Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Review
The best action in the Hyrule Warriors series so far comes with a disappointing story. While The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a masterpiece, it leaves many questions about a key event in its timeline: the Imprisoning War that sealed away the Demon King Ganondorf.
You might expect a prequel like Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment to explore this era in depth, following Princess Zelda back to the founding of Hyrule. Unfortunately, the game focuses more on fanservice-filled, fast-paced gameplay than on delivering a meaningful story. It prioritizes action over narrative, making it my least favorite among the four Zelda stories connected to Breath of the Wild.
Still, the gameplay is the best the series has offered. The campaign lasts about 18 hours and spans dozens of familiar battlefields set in the ancient version of Hyrule, including stunning locations like the golden Sky Islands and the eerie Depths filled with gloom.
The series blends the world of The Legend of Zelda with the 1 vs. many combat style of Dynasty Warriors, creating an over-the-top experience that fans of the Warriors franchise will enjoy despite the weak storyline.
"Age of Imprisonment only succeeds as the super fun, over-the-top, fanservice-filled power trip the Warriors series is known for rather than the fleshed-out glimpse into what Hyrule was like thousands of years ago."
Campaign and Setting
- Approximately 18-hour campaign
- Various classic battlefields from early Hyrule
- Includes Sky Islands and the gloom-ridden Depths
Gameplay vs. Story
- Gameplay prioritized over story depth
- Strong action elements appeal to Warriors series fans
- Story considered weakest among related Zelda titles
Author's summary: Despite a lackluster story, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment delivers the most thrilling and polished gameplay in the series, set in a richly designed ancient Hyrule.