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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.

Fans of the popular game franchise, The Legend of Zelda, have been discussing which 3D game they believe deserves the less-than-favorable title of “Least Successful Game in the Series.” While it’s usually the strengths that define Nintendo’s beloved Zelda games, even a critically acclaimed series like this can have its weaker moments.

3D Zelda games have significantly impacted contemporary game design and are generally held in high esteem. However, they do have their flaws, which dedicated fans quickly note. For instance, Ocarina of Time transformed the action-adventure genre but also showed some teething problems when transitioning to 3D. Traditional Zelda enthusiasts sometimes find it challenging to adapt to Majora’s Mask due to its persistent time limit and emphasis on side quests over main dungeons. Breath of the Wild, with its departure from series conventions, left some fans yearning for classic Zelda gameplay. Among these titles, there is one that tends to receive a bit more criticism than the others.

In a discussion thread on the Zelda subreddit, user Rawkhawkjayhawk advocated for the frequently debated game The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. They highlighted appealing characters, diverse side missions, and robust dungeon designs as strengths of the game. Addressing the common grievance about Skyward Sword’s original Wii Motion Plus control system, they noted that “the button controls in the HD version function exceptionally well.

Zelda Fans Think Skyward Sword Struggles in a Crowded Field

Despite numerous comments praising the game, some gamers remained skeptical that Skyward Sword could surpass the quality of other Zelda series entries. User D0MiN0H succinctly expressed this sentiment, stating, “It’s not that Skyward Sword is poor, but I struggle to place another 3D Zelda game below it.” However, there were differing opinions. For instance, user MattR0se picked Twilight Princess as their least favorite, arguing that Nintendo overused elements from Ocarina of Time. Additionally, several commenters criticized the final act of Wind Waker, which involves a prolonged search for Triforce pieces, as a reason to rank it below the other games.

Many fans found a similar lack of enthusiasm for Skyward Sword when it first came out in 2011. Critics generally praised the game, but sales didn’t meet expectations compared to other Zelda games, even though it was launched on the widely used Wii console. The main criticism focused on the game’s linearity: while the dungeons and overworld were well-crafted, there wasn’t much opportunity for off-the-beaten-path exploration.

Nintendo has made it clear that the upcoming 3D Zelda game won’t follow in the footsteps of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom sequels, leaving much about the series uncertain. Previous statements from series producer Eiji Aonuma hint at a preference for avoiding linear structures, opting instead for greater player freedom. However, fans have expressed a desire for traditional dungeons to return, so it’s possible that the next game could blend these two approaches, offering an open world while incorporating more structured, Skyward Sword-like temples.

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2025-05-27 03:37