Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Review - Link to the Past
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment represents a notable peak for the spin-off series, enhancing its energetic hack-and-slash combat with greater depth and variety. Despite some issues, it pushes the franchise forward significantly.
Series Background
Over the years, the Dynasty Warriors franchise has expanded into numerous spin-offs, including anime adaptations such as Gundam, Berserk, and One Piece, along with collaborations in video games like Persona and Fire Emblem. The 2014 collaboration Hyrule Warriors and its sequel, Age of Calamity, are among the most beloved entries, blending Omega Force's intense combat style with the iconic characters, settings, and enemies from The Legend of Zelda.
Integration and Gameplay
With Age of Imprisonment, these two long-standing franchises are more tightly integrated than ever, making the game feel closer to a fresh Zelda installment than a typical musou spin-off. Although it still may not appeal to those who are not fans of this genre, it adds several improvements over earlier releases.
By Richard Wakeling on November 4, 2025 at 6:00AM PST
Story Alignment
The storyline is the clearest example of the strong fusion between the two series, aligning their themes and characters more closely than before.
Overall, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment revitalizes the franchise by combining familiar elements with fresh innovations, making it a worthwhile experience for fans.
Summary: Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment enriches the spin-off series with deeper gameplay and stronger Zelda integration, delivering a fresh yet familiar action experience.