Nintendo Direct will be held tonight for Hyrule Warriors

The Big N has announced there will be a special Nintendo Direct tonight which will focus on Hyrule Warriors. The upcoming action title is being co-developed by Tecmo Koei and Team Ninja with supervision by Nintendo.

The Zelda spin-off mixes the cast and familiar settings of the flagship series with the hectic and over-the-top action that the Dynasty Warriors games are known for. Link, Zelda, Fi, and Impa are just some of the many playable characters whom you can use to take down wave after wave of moblins, stalfos, and other minions.

The presentation will begin tonight at 8 p.m. Pacific/11 p.m. Eastern Time. If you would like to watch the show, you can do so via the source link below.

Hyrule Warriors - Nintendo Direct on nintendo.com

The Legend of Zelda Wii U - Trailer Analysis by GameXplain

As most of our readers know by now, Nintendo revealed a quick glimpse of The Legend of Zelda for Wii U at this year's E3. The trailer featured a brief look at the game world, which is massive in size, and gorgeous. As director Eiji Aonuma has explained, this will be one of the most open-ended entries in the series, drawing inspiration from the original NES title. Aonuma says it will be possible to travel to every place in Hyrule that can be seen in the screenshot above.

The first-party title boasts a cel-shaded look reminiscent of The Wind Waker, which is most apparent when looking at the latest incarnation of Link. In the video, the hero was dressed in a blue shirt that recalls the clothing worn by Toon Link at the beginning of his adventure. So far, we have yet to see what the actual gameplay looks like, but we do know that the clip shown at E3 was not pre-rendered in any way, and was thus rendered in real-time by the game engine itself.

 The staff of popular YouTube channel GameXplain have put together an in-depth video analysis of the Zelda Wii U trailer, taking a look at seemingly every pixel on display. While the trailer itself was only about two minutes long, this reel is an astounding fourteen minutes long! As you will see, they have noticed a number of things that escaped just about everyone else's notice, and the view count for the analysis is quickly rising. Video after the break.

The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap coming to Wii U Virtual Console

Image credit: Wikipedia.

Nintendo has posted a listing for The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap on their official North American website which confirms the Game Boy Advance title will be coming to the Wii U Virtual Console. The listing does not specify a release date, but we will surely find out soon enough.

As always, players control Link as he travels through Hyrule defeating enemies, solving puzzles, and navigating dungeons. In this entry, our hero can don the titular Minish Cap to shrink himself, then enter places he otherwise could not. According to the official description, it takes place in the Four Swords storyline, and is the only game that features the tiny kingdom of the Minish, which is located on Hyrule's surface.

If you would like to read more about this portable classic, you can do so via the source link below.

Source: The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap - Nintendo.com

Teaser trailer for Hyrule Warriors, a crossover between The Legend of Zelda and Dynasty Warriors

Nintendo have announced that they are collaborating with Tecmo Koei to create a crossover game which mixes The Legend of Zelda universe with the gameplay of Dynasty Warriors. The game features the characters, enemies, items, and locations of the former with the over-the-top action of the latter. The unique title appears to take quite a few cues from Skyward Sword, borrowing heavily from its roster of enemies, while also including King Dodongo from Ocarina of Time.

The first trailer for Hyrule Warriors (working title) shows Link taking down waves of enemies in Dynasty Warriors fashion, with the green-clad hero using his sword to perform simple strikes, spin attacks, and even Skyward Strikes. He can also be seen wielding the fire rod and throwing quite a few bombs in rapid succession. Trailer after the break.

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD - Video Review by IGN

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD is being hailed as the "definitive version" of the GameCube classic, and for good reason. The gorgeous cartoon look has held up very well over the years, and now that the game is running in 1080p, it looks better than ever. The enhancements are more than cosmetic though. The new Swift Sail allows players to travel much faster than they could in the original and it always has the wind behind it, meaning it's no longer necessary to keep changing the direction of the wind every few minutes to keep traveling at a good pace.

In addition, the Triforce shard collection sequence has been retooled and streamlined, making it much less of a nuisance, and it is now possible to move around while in first-person mode. While walking around FPS-style, players can even use a few of Link's weapons, including the boomerang and bow.

The digital version was released a few weeks ago on the eShop, but players who don't have an external hard drive have been waiting for the physical version to arrive so they can save their precious storage space. The boxed copies have been available in stores since last Friday, and so far the reviews have been full of praise. The Wind Waker HD has received glowing scores by Amazon customers, and the press have also given it high marks.

Jose Otero of IGN has uploaded his video review, and he gave it a near-perfect score. In his opinion, this is the greatest Zelda game ever. Video review after the break.

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD - Gameplay and New Features Trailer

The faster sail will make a huge difference, especially during the Triforce collection sequence.

Nintendo UK has released a new trailer for The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD which shows off plenty of gorgeous gameplay footage. This new video shows all of the new elements that have been added, including Hero Mode, the streamlined Triforce collection sequence, first-person aiming via the GamePad's tilt sensors, and Miiverse integration. If you're looking for something to play, you should definitely check out this trailer. Video after the break.

