Metascore
70

Mixed or average reviews - based on 58 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 58
  2. Negative: 4 out of 58
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  1. Mar 25, 2016
    95
    Hyrule Warriors Legends is every bit as good as the original, with more meat to chew through and a colorful cast of extra playable characters. While some of the original game’s problems are still present, improvements made to the fluidity of battles and player freedom more than make up for it. In fact, I’d go as far as to say this is easily one of the best 3DS games ever released, at least if you have a New 3DS in your pocket.
  2. Apr 6, 2016
    90
    A beat ‘em up with the style and flare of one of Nintendo’s best franchises.
  3. 90
    Adding another excellent Zelda title to Nintendo's handheld library, Hyrule Warriors Legends is without a doubt the definitive version of an already enjoyable game with plenty of content to keep you busy until the upcoming handheld exclusive DLC arrives.
  4. Mar 22, 2016
    85
    Even with its technical flaws (it's recommended to play on a New 3DS), Hyrule Warriors: Legends delivers a solid, fun and complete experience on Nintendo's handheld.
  5. Mar 22, 2016
    85
    Even with quite a lot to improve on its technical side, Hyrule Warriors Legends packs a pretty complete experience mixing the rich Zelda universe with the best Musou mechanics we've seen to date. Includes all the downloadable content from the Wii U version, new modes and new characters, but lacks the multiplayer mode we saw on the original version.
  6. 85
    On one hand, this is the best version of the game aside from the visual downgrade. On the other, it’s essentially the same game that came out on Wii U in 2014.
  7. 85
    Hyrule Warriors Legends does something a lot of games can’t do: take a console version and improve upon it. Loss of graphical fidelity aside, Legends breathes new life into Hyrule Warriors and offers up a fantastic and deep handheld experience that will have you up at the wee hours of the night saying “just one more battle” until the sun comes up.
  8. Mar 24, 2016
    83
    Better and more complete than the original Wii U Game. However, we do hope for a bit more Zelda and a bit less Dynasty Warriors for future Hyrule Warriors titles.
  9. Nintendo Force Magazine
    May 15, 2016
    80
    If you only have access to an older 3DS model, it's really a hard sell – except if you have incredible patience. But when the game gets plugged into a New Nintendo 3DS or a New 3DS XL, it's a match made in heaven. [Issue #20 – March/April 2016, p.65]
  10. May 8, 2016
    80
    Story woes and Link Twoguns’ ridiculous official name aside, Hyrule Warriors Legends has plenty to offer, whether you’re after carefree hack ’n’ slash combat or something more tactical. Even if it’s just the Zelda dressing that’s got your attention, the Musou series staples at the core of the game, so often written off as “mindless” or “boring”, will have you hooked.
  11. Apr 18, 2016
    80
    Graphic quality downgrade aside, the additional content makes the 3DS version overall superior to its Wii U counterpart.
  12. 80
    Hyrule Warriors Legends isn’t as technically impressive as the original release on the Wii U, but it stands out as a true highlight among portable Warriors games.
  13. Mar 29, 2016
    80
    With its friendly pick up and play design, Hyrule Warriors Legends is an excellent fit for the Nintendo 3DS. The game is highly entertaining, offers endless replayability, and has enough new content to warrant a double-dip from Wii U owners. If you have a New Nintendo 3DS, Hyrule Warriors Legends is a must-own thanks to its highly entertaining gameplay.
  14. Mar 23, 2016
    80
    Whether you’re a Zelda fan or a Dynasty Warriors gamer there’s a lot to be happy about in this mash-up title.
  15. Mar 22, 2016
    80
    This portable version is even more enjoyable than the original title for Wii U. It's better on the New Nintendo 3DS, but it's still a good choice for every action lover who own a 3DS.
  16. Mar 22, 2016
    80
    Hyrule Warriors: Legends is more than a handheld port. Has more content, new characters and some new and fine mechanics. However, doesn't has a good 3D effect and could be better in terms of visuals.
  17. Mar 22, 2016
    80
    It doesn’t have the same level of depth or detail a traditional LoZ game employs, but it’s satisfying, and I can see keeping Legends in my system for a long time coming.
  18. Mar 22, 2016
    80
    Hyrule Warriors Legends is a fantastic game that is not satisfied with being a simple port. Its new features and content, refined gameplay and the inclusion of all the original’s DLC makes this an easy recommendation, if, and only if, you have a New 3DS.
  19. Mar 21, 2016
    80
    Hyrule Warriors Legends is a good representative of the musou genre, even in the solid library of musou titles available on Nintendo 3DS. If you already played the Wii U version, you'll find enough improvements here to keep you entertained.
  20. Mar 21, 2016
    80
    An enhanced and very complete porting in terms of contents for a musou that will not please everyone, but that landed on New 3DS in the best possible way.
  21. Mar 21, 2016
    80
    Quotation forthcoming.
  22. Mar 21, 2016
    80
    Quotation forthcoming.
  23. Mar 21, 2016
    80
    I had a blast returning to this alternate take on my favourite franchise; this is a game that I will constantly come back to.
  24. Mar 21, 2016
    80
    Personally, I don't mind paying for Hyrule Warriors all over again with Legends. I got hundreds of hours of enjoyment out of the Wii U version, and being able to relive that is fine with me. But not everyone is as keen as I am, so if you're not a superfan already, it's a tough sell -- because really, this series deserves to be immortalized on a big screen.
  25. Games Master UK
    Apr 25, 2016
    79
    Visual downgrade aside, Hyrule Warriors Legends is a handheld port that earns your utmost respect. [Apr 2016, p.68]
  26. CD-Action
    May 31, 2016
    75
    It’s a shame that because of the limited processing power Hyrule Warriors lost much of its visual attractiveness and fluidity, but other than that it’s one of the best games in the series. [05/2016, p.75]
  27. Mar 21, 2016
    75
    Hyrule Warriors Legends is like a remake of a GOTY edition. It has good additions when it comes to content and gameplay mechanics, but technically speaking Legends is a little disappointing.
  28. Mar 21, 2016
    75
    Hyrule Warriors Legends is more than a port of the Wii U version. It has a lot more content and offers a lot of fanservice. But it gets repetitive pretty quick. Still, this Musou is worth playing.
  29. Mar 21, 2016
    75
    Hyrule Warriors: Legends is a solid handheld musou experience only let down by some technical limitations.
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 119 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 79 out of 119
  2. Negative: 18 out of 119
  1. Mar 27, 2016
    7
    If you " have nothing against Hyrule Warriors itself" at least give it something higher than a 0. Even those who didn't like it gave it a 2.If you " have nothing against Hyrule Warriors itself" at least give it something higher than a 0. Even those who didn't like it gave it a 2. Honestly, it doesn't run that bad on the old 3DS. I read what others were saying and I was afraid it was going to be unplayable but it's not that bad, not even when a ton of things are happening at once. I don't doubt it's better on the New 3DS but it's definitely not as bad as people are saying. Full Review »
  2. Mar 25, 2016
    0
    I have nothing against Hyrule Warriors itself, but the game running on the old 3DS at 10 fps is unacceptable. I still can't believe Nintendo -I have nothing against Hyrule Warriors itself, but the game running on the old 3DS at 10 fps is unacceptable. I still can't believe Nintendo - of all the Ubisoft's and Warner Bros. and Bandai Namco's of the world - did this to their own audience. Such atrocity mustn't be tolerated. Full Review »
  3. Apr 7, 2016
    10
    I have the game for my O3DS XL.

