The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes

 3DS
User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 238 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 151 out of 238
  2. Mixed: 50 out of 238
  3. Negative: 37 out of 238
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  1. Alexiace
    Oct 27, 2015
    10
    Play it with friends in person its a 9-10.
    Play it with friends online and its a 8-9
    Play it with good strangers online and its a solid 8 Play it with trolls and laggy idiots online and its a 6-7 Play it alone and the game is at its worst and around a 6 Its as simple as that people, stop grading this game based on when it is at its worst. its a good solid Zelda game with nice    Play it with friends in person its a 9-10.
    Play it with friends online and its a 8-9
    Play it with good strangers online and its a solid 8
    Play it with trolls and laggy idiots online and its a 6-7
    Play it alone and the game is at its worst and around a 6

    Its as simple as that people, stop grading this game based on when it is at its worst. its a good solid Zelda game with nice dungeons, a neat little story and a very nice little hub world filled with nice characters. What makes this game good or bad is your tolerance for people. (and I love people so I am giving it a 9)    … Expand
  2. rareredrocks
    Dec 12, 2015
    8
    The game is a very enjoyable departure from the traditional style, especially with friends. However, the linear style and lag spikes during multiplayer keep this gem from a 10.
  3. Grant_Mackin
    Nov 5, 2015
    10
    For what the game is worth, I got my $40 out of it. I enjoyed it so much, I wouldn't mind paying $60 for it. Heck, I'd pay for it again to give to a friend of mind so he can play it as well. It was such a great experience that I will never forget.
  4. JT9588
    Oct 23, 2015
    9
    The Legend of Zelda: TriForce Heroes is a daring step taken by Nintendo; it completely changed up the Zelda formula, deviating away from the single player action-adventure game to a multiplayer dungeon crawl with a whimsical and farfetched story regarding a princess and her fashion. And most amazingly, it works.

    Firstly, I want to get the negatives out of this way. The puzzles in this    The Legend of Zelda: TriForce Heroes is a daring step taken by Nintendo; it completely changed up the Zelda formula, deviating away from the single player action-adventure game to a multiplayer dungeon crawl with a whimsical and farfetched story regarding a princess and her fashion. And most amazingly, it works.

    Firstly, I want to get the negatives out of this way. The puzzles in this game are meant to be solved with the coordination of 3 people, and the inclusion of single player mode is quite baffling as using the 'doppels' is quite frankly, excruciatingly frustrating at certain points.

    However the puzzles are very satisfying to solve together when with people, especially when your team clicks and gets in sync, and the clothing mechanism within the game makes people want to go back and replay stages over and over again to obtain the material they need. Through its amazing soundtrack and many hidden secrets, it also gives us a sense of nostalgia and rekindles our love for the franchise.

    As a Zelda fan, this game feels like a refreshing breath of air in our beloved franchise. However more importantly, TriForce Heroes is also a celebration of its predecessors and the legacy they left behind and an open invitation to everyone for the many directions Zelda may take in the future.    … Expand
  5. Smashbro
    Oct 23, 2015
    9
    The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes brings back the fun of Four Swords and Four Swords Adventures back after 11 years.

    This game is huge expansion on the previous titles giving more things to do in the game and not needing multiple GBA systems or Link cables. Instead replaced with the superior online capabilities. Unlike other Zelda games, the story of Tri Force Heroes is does not    The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes brings back the fun of Four Swords and Four Swords Adventures back after 11 years.

    This game is huge expansion on the previous titles giving more things to do in the game and not needing multiple GBA systems or Link cables. Instead replaced with the superior online capabilities.

    Unlike other Zelda games, the story of Tri Force Heroes is does not take place in Hyrule as this new kingdom is called Hytopia where fashion is the key to victory while Princess Styla the most fashionable of the them all is cursed to wear ugly tights by a witch so her father King Tuft decides to look for a hero to save her. As funny as the story is (even the dialogue pointing it out) the damsel is literally in distress. Link is still in this game and our favorite green hero is joined by two Links wearing red and blue. Unfortunately Purple Link from earlier games is not here as this is three player instead of four.

