Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Review – An Empowering Prequel Spin-off
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom’s Musou spin-off delivers a familiar and enjoyable experience, enhanced by small yet meaningful combat improvements. Following the path of 2020’s Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, Tears of the Kingdom takes on the classic 1-versus-100 gameplay in a fun, action-focused spin-off.
Story and Setting
Fans who played The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom may wonder what Princess Zelda was doing after being transported to Hyrule’s first age. According to Nintendo and Koei Tecmo, the answer is intense combat—facing endless waves of enemy Shades, Moblins, and Zonai Constructs. While this might not match every player's imagination, it fits well within the expectations set by the previous two Hyrule Warriors titles.
Canon and Gameplay
This installment carries extra significance, as its events are fully canon rather than placed in an alternate timeline. At its core, Age of Imprisonment remains a Musou game aligned with the Dynasty Warriors style and its various spin-offs. For those familiar with the genre, the game offers plenty of enjoyment and impressive battles.
“The answer, at least according to Nintendo and Koei Tecmo, is repeatedly lay into tens of thousands of enemy Shades, Moblins, and Zonai Constructs.”
Overall, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment combines spectacle and satisfying combat refinements, making it a worthwhile adventure for fans of the series and the Musou genre alike.
Author’s summary: This Musou spin-off enriches the Zelda universe by combining canon storytelling with refined, large-scale combat, delivering engaging battles within an action-packed prequel.