There are few games out there like Legend of Zelda. No game series has consistently combined such fabulous gameplay, with great dungeon/puzzle designs, epic boss fights, great music and great stories. Skyward Sword continues with this formula, while introducing just enough new content to make sure that the game feels different from its predecessors. Yes the overall formula is still the same, but it something is not broken, why fix it?
Gameplay:
The gameplay can range from revolutionary to tiresome depending on how strongly you feel about the motion controls. I admit, I've always disliked motion controls, and have never seen a good implementation of them, until now. The motion controls here are damn near perfect. Links sword mimics your wii mote +, and I seldom had a mistake with the motion controls. Usually, it is your own fault that the controls malfunction, because they require precise movements, which, admittedly, can get annoying. Yes, I do sort of miss the classic controller, but without these controls, the game wouldn't have been what it is. The controls are what make this game revolutionary as a wii game. For the first time in Wii's history, a game makes the absolute best use of the wii mote it possibly can. Yes, it has some problems, but Skyward Sword proves that new technology can change the way you want to play a game.
The change from classic controller to motion controls drastically change the combat. Enemies now take more time and strategy to beat, you can slash in eight directions, and can do a thrust attack, spin attack and etc. It takes time to find the enemies weakness, but now each enemy is actually fun to fight, they each have their own pattern and strategy, and its a joy to figure these out. Another new addition I really liked in this game is that you can actually upgrade your equipment in this game. This suddenly makes collecting items and rupees much more important and is a brilliant addition to the franchise.
The gameworld is quite large, though perhaps not the largest in the Zelda series. Whereas the sky reminded me of the Great Ocean in the Wind Waker, it was not as large nearly as big, nor as detailed. Exploring the sky and all the floating islands on it isn't as satisfying as the islands in Wind Waker, but they do give something to do. There are three main areas that you get to via the sky, and all the dungeons are located here. However, you actually have to get through many puzzles and enemies just to enter a dungeon, and once there, you will notice how much time and thought Nintendo put into them this time around. The dungeons are brilliant and a few are the best I've seen in the series. The changes make you stop and think, as the puzzles are not similar to the previous ones in the series. The boss fights at the end of the dungeon are a joy too, with a few being some of the best in the Zelda series. However, the game does make you fight several of them twice or three times, and it also makes you backtrack numerous times through the three areas described above. While this doesn't interfere too much with your adventure, it does irritate sometimes, and slows down the pacing.
Story, Presentation and length:
The main quest takes about 25-30 hours to do, but you will surely do several side quests on the way which will occupy some of your time. The story in Skyward Sword is not especially brilliant, but it has some of the most emotional moments and best piece of story telling that Nintendo has ever done, and that is a huge step forward for the company and the franchise. The characters are all bright and colourful, and Zelda is particularly strong here. It is a shame the same cannot be said for the main villain.
The quality of the side quests varies. Some are boring fetch quests yet, but others are actually quite fun, and the rewards for all of them are decent. These will take up a lot of your time, but they are optional, so there is no point complaining about them. Still, nintendo could have done more to make these sidequests more entertaining.
Graphics:
If you are someone who really cares about graphics a lot and can't stand the anime look, then you might want to avoid this game. I personally consider that narrow-minded, and have always thought graphics are relatively unimportant in enjoying a game. Skyward Swords graphics are one of the best on the wii, but they are nothing compared to games on other consoles or on the PC. Nevertheless, Skyward Sword does the best it can with what its given, and I actually enjoyed the art style here. Nevertheless, graphics do remain a weak point.
Audio:
One complaint you might have with this game is the lack of voice acting. in 2011, only Nintendo games lack voice acting in any of their games. However, many fans of Legend of Zelda might actually prefer that. I personally do as well, I think its better they leave it to imagination rather than give Zelda and co. crappy voice actors. Kids these days are just to lazy to read a text box it seems.
The soundtrack is the best I've heard in years. everything from the title theme to the sky is just brilliant and really added to the zelda feel. I'd rate the soundtrack below Windwakers though, as there wasn't anything extraordinarily good, such as Dragon Roost Island..
In conclusion, if not for Nostalgia, this would be my favourite Zelda games. It adds so much to the franchise, while taking nothing away. You might love the motion controls, or you might not, but even underneath the gameplay lies a great story, superb dungeons and a beautiful soundtrack. Skyward Sword is the best game ever released on the wii, the best Legend of Zelda game (although perhaps unlike OoT, its not too far ahead of its time), and one of the best of this generation. A 7.5 does not do this game justice.