    The gameplay introduces a new mechanic called the "Totem" where the Links stack up on each other and use emphasizing teamwork to solve puzzles. This game can be fun but also challenging and heavily requires teamwork as everyone shares health making you strong as your weakest friend (or should I say weakest Link :D) as so working together gets the job done. By far one the hardest Zelda games such as The Adventure of Link.

    As the brilliant name TRI Force Heroes suggests the game is multiplayer up to three players. It can also be single player but cannot be two-player. Single Player involves using Dopple characters that can be switched to being played as.

    Adding a whole new experience with the use of costume customization giving power-ups to Link's items. As stated, this game is all about costumes and introduces a surprisingly fun Arena Mode where you can fight your friends to get materials not accessible in the main game. Each costume is fun to look at and try on and is useful in the're own way depending on the level.

    While characters such as Zelda or Ganon are not in this game, it still feels like a Zelda game with the game having references to other titles in the series. The Hub world Hytopia may seem small but it has a minigame as well as hilarious dialogue from the NPC characters. Thankfully the main game is HUGE, there are eight worlds with four levels each meaning thirty-two levels in total. The game is Open World so the levels can be challenged in whatever order you desire with items specific for that level. If you want to go to the third level before the first then JUST DO IT! :D

    The game brings fantastic gameplay and the Totem Mechanic brings a new experience acting as an extension of the gameplay but comes with a flaw as a picked up player is in the mercy of the other character not being able to do anything unless your are on the very top or very bottom, the middle guy is just Malcolm in the Middle. Now to compensate this is likely so the player does not act contrary compared to the others.

    The Soundtrack is Genius having great and memorable melodies play even that adds a new twist when the Totem is being used.

    Voice Chat was considered for this game but was instead replaced with Emoticons for communications, this maybe upsetting some but can be very favorable to others as being a family friendly company, no profanity allowed.

    Overall, The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes is great game bringing interesting twists and arguably the best multiplayer Zelda game.    … Expand
  6. caponetone100
    Oct 26, 2015
    8
    This game surprised me. I honestly didn't think it would be any special when initially shown off at E3. I picked it up because 2 of my co-workers did and I have to say I have been having a blast playing with them. The single player aspect of it is even fun but much slower paced and some levels are verrry difficult without 3 active players. The level designs and boss battles are quiteThis game surprised me. I honestly didn't think it would be any special when initially shown off at E3. I picked it up because 2 of my co-workers did and I have to say I have been having a blast playing with them. The single player aspect of it is even fun but much slower paced and some levels are verrry difficult without 3 active players. The level designs and boss battles are quite tricky at times and it's rewarding when you finally figure out what to do when you're stumped at first. I think the game should have been $30 instead of the full retail of $40 but it's a good game with lots of replay value because all 32 levels have 3 additional challenges for that completionist itch. Many costumes to unlock as well. Fun game and definitely worth a try if you are a Zelda fan.… Expand
  7. LeavesCat
    Oct 30, 2015
    9
    This is a multiplayer dungeon crawler with Zelda mechanics. The game is getting mixed reviews for good reason: if you expect a single-player main series Zelda game, or expect the plot to be more than simple and silly, you will be disappointed. While possible to play single player, it is far more dull than playing with even random strangers online. I only do single player if there's someThis is a multiplayer dungeon crawler with Zelda mechanics. The game is getting mixed reviews for good reason: if you expect a single-player main series Zelda game, or expect the plot to be more than simple and silly, you will be disappointed. While possible to play single player, it is far more dull than playing with even random strangers online. I only do single player if there's some item I need and don't want to fight over the chosen stage.

    The game works by choosing a world, and then one of the 4 levels for that world. After beating the boss, there are additionally 3 challenges to complete for each level. You go online for a particular world, and then choose where you play by a vote. Each level contains 3 items, sometimes the same, sometimes different. Each player picks one, and uses it for the rest of the level. You get crafting item loot for finishing levels, which can be used to make costumes that give you buffs. The level layouts are varied, and take cooperation and thinking to solve each. When your teamwork with random strangers you can't even talk to is on point, it's simply an awesome feeling.

