Hyrule Warriors: Age Of Imprisonment Is The Narrative Epic Its Predecessor Should Have Been
Koei Tecmo and Nintendo have joined forces to create a musou game where Princess Zelda finally takes center stage. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment presents a canonical story that complements The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, capturing fans’ attention from the moment it was revealed.
Nintendo has entrusted Koei Tecmo with expanding the lore of the mysterious Imprisoning War—developing characters who had previously existed only in fleeting flashbacks. This ambitious task could have resulted in either a remarkable narrative expansion or an unnecessary unraveling of long-standing mysteries.
The outcome sits somewhere in between. The musou sequel delivers exhilarating battles, expressive heroes, and a narrative that contrasts the somber tone of its predecessor with flashes of humor and heart. While the genre’s inherent repetitiveness remains, the game offsets it with varied playstyles, memorable storytelling, and emotional depth that resonates despite its foreseen tragedies.
“It balances thrilling combat and emotional storytelling, even as players face endless waves of enemies.”
For those new to its premise, the story begins immediately after Princess Zelda is mysteriously transported back in time at the start of Tears of the Kingdom.
Author’s Summary
This musou sequel transforms familiar Zelda lore into an emotional and action-packed tale, blending heartfelt storytelling with the classic large-scale combat the series is known for.