Review: Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
If you enjoyed Koei Tecmo’s past collaborations with Nintendo, this latest release will definitely impress. Koei Tecmo has applied its Musou “Warriors” formula to Nintendo franchises five times now—twice with Fire Emblem and three times with The Legend of Zelda, including this new title.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment stands out as possibly the most polished and cohesive entry yet. It showcases Koei Tecmo’s growing skill in balancing large-scale, hectic action with a well-integrated narrative.
Previously, the story in Warriors games was mostly delivered through brief cut scenes before and after combat. Now, the narrative is seamlessly woven into the gameplay, with story battles featuring cut scenes, character switches, and shifting perspectives that naturally fit into the action flow.
This subtle but important change makes the experience feel less like jumping through disconnected “levels” or playing an arcade-style brawler. The story itself is engaging and adds value to the Zelda universe.
The plot is set during the same timeline as Tears of the Kingdom. It begins with Zelda falling into a magical sinkhole, waking up at the dawn of Hyrule’s history, and meeting the kingdom's very first king and queen.
"It sounds like a minor development, but it helps tie it all together, and it now feels less like you’re playing through a series of 'levels,' like you’re in an arcade."
This innovative integration of story and gameplay elevates the overall experience.
Author’s Summary
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment blends intense Musou action with a smoother, more immersive narrative, enriching the Zelda lore while enhancing gameplay flow.