Video game buffs must be fierce, stylish and powerful this month with the upcoming release of Legend Of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes on Oct. 23. The game encourages teamwork with local players, as it is region-locked.
While being region-locked prevents the game from being enjoyed with players from other parts of the world, it has its upsides. Players in the same geographical region are likely to have the same Internet speed, language, culture, gaming expressions and timezone. In case they befriend each other, it will also be easier for them to hang out and play together in one place.
Individual home players may either play with their friends online or link with other local players to complete the power trio.
All three players share hearts, so they must work together to defeat enemies and solve puzzles. Each stage will have three items, but each hero can carry only one. Communication is necessary to maximize the power of the items. Icons may be used to communicate and synergize.
Those who intend to go solo may use "doppels," which the player can control one at a time to help in solving puzzles and fighting enemies.
The plot revolves around Princess Styla, who once held great power. Robbed of her namesake and style, the royal heiress calls three heroes to step into the Triforce gateway and break though 32 dungeons.
"In the visual style of the critically-acclaimed The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds game comes a new adventure. In this journey, three players team up- each as Link - to cooperatively make their way through inventive dungeons and battle bosses. Use the new Totem mechanic to stack three Links on top of each other to reach higher grounds and solve puzzles. Collect loot to create wearable outfits, each with a different boost or ability," Nintendo wrote on its website.
Another interesting character in the game is Madam Couture, the power fashion alchemist. Her clothes are not only fabulous, they are also packed with amazing powers. The Zora costume blesses its wearer with amazing swimming speed while the Goron Garb allows its wearer to walk coolly and painlessly on lava.
Periodically, the three players drop by the coliseum for a twist. The heroes battle for materials for new clothing.
Levels are designed to be replayable so advanced players may play the lower levels to join their rookie friends. Each player gets to vote on the level to tackle. But a player can only nominate a stage that he has unlocked.
Compared to the other Zelda games, the puzzles in Tri Force Heroes are less tough. The dungeons are short, designed to be surpassed in less than 10 minutes. However, the controls and mechanics are similar to that of Link Between Worlds. In both games, players fight critters and use items.
The online play goes on smoothly for those with good Internet connection.
