20.9.2014

I should emphasise right away for anybody in any doubt that Hyrule Warriors is not, and doesn't try to be, a classic Legend of Zelda game. But neither is it just a Dynasty Warriors game with a new skin - Hyrule Warriors treats the Legend of Zelda universe with such care that it is a worthy spin-off from the canonical Zelda series.First off, if you have played and enjoyed the cathartic combat across expansive battlefields in a Dynasty Warriors game, and you're a fan of the Zelda series, you're good to go. Buy Hyrule Warriors - you really shouldn't be disappointed. If you haven't played a Dynasty Warriors game before, or aren't really a fan of the Zelda games (!),then perhaps a little more explanation will help.I completely refute the criticism that I've heard that the premise of Hyrule Warriors - taking centre stage as a hugely powerful warrior defeating thousands of warriors - has absolutely no place in the Zelda universe. As Link in the Zelda games, you are always cast as an adventurer, seeing the impacts of war but always skirting around the edges of it. So it's not fair to say that Link or the other characters that feature in Hyrule Warriors could not defeat countless enemies in order to protect Hyrule - they would fight like demons to do so. If you've played Skyward Sword, then you may remember that as Link you wade through a horde of Moblins with ease when running down to save Zelda from Ghirahim in the Sealed Grounds near the end of the game. You do similar in Hyrule Warriors, but on a much larger scale!Each of the main story stages in Hyrule Warriors sees you pitched in the middle of a battle between allied and enemy forces, with thousands of troops on each side. Your basic objective is to capture enemy strongholds dotted at intervals across the map, which you do by defeating a number of basic enemies within the stronghold, then the stronghold leader when it appears. New objectives appear as you progress, such as visiting a Great Fairy's Fountain, or guarding an oversized Bombchu so that it can clear your path, before you face the final boss to complete the level. It is usually fairly straightforward, and as with all Dynasty Warriors games the greater the variety of objectives the more fun it is, but the frantic pace and side objectives such as hunting down and defeating Gold Skulltulas hidden on the map keep it eminently enjoyable.Combat is a simple fare, with a normal attack and a strong attack that can be combined into powerful combos, a devastating special attack that is executable when a gauge is filled by defeating enemies, and a "focus" mode that increases your resistance to damage and ability to dish it out. It is easy to wade in on a lower difficulty and start hacking dopy Moblins, Stalchildren and the like to pieces, but against elite enemies and bosses on harder difficulties it pays to be a bit more canny. There is some slowdown when it all gets a bit hectic, but nothing major on single-player. I cannot comment personally on local co-op yet.To address a prominent concern at this stage, a stark contrast between the average Dynasty Warriors game and Hyrule Warriors is that the basic grunts that you encounter die far more easily in Hyrule Warriors. For example, on hard difficulty on Dynasty Warriors you may start the game, run into a bunch of enemies and execute a basic combo that injures dozens but only defeats a handful. On Hyrule Warriors, I did the same at the start of an early mission on hard difficulty and defeated about 30 in one go. As in Dynasty Warriors games, the challenge in Hyrule Warriors does not come from the basic enemies, but from the elite enemies such as Stalfos, Lizalfos and Big Poes (who are particularly nasty) dotted across the stage. Instead of character generals as in Dynasty Warriors, however, in Hyrule Warriors these elites cannot soak up as much damage but do fight back and are more prevalent in each level. All I can say is that, playing on hard difficulty, I nearly got taken to the cleaners by a teleporting Big Poe with anger issues, and when a couple of Lizalfos waded in too, I had a real fight on my hands and have to evade like crazy. Just don't take the offensive and defensive capabilities of the useless grunts as indication of the overall difficulty level.Outside of the main 'Legend' campaign, which incidentally features interesting cut scenes to tell a decent story, which is something that Dynasty Warriors games never managed to do, there are 'Challenge' levels and an 'Adventure' mode that is effectively a series of challenges that you must fulfill to make your way across an 8-bit map inspired by the original Legend of Zelda game. Materials that you collect in-battle can be used at the bazaar to craft improvements to your weapons, potions to aid you in battle and badges to improve each character's offensive and defensive capabilities.There is so much to do and collect in Hyrule Warriors, and the gameplay is so effortlessly fun if intrisically repetitive, that if you're lucky and the game grabs you, it will keep you entertained for ages. I haven't even touched on the excellent music (the J-rock version of classic Zelda tunes are fun, but there are some excellent more relaxed remixes as well, such as the Bazaar theme); the assured Skyward Sword-style aesthetics of the game; the plethora of Zelda items that you discover and that have uses throughout levels to encourage replayability; the wealth of playable characters that you unlock as you progress; and so on.I could go on for even longer than I have, but instead if you have any questions or comments please feel free to pop them below and I'll answer them for you if I can. In summary, Hyrule Warriors is a fun, gratifying Dynasty Warriors-style game infused with enough of what makes the Legend of Zelda series so special to make it stand out. As long as you don't go in expecting a classic Legend of Zelda game, and aren't completely averse to repetitive combat (which let's be honest is prevalent in many more games than just the Dynasty Warriors ones), then you'll find Hyrule Warriors is bags of fun with bags of content.You are not exploring Hyrule in Hyrule Warriors, you are going to war for it.

