Hyrule Warriors: Adventure Mode Analysis

A new Hyrule Warriors direct has come and gone by; and while it may seem it didn’t leave much in it’s wake, there’s actually been a huge plethora of information to come out of this, such as the information regarding the new Adventure Mode map.

Want to learn more of what may be in store for Hyrule Warriors’ adventure mode? Follow the jump to find out.

 

 

http://youtu.be/yArP6ENf8Lc?list=UUfAPTv1LgeEWevG8X_6PUOQ

From the beginning, there was an understanding that this new mode would be completely seperate from the main story, but no one could get quite a clear idea of what. Now this recent trailer finally revealed to us that this is a Dynasty Warriors challenge mode, but given a Zelda touch. The menu has now become it’s own little minigame that will allow players a level of interactivity one may not get from the average challenge mode.

Off the bat, this mode is given a story. Defeat Ganon and stop his eight minions in order to save Hyrule. This time, there’s no princess to save, but the goal remains the same. You are then given a list of items you will have along the way, and you can see right off the bat that there’s something up with this item selection.

Looks like Link’s getting an upgraded arsenal to make exploring 8-bit Hyrule more of a breeze this time around. This map isn’t just there for looks after all, because you can use these 8-bit items to find secrets in the overworld just like in the original Zelda; but does the presence of these items mean that the Hyrule Warriors overworld has been tweaked with new secrets to throw off old Zelda fans? It’s possible, because in two of the new screenshots provided we can see a small blue sprite in a part of the overworld where the used to be none.

This may just be a graphical error, but two screenshots are posting the same thing, so it’s possible this is a new secret to be found in the overworld.

Getting off the topic of items. Let’s move on to the subject of progression in this vast overworld. You begin the game in the first area of the Zelda overworld where you would get the wooden sword.

You will immediately notice the arrows on all sides, with letters on them. Seeing as you can’t move anywhere, you press “a” to go into your first battle. After that, you will most likely be given a rank; possibly from “D” to “A”. These letters on the overworld represent the conditions for unlocking that part of the overworld. In the example’s case; you must get a “C” rank or higher to progress any further.

Some spaces on the overworld will be darkened, while others will be filled in by colored spaces. These colored spaces cannot be accessed by normal means like the darkened spaces. They will have a lock symbol next to them if you try to progress. At this time, it’s still unknown how to turn these spaces into darkened spaces, but it may have to do with the number of missions you complete.

Also, the color of these squares may have a secondary meaning. The color could represent the stage that these battle arenas host. I.E Purple may be Lanaryu gorge, and Red may be Death Mountain. We will need to wait and see for more confirmation.

By completing standard battles, you will be able to earn prizes depending on the square you stand on. The game calls this a, “Battle Victory”. Different squares will award you different items, as seen in the screen above. These items may disappear at certain points in time according to inconsistencies between many images. However, there are more prizes to be earned.

Hidden in the stages, you can find pieces of heart, or Golden Skulltulas lurking about. The most difficult prize to acquire though, is the “A Rank Victory”. By completing a battle in “A” rank, you will be given a powerful item for a specific character, such as a full Heart Container, or in other cases, a weapon.

Sometimes, you can’t get the special “A” rank item unless you complete certain tasks. This is where the mode’s “Search” option comes into play. The “Search Mode” allows you to zoom into the space you are on and discover secrets using the items you have acquired. Once you have uncovered the secret, you can finally get the “A” rank weapon.

One example found in the trailer is when Link must burn the bush to uncover the secret staircase. By doing this, he was able to make it so you can get Lana’s Spear.

The great mystery of the adventure mode at the moment though, are the sword icons on the map. It has not been explained thus far what these icons mean, but judging by the different colored icons, these icons might respond to gaining a “C” or “A” rank on them. Could these icons be the key to unlocking the colored squares perhaps? More to come as new information comes out.

Something else that was covered in the direct, is the ability for you to unlock characters in this mode that you usually couldn’t in story mode. In all the shots we have seen, there are four silhouetted figures in bronze badges. These are most likely the unlockable characters, however, it is unknown if new character unlocks may show up on the map as time moves on.

Something that is confusing about this revelation though is the figure right next to the Power Bracelet icon on the map.

This figure looks like a character with large ponytails, but the only character we know thus far with large ponytails, is Agitha. Why would she be an unlockable in this mode instead of story mode? Was the part about characters not being available in story mode a mistranslation? Or is it possible we will be getting a new character in the future with pony tails. More to follow as new info comes our way.

One small detail to point out. Notice the little menu icons in the Adventure mode trailer? One of the options say Bazaar. Thanks to a variety of information released in the past few weeks, we now know that the Bazaar is not just one shop for upgrading your characters with small powerups, but a place for badges, medicine, weapons, and practice. However, that is another subject for another time.

The last topic of this analysis I wanted to get to is the subject of online. A while ago it was announced that there would be an online mode featured in the Adventure Mode.

However, it was recently confirmed that there would be no online co-op in Hyrule Warriors, so the question presents itself. What is the meaning of this screenshot?

Well, we’ve just been given confirmation from game producer Yosuke Hayashi that:

“The Adventure Mode features a ‘Network Link’ feature. This allows you to add a ‘Link’ to your maps whose level is based on other users’ play data. If you come to this Link’s aid and fight alongside him, you’ll get access to special bonuses.”

In a sense. It’s a lot like the duel feature from A Link Between Worlds. I wonder what sort of rewards you will earn for this; and is it possible there will be an achievement system similar to the one in A Link Between Worlds? It’s somewhat disappointing that we’re not getting true online multiplayer.

And that’s it for this analysis of the Adventure Mode in Hyrule Warriors; I hope you liked it everyone. Stay tuned for more articles in the coming days about Hyrule Warriors from Zelda Dungeon, and leave your thoughts in the comments below on what you think of the new mode.

Sources: Youtube, Kantopia Files, Nintendo Everything