* The game is being aimed at Western Musou fans, as Zelda is very popular in the West compared to Japan. It is planned to be released in the West first in Fall 2014, and the game's script and dialouge is being built around the localization as mentioned before.
* A Zelda first, the game will have full voice-acting, except for Link who, as tradition, will only grunt. The English dub is being prioritized and the script written around it, while the Japanese version, being released a bit later, will have a Japanese dub. It's unlikely the English version will have dual-audio since it's being released first, but could be released as DLC.
* The game will be "more difficult" that traditional Musou games to appeal to Western fans, while still accessible to classic Zelda fans who are unfamiliar with the Musou franchise. There's more focus on defending and evasion rather than using brute force, for example, and even some basic "puzzles" placed within the levels. But it will be just as fast-paced and fun though according to the developers.
* Link, Zelda (+ Shiek), Ganondorf (+ Ganon), and Impa are the only pre-existing Zelda characters slated to be playable, apparently because they are the "mainstay" characters of the franchise who appear in different forms throughout the mythos. Tingle is not planned to be included due to his lack of popularity in the West.
* Aonuma and the Zelda team are creating a plethora of new, original characters that will be playable, the titular "Hyrule Warriors", which they hope will become popular among fans. Although they are new creations, they incorporate pre-existing elements of the franchise (such as the idea of Seven Sages, and the various races) and will not feel alien to Zelda fans. The playable roster will be around 25 or so.
* The game utilizes a version of Dynasty Warriors' "Weapon System" for Link, where he has his Sword as his primary weapon, but can also switch to a secondary weapon that changes up his basic moveset, such as the Flame Rod.
* The other playable characters are locked to using their signature weapon (these weapons include some of the same ones Link can use as his secondary weapon), but have longer combo strings, their own Musou attacks, and unique abilities to help them stand out and make up for the lack of weapon diversity Link has.
* Zelda and Ganondorf are unique in that they can "transform" using their Musou Gauge into Shiek and Ganon respectively, changing up their movesets. Zelda normally uses the Bow and Arrow, but as Shiek is armed with throwing knives and much faster. Ganondorf normally fights with a Spear, but as Ganon is larger and uses the classic Trident.
* Impa, her design based on the Ocarina version, is Zelda's bodyguard and fights using a Japanese-styled sword. Another one of Zelda's bodyguards is a comical Captain of the Guard who uses the Ball-And-Chain.
* There are a Moblin and Stalfos Boss that serve Ganondorf which are playable, as well as a new Gerudo character who has a "love-hate" relationship with him.
* The Blue-haired girl seen in the reveal trailer is named "Ryuna", and fights using the "Book of Mudora" as her primary weapon to cast magical spells. She's one of Link's "childhood friends" and an ally character.
* Link's other "childhood friend" is a short, red-headed guy named Nid, who fights using the Hammer. Him and Ryuna due to their names are apparently related to the Goddesses.
* The Seven Sages are all playable, but they are new characters instead of the pre-existing Seven Sages. There is a Deku Scrub, Goron, and Zora among their ranks.
* There are three Nintendo Guest Characters planned, Takamaru, Pit, and Samus, who have new make-overs to fit within the Zelda Universe. Samus for example has a more "ancient" looking Power Suit, and Pit is a bit older looking. Takamaru will draw from his previous Samurai Warriors appearance.
* The game's plot is an original story overseen by the Zelda team that focuses on a war between Zelda and Ganon's forces to find the Triforce, with Link joining up on Zelda's side. Although it will not fit within the central timeline, it borrows heavily from established Zelda mythos, specifically the Link To the Past and Ocarina of Time, the most well-known among stories of Hyrule.
* The game's Story Mode focuses on Link's role in the Hyrule War, and you only play as him, but as you go through levels, you find new Weapons to utilize. You also can walk around Kakariko Town between battles and buy weapons and items. After beating the central Story Mode, you're able to play new, more difficult episodes that focus on the other playable characters where you play as them and see their side of the story. In Free Mode, you can replay any level as any character. Finally, there is also a Mode that is akin to "Ambition Mode" in DW8, where you must build up Hyrule Castle by battling through miniature stages.
* The Stages and Enemies will be drawn from throughout the Zelda Series. The trailer showed an early build, as the final version will have new models for the Bokoblin and Lizalfos as opposed to using their Skyward Sword models, and other returning enemies will also have a new look to fit the game.
* Characters can Level Up by defeating enemies, increasing their various stats, except for Health, which is increased by finding Heart Pieces in Story Mode by completing special missions and in Treasure Chests. Characters share Heart Pieces, and you can choose how many Heart Pieces you wish to use for each battle, with some rewards being given to those that play with less Hearts. There is also the traditional Difficulty Select, including the mainstay "Chaos" for skilled players.
* You can bring extra items like Bombs and Potions into battle to help you. During battle you also find temporary power-up items, and rupees used to buy new versions of weapons and your shield.
* The Magic Meter charges up during battle like the Musou Bar, when it's filled you can utilize a character-specific "Team Ability" that powers up your entire army for a duration.
* The game is planned to include 2P, couch and online, as well as various DLC being planned such as new stages and costumes. There's no plans for DLC characters however.[/spoiler]
