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 a series of small but meaningful combat improvements. Following the path set by 2020’s Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, this title delivers the classic 1-versus-100 action in a spin-off that remains fun and engaging.
Players of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom might wonder what Princess Zelda was doing after being sent to Hyrule’s first age. According to Nintendo and Koei Tecmo, her answer is a relentless fight against tens of thousands of enemy Shades, Moblins, and Zonai Constructs. Although this wasn’t what I imagined, it fits perfectly with the style and tone established by the previous Hyrule Warriors games.
Notably, Age of Imprisonment carries more narrative weight since its events are fully canonical, contrasting with alternate timelines from past titles. But at its core, the game remains a Musou experience similar to Dynasty Warriors and its other spin-offs.
“Above all else, this is still a Musou game in the vein of Dynasty Warriors proper and its various other spin-offs.”
Knowing what to expect going in, players will find plenty of spectacle and enjoyable gameplay in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment.
Author's summary: This spin-off offers classic Musou action with new combat tweaks, delivering a canon Zelda story rich in spectacle and satisfying battles.