Originally a niche experiment, Hyrule Warriors has blossomed into its own franchise, with Age of Imprisonment marking the trilogy’s latest entry. This installment blends the hallmark chaotic combat of Musou titles with deeper exploration of Tears of the Kingdom lore. But does this prequel offer more than nostalgia-bait? Let’s draw our blades.

While Age of Calamity’s timeline twists left some fans frustrated, this chapter delivers a linear prequel experience. The narrative thrust begins when Zelda’s accidental time leap deposits her in Hyrule’s ancient past. There, she aligns with monarchs Rauru and Sonia, whose misguided confidence in containing Ganondorf sparks catastrophe.

New faces like the enigmatic Construct soldier (a Link proxy) and quirky Korok companion Calamo join the fray, creating narrative tension amplified by Ganondorf’s resurrected mirror automaton. These additions aren’t mere cameos – the Construct’s origin proves surprisingly poignant, though spoilers forbid deeper discussion.

Where previous Zelda entries kept emotional beats subdued, Age of Imprisonment wears its heart on its sleeve. Rauru’s hubris and Sonia’s sacrifice hit harder thanks to extended cinematics, while Ganondorf finally reclaims his throne as a cunning antagonist. The climactic chapters deliver payoff that’s been brewing since Breath of the Wild.

Combat retains the series’ mass-battling DNA but spices things up with Zonai gadgetry and Sync Strikes. Elemental devices (flame emitters, shock orbs) interact creatively, though success seldom demands their complexity. The real stars are character-unique combos activated via R-button inputs – anti-air sweeps, shield-crushers – encouraging tactical ability rotations.

With nearly 30 heroes, Sync Strikes showcase dazzling team-up animations. These flourishes compensate for repetitive mission structures that cyclically task players with securing camps and battering bosses. Unexpected aerial shooter segments (imagine Star Fox meets Zonai tech) briefly disrupt the ground-pound monotony.

Technically, this sequel leverages Switch 2’s power capably. Battles swarm with enemies without noticeable slowdown, maintaining 60fps outside rare particle-heavy clashes. However, 30fps prerendered cutscenes create jarring contrast with gameplay fluidity. Visually, environments lack inspiration, funneling players through corridors between arenas.

While the 15-hour campaign feels concise, completionists face overwhelming postgame content. Map screens burst with optional skirmishes, material grinds, and character upgrades. Whether this abundance charms or overwhelms depends on your tolerance for Musou-formula repetition.

Review copy provided by Nintendo.

Our review methodology and ethics policy remain unchanged.

8

WCCFTECH RATING

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment