Difficulty:

Easy

Time Spent:

40 to 100 Hours

The Bottom Line:

"Almost, but not quite"

Though not the best in the series, Skyward Sword has some very impressive gameplay and memorable moments. This game, however, like many of the modern forms of Zelda, lacks a few of the aspects that made the others so legendary. What happened to the difficulty, the thrill of using magic items (e.g. canes, rods, medallions), starting with three hearts, and secret objects that were impossible to find? Does this game have innovation? Of course it does, especially in the controls, the methods in which you need to take out enemies, the fragility and strategy that follows shield defense, and the upgrade system, but you are still left with the repetitive feeling after the adventure ends. The greatest thing to come out of these games, after all, is the exploration of each dungeon and the attainment of the next pivotal item. Nonetheless, disappointment comes in the form of getting the bow later in the game, bombs as a major dungeon item, and a form of the hookshot that was already seen. The newer equipment ultimately fails to satisfy due to its simplistic nature (i.e. blowing wind and whipping things). Is the game worthy of purchase? Yes. Will it be known as the best in the series? Not even close.