Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Highlights Zelda’s Story
Koei Tecmo and Nintendo collaborated to create a musou game that puts Princess Zelda at the center. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment presents a canonical story that complements The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, captivating fans since its announcement.
Koei Tecmo was tasked by Nintendo with expanding the tragic yet compelling Imprisoning War, bringing to life characters previously only hinted at in brief flashbacks. This challenge could have either enhanced the existing narrative or risked undermining the mystery that surrounded this part of the lore.
A Balanced Result with Thrilling Combat and Emotional Depth
The game strikes a middle ground, delivering exhilarating combat, well-developed characters, and a story filled with both emotional moments and a playful, self-aware tone. Though the genre’s repetitive nature—battling countless enemies repeatedly—remains, Age of Imprisonment counters this with engaging character arcs, diverse gameplay, and a narrative that resonated deeply, even knowing the inevitable outcomes.
"It balances this with compelling characters, strong gameplay variety within the repetition, and a story that tugged at my heartstrings, even though I knew exactly when the axe was destined to fall."
Story Setup and Connection to Tears of the Kingdom
The game begins immediately after Zelda is mysteriously sent back in time at the start of Tears of the Kingdom, setting the stage for a deeper dive into the events that shaped Hyrule’s history.
Author’s summary:
This musou sequel enriches Zelda’s narrative with emotional depth and varied gameplay, effectively expanding the lore while maintaining engaging and thrilling action.