Zelda's journey into Hyrule's distant past confidently delivers what might be the strongest entry in the Hyrule Warriors series. From the start, it’s impossible not to think about Tears of the Kingdom’s story and how Age of Calamity reimagined parts of Breath of the Wild’s lore.
While the Zelda franchise has never been devoid of storytelling, recent releases left mixed impressions. They showed ambition but didn’t always fully meet expectations. The concept of exploring unseen threads behind Tears of the Kingdom’s events remains deeply interesting, yet there were elements that still felt incomplete.
Age of Imprisonment seems poised to fill those narrative gaps. It brings back the essential pieces of a story that once aspired to emotional depth but fell short. Its success, however, depends on one thing — execution. Beyond storytelling, it also needs to stand on its own as a refined Warriors title.
“It’s all well and good then that it’s a sleeper hit for my personal game of the year.”
The reviewer suggests that Age of Imprisonment thrives because it blends polished gameplay with meaningful world-building. Fans familiar with Dynasty Warriors mechanics will instantly feel at home, yet this entry elevates the formula through its lore-driven narrative.
Much like Tears of the Kingdom, Age of Imprisonment succeeds when it captures both emotional resonance and the thrill of combat. The blend of familiar mechanics with a more realized story makes it a standout in the franchise.
Author’s Summary: A sharp and emotionally grounded evolution of Hyrule Warriors that combines engaging storytelling with refined combat for a deeply satisfying experience.