Hyrule Warriors Definitive Edition for the Nintendo Switch is a mixed experience. Ranging from frustration to pure enjoyment, this edition of the game contains lots of fan-service for Zelda aficionados. In 2014 the game was released on the Wii U and 3DS along with DLC. Four years later the Switch version is rather flawed and feels unpolished. Owners of the previous editions have little reason to re-purchase the game.
Princess Zelda and Impa look for the legendary hero who will help save Hyrule. Meanwhile, Link who is a soldier in training is trying to prove himself within his first battle. The characters included in the game are pulled from the entire series. The game does a great job of blending the characters together to form one simple plot that is coherent. It’s the player’s job to use the characters and place them on the field to complete a series of requests.
Plenty of Unpolished Content
Taking out mini-bosses, opening up gates, rescuing soldiers and villages are all part of the main missions. While battling, side missions open up letting players earn more items. Plus, lots of collectibles appear on the fields. Some of the collectibles are only available for a few short minutes. This is a completionist’s nightmare and still, it’s offering plenty of content for the $60 USD price tag.
Tiny Text and Even Tinier Maps
Unfortunately, the game as a whole feels unpolished. The overall colors and textures have been brightened and enhanced. But the imperfections of the graphics out weigh the good. Occasionally, while traveling the battlefield it takes several seconds for the textures to finish loading. And there are times when the frame rate drops while playing with the Switch docked. All of the dialogue is small text. And it’s ridiculous that the text is this small considering how large the dialogue boxes are.
Another negative aspect that should have been fixed is the mini-map. The map is so small that its hard to determine where your characters need to be on the field. You can’t enlarge the map. And it’s an annoyance that adds to the frustration of playing the game on the Switch.
But A Beautiful Soundtrack
One aspect of Hyrule Warriors that is perfect though is the music. The soundtrack is phenomenal. All of the best music from the series is here. Slashing your way through hoards of oncoming enemies while listing to the best music Hyrule has to offer is a lot of fun. The soundtrack moves its way into the heart of the player.
What’s Included
The Definitive Edition includes all of the previous DLC for both the Wii U and 3DS editions. New costumes, a few updates and the ability to travel with the game and play it on a TV are the only positive aspects of purchasing Hyrule Warriors today. The downside of the slow-loading textures, tiny dialogue script and map are enough to drive the player go utterly insane. Hyrule Warriors Definitive Edition is perfect for Switch owners who haven’t played the 3DS and Wii U versions, however, for those who have already enjoyed the Wii U or the 3DS editions, they can pass the Definitive Edition by without any guilt. For those who are looking for a game to slash through hundreds of enemies and enjoy playing as various characters from the entire Legend of Zelda Universe, then this game is most definitely for them.
You may find out the complete roaster of characters in Hyrule Warriors Definitive Edition by visiting the game’s official website.