By Austin Chiavaroli, Staff Writer
The Legend of Zelda has been a beloved video game franchise ever since its start in 1987. Now its latest game, “Hyrule Warriors,” has been released on the Wii U for fans to have a new way to face the evil beings in the world of Hyrule.
While this is a Legend of Zelda game, the game itself uses a new game style. It focuses less on its traditional dungeons and puzzles, and more towards the fighting, making the game feel as more of a “beat ‘em up” or fighting game. The multiple combination attacks in the game come in handy, as they all vary from the different damage. The better the combo, the higher the damage depending, on what kind of enemy you are fighting. The animation for each character that uses these specific combos are all different from other characters. Each character in the game that the player selects has its own unique style and powers. They each use certain elements that fit in with the history and adventures played in the previous games.
The story of the game limits the players, making characters unavailable until the player unlocks them in the story. Each character is introduced in cut scenes, and the player then plays as that character until the next one is shown. However, the animation and graphics in the game look top notch and are very pleasing to the eye.
Though the story is intriguing, the boss fights and character fights are not. Players will use the same moves multiple times until they earn or are taught a new move. This can become very repetitive when the player sees the same attack animation five times for just one boss battle.
There are iconic franchise pick up items that appear on the battlefields such as gold skulltulas, heart pieces, and bombs. A badge system is set up in the game so that players can make their attacks stronger and learn new and better moves with every badge they earn. There is also a training dojo for leveling up off of the battlefields that can be useful for friends in the Co-op option to level up faster.
Since “Hyrule Warriors” is made by the makers of the “Dynasty Warriors” franchise, it has the same look and feel as these games. In the game, armies of enemies are being thrown at the player, and one attack can hit several enemies, knocking them through the air. While this can look unpleasing to some, it is actually one of the more satisfying things about the games.
Though this game has some issues with its gameplay, the graphics and Co-op live up to all the excitement. The new looks and the battles are overall fun and the graphics are pleasing to the eye. If you are a fan of the Legend of Zelda or are looking for a good fighting game, this game is definitely for you.
