Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Review
Strong Gameplay Amid a Weak Story
The best Hyrule Warriors action so far contrasts sharply with a disappointing narrative. While The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a masterpiece, it leaves many unresolved questions about the key timeline event: the Imprisoning War that sealed away Demon King Ganondorf.
Expectations Versus Reality
Fans might expect a prequel exploring this pivotal era as they follow Princess Zelda back to Hyrule’s founding days. However, Age of Imprisonment delivers primarily as a fun, exaggerated, and fanservice-rich power fantasy typical of the Warriors series, rather than a deep historical exploration.
Gameplay Over Storytelling
The game consistently prioritizes gameplay over the narrative, making it the least compelling story among the Zelda: Breath of the Wild-related titles. Yet the silver lining is that Age of Imprisonment offers the most satisfying Hyrule Warriors gameplay experience to date.
Setting and Campaign
The roughly 18-hour campaign spans dozens of familiar battlefields across an ancient version of Hyrule from Tears of the Kingdom. Players encounter skirmishes in stunning locations like the golden Sky Islands and the Gloom-infested Depths.
"Age of Imprisonment only succeeds as the super fun, over-the-top, fanservice-filled power trip the Warriors series is known for rather than the fleshed-out glimpse into what Hyrule was like thousands of years ago."
"Age of Imprisonment is the best Hyrule Warriors has ever felt to play."
Author’s summary: Despite a weak story, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment delivers the series’ most engaging gameplay and thrilling battles set in a richly detailed ancient Hyrule.