that will follow.

Originally Posted by Jason

Ocarina of Time has a permanent spot on the top games of all time list because everyone played it in their late singles or early teens. My guess is that Skyward Sword will have a similar effect on kids in that age group today - i.e. in ten years or so they'll be here on ZU trumpeting Skyward Sword as the game with the perfect formula.

I did a poll a while ago. There seems to be a strong correlation between the first Zelda you play and your favorite, and for 44% of the voters, OoT was their first Zelda.

Your first Zelda game

I have a 9 year old brother who I'm using as a guinea pig. So far he's played MM, ALttP, TP, SS, and PH, in that order. I'm letting him play TWW next and then finally OoT, to see if he actually thinks OoT is the best.

So far, he loves MM and SS, feels indifferent about TP, and dislikes ALttP and PH (he's not a fan of the 2D games). I've never told him OoT was one of the most critically acclaimed games of all time, nor that it is my second favorite Zelda game, so he's much more excited to play TWW.

Originally Posted by Thegargoylevine

I did a poll a while ago. There seems to be a strong correlation between the first Zelda you play and your favorite, and for 44% of the voters, OoT was their first Zelda.

Your first Zelda game

I have a 9 year old brother who I'm using as a guinea pig. So far he's played MM, ALttP, TP, SS, and PH, in that order. I'm letting him play TWW next and then finally OoT, to see if he actually thinks OoT is the best.

So far, he loves MM and SS, feels indifferent about TP, and dislikes ALttP and PH (he's not a fan of the 2D games). I've never told him OoT was one of the most critically acclaimed games of all time, nor that it is my second favorite Zelda game, so he's much more excited to play TWW.

That is awesome, and I do agree with what you have to say. Phantom Hourglass was one of my favorite Zelda games, however I obviously am in the minority, maybe it has something to do with being my first Zelda game.


However, on the topic of Skyward Sword. I felt like Skyward Sword got a very large number of mixed reactions. Some people hated the game to the pulp, while others loved it. Not many games have this mixed of a reception.

Skyward Sword is one of the only games that I have seen get a 10/10 on one site, but a 6/10 on another.

However, on the topic of Skyward Sword. I felt like Skyward Sword got a very large number of mixed reactions. Some people hated the game to the pulp, while others loved it. Not many games have this mixed of a reception.

I think this a good indication that the game really did make some fundamental and meaningful changes to the Zelda formula, for better or for worse. While MM, WW, and TP all added some ideas and richness to Zelda, they were still very much OoT retreads. SS was the boldest Zelda in a long time. Inevitably, some people are not going to embrace that change.

I was obviously satisfied. I'm on a third play-through and even still I am finding new things to appreciate about the game. More importantly, it restored some of my optimism for Zelda. I'm extremely excited to see what they do with the next game.

Ocarina of Time has a permanent spot on the top games of all time list because everyone played it in their late singles or early teens.

Speak for yourself, Porkchop. I was in my very late teens when i played that game. That game is nostalgic for me but not the same way it is for you.

The reason why OoT makes it into top spots all the time is because it still holds up today! Its just...one of those few games that come along thats objectively good. Sure opinions will differ on why its good, but its just....a good game. My favorite Zelda isnt OoT, its ALttP.

I can also say i like a lot of things about TP more than i do SS. SS has better music and really great characters. (i mean, some of the best characters in the series were introduced in that game!) But some things.....yeah no.

Only Deku Scrubs hate Skyward Sword.

Originally Posted by Bill

I think this a good indication that the game really did make some fundamental and meaningful changes to the Zelda formula, for better or for worse. While MM, WW, and TP all added some ideas and richness to Zelda, they were still very much OoT retreads. SS was the boldest Zelda in a long time. Inevitably, some people are not going to embrace that change.

I was obviously satisfied. I'm on a third play-through and even still I am finding new things to appreciate about the game. More importantly, it restored some of my optimism for Zelda. I'm extremely excited to see what they do with the next game.

I agree 95% with your post, except that I did not think MM was an OoT retread, bar aesthetically. Based on my experience, I'd guestimate that the correlation between OoT and MM is 25%, WW 70%, TP 85%, and SS 40%. But that's just my opinion.

I liked SS, It was a good step for the franchise, but there were a lot of things that annoyed me immensely. Like picking up items, and them treating it like it's a new item every time I turn on the game.

I liked the story well enough, aside from their stupid explanations for making me do tedious things. You had to prove you were the hero too many times in that game. The spirit vessels and that item thing was something that was brought over from TP, and I do not understand why. Seems like a lazy way to add up more game time.

The story wasn't really any different from other Zelda's. I mean, you worked to get the Master Sword, had to go get the triforce, prove yourself a hero, save Zelda and beat Pseudo-Ganon. Sure, they threw in some twists and turns, but the only truly original thing was the Wii motion +

Oh, and Skyward sword felt linear to me, I felt like they were walking me through the dungeons.

Originally Posted by Severus Snape

Speak for yourself, Porkchop. I was in my very late teens when i played that game. That game is nostalgic for me but not the same way it is for you.

The reason why OoT makes it into top spots all the time is because it still holds up today! Its just...one of those few games that come along thats objectively good. Sure opinions will differ on why its good, but its just....a good game. My favorite Zelda isnt OoT, its ALttP.

