The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes Review Roundup

The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes represents the rare excursion into multiplayer for the Zelda franchise. But how does it hold up compared with what we expect from a single-player Zelda game? We've rounded up some of the first reviews to give you an idea of what to expect.

Tri Force Heroes is built around the ability for three players to cooperatively play together, either locally or online. It's important to note that, in order to play with others, you'll need a real person to control each of the three characters. In other words, you'll either be playing with two other people, or none at all--the game doesn't support two-player multiplayer. It's worth keeping in mind if you'd only have one person to play with, as reviews bring up the fact that it's a much different experience to play solo.

Read on for the reviews, and let us know whether you'll be picking the game up in the comments below.

• Game: The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes
• Developer: Nintendo/Grezzo
• Platform: 3DS
• Release Date: October 23
• Price: $40

GameSpot -- 5/10

"The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes is a drastic departure from series tradition, and at times, it shows real potential, with clever design rivaling the best of the series' past. But those moments are few and far between. The rest is just filler in a shallow game that tries a slew of new things, but accomplishes only a few." - Mike Mahardy [Full review]

IGN -- 8.5/10

"The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes is more than just a fun co-op diversion from the large-scale solo adventures this series is known for. The challenging, intricate puzzles are great chaotic fun in local multiplayer or for a one-time run through in single-player. Limited communication tools make it difficult to play with adventurers online, but everywhere else it's a success." - Jose Otero [Full review]

GamesRadar -- 3.5/5

"Before the looks-conscious Tri Force Heroes, The Legend of Zelda series was never a dedicated follower of fashion. And why should it be? This is one of gaming's formative adventures, its timeless elements reworked across generations. It being in thrall to fads would be like your grandad mixing a Shearling coat with his carpet slippers in an embarrassing attempt to stay current. Thankfully, underneath its glitterati trim--its unlockable outfits, Link-stacking totems, daily rewards, and in-level selfies--this co-op 3DS outing is a multiplayer puzzle-brawler built on old-school fundamentals. It's the new stuff that occasionally comes unravelled." - Matt Clapham [Full review]

Destructoid -- 7/10

"I would outright suggest that you avoid Tri Force Heroes if you plan on going at it alone. The good news is that the online portion works wonderfully, and with download play, you can get a local three-person game running up in no time. If you don't fit that criteria though, you can probably pass on Link's newest adventure." - Chris Carter [Full review]

Nintendo Life -- 6/10

"The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes is a mixed bag, though still exudes the charm of the franchise while throwing in some delightful features all of its own. Outfits are a high point, as are the presentation and soundtrack, and there are moments of wonder when level design and teamwork come together in harmony. There are weak points, however, with uneven stage design, poor communication options in multiplayer, and a single-player experience that's a mere afterthought. Tri Force Heroes isn't a bad game, but it's not on the same level as its illustrious predecessors." - Thomas Whitehead [Full review]

USGamer

"I find Tri Force Heroes' issues particularly vexing because the game almost works. It attempts to harness the concept of Four Sword Adventures while reshaping it into something less like pure action and more faithful to the Zelda series' puzzle­-centric design. When it works, the game is an absolute blast to play; teaming up with some friends at other sites via online play left had me cracking up the entire time (or at least the entire time our connection held up, anyway). Trying to coordinate three people together to solve combat puzzles entirely with the use of a palette of emote macros should be frustrating, but on the contrary, it's actually completely hilarious." - Bob Mackey [Full review-in-progress]