Hyrule Warriors Legends

Hyrule Wariors Legends is an upcoming spin-off for the 3DS, combining the world of The Legend of Zelda with the action of 's  series. The game is a port and a new version of, featuring new characters and other mechanical changes.

Story
Outside of the standard story, the game will feature a new epilogue after the ending of the game. This story will feature new stages and characters from, with a level based off of Windfall Island, Dragon Roost Island, and Forsaken Fortress and another based on the Earth and Wind Temples. Additionally, the Helmaroc King and Phantom Ganon appear as giant bosses.

Gameplay
In addition to the standard Hyrule Warriors gameplay, during battles, it is possible to tap on a character portrait on the map screen to switch to that character. There are also at least two new items confirmed to be appearing, those being a golden Ocarina and a Hammer. The Ocarina allows Warriors to warp to different Owl Statues. The Hammer functions as a heavy weapon, which can be used to weaken the Helmaroc King and to activate Warships.

The game also introduces the Smash Boost Power effect. By gathering up to four playable Warriors against a boss, the effect can be activated. By doing so, the Magic Gauge is restored.

All modes in the original game, with the exception of Challenge Mode, will be in the game. amiibo will also be compatible for use in the game, also unlocking rare weapons, Materials, and Rupees. However, Link's Spinner weapon is available from the start instead of being unlocked via the Link or Toon Link amiibo.

Hyrule Warriors Legends is stated to be a single-player game due to its system and gameplay.

Characters
Almost all the characters from the previous game, including the DLC characters (with the exception of Ganon and Giant Cucco from Challenge Mode), will be present with the following additions:


 * Pirate Leader, Tetra
 * King of the Ancient Country, King Daphnes
 * Hero of Winds, Toon Link
 * Mischievous Imp, Skull Kid
 * The Hero?, Linkle
 * Marin

It is also possible to transfer all non-DLC characters and Ganondorf's Trident weapon over to the Wii U version using a download code which is included with the game.

My Fairy
A new game mode, called My Fairy, allows players to befriend Fairies and use them in battles in Adventure Mode. These Fairies can be raised in a number of ways to grow stronger, and can learn new skills and attributes that increases their proficiency in battle. The mode also lets players customize their Fairies' appearance in costumes called Fairy Wear.

Development
On June 10th, 2015, a Japanese trailer for the 3DS version was accidentally leaked to YouTube on Koei Tecmo's official Japanese channel, due to being marked as unlisted rather than private. Though the mistake was quickly corrected, the video had already spread throughout the internet including various gaming news sources. The trailer was later shown as intended at E3 2015 on July 16th during Nintendo's Digital Event with the English title and logo.

Hyrule Warriors Legends was developed after many fans told the developers they would like to play the original game on a handheld. Porting Hyrule Warriors to the 3DS proved to be challenging as the hardware is not as powerful compared to the Wii U; the developers had spent a lot of time optimizing the game and to get the right amount of enemies to appear on-screen. In order to run the game as smoothly as possible, the stereoscopic 3D will be disabled on older models of the 3DS, but it can still be utilized on the New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 3DS XL due to their superior CPU.

Limited Editions
Just like the original game, two limited editions of the game were released in Japan. The premium box edition included a copy of the game, an art book, and a Compass clock, resembling the compass worn by Linkle. The treasure box edition, exclusive to Amazon Japan and GAMECITY, also included the extras from the premium box, plus a golden Ocarina and a Fairy plush. In Europe, a limited edition is also set to be released, featuring a copy of the game and Linkle's Compass clock.

In North America, a 16-page character art book is also included by pre-ordering the game at GameStop retailers.

Updates
As with Hyrule Warriors, free patches will be released for Hyrule Warriors Legends. These updates expand content and patch certain bugs.

Version 1.2.0 was released on March 24, 2016 in Europe, and will be released on March 25, 2016 in Japan. It adds the option to clear save data, the option of purchasing DLC content, and makes Ganondorf's The Wind Waker costume obtainable by purchasing the "Legends of Hyrule" Pack. It also includes several bug fixes for improved game stability.

Bonuses
A download code for a free Nintendo 3DS Home Menu theme based on Hyrule Warriors Legends is included if a physical copy of the game is bought on launch day in the United States.

DLC Packs
Four new DLC packs are set to be released through 2016. They are a series of paid expansions that includes numerous additions. Three of the four DLC packs will also be available for the Wii U version, although the Adventure Mode maps and My Fairy costumes will not be included for that version.

On March 25th, 2016, the four DLC packs can all be pre-purchased as a bundle through the "Legends of Hyrule" Pack on the Nintendo eShop. The season pass includes a bonus Ganondorf costume based on his The Wind Waker appearance. The packs will come at a discounted price of $14.99. A season pass for both the 3DS and Wii U versions can also be purchased for $19.99.

Additionally, Medli will be released separately as free DLC for both versions of the game alongside the Master Wind Waker Pack.


 * 1) The Master Wind Waker Pack is set to be released in late spring 2016, and will only be available to the 3DS version. It costs $0.99. It includes 16 new costumes for My Fairy mode and a new Adventure Mode map.
 * 2) The Link's Awakening Pack is set to be released in summer 2016. It costs $6.99. It includes 16 new costumes for My Fairy mode and a new Adventure Mode map as well as Marin as a new playable character and a new weapon for Linkle.
 * 3) The Phantom Hourglass & Spirit Tracks Pack is set to be released in autumn 2016. It costs $6.99. It includes 15 new costumes for My Fairy mode and a new Adventure Mode map as well as a new playable character and a new weapon for Toon Link.
 * 4) The A Link Between Worlds Pack is set to be released in winter 2016. It costs $6.99. It includes two new playable characters as well as 15 new costumes for My Fairy mode and a new Adventure Mode map.