30.6.2015

Product is exactly as expected and intended. Does the required job well and no complaints. Would buy again if needed.Excellent game that provides literally hundreds of hours of gameplay especially depending on whether you want to unlock and achieve everything possible and also purchase the DLC, which add a lot to the game in my opinion and worth the money easily (especially with the bundle pack),If you're familiar with Dynasty Warriors or Sengoku Basara for instance, you will know what to expect, it's the Zelda universe crossed over with that genre of gameplay and it works surprisingly well!It can be very addictive and also repetitive, better in short bursts rather than prolonged sessions but it's definitely fun.There is tons of grinding though, like bucket tons and the difficult can vary greatly especially in the colossal Adventure Mode and it's varied maps and missions. It's not a game for casual play unless you're not fixated on unlocking most of the content, it's good for completing the story, doing random missions and challenges and local only co-op gameplay but there are some other gripes too.The multiplayer does have a lot of slow-down in my experience, I've heard it does and experienced it for myself now. You can only play with the WiiU Gamepad/Tablet for 1 person and someone else on a Wii Remote or other type of controller looking at the TV. So there's no split-screen available basically.I feel it's a game that it's meant to last for a very long time and unless you're truly addicted/passionate about this, you will most like get burnt out on it eventually. Especially with the sheer difficulty, insane requirements and just game design in general at times. It can be very frustrating but not all the time, just here and there. Kinda like with sandbox games, you still need some direction, some goals to guide you ultimately in my opinion. Maxing the level of your most played character will be the longest to do as you cannot use the Training Dojo to level them past their own level. You can level other characters up to the current level of your highest level one, but that's it. And it really gets expensive fast too.The game was developed by a few studios including Nintendo themselves, Koei Tecmo, Team Ninja and Omega Force. It's some of the greatest value for money for solo gamers especially in my opinion. It's kinda like the massive RPG and sandbox games where there's just seemingly endless things to do. I've felt like David trying to take on Goliath or just trying to scale a huge mountain by myself with this game. It''s a behemoth of a game and will last you a long time, if you let it.Not sure what else to say, it has all Japanese only voice acting as far as I know. The characters do not actually speak, just 'make noises' like Link does especially in the Legend of Zelda series but there is a Narrator who speaks about the story during the Legend Mode. I can't say I'm fond of the story of the Legend Mode, but it does the job and follows tradition to the Zelda series to some degrees.They're planning on adding more DLC to it after all with an upcoming 3DS version of the game too. Not sure if the WiiU version will receive the same DLC and how, although I think it will somehow.

19.9.2014

From the people who bought us Dynasty Warriors and overseen closely by the Zelda team, we have a brand new, fun, exciting and button smashing game. Using characters, music, plot style and area maps from the Zelda series it feels very 'Zeldaesc' but with a bit of a fresh spin on things and mass enemy destruction.Here is a basic review to avoid any spoilers, however I'll point out graphics, likeability, and game play style.The graphics are really very nice and the game runs smoothly on both tv and gamepad (for off tv mode). The controls are placed nicely so there's no strain while playing (in fact you can choose Zelda or Warrior control systems)and the wii remote and nunchuck controls work great as well.You have a chance to play in a multiple of modes such as story (Legend, Adventure and Free) and have the option of choosing the difficulty whenever you wish. A really fun touch is the cooperative mode where you can play through the story with someone who is physically with you; one has the tv and the other has the gamepad.As you progress you unlock a LOT of characters and upgrades meaning your character grows throughout the game and you can choose how. Along with this is a really nice touch of the Bazaar, which allows you to purchase extra upgrades, badges, items and weapons with the rupees you collect while fighting.I was worried it would fail with the story however I am really enjoying the plot and the fact that it also has little "recaps" of what is going on. It has held true to Zelda history and I think could become canon to the Zelda universe. It is also nice to see Princess Zelda with a hell of a lot more fight in her and see Hyrule as a Kingdom with battle plans and 'real' people.Think of the game as a huge, expanded and enhanced Crossbow Training and I think you'll have a lot of fun. Don't just buy it if you love Zelda, as it is by no means a traditional Zelda. It is over the top, it is button smashing and the enemies are enormous. A real fun spin off Zelda that can hold its on in the Zelda universe.My main concern however is it may get a little repetitive. There are plenty of characters and the game is really quite big but with a lack of puzzles there's not too much to keep it fresh each time you turn it on.Worth the money, worth the hype.UPDATE: With the endless, mass bonus DLC content and Amiibo functionality, both free and paid, this game just keeps giving; more characters, more maps and more weapons! I particularly liked the added Cia legend mode levels. However I am a little disappointed the new adventure maps (such as Majoras Mask) don't seem to allow you to play in area from the game the map comes from. I may be wrong but so far this seems the case. You DO get characters from the game though and the map is game themed; for example the Twilight map needs the twilight dispelled in certain squares and the Majoras map needs to be completed in 3 days (3 battles) before the moon falls. All in all though you can't really fault a game that keeps on giving.

