Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Review – An Empowering Spin-off Prequel
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom's Musou spin-off offers a mostly familiar experience enhanced by several small but impactful combat improvements. Following the path of 2020's Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, this latest title delivers the classic 1-versus-100 gameplay in an action-packed, entertaining form.
Fans of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom may have wondered about Princess Zelda's activities after being sent back to Hyrule’s first age. According to Nintendo and Koei Tecmo, the answer lies in battling vast numbers of enemy 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 most spin-offs, Age of Imprisonment carries significant narrative weight since its events are fully canon and not part of an alternate timeline. Fundamentally, it remains a Musou game similar to the Dynasty Warriors series and its other spin-offs.
For those approaching the game with this understanding, it provides substantial fun and impressive spectacle throughout the adventure.
Author's Summary
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment delivers a satisfying and canonical prequel experience with engaging combat enhancements, blending familiar Musou action and Zelda lore seamlessly.