When Nintendo first revealed Hyrule Warriors for Wii U, it was easy to look at the game as a mindless Legend of Zelda and Dynasty Warriors mashup. Over time, though, new information led us to believe there’s more to this game than a simple button masher. Today’s Hyrule Warriors Nintendo Direct proved this.
First, the biggest news: Ganondorf is a playable character in the game, which is a cool departure from his appearances in the Super Smash Bros. titles. In addition, Club Nintendo members who register their copies of Hyrule Warriors within four weeks of release will receive exclusive Ganondorf costumes. That said, Nintendo will bring new costumes to other characters, made available at select retailers for players who pre-order the game; details coming soon.
As for other playable warriors, some wield unique weapons. Case in point, Link brandishes the Magic Rod, while Lana uses a Spear and there’s a Baton for Zelda. These weapons will become available over time, and include special abilities known as Skills that either increase attack damage or make finding hearts easier. On top of that, the Chain Chomp from the Super Mario Bros. franchise will also appear as a weapon, and Nintendo announced the return of bigger and more explosive Bombchus.
Of course, each character will come with a signature weapon. Link swings the Hylian Sword, Princess Zelda carries a Rapier, Impa cuts deep with a Giant Blade, Midna attacks with a Shackle, Sheik unleashes her Harp, Agitha uses the innocent looking but dangerous Parasol, Darunia crushes foes with a Hammer, Princess Ruto has a Zora Scale, Zant a Scimitar, Fi a Goddess Blade, Ghirahim holds a Demon Blade and Lana harnesses magic from the Book of Sorcery.
Even cooler, the game will include locations from the Zelda universe. Among them, Twilight Field from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Skyloft from The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword and Lake Hylia from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Keep in mind these are the places we know about, and there could/will be more.
One of the most intriguing elements to the game is Adventure Mode. In it, there’s a grid of different challenges designed to resemble a Legend of Zelda NES map. Complete these challenges to unlock more characters and weapons.
Finally, the game supports local co-op play, with one person watching the action unfold on the TV while the other uses the Wii U GamePad, and there are various items from the Zelda franchise, like bombs, arrows, Cuccos, Gold Skulltulas and Rupees.
Given this wealth of info, Hyrule Warriors may turn out to be yet another must have game for the Wii U. We’ll find out when it debuts September 26.
