Picked it up earlier today and, after spending the last two hours playing through it, I must say: Zelda fans, ESPECIALLY LttP fans, you're in for a treat. Here are some brief impressions of the solo Hyrule Adventure mode (I'll post multiplayer impressions ASAP):
- Everything about this game - graphics, music, level/dungeon design, even items - is a nod to A Link to the Past. Imagine playing LttP with 4 Links and WW-caliber special effects, and you've got a good idea of how this game works.
- Unlike Crystal Chronicles, this game works splendidly in solo mode (whereas CC's solo mode felt tacked on). With a press of either the Y or L button, you can bring up a short list of formations for the Links to stand in: cross, horizontal, vertical, and square. Each form is good for either fighting, solving puzzles, or moving objects. They can also be separated and controlled individually by pressing X. This is obviously used in many a puzzle... Pressing the Y button a second time brings all the Links together.
- As I said earlier, dungeons harken back to LttP in their ingenuity and complexity. They are very puzzle-oriented (combat is quite sparse), and involve several complex steps that are pretty challenging.
- Speaking of combat, it seems to be the only real drawback so far. It's a bit too easy fighting normal enemies, and so far the various formations haven't really come into play much. Then again, I've only passed the first "real" dungeon.
- Graphically, the game obviously leaves a lot to be desired. While seeing areas ripped straight from LttP is cool, it'd be nice if Nintendo coulda spiced 'em up a bit. Give them a kind of Viewtiful Joe-esque polish. Ah well.
That's about it for now.