The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD - Story Trailer

Nintendo UK has released a new trailer which relates the basic plot of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD. The video shows Link as he witnesses his sister being kidnapped by the Helmaroc King, a massive bird, then sets out for the Forsaken Fortress, the stronghold of Ganondorf. As you can see, the graphics are very colorful and the cartoon look still holds up nicely, even after all these years. Video after the break.

Wii U eShop updates - 8/29/13 (North America)

There are a few new additions to the North American Wii U eShop this week. Pokémon Rumble U is now available to purchase and download, and the classic NES game The Legend of Zelda has arrived as well, with restore points which make it substantially easier. In addition, the digital version of Rayman Legends will be released on Tuesday, September 3rd.
Details and videos after the break.

Nintendo confirms Zelda: Wind Waker HD Wii U Bundle

Nintendo has confirmed that the Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD Wii U Bundle is real and will be released on September 20th with a price tag of $299.99. The limited edition set comes with a standard black Deluxe Wii U console and a special GamePad decorated with gold lettering, the crest of Hyrule, and other symbols featured in the game. In addition, a download code will be included for the digital version of Hyrule Historia, the Zelda encyclopedia, as well as another download code for the digital version of Wind Waker HD which will be available to download from the eShop the same day the bundle is released.

Those who want the boxed version will have to wait until October 4th, but physical copies will be enclosed in gold-foil packaging. The digital and physical copies will be priced at $49.99. For some extra cash, GameStop is even bundling a Ganondorf figurine with the game.

As for Nintendo fans in the UK, the Big N is also offering an equivalent bundle in the region which will be released on October 4th. A limited edition boxed version of the game will be available as well which includes a Ganondorf figurine and a double-sided title sheet.

You can check out the European bundle and the Ganondorf figurine after the break.

Source: GameStop

The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD - Hero Mode Trailer

That's a nicely decorated GamePad.

There have been rumors that Nintendo is planning to release a special Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD Wii U Bundle, and it's starting to look increasingly likely. A NeoGAF user claims that Nintendo uploaded a video to their official YouTube channel showing the new Hero Mode, then pulled the video down shortly afterward. The video has since been re-uploaded by another YouTube user. At the very end of the trailer, the image you see above appears. As you can tell, it features a special edition GamePad decorated with the Triforce and other Zelda icons. The trailer certainly looks authentic, so hopefully it will turn out to be true. Video after the break.

Zelda: Wind Waker HD features Hero Mode and first-person mode

According to usgamer.net, The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD features Hero Mode, which makes the game much more difficult. Enemies will deal twice as much damage, and hearts will not appear in the game world, meaning the only way to recover health is to drink a potion or use a fairy. There were rumors that the remake featured a higher difficulty setting based on the game's Amazon page , and it appears that it has been confirmed.

Of course, the normal difficulty will also be available for those who wish to play the game with the difficulty level of the original release.

In addition, the first-person camera has been enhanced and full movement is now possible while in first-person perspective. The new system allows players to aim the bow using the GamePad's tilt sensors and is said to work surprisingly well. In fact, this article by usgamer.net say it makes dual analog controls feel outdated.

Here are the details as summarized by a user of the NeoGAF forums.

- Triforce quest – the five Triforce pieces can now be grabbed directly
- Only the remaining three require translated charts instead of eight
- Hero Mode available from the start
- Picto Box has been upgraded
- Upgraded camera could still be used to snap photos of unsuspecting villagers or enemies
- Pictures can go up on Miiverse
- Link can also take funny self-photographs
- Switch between happy, sad, and surprised emotions
- Get the Swift Sail at the auction house after completion of the first dungeon
- No alert via an in-game prompt to signal the special sails availability
- No longer possible to accidentally skip Tingle’s island, as the developers have inserted an introduction to the quirky character into the main quest
- Enhanced first-person camera
- Can now have full movement in that perspective
- Can travel through hallways and shoot arrows like you’re in a FPS

Sources: usgamer.net, neogaf.com

Zelda: Wind Waker HD may have a higher difficulty setting

The faster sail will make a huge difference, but a higher difficulty option would please even more players.

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD is scheduled for release later this year, and it boasts some new features. For one, there is an additional sail which will make it possible to travel the seas much faster than in the original GameCube version. Also, the GamePad's touchscreen can be used to manage Link's inventory and view maps, while Miiverse integration will allow players to share messages with one another via the Tingle Bottle. And now, it appears that the game may have something else that Nintendo has not yet announced.

According to online retailer Amazon, Wind Waker HD will feature "a more challenging difficulty level." Seeing as how the Big N has not yet confirmed this, we'll have to take this as a rumor for now. If it is true, it will definitely make veterans that much happier. You can read Amazon's description of the game for yourself via the source link below.

Source: The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD for Wii U - amazon.com

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD - Video Walkthrough with Eiji Aonuma

In a new video that has just been released by Nintendo, Zelda director Eiji Aonuma gives viewers an up-close look at The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD. Aonuma reveals that players can use either the analog sticks or the GamePad's gyroscopes to look around, and the Wind Waker is now controlled via the touchscreen. He also explains that the larger amount of RAM made it possible to increase the speed at which Link's boat travels as more of the vast world can be loaded into the system's memory at once.  In addition, he also confirms that the "Triforce shard hunt" has been reworked so that it won't drag down the experience as much it did in the original, although he did not specify exactly what has been altered. Video after the break.