    What will make or break this game for you is how well you can tolerate other people online. There are limited communications options, which can actually be somewhat of a boon because it allows every player to figure out how to solve the puzzles on their own without one guy telling everyone what to do. You will get some people who are bad at solving the puzzles, but I found they mostly fizzled out after the first few worlds, either cause they gave up or because they got good. Sometimes you will have disconnections that shove you out of the level. I don't get easily frustrated by these things, so I loved the game (but I can't justify giving it a 10). If you have bad internet or get frustrated when other people online don't read your mind, you will not like this game.

    Of course, having 2 other friends changes things up. If you can play locally, that's awesome. Even if you can't, play online with your friends and set up a Skype call or something and it'll be almost as good.    … Expand
  8. Darormor
    Oct 23, 2015
    10
    It's not the best Zelda to come out, but it knows what it is and that's why I find it fun. It's a dungeon crawler with a zelda theme, if your a fan of Diablo and other similar titles you'll have fun.
  9. Datamari
    Nov 2, 2015
    8
    A great cooperative game!
    Tri Force Heroes is essentially a co-op Zelda game set in the universe of Four Swords. It has online multiplayer and while it isn't a bad idea, when it comes to people online, you'd be better off playing with your friends. The puzzles are complex and fun, and sometimes if you're playing cooperatively, you may need to communicate to solve the puzzle. The art    A great cooperative game!
    Tri Force Heroes is essentially a co-op Zelda game set in the universe of Four Swords. It has online multiplayer and while it isn't a bad idea, when it comes to people online, you'd be better off playing with your friends. The puzzles are complex and fun, and sometimes if you're playing cooperatively, you may need to communicate to solve the puzzle. The art style is pretty good, using the same engine that A Link Between Worlds used. However, some of the levels seem a bit too difficult, and more than not, you're going to need 2 or more people to get the full experience. But the replay value, the costumes, and the additional challenges make this game worth going back to. Overall, Tri Force Heroes is a solid Zelda game, and while it requires co-op to get the most enjoyment out of, you'll have a fun time playing this game. That is, if you're good friends with your partners.

    The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes gets an 8/10    … Expand
  10. KingVidya
    Oct 24, 2015
    9
    Played the demo with two friends, convinced me and one other to buy the full game. We've played through the first four worlds together and have been having a great time. Tons of fun in local play for sure, probably one of the better co-op experiences in a long time.

    Online with randos is a different experience though, sometimes feels like I'm babysitting and have to solve everything    Played the demo with two friends, convinced me and one other to buy the full game. We've played through the first four worlds together and have been having a great time. Tons of fun in local play for sure, probably one of the better co-op experiences in a long time.

    Online with randos is a different experience though, sometimes feels like I'm babysitting and have to solve everything myself, but even then I have to somehow dictate with emotes what I want someone else to do and it doesn't really work.

    The PVP zone of the game is pretty fun, albeit sometimes feels a bit unbalanced if you're unlucky with your item grabs. Still fun for sure.

