Here's what Famitsu thought of Hyrule Warriors:
Yoshida: 9; Seriously. It’s “Warriors” and “Zelda”. You got the action of “Warriors” and the charming worlds of “Zelda”, and it sounds too fun! The foundation of the gameplay is definitely “Warriors”-based, and although there is a lack of puzzle-solving, the two works are fused together so nicely and truly became a top-quality means of entertainment. In Adventure Mode, you move around and solve puzzles in the style of the original 8-bit Zelda. In Hyrule Warriors, you will enjoy a great combination of both freshness and nostalgia, and that is a very good thing.
Jigoro: 9; While not destroying the world of Zelda, the action has been modeled after the “Warriors” series and it is exhilarating. You will be firmly placed in the battle, which is also good. Fans will smile at the small details which can be found here and there, and it is good. The soundtrack is arranged in a familiar “Warriors”-series style, and the feeling is very uplifting. I also feel great during each mission because the checkpoint system treats you very kindly if you fail.
Namuko: 9; “The Legend of Zelda” has a history and is receiving a secondary creation, and the final product is a winning combination. Deriving from the “Warriors” series, you are a lone commanding officer and are seeing the perspective of two armies battling, and you feel the scale that I think extends to the power of a country like Hyrule. As it is a transition from established puzzle solving system into chaotic action, I accepted Hyrule Warriors as a fresh interpretation. Since both products are separately masterpieces, I was expecting their combination to be more than a masterpiece.
Bunbunmaru: 9; The peculiar puzzle elements of Zelda are basically non-existent, but the tempo of the action is great and can be enjoyed comfortably. You are dropped in the system of “Warriors” but in the world of “Zelda”, and it’s so amazing that there is no discomfort in this combination. The game feels easier than “Dynasty Warriors” or “Samurai Warriors” so it is easy to play. When locking on with z-targeting, for example, it helps make the boss encounters considerably like the Zelda series. The smiles of Zelda fans are going to be numerous!
Source: Nintendo Everything
