Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Review
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom's Musou spin-off offers a mostly familiar experience, enhanced by small yet meaningful combat improvements. Following 2020's Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, this title gives Tears of the Kingdom the classic 1-versus-100 Musou gameplay in a fun action-oriented package.
Gameplay and Story
Fans of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom might wonder what Princess Zelda was doing after being sent back to Hyrule’s first age. According to Nintendo and Koei Tecmo, she relentlessly battles tens of thousands of Shades, Moblins, and Zonai Constructs.
“It’s not exactly what I pictured in my head, I’ll admit, but such circumstances are perfectly in line with what the prior two Hyrule Warriors games have taught us to expect.”
Unlike previous spin-offs, Age of Imprisonment’s storyline is fully canonical, adding more significance to its events rather than relegating them to an alternate timeline.
Overall Experience
This remains a Musou game in the style of Dynasty Warriors and its various spin-offs. Knowing this going in ensures players can enjoy the spectacle and excitement Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment delivers.
“Above all else, this is still a Musou game in the vein of Dynasty Warriors proper and its various other spin-offs.”
Despite its familiar formula, the game’s combat tweaks and canonical story elevate the overall experience.
Author's Summary
Age of Imprisonment revitalizes the classic Musou formula with impactful combat tweaks and a fully canonical story, creating an engaging and epic Zelda spin-off.