    And it is amazing! First off, it runs great on the O3DS, 100%, completely playable. Yeah, it's not the
    I have the game for my O3DS XL.

    And it is amazing!

    First off, it runs great on the O3DS, 100%, completely playable. Yeah, it's not the 30 fps that the N3DS version runs, but it's still great, and gameplay is not hurt. Really, the only times I really notice the framerate is when doing a 180* turn running around the battlefield, and still, it's never game breaking or anything. Even with a few giant bosses and tons of enemies, the game maintains a good 20~24 fps. However, I do miss 3D. And there is some quite obvious enemy pop-in, even when they are right in front of you. But it's really just a minor detail, and not something game-breaking or anything the sort.

    Attacks feel great and powerful, the player animations are great, and combos are easy to do. The controls are good, if not great, and are customizable, so even if you don't like certain button action, you can just change it.

    Graphics are ok, but really pale in comparison when compared to other 3DS games. The good thing is, though, that when actually playing the game, you won't even notice them! So much action! Music is good, but for me at least, it plays a bit too low, even with headphones. But I guess that really depends on your headphones.

    As for the game itself, (and not just the port), the game is amazing! It is basically a hack and slash game. And it is super addicting, with tons of content, many different characters, a nice story, character models, music player, illustrations, tons of missions, and more! You'll definitely sink a lot of hours into this game, I assure you.

    As a Zelda fan, I wanted to try this out, but since I had never played a Dinasty Warriors game, I didn't know what to expect. I tried a store demo once, and it really didn't get to me. But when they announced it for the 3DS, I got excited. A hack and slash for the 3DS! And now that I have played it, I don't regret at all my purchase. It is REALLY good. Amazing game, for such a small console! Get it, even if you have a normal 3DS. You won't regret it!!
    Full Review »