Some gamers still believe that studios bribe critics en masse in exchange for good reviews. It’s a theory that I could immediately shoot down with a picture of my apartment – a humble estate where your wingspan brushes up against four walls.

Besides, if I were controlling the purse of a major game studio, I would pay for critics to viciously tear my game apart rather than praise it. While that decision could easily be blamed on my lack of financial skills (again, see apartment), it is actually based on the tremendous backlash that almost always results from widely favorable reviews.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword’s controversial legacy can be traced back to its acclaim. In 2011, following a troubled five-year development cycle, Skyward Sword finally graced Wii consoles all over the world. Those first gamers to get their hands on the new adventure responded with widespread acclaim similar to the accolades that Breath of the Wild is currently enjoying.

Imagine that you’re a Zelda fan who has eagerly been awaiting the release of Skyward Sword, and you see that the first line of IGN’s review: “The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is the greatest Zelda game ever created.” How do you not feel like your emotional investment into the game has been vindicated?