The Legend of Zelda; Link's Awakening (Nintendo Switch version):

While it is always nice to shake-up established franchises from time to time, a big problem with that is the fans that prefer what the IP was before it happened. This can be for any number of reasons (some debatably more valid than others), but in terms of games, a common one is the gameplay style. To me, an example of this was The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and while I won't say it's a bad game, I'm personally not a fan of Open World Games like it, games that feel like giant sandboxes that try to have something resembling a story, but it's so easy to be sidetracked that you forget what the main plot was until it's over. While I don't believe Breath of the Wild is exactly like it, other games like the Elder Scrolls and Fallout games, a lot of Ubisoft's generic open-world games, and other games in that vein do fall into that category. Games like that feel like they don't have a clear focus, at least to me.

So, when the next Zelda game that was revealed turned out to be more traditional, thanks to it being a remake of an older game, I was excited, especially as I'd never played the original Link's Awakening. However, one big question was hanging over it and continues to hang over it. "Is it worth the price tag?" It is, after all, a remake of a Game Boy game, a system not known for its large games. Without going further, the easiest way to answer that would be "How much do you want a traditional Zelda game?"

Hyrule Warriors Definitive Edition vs. Fire Emblem Warriors (Switch) vs. Hyrule Warriors Legends

As clickbaity as that sounds, that is basically what this post is going to be, it'll be hard not to compare the Switch release of Hyrule Warriors to the last Warriors game released for Switch (outside of the Japan eshop, no I haven't got any of them, I don't have a Japanese account and haven't looked into how to pay for them, but I will admit I am interested in Warriors Orochi 3), and the 3DS version of Hyrule Warriors (along with the WiiU release by extension). I'll try to keep my bias due to buying this game three times now out of the review though.

Instead of my usual format, I'm going to split this review up into categories and compare from there, starting with the Story (you can check my in-depth thoughts on the stories in my previous reviews of the games), putting the two head to head though, its a fifty-fifty split when you factor both the story, and the delivery of said story. Hyrule Warriors wins on story due to the wider variety of characters and locations at its disposal, and while I like the 2D drawing cutscenes, they're still not used often as the game bounces between CG cinematic cutscenes, narration over basically Jpegs, and narration over the animated 2D drawings. I wish they went for something more consistent. Fire Emblem Warriors though, while the longer, not as entertaining of a story does lose to HW (going forward, HW= Hyrule Warriors, HWL= Hyrule Warriors Legends, HWDE=Hyrule Warriors Definitive Edition and FEW= Fire Emblem Warriors), it has the better delivery of the story thanks to sticking to Fire Emblem's way of delivering stories, CG cinematics and emoting character portraits talking with each other. Granted, most of the dialogue (in the main story, History mode is excluded) is forgettable, it's still more interesting than the narration in HW. So... point to both? Maybe more towards FEW because History Mode's story moments are a lot better in execution compared to the main story, even if there are moments like the mission to unlock Male Corrin, where to win over the trust of your brothers and sisters, you have to go to war with them.

On the subject of History Mode, we might as well go into History Mode from FEW vs Adventure Mode in HW. This is another fifty-fifty split as both have their pros and cons. First of all, to get it out of the way, HW's (the WiiU game) Adventure Mode is the worst of the lot, due to forcing all of the content into the one map, making the map more frustrating to navigate through. Legends had the advantage over the WiiU version due to being able to space the content out more, something that HWDE continues with. Now then, while I haven't finished the game (its been three days at the time of writing, and I've been working on all three), you do unlock the ability to play almost all the Adventure Mode maps as soon as you finish the first mission in Legend Mode. The one map missing being the Rewards Map, due to how you unlock missions in it. Each of the maps now has a difficulty marker on them that hints at the difficulty of the map. Adventure and Great Sea are easy, Master Quest and Master Wind Waker are normal, Twilight and Termina are Hard, and Koholint Island, Grand Travels and Lorule are Hero (hardest difficulty in the game). Alongside spacing out the weapons, the hero unlocks have been spaced out too. By default, you have Link, Impa, Shiek, Lana, Zelda, Ganondorf, Darunia, Ruto, Agitha, Midna, Zant, Fi, Girahim, Cia, Volga, Wizro, and Linkle unlocked. I have heard that you can unlock Toon Link, Tetra and (cause I cannot remember how to spell his last name to save my life), the King of Red Lions when you finish the Wind Waker Epilogue in Legend Mode. The remaining unlockables are split up as such

