If there’s one thing Wii U owners aren’t, it’s spoilt for choice. We unfortunate folk are stuck with little more than Nintendo’s first party titles to keep us entertained on our little Nintendo machines – which isn’t really a bad thing, because for the most part, they’re excellent. Tomorrow sees the local release of the latest game to hit the system, the Legend of Zelda-themed chaotic hack-and-slasher, Hyrule Warriors.
Developed by Team Ninja and Dynasty Warriors developer Omega force, the thing allows you to play as stalwart Legend of Zelda characters like Link, Princess Zelda, Lana, Impa, Sheik, Darunia, Princess Ruto, Midna, Agitha, Ganondorf, Zant and more.
Is it any good though? Opinion seems to be divided – mostly with those who like Dynasty Warriors, and those who don’t. It’s out tomorrow in SA, and next week Friday in North America.
Nintendo Life – 7
For those that come in expecting a classic Legend of Zelda adventure this could potentially be an underwhelming experience; yet as a fun action game with plenty of content is delivers well. Once the problem of perception — courtesy of the iconic characters at play — is resolved, this is an entertaining addition for action fans.
CVG – 8
The meeting point between the two is hazy enough to be invisible, and what’s left is a game all of its own; never quite Zelda, never quite Warriors. It’s not just immersion therapy for players who might not be naturally interested in one side or the other – it immerses each style in the other, resurfacing with something all of its own.
Eurogamer- 8
Hyrule Warriors, like every Musou game, is an acquired taste. But here, dressed in Zelda’s pea-green livery, with the series’ attendant tinkling melodies, idiosyncratic characters and memorable locations, it’s unusually friendly and engaging. The genre is often unfairly criticised for being a mindless power fantasy in a medium that specialises in mindless power fantasies. But Hyrule Warriors rewards thoughtful play and demands a strategic approach that transcends the brute force combo-strings of its moment-to-moment gameplay. The marriage of Zelda and Musou is an unexpected success, then – a game that recounts the Zelda myth not just in a new way, but in a whole new language.
Polygon – 5.5
Hyrule Warriors demonstrates that the Zelda universe works within the Dynasty Warriors framework, but with limitations. It makes sense for Link to cut down fiendish hordes in the name of Hyrule. It’s exciting to play as beloved characters that up until now were just supporting cast members. But Hyrule Warriors‘ novelty wears off as the game trips over its setup, story and shallow systems. Team Ninja and Omega Force have forced Zelda’s universe into the confines of a beat-em-up, but much of the charm and appeal was strained out in the process.
IGN – 7
Surprisingly, Hyrule Warriors does a good job of tying together the combat of Dynasty Warriors and the revered characters and lore of the Legend of Zelda series in a way that makes me feel powerful in a world I love. Character customization adds unique flavor to the simple combat, and the satisfying weapons, rewards, and story make it a fun alternative to the typically serious Zelda games. It’s just a shame you can’t share the action with a friend without significant slowdown.
The Escapist – 4.5/5
Omega Force superbly balances the beat ’em all combat of Dynasty Warriors with the enchanting world of The Legend of Zelda. With a meaty combat system and tons of stuff to uncover, Hyrule Warriors is a mad idea that should logically get old after an hour, but never does. It’s a novelty that can’t quit being novel, and I love it to death.
GamesRadar – 2/5
If you’re an enthusiastic Zelda fan that is somehow immune to the boredom of endless button mashing, Hyrule Warriors might be an enjoyable experience. Otherwise, you’re better off skipping this one.
As much of a fan of The Legend of Zelda as I am, I intensely dislike Dynasty Warrior games and its ilk – so this is very much not for me. I’ll be waiting patiently for that proper Zelda games that’s coming to the Wii U.
Last Updated: September 18, 2014
TGS Babay (Umar)
September 18, 2014 at 15:12
http://www.gengame.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/HW_Impa01.jpg
Look at that sword…I don’t care about anything else besides this sword *drool*
RitterBruder
September 18, 2014 at 15:22
no offense Geoff !! but i don’t know why dynasty warriors get so much hate ?
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
September 18, 2014 at 15:24
No offense taken; I just don;t enjoy the repetitive button mashing. It’s just not for me. I get why some people dig it.
RitterBruder
September 18, 2014 at 15:27
i can understand that it gets repetitive, but for one if i had a shit day there is nothing better to get my frustrations gone
Alien Emperor Trevor
September 18, 2014 at 15:26
What sword? I don’t see any sword.
TGS Babay (Umar)
September 18, 2014 at 15:28
My sword in your face….Uhm…..
Alien Emperor Trevor
September 18, 2014 at 15:32
NOT THE FACE!
RinceThis
September 18, 2014 at 15:33
A little impractical though don’t you think? I mean, how would you wield that in anything other than a flat, desolate desert?
TGS Babay (Umar)
September 18, 2014 at 15:41
Bah….Why do you worry about details!
Alien Emperor Trevor
September 18, 2014 at 15:13
Still waiting?…
RinceThis
September 18, 2014 at 15:35
HAHAHAHAHAH! HAI!
Admiral Chief Assassin
September 18, 2014 at 15:21
I heard something on the radio this week, and if they implement it, the WiiU sales will go through the roof.
Skylanders…..but only, instead of that, pokemons, that you plug in AND collect.
Gold mine
Sir Rants A Lot: On Pandora
September 18, 2014 at 15:23
Agreed
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
September 18, 2014 at 15:26
I’ve been saying this for ages.
Sir Rants A Lot: On Pandora
September 18, 2014 at 15:44
They’d make their money from Darryn alone
TGS Babay (Umar)
September 18, 2014 at 15:27
Amiibo could be the start
Asturias_Knytt
September 18, 2014 at 15:58
Excellent huh? Well as a Wii U owner I couldn’t disagree more. (Not that my PS4 is getting much use either for the record)
Wyzak
September 18, 2014 at 16:37
Wow, if anything the reviews prove that you can’t trust critics any more. They can’t even agree between themselves.