Developers: Nintendo, Koei Tecmo
Release date: March 25th, 2016
Platform: Nintendo 3DS
Hyrule Warriors Legends, a cross over game between The Legend of Zelda/Dynasty Warriors, is Nintendo/Koei Tecmo's successor to Hyrule Warriors on Wii U. It is best enjoyed on New Nintendo 3DS, and that is the system I played on for review. Some believe this to be a simple handheld port of a great Wii U game, but that is definitely not the case...
Release date: March 25th, 2016
Platform: Nintendo 3DS
Hyrule Warriors Legends, a cross over game between The Legend of Zelda/Dynasty Warriors, is Nintendo/Koei Tecmo's successor to Hyrule Warriors on Wii U. It is best enjoyed on New Nintendo 3DS, and that is the system I played on for review. Some believe this to be a simple handheld port of a great Wii U game, but that is definitely not the case...
Gameplay
For the most part, gameplay is the same as the hack-and-slash action in Hyrule Warriors on Wii U. The player can use combo moves with different buttons, lock on to key targets, and use special attacks. However, Hyrule Warriors Legends incorporates new elements of gameplay that greatly improves on the Wii U formula.
First of all, the player can switch between characters on the battlefield. No more running across the map to re-take a keep — if a controllable character is already near that spot, players can tap on their icon using the bottom Nintendo 3DS screen and instantly control them. This feels like an amazing improvement. Speaking of characters, when the player unlocks a new playable character, that character does not start from level zero as in the Wii U version. This saves a lot of time spent leveling up the character's under-powered characters.
The C-stick on the New Nintendo 3DS also comes into play, as it controls the camera. I found myself using this ability frequently on every stage.
One of my only gripes with this game is that sometimes the player may feel overwhelmed. Even on Easy mode, several of your captains may call out to be rescued at once, while the player is carrying out an important mission, as one of their keeps needs assistance. This can cause some stress for some players, but this doesn't happen too frequently.
First of all, the player can switch between characters on the battlefield. No more running across the map to re-take a keep — if a controllable character is already near that spot, players can tap on their icon using the bottom Nintendo 3DS screen and instantly control them. This feels like an amazing improvement. Speaking of characters, when the player unlocks a new playable character, that character does not start from level zero as in the Wii U version. This saves a lot of time spent leveling up the character's under-powered characters.
The C-stick on the New Nintendo 3DS also comes into play, as it controls the camera. I found myself using this ability frequently on every stage.
One of my only gripes with this game is that sometimes the player may feel overwhelmed. Even on Easy mode, several of your captains may call out to be rescued at once, while the player is carrying out an important mission, as one of their keeps needs assistance. This can cause some stress for some players, but this doesn't happen too frequently.
New Story Content
While Hyrule Warriors Legends includes the full story of Hyrule Warriors on Wii U, the game interweaves Linkle's story in with it. The way the two are tied together doesn't feel forced at all — and regardless of what you think of the Linkle character, she kicks butt. I've had more fun playing as her than any other character. Plus, she has an army of Cuccos, which is a big plus in my book.
Another amazing aspect of the game is that players receive a code to download Hyrule Warriors Legends' new characters to their Wii U. This includes Linkle, Skull Kid, Toon Link, Tetra, and King of Red Lions from The Wind Waker. Speaking of The Wind Waker...
After completing the main story, Linkle's story, and Cia's story, players will be able to experience brand new levels themed around The Wind Waker. In the Hyrule Warriors storyline, these events happen directly after the last level of the main story. I won't spoil anything, but these levels along with Linkle's story feel like Hyrule Warriors 2. Not only has the gameplay improved, but there are plot-continuing levels the player can enjoy. The Wind Waker levels feel like a breath of fresh air (or should I say, a breath of the fresh sea air?).
Another amazing aspect of the game is that players receive a code to download Hyrule Warriors Legends' new characters to their Wii U. This includes Linkle, Skull Kid, Toon Link, Tetra, and King of Red Lions from The Wind Waker. Speaking of The Wind Waker...
After completing the main story, Linkle's story, and Cia's story, players will be able to experience brand new levels themed around The Wind Waker. In the Hyrule Warriors storyline, these events happen directly after the last level of the main story. I won't spoil anything, but these levels along with Linkle's story feel like Hyrule Warriors 2. Not only has the gameplay improved, but there are plot-continuing levels the player can enjoy. The Wind Waker levels feel like a breath of fresh air (or should I say, a breath of the fresh sea air?).
Value
Hyrule Warriors Legends is a game with the suggested retail price of $40 USD. It includes the main story content from Hyrule Warriors on Wii U, all of the DLC characters, brand new story content, and much more. I would say this is a must-buy for New Nintendo 3DS owners, as well as fans of Hyrule Warriors in general.
To top it off, Hyrule Warriors Legends is being supported throughout the year with new downloadable content to keep the enjoyment going. While it is true Hyrule Warriors on Wii U will also be getting some of the same DLC this year, portions of this DLC will be Hyrule Warriors Legends exclusive.
To top it off, Hyrule Warriors Legends is being supported throughout the year with new downloadable content to keep the enjoyment going. While it is true Hyrule Warriors on Wii U will also be getting some of the same DLC this year, portions of this DLC will be Hyrule Warriors Legends exclusive.
Conclusion
Hyrule Warriors Legends brings the blend of The Legend of Zelda and Dynasty Warriors gameplay from Wii U to Nintendo 3DS and improves upon it. The new story content and characters will provide for hours of entertainment. I give Hyrule Warriors Legends on 3DS a 9/10.