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD - E3 Trailer

Nintendo revealed plenty of new details about The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD today. Here's a brief summary:

• Runs in full 1080p.
• GamePad is used to manage inventory and maps.
• A new sail has been added which allows players to travel 50 percent faster than the standard sail
• After obtaining the new "Tingle Bottle," players can communicate with other players by posting comments and screenshots on Miiverse which will then wash up on the shores of islands in other players' games.
• Pictograph has been improved - can take and store more pictures than before, which can then be posted on Miiverse.
• Supports Off-TV Play

The Big N has released a new trailer which shows the first footage of the game in action. You can watch it after the break.

Eiji Aonuma on the fate of Wind Waker 2

When the HD remake of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker was announced, it instantly became one of the most wanted games for the Wii U. When it was originally released, however, it was very controversial, and many gamers did not like the cartoon look at all. While it went on to sell 4.6 million copies, Nintendo was disappointed with sales. Nevertheless, the company began working on another entry in the series with the working title The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker 2. The plan was to develop the game using the same cel-shaded graphics as the previous title, much like they had done when they created Majora's Mask using assets from Ocarina of Time. The project stalled, though, after director Eiji Aonuma asked Nintendo of America about the reason for sluggish North American sales of the first Wind Waker.

Amazon reduces price of Hyrule Historia

Amazon has reduced the price of Hyrule Historia, and it is currently available for $19.24. The massive hardcover tells you just about everything you've ever wanted to know about the Zelda series, and it was actually created by Nintendo themselves. The book provides readers with timelines of the saga, the history of the land of Hyrule, and all sorts of artwork used in the making of the Big N's epic games. If you would like to order a copy, read more about it, or browse customer reviews, you can do so via the link below.

The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia on Amazon

The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia now on sale

The English version of Hyrule Historia has finally arrived. The massive hardcover tells you just about everything you've ever wanted to know about the Zelda series. It was actually created by Nintendo themselves and provides readers with timelines of the saga, the history of the land of Hyrule, and all sorts of artwork used in the making of these epic games.

Hyrule Historia is now available from Amazon. In fact, it's currently the best-selling book on Amazon. If you would like to order a copy, or just read more about it, you can do so via the link below. Trailer after the break.

The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia on Amazon

Video - Aonuma talks about The Legend of Zelda on Wii U

For those of you who missed it, here is the Zelda segment from yesterday's Nintendo Direct presentation. Eiji Aonuma, who has directed many entries in the series over the years, revealed that there are two games on their way to the Wii U. One is an all-new adventure, which is still very early in development and won't be available for quite some time. The second is an HD version of The Wind Waker, which Aonuma says is meant to give gamers a Zelda title to play while they wait. Video after the break.

Nintendo Direct - January 23, 2013

Here is the Nintendo Direct presentation that took place earlier this morning. The biggest news is that there are two Zelda games on the way, one of which is an HD version of The Wind Waker. There is also a new 3D Mario in development, as well as a new entry in the Mario Kart series, and even a new Yoshi game which is being developed by the same team who created Kirby's Epic Yarn. Iwata also spoke briefly about the Wii U Virtual Console, and confirmed that there are firmware updates coming that will  improve loading times and bring new functionality.

If you would like to read a written summary of the broadcast, Nintendo has issued a press release which covers just about everything in a very organized and easy-to-read manner. You can view it via the link below.

Two Zelda Games, Mario, Mario Kart and other fan-favorite franchises planned for Wii U - Nintendo.com

I have also posted the video presentation below for those of you who would rather watch it for yourselves as well. You can find it after the break.

Iwata "very sorry" Wii U requires update, comments on 3D Zelda and Mario

In an interview with IGN, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata said he was "very sorry" that Wii U owners must download a rather large update in order to gain access to many of the console's features, including Miiverse and the eShop.

“Personally I think that users should be able to use all the functions of a console video game machine as soon as they open the box. So I feel very sorry for the fact that purchasers of Wii U have to experience a network update which takes such a long time, and that there are the services which were not available at the hardware’s launch.”

Iwata also commented on the development of new 3D Zelda and Mario games for the system, saying Nintendo is not yet ready to announce anything.

“[One of the unique advantages of controlling both hardware and software development is that] as we develop a new hardware platform, we ask ourselves such questions as, ‘what kind of new Zelda and Mario games do the software creators hope to make on this?’ We will announce the launch schedules for new 3D Zelda and Mario games in the future, but this is not the right opportunity for me to indicate when we will make such announcements.”

Iwata also downplayed the skeptical views that many people have toward's Nintendo's new console, pointing out that many observers had also been skeptical about the Wii and DS before they launched as well.

“The majority of observers had skeptical views toward the potential of the Wii as a game machine. Exactly the same thing could be said about Nintendo DS. These are typical examples of hindsight bias where, only after noticing that these machines had sold beyond their expectations, their memories have been rewritten.”

Source: IGN