• Adventure: Young Link, Twili Midna, Skull Kid, Tingle (it also looks like you can unlock the remaining Level 1 weapons)
• Great Sea: Medli, Tetra, King Daphnes (along with the Level 2 weapons)
• Master Quest: Level 3 weapons
• Master Wind Waker: Based on the 3DS version, this will have Medli's Level 2, 3, and 4 Weapon
• Twilight: Level 4 weapons for Zelda, Lana, Agitha, Impa, Link, Ganondorf, Midna, Linkle, Zant, and some characters I haven't unlocked yet
• Termina: The remaining Level 4 weapons for the characters unlocked to this point
• Koholint Island: Marin, Linkle's Level 2, 3 and 4 Boots, and 4+ weapons (weapons introduced in HWL's DLC that have the same power as Level 4 weapons, but have two elements tied to them) for unlocked warriors
• Grand Travels: Toon Zelda, Toon Link's Level 2, 3 and 4 Sand Rod, and more Level 4+ weapons
• Lorule: Ravio, Yuga, and the remaining Level 4+ weapon

All of these maps and the Rewards map also have a series of costumes to unlock for all your warriors, fairy companions to find, Heart pieces/ Heart containers to give your characters more health, fairy clothing, fairy food, and Skulltulas which, based on Legend Mode so far, have not changed locations, but may have changed requirements. With the closest square I can get in Adventure Mode that has Skulltulas on it, the second Skulltula mission has had a requirement change from "Do *x* without losing 4 hearts" to "Do *x* without losing 40% of your health" a far easier challenge I assure you, but one I haven't done yet cause I always do Legend Mode before doing Adventure Mode (except to get my first Fairy). If anyone would be interested in a more detailed guide for the Adventure Mode, please let me know and I will get to work on it.

Why do I bring all of this up? It's because HWDE does beat out FEW in terms of this kind of content. While structurally, FEW does have a better way of handling the missions, because backtracking isn't required (although HWDE allows you to purchase item cards now to help minimize backtracking), the rewards you obtain in History Mode are, overall, not interesting. Most of the time you're getting materials needed to make your characters stronger, which in itself isn't as interesting as finding a Heart Container. What weapons you do get in History Mode I personally found almost useless, and only good for quick money. It's the main reason I never felt the need to finish FEW's History Mode. Score's now one each for the two games.

Characters and Movesets: This is another clear win to HW. Excluding the roster size difference, 31 for HWDE (as the Challenge Mode along with the missions where you play as Gannon and a giant Cucco are back) and 32-34 for FEW (depending on if you view the Male and Female variants on Robin and Corrin as alternate characters), the reason why HW has the advantage is in the weapons. Every single weapon type in Hyrule Warriors has a unique playstyle to it, which not only makes every character feel unique, but even unique when compared to themselves if they have two or more weapons. I said it before and I'll say it again, the biggest problem with FEW is the roster. Aside from it not being a strong representation of the entire Fire Emblem Franchise, a lot of characters share movesets with each other, and some of the unit potentials are locked behind DLC. Leo and Elise have the same moveset, Sakura and Takumi have the same moveset, Rowanand Lianna, I believe Chrom and Lucina share a moveset, Hinoka, Cordelia and Caeda feel like they have the same moveset, and I wouldn't be surprised if some of the DLC characters share movesets too. What's a problem as well is that there are not only missing classes from the game entirely, but characters like Oboro and Azura, the ONLY TWO LANCE USERS WHO DON'T HAVE A PEGASUS AND THEREFORE AREN'T ARCHER FODDER, are locked behind DLC. Armored Knights? Nope. More Creature Stone users other then Tiki? Nope. We don't even really have a bruiser Sword user, further making all the sword users feel similar in nature. Yes, some of the weapons in HW are dumb, I won't deny that for a moment, but its a kind of dumb that I welcome because of the sheer lunacy of it. Hate on the Great Fairy as a weapon all you want, your argument is invalidated by the fact that she can AIRDROP MAJORA'S MOON ONTO ENEMIES OVER AND OVER AGAIN! 2-1 for Hyrule Warriors.