    Needless to say, if you find the right people to play this with, you'll have a good time.    … Expand
  11. TR1ForCE
    Oct 25, 2015
    9
    I have played every Zelda title since I was 7 years old.I played the first Zelda when it was still on store shelves so I am very familiar with the franchise.At first I was turned off by the multiplayer and Four Swords theme.Let me tell you this is one of the funnest multiplayer/Zelda experiences I have ever had.The symbols to communicate are genius because in this day and age kids andI have played every Zelda title since I was 7 years old.I played the first Zelda when it was still on store shelves so I am very familiar with the franchise.At first I was turned off by the multiplayer and Four Swords theme.Let me tell you this is one of the funnest multiplayer/Zelda experiences I have ever had.The symbols to communicate are genius because in this day and age kids and adults would be arguing and cussing at eachother.The teamwork,puzzles,costumes and level design are all added to the unique amazing gameplay.If you have a son or daughter to play with this makes it even better but online is just as fun.When you complete a level it is more satisfying as a team for some reason.Maybe if you helped someone solve a puzzle or whatever the case it is rewarding.So this holiday between the Black Ops,Fallout,Star Wars and Halo give this game a try,you will not be disappointed.… Expand
  12. Maxx86
    Oct 28, 2015
    9
    when I played the demo, I tought that this title would have been too easy and too short, just like almost any other zelda game. Now that I have it and I've played it for a while, I'm very happy to see how wrong I was.
    This game is meant to be played with 3 people. The reason why it can't be played with just 2 is quite simple: dungeons are designed to be completed with 3 Links cooperating    when I played the demo, I tought that this title would have been too easy and too short, just like almost any other zelda game. Now that I have it and I've played it for a while, I'm very happy to see how wrong I was.
    This game is meant to be played with 3 people. The reason why it can't be played with just 2 is quite simple: dungeons are designed to be completed with 3 Links cooperating with each other, a team of just 2 players simply wouldn't be able to progress. Single player is also there, allowing you to swap between the 3 Links by tapping on the touch screen. It is meant to be an alternate mode when you don't have internet available, and since you can only control one Link at once, this can make levels quite hard to complete (but never impossible), or well, in some circumstances, easier than in multiplayer mode. Anyways, if you plan to get this game just to play it alone, please reconsider.
    The game's real deal is playing it with other people, either friends or strangers.
    Communicating is a crucial part of the game, and while it's achieved very easily when all the players are in the same room, when playing with strangers online, it's done by using 8 emoticons placed on the touch screen. While it can look quite limitative at a first glance, this prevents other players from spoiling your game. Instead of having someone who simply says "you go there, do this and that", other players can only tell you to use your item, or to form a totem, or some other very simple things, forcing you to actually figure out how to solve a puzzle, which is one of the most funny part of the game. And of course, it also prevents you from having to deal with children insulting each other while playing, or other spooky things...
    The game's first levels are quite easy, but the difficulty quickly ramps up, and being able to complete them in multiplayer relies heavily on finding decent people to play with. When playing with strangers, you'll often run onto players that will simply prevent you from clearing some levels. Mind you, it's none of their fault: it could be the very first zelda game that they've played so far, and they might just need some more experience... But sometimes, you'll even run on players that will purposedly kill themselves because you didn't pick their level, or because you took the item they wanted. This however, isn't to be pointed as a game's defect, after all this element is common to any other MMO game that you'll ever play.
    The game also features an Arena for battling with other people. The arena is failry enjoyable, but it has been poorly designed, and could have used some better balance. Scenarios feature different items, and your chanche of winning heavily depends on you being able to pick up the most powerful item before other players do, and also, if anyone disconnects (and most of the time this is done on purpose by players who are losing the match), the game finishes and no prizes are handed out.
    For dealing with this problem and the one related to find good people for the adventure mode, the game also features an handy blacklist feature where you can register players that you'll never play with again.
    Character progression is designed around outfits: by clearing levels and winning Arenas, you'll win materials that can be used, together with rupees, the ingame currency, to craft clothes that you can wear to harness their powers. At the moment, there's 70 different materials, used to craft over 30 outfits, each one with his own special power. While some materials can be quite hard to obtain, I have to say that I found the whole system a bit too easy. There are really no long term objectives, as, at most, an outfit will require only 5 materials. If the game had a more demanding character progression system, it replayability would have been considerably higher. This gets worse once you obtain the Rupee Regalia suit, that works even where you're alone and safe in the castle village, and will allow you to gather insane amount of rupees in a very short time, pretty much eliminating the need of replaying levels just to get more rupees from the game. However, it's worth saying that, recently, it's been discovered that the game might recieve additional content with updates and DLC's, that will add more levels, materials and outfits, and maybe correct some of the game's flaws.
    The game, overall, is quite stable and works very well. You might run on players whose internet connection will make the game nearly unplayable due to heavy lag, but you can simply black list them and keep looking for other people.
    Final Judgement: Zelda Triforce Heroes is the closest thing to an MMO that you can have on your 3ds. The game is wonderfully designed and it's marvelous multiplayer experience, although some problems in the Arena ruin it a bit.
    8.5/10
    Sorry for my bad english and thanks for reading.    … Expand
  13. HollowmanOfEoL
    Oct 29, 2015
    9
    Loves it!

    One could argue about the "Legend of Zelda"-title, but if you ignore that part it is a really solid multiplayer game. Lots of fun is a promise.

