--
Kotaku - Yes
In the absence of a true Zelda game, I will settle for a game like this. Just this once. The game is just fun enough, I tell myself. I don't have to grind. I don't have to unlock other characters. I can be happy that I just took a tour of some favorite Zelda locales while chopping through some favorite Zelda enemies. How can I ever be against throwing bombs in Dodongo's mouth? And, let's be honest, it was probably the nods to Majora's Mask that won me over, after all
Escapist 9/10
All that said, this is still a real treat, packed with love for a Nintendo classic. The visuals are absolutely wonderful, too, with nostalgic Zelda designs getting some flamboyant influences from Omega Force to create stylized, Warrior-esque versions of beloved characters. The work done on Zelda and Ganondorf stand out as particularly excellent renditions of the characters, and let me say just how awesome it is to play as both of them outside of Super Smash Bros. Add to that some deliciously cheesy rock-tinted takes on the Zelda soundtrack, and this is one tasty package.
Nintendo World Report 8.5/10
Hyrule Warriors wasn’t a game I expected to fall in love with, but thanks to its oodles of Zelda fan service and shockingly engrossing gameplay, upgrades, and modes, it turned into something very special that lives up to the Zelda legacy. It’s easy to dive into and has enough variety that it doesn’t really get old over the dozen or more hours you can spend with it. If Nintendo crossovers are always this polished and fun, I welcome many more of them.
Destructioid 8.5/10
Hyrule Warriors can fall into the same trappings as any hack and slash, but the amount of effort that went into making it enjoyable for Zelda fans is staggering. This is one of the best couch co-op games I've ever played, warts and all.
gamesTM 8.3/10
While Hyrule Warriors might want for modes and options compared to recent entries, it more than compensates with the variety of its roster, subtle refinements to its systems, and that extra layer of Nintendo polish. Against all odds, it works beautifully.
CVG - 8/10
The meeting point between the two ishazy enough to be invisible, and what's left is a game all of its own; never quite Zelda, never quite Warriors. It's not just immersion therapy for players who might not be naturally interested in one side or the other - it immerses each stylein the other, resurfacing with something all of its own.
IGN Italy 8/10
Hyrule Warriors is a guilty pleasure for every Zelda fan with a bit of an open mind: if you're not a die-hard integralist of the saga, you will probably enjoy this unconventional and unique twist on the legendary saga.
Game Informer 8/10
The repetition of Dynasty Warriors pervades throughout Hyrule Warriors, but this unexpected crossover with the Zelda universe works. It might not be the Zelda game we expected for Link’s first original Wii U debut, but it will happily hold us over while we wait for the console’s first true Legend of Zelda experience.
Nintendo Insider 8/10
All in all, Hyrule Warriors sees Koei Tecmo fire on all cylinders to deliver an experience that meets the expectations of each respective franchise. There are evident imperfections, but with such a glut of content to make your way through – especially in Adventure Mode – it proves a worthy foundation from which to build from. Even if Tingle didn’t make the final cut… *sobs*
Gamespot 8/10
Aside from introducing many Legend of Zelda fans to the Warriors franchise, Hyrule Warriors adds little innovation to Koei’s megaseries as a whole, but nevertheless brings an undeniable spark ignited by the crossover cast itself. As one of the more well-produced Warriors games in recent memory, it is easy to see Hyrule Warriors paving the way for more Warriors spin-offs--other properties that have a substantial amount of melee combat. Street Fighter? Dragon Ball? The idea of a Gundam Warriors game, let alone a series, was once an absurd concept, just as Hyrule Warriors was when it was first announced. If the Warriors franchise has proven anything, it’s that most every entertainment property is fair game. And that prospect is both exciting and a bit scary
Eurogamer 8/10
Hyrule Warriors, like every Musou game, is an acquired taste. But here, dressed in Zelda's pea-green livery, with the series' attendant tinkling melodies, idiosyncratic characters and memorable locations, it's unusually friendly and engaging. The genre is often unfairly criticised for being a mindless power fantasy in a medium that specialises in mindless power fantasies. But Hyrule Warriors rewards thoughtful play and demands a strategic approach that transcends the brute force combo-strings of its moment-to-moment gameplay. The marriage of Zelda and Musou is an unexpected success, then - a game that recounts the Zelda myth not just in a new way, but in a whole new language.
