Review: Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
If you enjoyed Koei Tecmo’s previous collaborations with Nintendo, you will likely appreciate this one as well. Koei Tecmo has applied its Musou "Warriors" formula to Nintendo franchises five times—twice with Fire Emblem and three times with The Legend of Zelda, including this latest title.
This installment might be the most polished so far, demonstrating how well Koei Tecmo has improved in balancing large-scale, frantic action with a coherent narrative. Previously, Warriors games relied on brief cutscenes before and after long beat-em-up battles. Now, the story is more seamlessly integrated into gameplay, with key battles featuring cutscenes, changes in characters, and shifting perspectives all woven into the action.
This enhancement might seem subtle, but it significantly ties the experience together, making it feel less like an arcade-level sequence and more immersive. The story itself is a meaningful addition to the Zelda universe.
Story Context
Taking place during the same arc as Tears of the Kingdom, the story begins with Zelda falling into a magical sinkhole and awakening at the dawn of Hyrule’s history. She encounters the very first king and queen of the kingdom, setting the stage for the game’s events.
"Where once the narrative of a Warriors game was shared via short cut scenes that bookended an extended beat-em-up brawler, now there’s a much more integrated narrative."
This narrative development enhances player engagement through its fluid storytelling during the battles.
Key Features
- Seamless integration of story and combat
- Dynamic changes in characters and perspectives
- A fresh contribution to the Zelda lore
- Maintains the intense action gameplay Musou fans enjoy
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment sets a new standard for blending narrative depth with the traditional Warriors gameplay style.
"It now feels less like you’re playing through a series of 'levels,' like you’re in an arcade."
This change helps the game stand out within the series.
Author's summary: Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment masterfully combines intense action with an engaging story, creating a immersive experience that enriches the Zelda universe.