    If you want an even better game, play it with friends.
  14. IReviewJunk
    Oct 30, 2015
    9
    The direction in gameplay may anger some veteran Zelda fans but it's a very enjoyable and solid multiplayer game.However,Lag will be a very common issue if you don't have decent internet.
  15. PissedOffWookie
    Dec 7, 2015
    10
    Really great game to play online or with people locally. Best Zelda experience I've had and I've played them all. There's some technicaly problems you might encounter.. but overall the gameplay variety was amazing in this game. And it's a lot of fun to have others to help you solve a puzzle. It makes it so you're never stuck for long.
  16. JRRR
    Oct 31, 2015
    8
    Definitely one of the worst Zelda games, but even the worsts are still great games. If you liked Fours swords you might have fun, if you don't or don't like co-op puzzles then skip this. Still a great Zelda game, recommended.
  17. mausfiles
    Nov 13, 2015
    8
    It's divisive, and I think this is because your first experiences with a game can make or break it, and with your fun riding on everybody else not sucking, it can be a little hard to gauge this game's potential.

    But it's a great co-op game. I was able to complete each of the levels with complete strangers online. Find yourself a skype group and it's doubly interesting. You can tell a    It's divisive, and I think this is because your first experiences with a game can make or break it, and with your fun riding on everybody else not sucking, it can be a little hard to gauge this game's potential.

    But it's a great co-op game. I was able to complete each of the levels with complete strangers online. Find yourself a skype group and it's doubly interesting. You can tell a lot of thought was put into the balancing of this game. The idea of everybody sharing hearts sounds bad at first, but it makes people try harder not to screw up, and mess each other up.

    A lot of the opportunities for the optional rupee chests aren't ones that you fight for, they're usually in a place where one of you, if feeling generous, helps another player get to it. And I think that boosts morale for everybody when they aren't fighting for chests, but rather helping each other get to them.

    The materials make levels you've already beaten worth revisiting, so if the level vote didn't go your way, you have less reason to disconnect because there could be a prize at the end that makes it worth it for you. That's not to say that this system has curbed people from D/Cing right away, but I think that was one of the intentions. This means more experienced players are going to be playing these worlds, which means a better experience for newer players. I think this was really smart!

    I'm kind of split on how I feel about communication in this game. I do think it was yet another huge wasted opportunity to have a mic on a system that you're never going to use for voice communication - this would've been the perfect game! But the emotion panels you get are nice, I just wish there were some more, and ways for you to target specific members with it, maybe a color coding of some sort. I would say, Skype up for the Drablands challenges.

    The music is fantastic. The costumes make the game addictive. Yea I mean there's a lot to like about this game, but a lot of people are going to overlook it which is too bad. But it's solid, I'd put it up there with some of the main Zelda releases, for sure.    … Expand
  18. Aelvir
    Jan 24, 2016
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. At first I saw a comercial of it on TV and thought, oh great another ALBW by that shody-ass Hiromasa Shikata. Timeskip several months later, I got pulled into buying it finally because I saw one of the Link voices in the game was Fujiko Takimoto ( OoT Young Link). Now, all my preconceived notions about this game were blown out the water. ALBW had, by far, the easiest, yet worst, dungeons in all of tLoZ. This game tops it,surprisingly. It IS advised that you play it with a couple friends. I suggest not going with an Unknown Hero.... AT ALL. You will have people randomly picking you up and throwing you off the cliff ON PURPOSE, Spamming the thumbs-up poselike an ADHD maniac, etc. This game CAN be solo'd entirely but I recommended doing that with the first area of the game. Otherwise, do it as a team.
    The only bad things I can say about this game is that bland music is the work of Ryo Nagamatsu who butchered AltTP's glroious masterpieces in ALBW. And that there is no Shields, aaand that the plot is....borderline WTFtastic. 'OUR KINGDOM IS IN PERIL!' Because we can't dress stylishly. Then wear regular clothes >.>' But then again the town music is of French-centric and King Tuft himself looks....quite Frenchish as well. So I guess that would explain so much. x3
    But a good idea when starting the game is...is that you can have whatever voice you want, but it's randomly selected once you hit new game and NEVER CHANGES. You select new game, go through Mme. Couture's Assistant's intro-dialogue then try a spin attack to hear your voice. The voices you can have is only four voices; OoT Young Link, WW Link, Spirit Tracks Link, and ALBW Link.
    If you didn't get one you like, exiting out without saving and selecting new game won't change the voice. You have to clear your file in Options and holding X+L+R for three seconds to clear it, then repeat the process. You do this until you get the voice you want.    … Expand
  19. greg065
    Dec 30, 2015
    8
    I really don't get all the hate for this game.
    If the online mode sucks it's the PLAYERS fault, NOT the game; yeah, the online mode could have been better structured, with more "emotions" and without online crashing every 15 minutes, but I don't really care, once you find good people it's very satisfying to solve puzzles togheter.
    I mean, we all knew that 3d was going to get in this    I really don't get all the hate for this game.
    If the online mode sucks it's the PLAYERS fault, NOT the game; yeah, the online mode could have been better structured, with more "emotions" and without online crashing every 15 minutes, but I don't really care, once you find good people it's very satisfying to solve puzzles togheter.