Mechanics and controls. This is a clear win to FEW (when compared to HWDE), due to three things, control mapping, Infinite inventory (as far as I could tell, I never tested it), Bonus XP, and AI level ups. While yes, you can control more than one character in many parts of HWDE, when they aren't being controlled by you, they are as dumb as rocks. FEW has that problem too, but what helps alleviate it is that the AI controlled characters can still level up, be they on their own, or when paired up as a support. This did make character grinding a lot easier, because if you needed to power level, just have them as a support for one of your stronger characters for a while. This and being able to map controls are something I wish they added to HWDE because you need to do a lot more here and after spending hundreds of hours in HWL, it just feels clunky by comparison. Item swapping is a bit of a pace killer for me as in order to get to it, I need to stop moving, move my thumb down to the Directional buttons on the left Joycon, and swap between the items I need. The worse one though is how to use the Fairies. as that's now mapped to pressing the right Analogue stick, something that never feels natural for me, in any game. While there is a degree of customization in the controls, it's limited to two options that mostly change what the ABXY buttons do, I'd rather the option to customize my layout so that I can map things I use more often to easier to access buttons (like swapping Fairy magic and Guard around). Granted, I say all of that as someone who uses Joycon controls, not a Pro controller so your mileage may vary if you use a Pro Controller, but for what I use, it just feels clunky. I miss the touchscreen of HWL, point to FEW for two each.

In terms of looks and sounds, these games are pretty even, as it really just comes down to personal tastes. Both can run at a smooth 60 frames per second (if you so choose in the case of FEW), both games look really bright and vibrant (especially when comparing the WiiU and Switch versions of HW), and the soundtracks for both games are amazing rock covers of songs from each game. Some of my favorites from FEW being Conquest (Flames), Road Taken (Roar), Alight (Hoshidan Wind) and A Dark Fall (Fire). In regards to HW, Eclipse of the Moon, Hammer of Stones, Skyloft, Solidus Cave (Crystal Cave), Eclipse the Sun, Title and Dragon, Molgera, Tal Tal Heights, and the 8 bit inspired version of Overworld Adventure from Spirit Tracks. It comes down to which franchise you like more at the end of the day, so while I cannot objectively say "this game is better in visual appeal and music compared to this one", subjectively, I have more of an attachment to Legend of Zelda then I do Fire Emblem, so subjectively it goes to HW. I won't count it though so its still two apiece.

Finally, value for money, in terms of bang for your buck? When comparing their full prices, HWDE beats out FEW, FEW does still have the season pass after all, while HWDE doesn't. If you haven't played the previous versions of HW, then HWDE is a great way to play the game. THAT BEING SAID THOUGH, what about the people who are double or even triple dipping this game (like me)? Well, I don't think its worth the full price. While this is a way to play everything from the WiiU and 3DS versions of HW, there's not much on top of that so if you have bought the 3DS version and its Season Pass, the only thing you're getting out of this is better looking visuals, the return of Challenge Mode, and two new costumes (one for Link and one for Zelda, both based on Breath of the Wild). HWL had an easier sell, cause while you weren't getting Challenge Mode and the 8-bit weapons, you were getting 5 new characters in the base experience, a new adventure mode map, two new stages based on Wind Waker, including new enemies to fight, two new giant bosses, the Fairy system and other smaller tweaks. Here, its really just the smaller tweaks. While I don't need another Adventure Mode map, it would have been nice to see some more playable characters, or even more costumes. People want Groose and Linebeck in the game, I'd personally like to see Urbosa (the Gerudo Champion from Breath of the Wild), a new weapon and costume for Ruto to let you play as Mipha, a new costume for Darunia to let you play as Daruk, maybe a Revali costume and weapon for Medli. I would have liked a little more as a way of getting people who have played it before to pick it up again. While yes, the Switch version is the better version to get if you haven't played the game at all or since the WiiU version, if you have played the 3DS version, there's not much more on top of it, as such I can't really recommend it for someone who has.

