It's hard to know what to make of Hyrule Warriors. With Team Ninja and Tecmo Koei involved, it's easy to dismiss the title as Dynasty Warriors in a Legend of Zelda wrapper. But detractors would do well to leave their preconceived notions at the door, because that's not how longtime producer Eiji Anouma sees the game.
Watch Midna Dominate Legions of Enemies In 40 Minutes of Hyrule Warriors Gameplay
Anouma's first got involved in the Legend of Zelda series with Ocarina of Time, and went on to work on Twilight Princess, Phantom Hourglass, Spirit Tracks, A Link Between Worlds for the 3DS, and Link's Crossbow Training, so he clearly knows the franchise. He's also acting as supervisor for Hyrule Warriors to ensure the game is more Legend of Zelda, and less Dynasty Warriors.
While the game is indeed vastly different for the series, Anouma has faith in it, calling the game "a celebration title," reports Hardcore Gamer.
That certainly sounds like a fair assessment. While Hyrule Warriors is no doubt different, the difference is rooted in fun experimentation with the familiar. For example, the playable characters have all been featured in previous titles: Midna in Twilight Princess, and Link, Impa, and Zelda in whoever knows how many games. Even the new villains Valga and Wizro bear striking similarities in both name and appearance to Ocarina of Time's Volvagia, and the re-occurring Wizzrobe enemies.
Anouma's praise of the title should come as a reassurance to worried fans, but if you really want to see how Hyrule Warriors could delightfully mix things up for the Legend of Zelda brand, just take a look at the gameplay that sneaked out of this year's E3.
The upcoming game is not a core entry in the Legend of Zelda series. As such, Hyrule Warriors can get away with a bit of experimentation. In addition to the familiar faces, the game introduces a few new ones as well. The story revolves around a new villain, the Black Witch Cia. At one time, she was in charge of protecting the equilibrium of the Triforce.
But because of a penchant for green tights, she developed feelings for Link, and becomes jealous of his relationship with Princess Zelda, kidnaps her, and sends Hyrule into chaos. But a recent teaser indicates that either another playable character is on the way, or that a longtime LoZ baddie might be pulling Cia's strings.
We'll find out when Hyrule Warriors launches on the Wii U this fall, September 26.