Actually, I was mostly speaking for the masses. I've never finished Ocarina of Time; it's really boring to me. I usually get a ton of flak for that, but even on the 3DS I wasn't able to finish it. Actually, playing it on the 3DS was the first time I got through the second dungeon. This time I ended up stopping at the Fire Temple before getting bored. I know I'm in the minority here, but I just can't get myself to pay attention long enough to finish. I don't think Ocarina of Time holds up in comparison to today's cinematic experiences. I think The Wind Waker more fully encapsulates what Nintendo wished they could do with Ocarina of Time (or, probably more rightly, Twilight Princess - but that one felt dry, too, didn't it?).

The Wind Waker was my first Zelda game and my favorite up until Skyward Sword came around. Wind Waker still obviously has a greater nostalgic factor for me than any other Zelda game.

Personally, I dont think SS was much of a dissapointment but it did have a bit of it's weak sides. I really enjoyed how the Wii Motion Plus mechanics were involved in the enemy combat but sure, I admit that it can be a bit of a spaz sometimes. And having a lot of items in TP was fun, but in this game, I really dont think they needed that much counting on how well thought out the story and gameplay was. "Hey, this game was too mushy and emotional!" Yes, maybe a couple players didn't like that, but ya gotta admit, It's better that having a blank face with only the occational fear. The game did have it's weak points but it wasn't a total dissapointment. I do find the fact that Link was so happy(ish) learning the whereabouts of Zelda kind of funny.

Im afraid SS is my 4th or 5th. In my opinion zelda II sucked if you didnt beat it, yet i can beat the game around 2 hours. Most Zelda games have a magical instrument. There are sidequests in SS: Gratitude crystals, Hylian shield, finding Kukiel etc. so i really dont why your complaining. If you don't like the game, then stop manicing about it. it may be aloud but its fairly annoying to others.

Originally Posted by Parallel Existence

Wow people, very creative discussion. Why is it people always bring out the worst in each other? Can't we just talk about how fortunate we all are to have a new AWESOME Zelda game to play? If anyone does, let me know...

Because each new Zelda game is THE WORST ZELDA GAME EVER. The previous ones are near-perfect, but this new one? Oh no.


Fun fact: /v/ is dropping the MM worship and has switched to TWW now. The Zelda cycle is very, very real.

I got OOT the second day it came out and I was 8 (second 3d game ever owned but first Zelda.) Until I finished SS a few hours ago OOT was my favorite and now SS is. I got really connected with Fi's relationship with Link at the end I am a fan of showing emotions in Zelda. Once I saw 'The End' I just sat there and stare at my master sword replica leaning on the wall. The happy/sad feeling someone gets after beating a Zelda game. I'm glad SS showed us some new back history of Hyrule. So, until the new 3ds game and Wii U game comes out I will help my little brother out with SS, OOT 3DS he is only 7 but he is at the water temple and on debby in the forest temple all by himself. He watches the WW walk throughs on youtube just to watch it lol. I'm glad I have Zelda to pass down to him.

I have to laugh, the exact same thing happened when TP came out. It was universally praised, but within two months people had ripped it to shreds by finding little "holes" in it. Skyward Sword had more characters that I cared about than any recent Zelda game, there were plenty of side quests, the items all got used in more than one dungeon, and to top it all off the story was top class.

I like the departure from having to competently play some sort of music to cause the instrument to have an effect because it's not necessary in the slightest for what the game is designed for...

I did get a bit bored with having to keep going into the sky, across the sky and back down somewhere else if I wanted to get something done quickly but on the whole I think it's up there with as many positives as the best of them. People have said it before, if you want to play a game like MM or TWW then play MM or TWW!

Originally Posted by Dei~

Goddess Harp?

waving your arm to a beat/rhythm that they tell you is there isn't an instrument. the harp made your arm into a metronome

it was pitiful

I loved SS, but I have to admit it was far from perfect. I do think it was a step in the right direction however. More side quests and Skyloft would have been perfect.

It did need more dungeons however. Seven is quite few, compared to the nine in TP and OoT, eight for the GBC games, and eleven for alltp. In fact it ties with TWW if you count the Forsaken Fortress.
Plus I'm on the final dungeon now, and nothing about it feels like a final dungeon really. I was hoping it was only the penultimate dungeon like the Palace of Twilight was at least...

Yeah, more dungeons please. SS was over too quickly for me.

I applaud them for moving away from the standard field and dungeon formula, but I definitely agree that it did feel linear, with intentional and uninspired obstacles.

Playing through the first time, you'd reach points where you could predict that the game would throw an obstacle at you just for the sake of it.

Still, it's a Zelda game, and I enjoyed it thoroughly nonetheless.

Originally Posted by Feline Witch

I loved SS, but I have to admit it was far from perfect. I do think it was a step in the right direction however. More side quests and Skyloft would have been perfect.

It did need more dungeons however. Seven is quite few, compared to the nine in TP and OoT, eight for the GBC games, and eleven for alltp. In fact it ties with TWW if you count the Forsaken Fortress.
Plus I'm on the final dungeon now, and nothing about it feels like a final dungeon really. I was hoping it was only the penultimate dungeon like the Palace of Twilight was at least...

Yeah, more dungeons please. SS was over too quickly for me.

I don't think quantity was the problem at all. To me the very foundation and structure of the game felt repetitive and monotonous. If the game had any more dungeons than it had... I would have quit the game. There was nothing fun or exciting about resisting the same empty obstacle course again and again.

Words can't describe how disappointed I am by the direction Nintendo took here.