I really love this guide. Maybe it's because I've wasted money on
some truly atrocious limited edition guides lately
, that this one seems so great in comparison. This guide for the awesome
Hyrule Warriors
is genuinely informative with an excellent format, and its production values are superb. Truly, this is a great guide overall, but it's not without its caveats, which I will be sure to address in my review.
The guide is organized into several sections, each one covering a different mode of the game, with a celebratory art section at the end. The guide opens up with an intro to the guide itself that includes a very well-written forward that establishes the tone for the rest of the book in a nice way. The first section is entitled "Hero Training" which basically boils down to bringing anyone unacquainted with Dynasty Warriors up to speed. Given that most people buying Hyrule Warriors are undoubtedly Zelda fans and more than likely have never played a game in the niche DW series, this section is very helpful. It makes the game's core concepts very easy to grasp and simple, without muddling the more complex aspects. Great opening.
Next is the "Walkthrough" section which is broken up into two main subsections. First is the "Legends Mode" walkthrough, which includes a very detailed, well-written breakdown of every story mission in the game. It lasts about 64 pages. The second subsection is for the game's "Adventure Mode," which is a mode where you are given a massive gridlike map where each square is composed of a specific task or mission to complete. This subsection lasts about 84 pages. Each mission in the game, whether in the Legend or Adventure mode, has different collectibles and rewards to find, and some rewards are character-specific AND/OR require certain conditions to be met (ie. what difficulty you play on, which character you play as, as well as other battle conditions you have to meet to even get certain collectibles to show up). This includes heart containers, pieces of heart containers, Gold Skulltulas, HARD MODE Gold Skulltulas, new weapons, new weapon upgrades, etc. All of these things are covered in the walkthrough. It also does a great job giving you hints on how to dispatch bosses and commanding enemies more easily, as well as including many tips and tricks to make playing through the game smoother. The walkthrough of the Adventure Mode of the game is also helpful as it tells you what conditions must be met to get the best ranking in whatever mission you undertake, and therefore unlock the "A Rank" reward of said mission .Overall, it's a very informative, well-written guide that has helped me immensely as I've played the game. I've used it countless times and would not have unlocked the myriad of rewards, collectibles, and upgrades without it.
After the walkthroughs is a section entitled "Warriors" which is a fairly thorough breakdown of the 13 characters playable at the game's release. This lasts roughly 20 pages. While this isn't required reading by any means, it does give you a nice overview of what kind of playstyle each character has, what weapons are unique to them and where to find their weapon upgrades, and a little summary of who they are in the Zelda universe. It's a nice little section. It is followed by an "Extras" section which is very short, about four pages. It's basically mischellaneous info, such as what each potion does, what enemies drop what materials upon defeat, weapon skills, etc. It's not terribly interesting, and unfortunately, not detailed enough to be helpful. It's nice to know which enemies drop which materials, but the guide doesn't tell you what missions those enemies can be found, and trust me, getting materials is crucial to character building in this game.
Lastly, there's an awesome section entitled "Behind the Scenes" that is almost like having a
mini-Hyrule Historia
that is specific to this game. It lasts about 70 pages, and it's great. It's essentially filled with fantastic concept art on all aspects of the game, ranging from the main characters to enemy designs to stage designs. There's even some commentary from the developers on the design process. For a major Zelda nerd like myself, this was great. I love the art design in Hyrule Warriors. The character designs are particularly great in my opinion, so to see concept art of them as well as some insightful commentary was truly a highlight for me. There are even some designs that did not make it into the game that are truly awesome, such as a Link that is MUCH more Dynasty Warriors influenced than the more traditional depiction that made it into the game, or a design for Link's sister that very much reminded me of the elf from
Dragon's Crown
. I LOVE when guides feature stuff like this, so this "Behind the Scenes" section is one of my favorite parts of the guide. You can tell a lot of thought went into it. I applaud that.
As far as presentation goes, the guide does a very good job. As I've already said, the guide is informative for the most part, but it's also written very well too. I always appreciate it when a guide writer tries to inject some life into a guide, and this is an stellar example of that. I love how the mood and voice of the guide when you get to play during Ganondorf's story missions differs so much from the hero story missions. Great stuff. The guide is also printed well on high-quality paper, and the format is pleasing to the eye and feels like a Prima Zelda guide should. That is to say, it sort of feels like a Hyrulean tome (except the cover, which is a bummer). Very fun overall.
