Famitsu has finally posted an online preview for Hyrule Warriors, their upcoming Dynasty Warriors fused Legend of Zelda spinoff.

The brand new IP is definitely interesting, and it introduces some colorful new characters, as well as a younger, more inexperienced Link:

The story within Hyrule Warriors follows a similar plot – Hyrule is once again attacked by malevolent forces, and Princess Zelda is captured and needs to be rescued. However, instead of Ganon being the main antagonist, it seems that a scantily clad woman named Cia is the culprit.

Cia is a witch who was once in chare of maintaining the balance between the three pieces of the Triforce. She originally was good natured, that is until she started to develop feelings for a certain local hero, feelings that quickly turned into jealousy after Princess Zelda was on the receiving end of his affection.

Cia is eventually corrupted and mind controlled by the thoughts of an evil being that was previously sealed away, enabling her to bring destruction to the kingdom of Hyrule. Who could her evil overlord be?

We do know who the hero she harbors feelings for is – that hero is none other than Link. After she took a step down the dark path of villainy, she is aided by her cohorts Valga and Wiz, all three beginning a massive battle to Hyrule.

Link is described as a younger, more inexperienced soldier in training. As the screenshots and gameplay suggest, he is put into the center of the conflict, a test that will see if he can rise to the challenge and battle his way through Cia and her hordes of monsters.

His final goal is naturally to rescue Princess Zelda and hopefully put a stop to whatever evil force has corrupted Cia’s mind. Normal Hylian Soldiers wear gray armor, although Link naturally puts on his iconic green robe and hat after Impa gives it to him, suggesting that a hidden power could be unlocked should he wear it.

The gameplay within Hyrule Warriors is described as an experience very similar to Tecmo Koei’s Dynasty Warriors games, meaning you’ll be the sole hero battling large armies of enemies at the same time. However, the game will see some elements from The Legend of Zelda in it, like the return of the Z-Targeting system, which allows the player to fight enemies one on one.

Hyrule Warriors is set for a release on Wii U on August 14th in Japan. A western release date has not been confirmed yet, but we’ll keep you guys posted.