When it comes to classic adventure games, few are as timeless as The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD. Its charming characters, captivating puzzles, and timeless Triforce tale make it a classic that’s still revered to this day. But, for those who have already conquered Skyward Sword, the question becomes – what games are similar, and which should I play next?
The following are ten games like The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD that, despite their differences, have similar mechanics and gaming experiences that fans of The Legend of Zelda will love.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD
The first game on this list is also a classic Zelda title – The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD. Like Skyward Sword, Twilight Princess is a top-down action-adventure game in which the iconic hero Link must battle monsters, solve puzzles, and save the kingdom of Hyrule.
The similarities between the two games are extensive – both feature an enthralling story, an expansive overworld to explore, and an array of items and weapons to help Link on his journey. But, the biggest difference between them is the more realistic, darker art style that Twilight Princess has.
2. Breath of the Wild
Another game on this list is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This game is set in the same world as Skyward Sword and Twilight Princess, but it’s vastly different in terms of mechanics and gameplay.
Unlike Skyward Sword and Twilight Princess, Breath of the Wild features a much less linear storyline and a much more open world for Link to explore. Additionally, combat and puzzles are based around the physics engine, making them much more dynamic.
Still, the core of the game remains the same – Link must explore dungeons, battle monsters, and save the kingdom of Hyrule.
3. Super Mario Odyssey
While Super Mario Odyssey may not be a Zelda game, it’s still a great 3D platformer for fans of The Legend of Zelda. Although the game is much simpler in its story and mechanics, it’s still an incredibly fun game that captures that same sense of exploration and adventure as the Zelda series.
The gameplay is similar too – players must explore a variety of colorful worlds, battle enemies, and collect power moons. There are also puzzles to solve, secrets to unlock, and mini-games to play. The only difference is, instead of a sword, Mario uses his iconic hat to collect, throw, and interact with the world around him.
4. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is another game on this list, but it’s vastly different from the other entries. While the other games are single-player, story-driven adventures, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a fighting game that features characters from the Zelda, Mario, and many other franchises.
Although the fighting mechanics are very different, the core premise is still similar – defeat your opponent and become the champion. Additionally, the game features levels from classic Zelda games as well as music from the series, allowing fans to further explore the world of Hyrule.
5. Star Fox Zero
Star Fox Zero is a 3D space shooter from Nintendo’s iconic Star Fox series. Much like The Legend of Zelda, the game follows the story of a small group of heroes – Fox McCloud, Falco Lombardi, and Peppy Hare – as they battle an evil force.
The characters, setting, and gameplay are very different from the Zelda series, but the core mechanics are still the same. Players must fight enemies, complete missions, and use a combination of weapons, gadgets, and vehicles to make their way through the game. Additionally, similar to Zelda, the game features dozens of secrets to uncover and puzzles to solve.
6. Ori and the Blind Forest
Ori and the Blind Forest is an action-adventure game that follows an adorable character named Ori. The game features similar gameplay mechanics as the Zelda series, with an emphasis on exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat.
The graphics are also similar – both games feature stunningly detailed worlds with vibrant colors and stunningly detailed backgrounds. Additionally, the game has an incredible soundtrack, featuring a sweeping orchestral score that is sure to please any fan of the Zelda series.
7. Xenoblade Chronicles
Xenoblade Chronicles is an open-world RPG with unprecedented levels of freedom and exploration. The game follows the story of a young man named Shulk on his quest to save his home from a mysterious, powerful force.
The game is different from Zelda in its story and setting, but the core gameplay remains the same. Players must explore a massive, beautiful world, battle monsters, and solve clever puzzles. Additionally, the game features an incredibly deep battle system, allowing players to customize their characters and experience the game in a myriad of ways.
8. Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a tactical RPG for Nintendo Switch. Although it’s different from the Zelda series in its setting and story, it still has the same core mechanics. Players must explore a colorful world, battle monsters, and recruit allies to their cause.
Additionally, the game features tactical combat – players must position their units in strategic positions to gain the upper hand in battle. Despite its differences, it still captures the same sense of adventure and exploration as the Zelda series.
9. Yooka-Laylee
Yooka-Laylee is a 3D platformer that follows two adorable characters – a chameleon named Yooka and a bat named Laylee – as they explore a mysterious island. The game features similar mechanics as the Zelda series, with a focus on exploration, item-collection, and puzzle-solving.
The biggest difference between the two games is the art style – Yooka-Laylee has a much more cartoonish aesthetic than Zelda, featuring bright, vibrant colors and fun characters. Additionally, the game features an incredible soundtrack and a unique cast of characters that make for a memorable gaming experience.
10. Super Mario 3D World
The final game on this list is Super Mario 3D World, a 3D platformer that takes place in the Mushroom Kingdom. The game features similar mechanics as the Zelda series, including exploration, item-collection, and puzzle-solving.
However, the game differs from Zelda in its art style and overall tone. Super Mario 3D World is much more colorful and lighthearted, with a vibrant art style and a cast of wacky characters. Additionally, the game features an upbeat soundtrack, making it a fun, family-friendly game that any fan of the Zelda series will enjoy.
Conclusion
For the fans of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD, there is a plethora of games to choose from that, despite their differences, maintain the same core elements. These games range from open-world adventures to fighting games, giving fans something new to explore as they enjoy the familiar Zelda formula.