Topic: The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition Preview

[the_dan_x]

All four Links are back for another adventure, this time for free.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/preview/27806

Earlier this summer, Nintendo promised that fans would have plenty to look forward to for the 25th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda series. 2011 is definitely full of all things Zelda, including the upcoming limited DSiWare release of The Legend of Zelda: The Four Swords Anniversary Edition. Gamers will be able to download the title for free, for a limited time only, starting on September 28 and ending February 20, 2012. Four Swords can be downloaded onto any DSi, DSi XL, or 3DS unit.

The essence of the past Four Swords titles remains intact for this special revival of the game. The title puts you in the role of a Link character, who is trying to rescue the Princess from the evil Vaati (Gufuu in Japan). Players can team up with two to four players to simultaneously play the game via a local multiplayer. Not only that, but this time around, Nintendo is giving gamers the option of playing the title in a special single-player mode. In this mode, the player can alternate controlling each Link character and even have the ability to control the characters simultaneously. Each character is also able to have a specific item to help aid them in their quest. For example, one player can use the Pegasus Boots while one of the other players is using the Wing Cape. Also added is the new "whistle" functionality, which will allow a player to alert the other players as to where they are.

The DSiWare Four Swords also contains a variety of levels to complete. Player are able to play through a Forest stage, Cave, Death Mountain, and Gufu’s Palace of the Wind. The game continues to deliver a fresh experience as well, since every time you play through the game, each stage slightly changes. The stages also change to accommodate the number of players as well, perhaps making it equally as challenging for four players as it would be for a single player controlling two characters. 

Four Swords features two new sets of stages, 'The Realm of Memories' and 'Hero's Trial.' Each of the stages contains three levels and the are unlocked by completing the original four stages. 'The Realm of Memories' is based off the original Legend of Zelda, Link’s Awakening, and A Link to the Past. Also added are new unlockable skills, such as the hurricane spin and the Master Sword, which are gained by completing the new stages.

Zelda fans only have a few more weeks to wait for this free bit of fan service. 

[ejamer]

If anyone hasn't already played multiplayer Zelda on the GBA or GameCube, it's great fun! Nintendo giving this game away is a real treat.


Oh, and even if you can play solo it's well worth the effort to round up some local gamers (assuming this is anything like the GameCube version).

[TurdFurgy]

And fan service it is.
Is Gufu what Vaati is known as in Japan or is it a new antagonist?

[Crimm]

Ohh, good catch on Gufuu/Vaati. I'm correcting now.


Please note that part of this was based on a translated source and part on a Nintendo UK press release. This preview has all the most up to date information.

[Tansunn]

Is September 28th to February 20th the time in which the game will be free, like they did with Excitebike 3D, or are they simply pulling the plug and making the game completely unavailable after that?

[Crimm]

"...it becomes available across Europe for a limited time only as a free download..."

Yeah, that's from a NoE press release, but same deal. I'll clarify the article.

[Ceric]

They are trying to get people to jump into the pool.  This is a great game.  Especially word of mouth.  Its not hard to pickup and play.

[ejamer]

They are trying to get people to jump into the pool.  This is a great game.  Especially word of mouth.  Its not hard to pickup and play.

It's also a superb fit for the social aspects of 3DS that Nintendo has been pushing. It would be nice to live in a bigger center, or to see more success for the 3DS because some of those social games and features would be really enjoyable.

[AV]

So any confirmation on online play ?


I'm happy they included single player and more content, but this game NEEDS online and voice chat.

[Mop it up]

I don't think I'll be able to play the multiplayer at any point, but it looks like it could still be somewhat enjoyable in single player, and a better free game than an old NES game.