With that said then, if you had to choose one, Hyrule Warriors Definitive Edition is the better game between it and Fire Emblem Warriors, though it's not as one-sided as many like to claim it as. I hope this helps anyone still on the fence about it. If you want to see my reviews of the WiiU and 3DS versions of Hyrule Warriors, along with my review of Fire Emblem Warriors, you can find them here

Hyrule Warriors WiiU: https://mediaholicreviews.blogspot.com.au/2016/03/zelda-week-hyrule-warriors-strength-in.html
Hyrule Warriors 3DS: https://mediaholicreviews.blogspot.com.au/2016/05/addendum-review-hyrule-warriors-legends.html)
Fire Emblem Warriors: (https://mediaholicreviews.blogspot.com.au/2018/02/fire-emblem-warriors-it-was-successful.html)

I think that just about covers it. If I have missed anything, let me know, until then, I'll see you for the Spider-Man homecoming review.

The Legend of Zelda; Spirit Tracks: I wasn't kidding about that train part

The DS Zelda games. Some like them, many hate them, due to specific mechanics. Maybe some of that is the Zelda cycle, some of it might be the way the game is structured, some of it may be the controls. It can be all of one, or it can be some of all. Personally, this was the first Zelda I had completed and the first Zelda game I ever owned. Its not the first I've ever played, that title goes to either Ocarina of Time or Majora's Mask thanks to emulation (this was before I knew of and had access to the Virtual Console). I enjoyed it while I played it back then, but how well does it hold up now?

Addendum Review: Hyrule Warriors Legends: Now you can take your one man war on the go

Seeing as I've only recently reviewed Hyrule Warriors, and now there's a 3DS version of the game, consider this a continuation of the WiiU's review. I'm not going to repeat myself, as a lot of what works for the WiiU version carries over to the 3DS version. What is being covered here are the differences between the two.

Zelda Week: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword: Who gave this clutz a sword?

Let's take you back 5 years, back to when this game was being hyped for a Christmas period release. I was lucky enough to go to an event called the Nintendo Connection tour, an event Nintendo used to hold, with this one being relatively near to me, in a shopping center. Here, members of the public could come and play upcoming Wii and 3DS games like Ocarina of Time 3D, Starfox 64 3D, Mario Kart 7, Kirby Return to Dream Land and, of course, Skyward Sword. I was fortunate enough to pick the demo that shows of the best part of the game, which I'll explain later. Combined with E3, and there was a lot of hope for this game... shame no one saw the signs. Let's see how the series celebrated the 25th anniversary, and one of the two games that took more of my interest then Skyrim, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.

Zelda Week: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

Download the original .mp3 here: http://adf.ly/1YiFcY
Welcome to a land in Twilight, a world where one must be the bridge between the light and the dark, the man, and the beast. Doth thou don your sword and shield again for this late Gamecube, early Wii and recently re released WiiU game?

The final image was made by Enigmarez
You can find it here: http://www.deviantart.com/art/Link-Midna-Wallpaper-503019504

Zelda Week: Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker

And you thought Pokemon had too much water

In a convention called Space World in the year 2000, a few Gamecube tech demos were released. One of these showed Link and Ganondorf sword fighting. Fans speculated that this is a demo to a brand new Zelda title for the Gamecube. Not too long after, another tech demo was shown in Space World, 2001. It was shown with Link in a new cartoonish style. The fans were confused about the cute art style of Link in this tech demo, and not the darker tone of the Space World 2000 tech demo. Fans at the time were afraid that every proceeding Zelda title was going to be in this style.

Although some, as well as myself, don’t mind the different cell shaded cartoonish style. I find it rather refreshing. As with most new Gamecube titles, it showcases the power of the Gamecube, although does it pretty well. The water physics for the ocean move up and down simulating waves. The grass moves with the wind. Not to mention that the entire overworld map is just one expansive area with no walls. You can loop around the map as if it were on a globe.

