Hyrule Warriors Set For An August Release… In Japan

The next game that is set in the land of Hyrule is not what you think it is.  The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Warriors is a collaboration between Nintendo and the studio that brings us the Dynasty Warriors series, Tecmo Koei.  It also has been given a scheduled release for August of this year, but for Japan.

Hyrule Warriors looks to have more in common with the Dynasty Warriors series in terms of gameplay and combat.  You will be controlling Link in hack and slash combat versus large waves of enemies. 

Link will be using traditional Zelda series weapons and equipment, like the Master Sword, bombs, Fire Rod and his trusty Hyrulian Shield.  His Spin Attack has also made it into the game intact.

Have no fears, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata stated that this is not the next installment in the Legend of Zelda series.  So those of us that may be put off by the fact that this is not a traditional Zelda title will have to wait awhile longer. 

Allow me some fears

For me, this brings up a concern that I have had since the Gamecube days.  I was very skeptical when Nintendo let Retro Studios take over the Metroid games with the release of the Prime series.  Those concerns were quickly laid to rest when I actually played Metroid Prime for the first time, however.  But my bigger issue is the fact that Nintendo seems to be doing more outsourcing of their tried and true properties to other developers instead of handling them in house like they had been doing. 

While I was growing up with the original NES and beyond I always had the impression that games like Zelda and Metroid were strictly under Nintendo’s wing.  For some of us, putting our faith in other studios for our precious Nintendo titles is huge.

At this time The Legend of Zelda Hyrule Warriors will only be available on the Wii U and is only scheduled for a Japanese release.  No other territories have been confirmed. If you would like to share your thoughts on this or what you think of Nintendo outsourcing their properties, please leave us your comments.