15.11.2015

Its looks like Link become Yoda instead. Its looks like rather an "Ninja gaiden"?? game instead. Would wait for a real classic Zelda in a new shape and in old traditional way to play. with new envoirments. Where Link can also think..! Worth buying if you get taste of action. This game looks like more a guide into Zeldas own Disney land for fun and don't take the "game" it self to seriuos. Old same stuff, a snap kit in one.. But if you want more challenge in battles and like to slash and hack, thru a monster pack. Its nice you can play Gannon in person. 4 star. Its still zelda and will have to my collection. Not 5 its not that zelda I was expected. But it looks fun any way.I wish they would do a new ("twilight princess",Sky sword,Ocarina of time). All style top thoose series was BRILLIANT. Still one of the best Zelda games Ive played. The games who had it all. Specially "Twilight princess".. This was huge a super hit and what a piece of art game.. lot of hours fun there. Will take it again on Wii U. Heard that old wii games would be a little improve the graphics on the wii u? upscale the picture if that's true. Great? But don’t think it can be so much better? Go on Nintendo, use your magic once again. Don't let your zelda go down on me in near future. I want to see a real classic Zelda in new style in stunning HD. And a real vast adventure to enjoy as you forget what's happens outside the walls and outside that window. I got a feel that Nintendo will never ever fail on any one. Thats why we all love them. Allways with brand new Surprises..And for last. There is one game. A total failure. Metroid other M. Should not made. "Another Metroid" beside from Zelda,DKC. The best games ever made on Nintendo is the (Metroid trilogy.) Prime,echoes,corruption. Even not donkey kong and mario can beat this one for challenge. Just the music on metroid prime makes me thrill..! A masterpiece for it self, yes it is!!. A game that you never can get out of your mind!! Retro studios Should do it again,please for wii u.!! And in prime,and echoes. this is "though" bosses. I mean real "hard" mean pirates and the omega,Ridley...first time shaky!! ehh!!# after 12 times you almost feel that you master it. compared to donkey kong frozen. here you freeze on this one ..Vast worlds and lot of Puzzels in metroid trilogy. its a combination between a Zelda and Donkey Kong(accept the humourous part) of the game. One of the best and so fun!! Hope they realese it in HD.. wow.. can't even think on it.. (Donkey, kong, Mario, Zelda,Metroid) should not have survived without (Shigery Miyamoto, guy.)The guy hwo invented thoose guys..!!)) Nintendo when Its best in always days..

3.4.2016

I'm writing this review for anyone who already owns the Wii U version of Hyrule Warriors and is wondering whether the 3DS version is worth purchasing.Below are listed the new features that appear in the 3DS version (this is based on what I've experienced so there may be more that I've missed):- Extended story mode to include new characters e.g. Linkle, Wind Waker characters- Added functionality to be able to switch to various characters on a map. This makes things a bit more tactical and easier to get gold skulltulas when they appear on the other side of the map. Also helps to keep variety.- There are now Owl Statues that appear on the maps (but not all)

20.9.2014

I've played a lot of Zelda, absolutely no Dynasty Warriors, and have clocked up about 10 hours on Hyrule Warriors since its release yesterday.First up, I feel that the Zelda IP has been handled very well; there are lots of fun nods to different characters and games and the devs clearly knew and cared about the source material. I am a bit disappointed that the story mode is pretty bare-bones, as I think they had some new and interesting ideas for a Zelda story which could have been fleshed out more.This game consists pretty much solely of chaotic, high-speed fighting in constantly changing battle situations. Regardless of which mode you're playing (Legend, Challenge or Adventure),

5.11.2014

Okay. To set the scene, my favourite gaming frachise is Zelda, and I've never played a Dynasty Warriors game in my life, so this review is probably very unbalanced!Firstly, it's great to see the Zelda characters in HD (let's politely ignore Wind Waker - don't worry, I adore that game, just focussing on the more realistic-looking Zeldas at the moment). They all look amazing, especially Link. The style of the artists in this game is great; it still looks like a Zelda game, just with a few twists.Okay, the gameplay. Pretty intense! I found some of the levels a little stressful as there are a few too many restrictive conditions, such as if that base there falls you'll lose and have to start again...