Wiitalia 7.5/10
In the middle between Wind Waker HD and the brand new Zelda U, Hyrule Warriors really fit in completing a good and varied Zelda offer on the Nintendo Wii U: 7.5/10
Nintendo Life 7/10
Hyrule Warriors might not be your typical Zelda game, but it's clear that the content, setting and characters have been created very much with Nintendo fans in mind. There are some problems here — many of which can no doubt be laid at the door of the game's short production cycle — and truly dedicated Zelda followers might have their noses put out of joint by the fact that is little more than Omega Force's brand of one-man-army combat with Link and his friends dropped in the middle. Still, there's enough hack-and-slash entertainment on offer to make this a rather enjoyable diversion. While the button-pounding gameplay is unquestionably repetitive, there's still a thrill to be found in dashing around the battlefield taking down enemy bases and turning the tide of the war with some well-timed intervention and carefully planned strikes into hostile territory.
For those that come in expecting a classic Legend of Zelda adventure this could potentially be an underwhelming experience; yet as a fun action game with plenty of content is delivers well. Once the problem of perception — courtesy of the iconic characters at play — is resolved, this is an entertaining addition for action fans.
US Gamer 7/10
Hyrule Warriors is basically a one-note experience, but it hits that note with perfect pitch. The Zelda universe works better as a musou button-masher than you might expect, and much of that success is down to Tecmo's obvious love for the subject matter. This isn't a patch on what we've seen of the next "true" Zelda, but it should tide fans over quite nicely until that one arrives.
Game Trailers 7/10 (Video Review)
When played in short sessions, Hyrule Warriors is mindless fun that celebrates the rich history of the Zelda series. However, your long term enjoyment of this game boils down to how much you like Dynasty Warriors, or hack-and-slash games in general, and whether or not you care about exuberant amounts of Zelda fan service. It more than delivers on both these points, but if either one of these is a turn off, this likely isn’t the experience for you.
God is a Geek 7/10
Hyrule Warriors is a success. It enables Nintendo to explore the Zelda cast and world in large scale conflicts, while also offering fans an avenue for rampant nostalgia. The game only falls down due to the documented trappings of the Warriors franchise and the fault of being the first of its line, even though it does make some brave attempts to improve on the template with this. If you have a penchant for the world of Nintendo’s Hylian hero, and don’t mind the repetition of its design, then Hyrule Warriors undeniably offers an entertaining and satisfying way to engage in large scale quasi-tactical Hyrulian combat.
IGN 7/10
Surprisingly, Hyrule Warriors does a good job of tying together the combat of Dynasty Warriors and the revered characters and lore of the Legend of Zelda series in a way that makes me feel powerful in a world I love. Character customization adds unique flavor to the simple combat, and the satisfying weapons, rewards, and story make it a fun alternative to the typically serious Zelda games. It’s just a shame you can’t share the action with a friend without significant slowdown.
Polygon- 5.5/10
Hyrule Warriors demonstrates that the Zelda universe works within the Dynasty Warriors framework, but with limitations. It makes sense for Link to cut down fiendish hordes in the name of Hyrule. It's exciting to play as beloved characters that up until now were just supporting cast members. But Hyrule Warriors' novelty wears off as the game trips over its setup, story and shallow systems. Team Ninja and Omega Force have forced Zelda's universe into the confines of a beat-em-up, but much of the charm and appeal was strained out in the process.
Games Rader 4/10
The best part of Hyrule Warriors is seeing the stylized versions of the classic characters, taking the characters' movesets out for a spin, and absorbing the love Koei Tecmo has for the Zelda series. But nostalgia and fanservice can only take the game so far. Hyrule Warriors is held back by monotonous gameplay, brain dead AI enemies, and overlong missions that quickly exhaust you with repeat actions, enemies, and environments. If you're an enthusiastic Zelda fan that is somehow immune to the boredom of endless button mashing, Hyrule Warriors might be an enjoyable experience. Otherwise, you're better off skipping this one.
Metro: 4/10
--In Short: It always sounded like a bad idea, but although Zelda has inspired one of the best Dynasty Warriors games to date the end result is still well below average by any other standard.
Pros: Slightly more complex combat than usual for a Dynasty Warriors game. Playing as other characters is fun for a short while. Co-op option for all modes.
Cons: Instantly repetitive and horribly shallow gameplay that has very little in common with a real Zelda title. Terrible artificial intelligence and graphics. Short, poorly scripted story campaign.