    I mean, we all knew that 3d was going to get in this series, but that doesn't mean "HEY DIS IS NOT ZELDA ANYMORE, DIS SUCKS DON'T BUY IT", just... no.
    Okay, it doesn't feel very "Zelda" but look at the game:
    -Easy AND not so easy puzzles for everyone,
    -Online. It didn't exist in Zelda four sword,
    -Costumes makes players have special abilites (in certain cases, the players cooperate better),
    -Download mode, if you have friends (or brothers) you need ONE game to play togheter,
    -Working as a team never felt so good,
    -No glitches/bugs that I found until now.

    Need I say more?
    Good game, rating: 8.6, not a waste of money.
    (sorry for my bad english anyway.)    … Expand
  20. EnderSonic500
    Dec 25, 2015
    8
    I like the game play the attacks are cool the level design is decent the story line sucks this game is a small four swords clone i havent done any online play yet though......
  21. Rainman13
    Feb 5, 2016
    10
    Doesn't live up to the multiplayer experience that four swords could provide, but still Zelda and still great. Find two friends and have a blast with this game.
  22. GamecubeLover
    Jul 25, 2016
    8
    Tri Force Heroes is good but the game is repetitive and the gameplay is great but no perfect. The game is great but the mistakes are in there. This game is still great.
  23. giannis2001
    Sep 4, 2022
    8
    Despite the controversy, I find this game really good. It's amazing to play an adventure of the best franchise of all time with other people, so I actually love thegimmick of Zelda multiplayer. The problem now is that if you don't have friends who are interested for a Co-op, and since you can't find players online anymore, you won't have the same fun by yourself since it's a little beDespite the controversy, I find this game really good. It's amazing to play an adventure of the best franchise of all time with other people, so I actually love thegimmick of Zelda multiplayer. The problem now is that if you don't have friends who are interested for a Co-op, and since you can't find players online anymore, you won't have the same fun by yourself since it's a little be weird and slow to control each Link idividually. It's definetely still playable thought so give it a try if you really like.… Expand
  24. Larry_Danger
    Jan 7, 2020
    10
    Before playing it I expected a mediocre multiplayer Zelda. But my expectations were blown away, it handles great and it is lot of fun, with friends and strangers.
  25. Inuyasha17
    Jun 22, 2020
    10
    It was a very novel idea that the three links were the main characters.
    It was really fun.
    I did it without knowing the time went by.
  26. joadson
    Jul 1, 2022
    10
    A great zelda I recommend playing in multiplayer mode because in singleplayer mode it's a little difficult but it's still a wonderful game
  27. JdRMDS
    Dec 22, 2018
    8
    I find this game quite underrated. This was my first Zelda game if I remember correctly. I find the level design to make decent use of the trio mechanic, and the outfits are super cool. Pretty fun (even alone imo), not bad at all.
  28. UnturnedAntics
    Feb 15, 2022
    8
    Tri-Force Heros is a perfect blend of puzzles and action along with the ability to play with 2 other friends it can make or some fun times but with that said the game playing with friends in person is a 9/10 playing with friends online is an 8/10 and playing with random people online is an easy 3/10 there's just not enough ways to communicate with randoms and can get very laggy, But someTri-Force Heros is a perfect blend of puzzles and action along with the ability to play with 2 other friends it can make or some fun times but with that said the game playing with friends in person is a 9/10 playing with friends online is an 8/10 and playing with random people online is an easy 3/10 there's just not enough ways to communicate with randoms and can get very laggy, But some great things about the game are the level design the bosses and the art style I will say the music is very lacking though. all around 8/10 needs better multiplayer… Expand
  29. TrueHorse
    Dec 30, 2021
    9
    This is such a good local multiplayer game. It requires you to work together, while not making you yourself feel powerless, but able to compensate for your not so good teammate(s) and help them and also gives you the ability to just be a troll some times.