The story of Wind Waker is you as Link setting off on a journey to save your sister Aryll from a demon bird. After you meet the pirate girl Tetra and her crew in a fateful encounter, you set off to save your sister as well as some other characters you meet along the way.

Wind Waker has you travelling on boat sailing from island to island, which is pretty cool. Although, I hear conflicting arguments saying whether or not the traveling in this game is tedious or not. I’d say it’s all depends on how you look at it, and how much patience you have. This game, as many Zelda games or even any RPG for that matter is about the journey. I feel like this game does a pretty good job on it’s theme of adventuring out. Even if it takes a while sailing to each individual island, and if you just don’t have the patience, the Wii U version has a faster sail to accommodate this. The real joy is finding little islands with treasure along the way of your quest. Even for the main story islands have really good atmospheres about them. Forsaken Fortress taking place at night. The lush green Forest Haven. My favorite is when you approach Greatfish Isle and the atmosphere becomes more gray and rainy as you approach it.

This game’s main mechanic besides seafaring is the titular wind waker. The main draw of the wind waker is, big surprise, that it controls the direction of the wind. Though it’s pretty fun to play with combined with the deku leaf item that lets you sail with the wind to reach places you wouldn't otherwise. Another small mechanic is that you can use enemy weapons against them which is really fun. It makes the first staple stealth section of this game more bearable.

The typical theme of sidequests are apparent in this game as with every Zelda title. Of course almost every island has a little sidequest, as well on main islands. Although, the biggest sidequest is the Triforce pieces. There are 8 Triforce pieces as well as 8 Triforce charts (3 charts in Wii U). It costs roughly 400 rupees each to get each chart deciphered. This and the sailing is why some people call this game very tedious. Again, Wii U version accommodates this for the fewer charts. Also considering the fact that this sidequest is only for 100% you’re not missing much if you are casually playing the game for the story.

Before we finish I should mention Tingle. Yes, that weird fairy guy, although he gives you something useful if you have a Gameboy linked to the Gamecube. The Tingle Tuner is a Gamecube exclusive item. It almost acts as a Wii U pad. You can spend rupees for small power ups that help you throughout your adventure. You can write on your map, drop bombs, get potions, ect. It’s basically a mobile shop, which is pretty nifty. Although this is exclusive if you have a Gameboy link cable with a Gameboy Advance, so not a lot of people actually use it. If you can get it, good for you since it’s a really helpful item. This feature was replaced in the Wii U version in favor of the Tingle Bottle, which is just Miiverse compatibility. Tingle Bottles wash up on random islands depending on where you post it which display Miiverse posts. Fun, although clearly not as useful as the Tingle Tuner.

So at this point you’re probably wondering which version do you want to play? Well, I personally play Wind Waker on the Gamecube just because I have it. Of course the Wii U version has gamepad functionality so it’s easier to swap items. The Wii U version fixes a lot of complaints, thus making the game easier to pick up. A full list of changes from Gamecube to Wii U can be found [here] if you are interested. Overall, I’d say get the Wii U one if you want an easier time. Get the Gamecube one if you want authenticity, and have access to the Tingle Tuner.

Overall this game is pretty amazing. The expansive Great Sea makes this game feel huge. Exploration is a key part, and they do this fantastically well. The game looks beautiful on both versions for their respective hardware. Even if you’re not a huge fan of the Zelda series, this is a great game to start out with.

-Marissa (keybug55)

Zelda Week: The Legend of Zelda: "Wouldn't it be a BiForce... DuoForce?"

Welcome to Zelda Week. 5 games, 2 reviewers (due to real life activities clashing), and in one week, we'll be taking a look at almost all sides of the spectrum that is The Legend of Zelda. So up first, why don't we take a look at the one that started it all, the original game on the NES, back when people had a better excuse to call Link by the name of Zelda. Sorry people, its like Samus' name not actually being Metroid, or Pit's not actually being Kid Icarus. So, shall we?