The Dynasty Warriors/Zelda combo hits the 3DS…
I played the Wii U version of Hyrule Warriors to death, pretty much maxing out every character and completing several of the Adventure maps, although some challenges still elude me in terms of difficulty. The 3DS version is finally here, but how does it hold up?
First up, I was playing on the New Nintendo 3DS XL..so the performance was a lot better than what I’ve been hearing about it running on the original 3DS models. The ZL and ZR buttons are helpful add-ons for locking on and such, while the second analog stick makes the camera a lot easier to use. Besides the base game and most of the additional content from the Wii U version, what is new with Legends?
Well, the main story has been expanded upon with levels dedicated to new character Linkle and an epilogue based on the world of The Wind Waker with appearances by Tetra, Toon Link, the King of Red Lions and even a boss fight against Phantom Ganon. Those who also buy the 3DS version will get a code for the Wii U version to allow the new characters into the roster, while a new Season Pass has also been launched and I will be reviewing each individual piece as and when they are released, so stay tuned for those.
Unlike it’s predecessor, Hyrule Warriors Legends is strictly a single-player experience…which is a shame. It would have been nice to have at least a local co-op experience for those tougher challenges you come across on the Adventure Mode maps. I spent hours upon hours merely on the story mode alone, especially with the new content. I really enjoyed the Wind Waker epilogue, but Linkle’s story seems a bit silly as she is convinced she is the true Hero and keeps getting lost trying to find Hyrule Castle, ending up in different dimensions and so on. However, her moves are pretty brutal against the foes she faces, making her a formidable force in your roster.
The 3DS version’s visuals clearly aren’t as strong as the Wii U’s, but instead Koei Tecmo have gone for a cel-shaded look like Nintendo used in the 3DS version of Super Smash Bros, it’s actually a nice fit for the handheld and it runs smoothly…at least on the New Nintendo 3DS. The soundtrack is the same as the original, but with added tunes and sounds for Linkle and the Wind Waker content.
The Verdict
Hyrule Warriors Legends is a great handheld version of the original. It’s hard to recommend if you’ve played the Wii U version to death, apart from the Wind Waker epilogue…which I personally loved and with the promise of more content to come with the new Season Pass, it’s never been a better time to enter the battlefield…just make sure you play it on the New Nintendo 3DS to get the most out of it.