Today's Hyrule Warriors Direct presentation confirmed a wealth of new updates and juicy details for the upcoming game.
In addition to the confirmation of playable baddies like Ganondorf, Zant and Ghirahim (more details), Nintendo highlighted new weapons for the current crop of characters - including the "Magic Rod" for Link, baton for Zelda and a spear for Lana. Each will come with a skill-boosting attribute, for example increasing the chance of finding recovery hearts or boosting the attack damage.

Players can also use a "Chain Chomp" from the Super Mario Bros. series (a nod to The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening) and blast through the landscape with the explosive "Bombchu" critters.
There'll also be RPG elements, with players able to level-up characters to increase HP/attacks, but also using materials earned to craft badges to increase the number of moves a weapon can do, combos and extend "Focus Spirit" for special abilities.

The Adventure Mode includes a grid of challenges that's designed to look like the Legend of Zelda (NES) map. Completing each of these challenges unlocks a new region, and a new level in the Adventure Mode. Certain characters and weapons can only be found here.
Finally, certain DLC content will be made available as pre-order bonuses from selected retailers.
For the full recap, be sure to watch through the Hyrule Direct presentation:
What are your thoughts on the latest Hyrule Warriors news?