    This starts in the costume selection, because one player will have a different item then the other two, so you have to communicate    This is such a good local multiplayer game. It requires you to work together, while not making you yourself feel powerless, but able to compensate for your not so good teammate(s) and help them and also gives you the ability to just be a troll some times.

    This starts in the costume selection, because one player will have a different item then the other two, so you have to communicate who grabs which item, so he con equip the right costume for his “role”.
    Every item always is useful, if only because every item can, in some form, be used in combat, but to get through the parts of the stage, solve the puzzles and kill the bosses, you need the combined use of both items in some way. This in combination with costumes, that make your sword stronger or make you be able to attack in the water and you being able to literally carry your team, has the effect, that you can have a lot of impact, while still having to work with your team.
    Being able to carry team mates and the fact, that all items also interact with the player characters in some way also gives the players the ability to troll each other, but also to “fight” the troll, for example by catching them with the boomerang and carrying them to the goal. This can lead to some funny moments, that can ease up the atmosphere a little bit before tryharding again.
    The game can still be frustrating some times when you die over and over again, especially when that happens in a boss fight and, after using up your fairies, you have to start the stage over again, but it can also feel great to plan out a new strategy of who does what when. Also, when you try again, you can agree to change who has which item, so the better player has the more important item, which has the nice side effect, that the stage fells a little different.
    The costume system also feels great. The anticipation of discovering new costumes, making them and then being able to select them in a stage is a great motivator for getting through the stages and worlds. Choosing which one to use in a given stage is fun and interesting and a lot of them are feeling impactful and fun to use as well. The only little flaw is, that one of the three materials at the end of each stage is a different one than the other two and all three materials are in separate opaque chests, so a player can’t let an other player a material, because they already have it. This was kind of fixed with a patched costume, which lets you see through chests. It doesn’t feel great to use your costume slot for it, but I can’t come up with a better solution and it does it job.

    As for the other modes: The single player mode is there, which is more than in some other multiplayer focused games and it is actually okay for trying out a stage or playing, when you have no one to play with at the moment, but not more. But that is fine, because this isn’t meant as a single player game.
    I can’t comment on the online multiplayer, because I only played it ones and can’t remember much from it.
    The versus mode can be pretty fun, but because it is against, not with, to me it felt very different from the rest of the game and kind of wrong.

    Three other things to mention are:
    1. The music is awesome. The woodland theme is stuck in my head since weeks.
    2. There is a little minigame in the hub room, where you have to keep a ball in the air and during that time it plays Zelda music from different games. We spend more than a little time on that. The ball also appears in every stage, although without the music, but with a ruby and heart reward, which also helps with easing up the gameplay.
    3. Because on it focus on team work, while still being a “normal” game, this game contributed to me becoming a more social human being, which I am very grateful for.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

26
#26 Best 3DS Game of 2015
8
#8 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2015
4
#4 Most Shared 3DS Game of 2015

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 73 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 73
  2. Mixed: 31 out of 73
  3. Negative: 2 out of 73
  1. IGN Denmark
    Apr 26, 2016
    55
    Caters to hardcore Zelda fans who want to pass the time while waiting for the next full breed Zelda-entry: The Legend of Zelda WiiU. It has moments of fun puzzle experiences, but it requires you to have 1-2 good friends you can go on a local network.
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  2. Universo Nintendo
    Jan 22, 2016
    65
    A hard game to dislike, but equally hard to love.
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  3. CD-Action
    Jan 12, 2016
    85
    Despite being a low budget game built with assets from A Link Between Worlds, Tri Force Heroes is a great Zelda designed for co-op. [13/2015, p.74]
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