By Clint Mize
“Hyrule Warriors” is a curious thing. When we first got a look-see way back last December, we weren’t exactly sure what Nintendo was thinking. Mixing “Zelda” with “Dynasty Warriors” seemed too weird to be true. However, the bold move proves that Nintendo still knows what they’re doing.
Of course, fans have solid reasons for casting a side eye at “Hyrule Warriors”. Previously, game co-developers Team Ninja worked on “Metroid: Other M,” which attracted some serious flak. To hand them perhaps Nintendo’s most precious series was almost too much to bear. This go-round, TN – partnered with ω-Force – would have their work cut out for them if they wish to quell naysayers.
Fortuntately, they have seemed to do the impossible and make a decidedly un-”Zelda” game fit together.
Here’s what we thought of “Hyrule Warriors,” which hits shelves September 26.
Become The Hero of Time
“Hyrule Warriors” is more or less “Dynasty Warriors” with a healthy coating of a “Legend of Zelda”-colored paint. The core to the series involves battle scenarios in which you play as a general and must capture opposing bases and defeat their champions. As the missions progress, you have varying tasks that decide the fate of your army. It’s up to you meet and exceed these objectives and win the day.
On the story side, this game is everything that makes “Zelda”… well, “Zelda.” You won’t find many surprises if you’re deeply rooted in the 25-year-plus-old series, yet the familiarity is charming nonetheless. Basically, you’ll take control of various franchise heroes — Link, Zelda, Impa, etc. — and carve out their destiny by beating the pulp out of moblins, stalfos and ultimately Ganon.
The story follows the traditional “Zelda” formula: Darkness invades the land of Hyrule, the Triforce needs to be re-assembled, and Ganon shut back into his magical prison. We’re over-simplifying it here, but needless to say, it isn’t breaking new ground.
Master The Master Sword
What is new, however, is the meat of the gameplay. “Zelda” has never really had strong combat, instead focusing mostly on exploration and puzzles. But merging with “Dynasty Warriors’” simple but fun combo systems opens up a whole new world.
Each character has a unique feel that will have you pulling favorites as you level them up. You unlock better equipment by defeating bosses and other strong enemies as well as finding hidden chests in the field. New weapons can be further buffed within a simple smithing mechanic. You can also craft badges with reclaimed loot that enhance your characters in new ways. It’s not all that complicated once you get the hang of it and pretty soon you’ll become a living legend!
However, running through the same missions over and over to level new characters can get a bit on the tedious side. “Hyrule Warriors” is perfect in short bursts. Most stages can be wrapped up in about half an hour and after a few of them, you should just put it down for a bit.
Heroic Presentation
Team Ninja and ω-Force really knocked it out of the park with the feel of “Hyrule Warriors.” The fan-service is staggering. Every edge of the map is teeming with callbacks to older titles. The remixed themes combine the wailing guitars of “Dynasty Warriors” with melodic tunes that every “Zelda” fan knows by heart. It’s quite exhilarating and really gets the blood pumping as you swat enemies with brutal combos.
Furthermore, the game looks great. It’s not on the level of “Destiny” or anything, but the Wii U puts out vivid and detailed characters. Animations are overall smooth and dynamic. Even on the GamePad (which we spent most of our time playing with), it looks fresh.
Couch Co-op
While you can play the entirety of “Hyrule Warriors” it’s perhaps at its best with a friend. At times conquering fortifications, besting captains and hunting down secrets can be a bit overwhleming. Having a buddy jump in makes things a bit more managable — especially on harder modes. Unfortunately, we have to knock it a point for not having any online co-op. Still, grabbing a pal for a bit of hack’n’slash action is the way to go.
Bells And Whistles… And Ocarinas and Harps
Besides the basic story progressions, “Hyrule Warriors” also has some extra modes that jumble up some of the gameplay. Freeplay allows you to play as any character in any mission and proves to be a great way to level under-used characters and hunt for bonus Gold Skulltulas. There’s also Adventure Mode that tasks you with uncovering secrets and completing challenge scenarios in order to unlock extras. There really is a lot mixed in and provides enough content to last hours.
The downside comes from how exhaustive the game can be. Once you’ve gone through the story you may choose to try out the new modes. However, it’s still mostly the same missions, except you’re playing a different character. Your mileage may vary here and you may find yourself burnt out with the repetitive gameplay.
Final Thoughts
“Hyrule Warriors” is really the sum of its parts. It’s exactly what gamers who are familiar with both franchises think it should be. While it seemlessly mixes the “Zelda” tone on a “Dynasty Warriors” frame, it’s still a pretty fun game with lots of content and a quirky look into how a fresh developer can bend a classic formula in a new and interesting way. “Hyrule Warriors” isn’t perfect, but it’s pefect at what it does.
“Hyrule Warriors” is available Friday, September 26.
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