Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Review
The best Hyrule Warriors action to date accompanies a disappointing story. Although The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a masterpiece, it leaves many questions about the critical event in its timeline: the Imprisoning War that sealed away Demon King Ganondorf.
One might expect a prequel like Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment to explore this era deeply, following Princess Zelda back to the founding of Hyrule. However, for Zelda fans seeking answers, the game only delivers as a fun, over-the-top, fanservice-heavy power trip typical of the Warriors series, rather than providing a rich historical perspective of ancient Hyrule.
The game consistently favors gameplay over story, making it the least compelling narrative in the Breath of the Wild quartet by a considerable margin. Nevertheless, Age of Imprisonment offers the most satisfying gameplay experience the Hyrule Warriors series has ever provided.
Gameplay and Setting
The Hyrule Warriors series merges the world of The Legend of Zelda with Dynasty Warriors' signature 1-vs-many combat style. The campaign lasts about 18 hours and features dozens of familiar battlefields from the ancient version of Tears of the Kingdom's Hyrule. Players fight across stunning locations, including the golden Sky Islands and the Gloom-infested Depths.
“Age of Imprisonment only succeeds as the super fun, over-the-top, fanservice-filled power trip the Warriors series is known for rather than the fleshed-out glimpse into what Hyrule was like thousands of years ago.”
While its story disappoints, the game excels as a thrilling action experience.
Author's Summary
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment delivers exceptional gameplay but falls short on the story front, offering fans excitement over depth in the Zelda timeline.