Historically, it's atypical for Nintendo to ever cross an original IP with a third-party developer, but with the utter lack of sales for the Wii U since its release, desperate times call for desperate measures. During the latest episode of Nintendo Direct, fans were treated to just that, unexpectedly taken aback when Nintendo announced a team-up with Tecmo Koei, and introduced the world to Hyrule Warriors.
40 seconds into the episode, gamers watching across the world gasped collectively Nintendo President and CEO Satoru Iwata breathed the word "Zelda." When a re-designed Link appeared at the 51 second mark, you could hear the smiles. Then when they saw what he was up against, I put 10 to 1 odds that pants where shat and britches ruined.
Link moves the way he does in the Smash Bros. series, speedy, fluid, and with acrobatic skill of an Olympic gymnast, flipping over enemies and tossing an arsenal of bombs, and using some of the most epic magic ever seen in a Legend of Zelda game. Which is funny, because this upcoming game is not a core entry in the series, and save for a few familiar faces, has nothing to do with it.
While some may be disappointed by that, it does allow the game a bit more freedom, and can operate outside of any series' constraints. At this point in time, it looks like the game is entirely based in combat, and has essentially nothing to do with exploration, puzzle solving, item collection, or any other Legend of Zelda staples.
Gamers have been keeping their fingers crossed that Nintendo would finally dust off some of its more celebrated franchises for an outing on the Wii U to show everyone what the console is capable of. They hit paydirt with Super Mario 3D World, but with Hyrule Warriors, it seems like the company is open to experimentation. It seems a bit wacky, but the game is in good hands under Eiji Aonuma, who has overseen the Zelda games since Ocarina of Time.
If it sounds odd, it's because it is. But odd doesn't mean bad. Nintendo and Wii U owners have been looking forward to a title that could offer more, bring the console the attention it so desperately needs. It looks like this could be it. Check out the video below and see for yourself.
As of now, the game is set for a 2014 release, and Hyrule Warriors is just a working title. We'll keep you posted as more information comes in.