Review: Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment

If you were a fan of Koei Tecmo's previous collaborations with Nintendo, this title is sure to impress. Koei Tecmo has applied its signature Musou "Warriors" style to Nintendo franchises five times—twice for Fire Emblem and now three times for The Legend of Zelda, with Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment being the latest.

Improved Narrative Integration

This edition is arguably the most cohesive and polished of the series so far, demonstrating how Koei Tecmo has enhanced its skill at blending intense action with storytelling. Instead of simply using brief cutscenes at the beginning and end of battles, the game weaves key story elements directly into the gameplay. This includes dynamic cutscenes, character changes, and shifts in perspectives during fights, making the narrative feel more natural and connected.

"It now feels less like you’re playing through a series of 'levels' like you’re in an arcade."

Storyline and Setting

The story is a solid addition to the Zelda universe, set in the same timeline arc as Tears of the Kingdom. The plot begins with Zelda falling into a magical sinkhole, awakening at the dawn of Hyrule’s history. Here she encounters the kingdom’s very first king and queen, opening up rich narrative possibilities.

Key Features

Musou-style gameplay blended with Nintendo’s iconic worlds
Story battles integrate narrative seamlessly
Varied perspectives and character shifts during combat
Connects directly to the Zelda timeline, enriching lore

Author’s summary: Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment refines Koei Tecmo’s action formula with immersive storytelling, offering a fresh, engaging chapter in the Zelda saga.

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