Review: Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
Koei Tecmo has once again partnered with Nintendo, this time returning to The Legend of Zelda universe with Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment. After two successful Fire Emblem collaborations, this marks their third Zelda-themed entry, and perhaps their most polished and unified effort so far.
The developer’s signature Musou “Warriors” style blends large-scale, chaotic battles with a surprisingly refined storyline. In earlier titles, the plot often came in short cutscenes that merely connected the action sequences. Here, however, the narrative threads through the gameplay itself, integrating major story moments, perspective changes, and cinematic sequences seamlessly into the combat flow.
This refinement gives the game a smoother pacing and greater emotional depth. It feels less like a run through disconnected levels and more like a continuous adventure through Hyrule’s mythic past. Set in the same timeline as Tears of the Kingdom, the story begins when Zelda falls into a magical sinkhole and awakens at the dawn of Hyrule’s history, where she encounters its 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.”
Verdict
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment successfully evolves the Musou formula by merging intense action with narrative cohesion, adding depth to both gameplay and the Zelda lore.
Author’s Summary: A refined fusion of action and story, this entry elevates the Hyrule Warriors series with its cohesive design and engaging narrative structure.