Originality: This is a game that merges concepts together that I have wished to see since I was a little child. I have always wanted my Zelda games to actually FEEL like a war game with thousands of enemies/allies fighting. I have wanted to know what that great battle referenced in the beginning of “A Link to the Past” was actually like. Finally, finally, FINALLY we have a game that has given my childhood a response. Hyrule Warriors is probably not very unique feeling to most Dynasty Warrior fans, but for people who haven’t played a Dynasty warrior game since they played a ps1 in the middle of a Sears when they were a kid (*cough me cough*) this game is purely a Zelda game with a massive twist. Therefore, I consider this collaboration to be a one of a kind experience that greatly exceeded my expectations.
19/20
Graphics: Absolutely beautiful! The gameplay and the cut scenes were both amazing looking. They truly put effort into this game!
10/10
Art Style: Merging various art styles into one game all the while doing them all successfully? That’s going to get you a good score for me. Bravo!
15/15
Story: This is, quite possibly, one of the best stories I’ve ever played in this series. The combination of so many villains from different eras/timelines, and doing it in a way that actually makes sense, the introduction of new characters that have their backstories detailed out throughout the gameplay make this story fantastic. I loved the dialogue between characters (especially Ganondorf with his two servants towards the end of the game). I loved where the story goes in general. I really thought the game was going to be over at 1-2 different points but they pulled a fast one on me (which is ALWAYS good). My only issue is how sexualized they made Cia (especially towards the end) but I suppose that was one of their selling points. My wife herself complained about this as well as how many sexual gasping and grunting noises there are by the female characters in this game. Despite these issues, the games story was amazing overall and I’m actually interested in any DLC that expands upon it further.
26/30
Game Interface: No issues here.
5/5
Controls easy and fluid or difficult and rigid? The D-pad being the place to swap weapons was very annoying and it made me take quite a bit of damage on multiple occasions because I would have to use my left thumb and, therefore, wasn’t able to stay moving mid battle while switching weapons. This was very annoying throughout the game. Other than this, no issues, but this was a rather big issue.
3/5
Is it fun? The game has enough new characters, differences in weapons, leveling up moments, plot twists, unique battle locations, and a rather short campaign all preventing you from truly getting bored of killing thousands of enemies. Bravo!
15/15
+5 charm factor
Total = 93/100 + 5 = 98/100
Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition – 100 + 5 = 105
Zelda Skyward Sword-98
Hyrule Warriors – 93 + 5 = 98
Zelda Minish Cap – 92
Assassin’s Creed 4 Wii U – 86 +5 = 96
Zelda Oracle of Ages – 91
Metroid Fusion – 91
Mario and Luigi: Bowsers Inside Story – 86 + 5 = 91
Zelda Twilight Princess – 90
Luigi’s Mansion Dark Moon - 90
Guildwars 2 – 89
Mario and Luigi: Dream Team – 89
Animal Crossing New Leaf – 84 + 5 = 89
Pokemon X – 88
Zelda: A Link to the Past – 78 + 10 = 88
Kid Icarus Uprising – 88
Darksiders 2 - 88
Fire Emblem Awakening – 88
Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark - 84
Paper Mario Sticker Star – 83
Zelda: A Link Between Worlds-83
Super Mario 3d land – 72 + 10 = 82
Batman: Arkham Origins - 81
Trine – 80
Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze* - 68 + 10 = 78
Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D – 74
Rome: Total War-74
Red Alert 3 - 70
New Super Mario Bros. U - 66
New Super Mario Bros.Wii – 57 *
Assassins Creed 3 - 57
Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition – 53*
Kirby Squeak Squad – 43
Donkey Kong Country Returns 3d – 42