7.4.2016

A fantastic game filled to the brim with content, this game will keep you occupied for hours on end with that "just one more level" feeling, all the characters in the game feel distinct and exactly how that character should feel and you can unlock alot of the characters (including the bad guys) in adventure mode which is awesome! ghirahim is very fabulous and fun to play. you may be looking at this game like "but i already have the wii u version, why should i buy the same game again?" well as a person who also has the wii u version, this version feels very different, with the original story intact (which you play through on legends mode again) but with additional stories, theres linkles story,

11.10.2014

It's Dynasty Warriors meets The Legend of Zelda, and to my surprise works really well. Viewed as a TLoZ spinoff, the main draw here is getting the opportunity to play as your favorite characters from the Zelda universe that normally aren't playable. The cast is varied in terms of play style, there are no clones in this game. Instead every character has a distinct feel that match their physical characteristics and personalities, as well as a unique moveset.The gameplay structure is decidedly Dynasty Warriors, with a few Zelda elements sprinkled on top. What really stands out here is the sheer quality of the maps, you can tell the developers spent alot of resources getting the balance right.

14.11.2014

A stunning purchase for Zelda fans and fans of the Warrior series alike. The fighting style is great fun, fast-paced and who doesn't like being a one-man army? I don't prefer the gameplay to other LoZ games, but it is really cool seeing Link fighting in this different style, and if you go into it expecting something different you'll enjoy it so very much.Honestly, there was some concern leaving a third party in charge of (what I believe to be) Nintendo's greatest series; but they have (mostly) done it proud, and honored the traditions and the intellectual property. Examples of this would be the excellent landscapes, weapon choices, musical cues, and story/dialogue which is mostly coherent with TLOZ,

25.4.2016

Ive recently come back to 3DS from an original DS.....Long time I know. One of the games I have been playing a lot on the NEW 3DS XL is Hyrule Warriors. I neglected most Zelda games in the past and as this was more of a spin-off action game I decided to give it a go. This game ditches the usual dungeons and puzzle style play that I am aware of but never had the opportunity to play in the past and replaces it with massive combo fuelled battlefield based gameplay that throws you straight into slashing your way through massive armies of enemies. You literally just smash your way through endless amounts of enemies.....constantly.Its such a great simple stress buster that will leave you with welcomed blisters on your thumbs for just hacking away at bad dudes all day.

19.9.2014

Personally as a fan of Dynasty Warriors and the Zelda franchise i highly reccomend this product to those who are the same as i but to those who are just Zelda fans i would still give it a go as it is a nice change from the typical serious Zelda (Which is nothing wrong at all) Performance wise it can be a bit choppy at times but this is happens due to the amount of bodies on the screen at the same time because the Wii U only has a Tri-core but personally this does not ruin the experiance. Boss fights can become tedious as their health is incredibly high and the finishing moves are not as effective as you would expect.

18.5.2018

Do you like Zelda?Do you like shovel-loads of shameless fan service?Then this is the game for you.This game is NOT to be taken seriously as a Zelda title. It's a fun spin off that is jam packed with "woah, cool!" and "I get that reference!" moments, with mindless violence that's easy to play. The Switch version looks just as good as the Wii U version did, but I would say the framerate is less than consistent. It tries to reach a higher framerate in docked mode but it simply cannot handle everything that's going on on the screen at once, so accept 30fps as a baseline and treat everything else like a bonus - if this is a deal breaker, I wouldn't buy it. Although, if it's a dealbreaker,

28.3.2016

As I do not own a Wii U, I was excited to hear that I would be able to play this spinoff on my 3ds, not only that but it was given extra features to make it seem like less of a port.While it is clearly less graphically stunning than what I've seen of the Wii U version, it plays well on the New 3ds system and looks decent enough. There are plenty of features in the game to keep you interested and despite being primarily a hack and slash, there is some strategic thinking needed on higher difficulties. Maybe not Fire Emblem strategic thinking, but it keeps you on your toes. I love the zelda element crossed with the over the top dynasty warriors game play and narrative,

8.6.2016

Amazing gameok this game got some stick on launch for slight i repeat slight framerate issues(slowdown) on the older 3ds and 2ds modelsit has now been Patched (updated) twice to fix this and runs like a dream for me :)anyway this game is now my favorite 3ds game , it is actually amazing just how in depth it is and how much Zelda history is herethe game is based on the dynasty warriors games which involve battling small weak enemies in large numbers on a large battlefieldthis game has so many zelda enemies and bosses that come at you as well as chests to open with new weapons and gadgets , heart containers , fairies and tons of playable characters. It even has more content than the wii u version !

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