I mentioned earlier how this is not a perfect guide. It definitely has its quirks and flaws too. As informative as the guide is in most areas, there are some aspects that are glaringly missing. A section detailing each character's badge tree for attack, defense, and support progression feels like a major omission to me. I had to go online to figure out which missions to play to get materials for leveling up certain characters, because this guide simply doesn't cover it in any meaningful way. Not good. Also, some of the A-Rank requirements seem to be off in the Adventure Mode guide. On SOME stages, I found myself missing the requirements listed in the guide (ie. receiving more than 4,000 points of damage, or taking longer than 15-minutes to beat the stage), yet still getting the A-Rank during the results screen. Honestly, playing according to the more difficult standards laid out in the guide guaranteed that I'd get an A-rank, so I'm not too upset about it, but still. It's worth noting. One thing I hate is when guides require a lot of page-flipping, and unfortunately, this guide suffers from that A LOT in its Adventure Mode coverage. This was going to be inevitable because Adventure Mode is arranged in a grid, but it's still a bit bothersome having to flip from C-9's map to D-9's mission and then to F-8's stage, etc. Another nit-pick is that I don't like the cover of the guide. I've always enjoyed
Prima's past Zelda guides
because their gilded-gold pages and classy covers gave the book an authentic Hyrulean tome feeling. Prima's current policy of just slapping some official art on a hardcover is less appealing to me.
All-in-all, this is very much the quality I've come to expect from a Zelda guide from Prima. That is to say, it's great. It may not be to the legendary status of their
very best Zelda books
, but it's certainly better than almost any guide I've bought this year. It has told me almost everything I've wanted to know about the game, and has been a constant companion as I've undertaken the insane task of trying to 100% complete Hyrule Warriors. The fact it ends with such a lovely, fun behind the scenes section, and one that shows it to be the developer's love letter to the Zelda series, is the delicious frosting on the cake. It may not be perfect, but it is a great guide overall. I hope this review was helpful to you. Thanks for reading. Toodles.
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Hyrule Warriors: Prima Official Game Guide (Prima Official Game Guides) Hardcover – September 26, 2014
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Print length336 pages
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LanguageEnglish
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PublisherPrima Games
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Publication dateSeptember 26, 2014
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Dimensions8.22 x 0.69 x 11.11 inches
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ISBN-101101898151
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ISBN-13978-1101898154
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About the Author
Prima Games, an imprint of DK and a division of Penguin Random House Inc., is the world’s leading publisher of strategy content for PC and console video games. Prima Games understands what gamers—both casual and hardcore—want and need from strategy guides. Every guide features in-depth content, detailed screen captures, quick-reference tips, and professional strategy. Prima Games is also a leader in the digital strategy realm, offering interactive maps, streaming video, searchable online guides and apps, and a full website at primagames.com.
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Product details
- Publisher : Prima Games; Har/Psc edition (September 26, 2014)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 336 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1101898151
- ISBN-13 : 978-1101898154
- Item Weight : 1.9 pounds
- Dimensions : 8.22 x 0.69 x 11.11 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #439,350 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- Customer Reviews:
Customer reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
156 global ratings
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2014
Verified Purchase
18 people found this helpful
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1.0 out of 5 stars
If your considering this guide your better off finding a good walkthrough online and keeping your ...
Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2014Verified Purchase
I have just about every game guide made for Zelda and this one barely qualifies as OK. It was helpful in legend mode and for answering some questions about developing the playable characters(where to find weapons) but outside of legend mode this guide is nearly useless(you spend a majority of your time outside of legend mode). I've spent more hours using google then this guide. Forget help with master quest as it isn't covered at all. If your considering this guide your better off finding a good walkthrough online and keeping your tablet at the ready. Much of the info in Adventure Mode is incorrect and the guide doesn't cover the basic elements of what a guide should like where to farm materials or rupees or the best levels to get more Exp. If your someone that likes to 100% a game this guide will get you 10% of the way. I did contact prima and they have plans to update the electronic guide but no changes have been made so far.
6 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2014
Verified Purchase
Excellent well written strategy guide. I am not a fan of the cover but you know what they say don't judge a book by its cover. The description talks about having like 30 pages of art gallery, I'm not an art fan so I wasn't to excited about that but I really enjoy it in the book, they talk about why the made the characters look the way the look.
The game is not incredibly hard so you don't need this book to beat it, but it helps with finding the items and skullas
The game is not incredibly hard so you don't need this book to beat it, but it helps with finding the items and skullas
3 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2016
Verified Purchase
I haven't used this guide yet but it smells new and if it weren't for the packaging it would probably look new. As is it's fantastic I ordered a used one and honestly other than no shrink wrap I would say it is. Its just the corners were slightly bent. The guide is beautiful with well laid out pages, amazing artwork and detailed maps. Well worth it to get this edition
Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2015
Verified Purchase
not as good as i thought it would be. i thought that the guild would have more information in it that would help me beat the game faster, but i knew everything that was in the book before getting it since i played the game so much. if i knew that the book was not going to be of use to me, i would have never purchased it.
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2014
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I really enjoyed this guide. It is very helpful when trying to find all of the secrets and extras, especially heart pieces, in Story Mode, as well as giving tips for upgrading weapons and which ones were best to equip for certain stages. It really came in handy, especially since I've never played a Dynasty Warriors game before this one, and it's beautiful to boot. Highly recommended for any Zelda fan.
Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2019
Verified Purchase
This book is ok , Great if you play the game a lot
Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2014
Verified Purchase
Don't know how you could get along without this guide. Somethings require the exact warrior, sword, and time combination to unlock and I don't know how you could accomplish many tasks without this guide. It's wonderful. Beautiful artwork, durable pages, and did a good job of explaining each scenario. Very happy with this purchase. Probably would've paid twice as much!
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries
Declan Ryan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Half guide book, half artbook, all hilarious.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 1, 2014Verified Purchase
Let's get the important stuff out of the way.
It has information for every mission in Legend and Adventure Mode to the finest detail, so even two missions that are similar will have two different descriptions on how to beat it. And for those looking for a simple, ''Exactly how many K.O's do I need to get a A Rank and how long do I have?'', every mission has those requirements. There is of course, also all the information to find all the Gold Skulltalas in both modes, the rewards of getting them and....more.
There is a section for every character talking about their character in this game and the weapons they use, including the best combos for clearing keeps or fighting other Warriors. It is big, comprehensive and fun to read even to those who think they might know it all.
This book also includes a wonderful concept art section. Read about how Ganondorf was inspired by his Twilight Princess design and the sketches that led to his final product. Link actually had more Japanese Samurai armor design, as seen in the sketches. Every character is shown off, every single of the dozens of enemies, the numerous and complex stages
The most entertaining aspect, however, is the general banter the author uses. It is a wonderful constant barrage of jokes and Zelda nods to really give the feel that whoever wrote this loves this game and the Zelda series with all their heart.
Lastly, the actual book is lovely to hold, with the cover art having no text, so is stylized and nice to display. The pages are thick and have weight to them and
This is more than just a simple, manufactured game guide for the game. This was clearly someones labour of love. And I am happy to have the pleasure and honour to read ad appreciate someones hard work that is as accessible as it is concise and clear
It has information for every mission in Legend and Adventure Mode to the finest detail, so even two missions that are similar will have two different descriptions on how to beat it. And for those looking for a simple, ''Exactly how many K.O's do I need to get a A Rank and how long do I have?'', every mission has those requirements. There is of course, also all the information to find all the Gold Skulltalas in both modes, the rewards of getting them and....more.
There is a section for every character talking about their character in this game and the weapons they use, including the best combos for clearing keeps or fighting other Warriors. It is big, comprehensive and fun to read even to those who think they might know it all.
This book also includes a wonderful concept art section. Read about how Ganondorf was inspired by his Twilight Princess design and the sketches that led to his final product. Link actually had more Japanese Samurai armor design, as seen in the sketches. Every character is shown off, every single of the dozens of enemies, the numerous and complex stages
The most entertaining aspect, however, is the general banter the author uses. It is a wonderful constant barrage of jokes and Zelda nods to really give the feel that whoever wrote this loves this game and the Zelda series with all their heart.
Lastly, the actual book is lovely to hold, with the cover art having no text, so is stylized and nice to display. The pages are thick and have weight to them and
This is more than just a simple, manufactured game guide for the game. This was clearly someones labour of love. And I am happy to have the pleasure and honour to read ad appreciate someones hard work that is as accessible as it is concise and clear
9 people found this helpful
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Blootle456
4.0 out of 5 stars
A good hardback reference guide for Hyrule Warriors
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 20, 2018Verified Purchase
A very good game guide, but slightly flawed through the nature of Hyrule Warriors.
This guide contains ALL the information you could possibly need for v1 of this game. This includes the base legends mode and Hyrule Field map of Adventure Mode. Unfortunately though, so many free updates and DLC packs were released for this game that this guide only covers up to 20% of the game now.
Still, a great guide and very well made.
This guide contains ALL the information you could possibly need for v1 of this game. This includes the base legends mode and Hyrule Field map of Adventure Mode. Unfortunately though, so many free updates and DLC packs were released for this game that this guide only covers up to 20% of the game now.
Still, a great guide and very well made.
ian forsyth
5.0 out of 5 stars
hyrule
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 28, 2014Verified Purchase
A great guide for this marvelous game. Covers all the characters very well and provides tactics for the trickier parts. The bonus in depth sections at the back are great and also help flesh out the game world.
3 people found this helpful
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Michael John George Longman
5.0 out of 5 stars
Saved Me Countless Hours!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 13, 2014Verified Purchase
Absolutely brilliant and well written. It has saved me countless hours running around with no direction and helped me clear up those pesky skulltulas with little hassle except for the last one with Darunia in Story mode. definitely worth buying if You are looking o buy or have bought Hyrule Warriors
Liam Alderton
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Must Have have for Zelda Fans
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 2, 2014Verified Purchase
A True part of any Zelda Fan's Collection a helpful guide to help you fine everything in Hyrule Warriors All Pieces of Heart, Heart Container's Ans Gold Skultula's< PLus All Weapons and Extra Character's
2 people found this helpful
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