Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment - A Narrative Epic
Koei Tecmo and Nintendo have created a musou game where Princess Zelda takes center stage. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment delivers a canonical story that complements The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, captivating fans since its announcement.
Expanding the Imprisoning War
Nintendo entrusted Koei Tecmo to expand on the Imprisoning War, a tragic yet intriguing conflict only hinted at through brief flashbacks before. The game introduces and develops characters who were previously seen only in fragments, offering a deeper understanding of this critical period.
Balancing Narrative and Gameplay
The game strikes a balance between thrilling combat and emotional storytelling. Although it retains the repetitive core of the musou genre—facing countless enemies repeatedly—it enriches the experience with compelling characters and varied gameplay mechanics.
A Story with Heart and Humor
Age of Imprisonment offsets the original game's somber tone with a self-aware, tongue-in-cheek personality. The narrative evokes genuine emotion, even when the outcome feels inevitable.
Plot Setup
The story begins just after Zelda is mysteriously sent back in time at the start of Tears of the Kingdom, setting the stage for players to explore events leading up to the Imprisoning War in depth.
"Koei Tecmo has been entrusted by Nintendo to flesh out the events of the tragic yet fascinating Imprisoning War, while simultaneously naming and developing characters who were previously only ever glimpsed through brief flashbacks."
"The final result lands somewhere in the middle, with the musou sequel delivering thrilling combat, emotive characters, and a story that makes up for the base game’s stirring melancholy with an unflinchingly tongue-in-cheek personality."
Author's summary: Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment effectively enriches the Zelda lore with exciting combat and heartfelt storytelling, offering fans a meaningful glimpse into a long-mysterious chapter.