Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Review
The latest entry in the Hyrule Warriors series delivers its strongest combat experience yet, though it struggles with storytelling. While The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom offered a rich narrative with lingering mysteries, this prequel fails to deepen that lore meaningfully.
Story and Context
The game revisits a pivotal moment in Zelda’s universe—the Imprisoning War, the event that sealed the Demon King Ganondorf. Fans might expect an in-depth exploration of this era as Princess Zelda travels back to Hyrule’s early days. However, that expectation falls short, as the story remains secondary to fast-paced action.
“It consistently prioritizes gameplay over story, and it’s my least favorite tale in Zelda’s Breath of the Wild quartet by a pretty significant margin.”
Gameplay Experience
Despite narrative flaws, Age of Imprisonment excels in pure gameplay. Battles feel dynamic, polished, and satisfyingly chaotic. The Hyrule Warriors formula—to merge Zelda’s world with the one-versus-many style of Dynasty Warriors—has never felt smoother or more engaging.
World and Setting
The campaign spans about 18 hours, set across numerous iconic battlefields scattered throughout a classic version of Hyrule. Skirmishes take place in the radiant Sky Islands and shadowy Depths, blending nostalgia with new vistas inspired by Tears of the Kingdom's landscapes.
Verdict
Age of Imprisonment may not answer Zelda’s biggest questions, but its fierce and fluid combat ensures a thrilling return to Hyrule’s ancient battlegrounds.
Author’s Summary: A visually grand but narratively weak prequel, Age of Imprisonment thrives on action yet falters in adding depth to Zelda’s legendary timeline.