Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Review - IGN
The best Hyrule Warriors action to date redeems a story that falls short. While The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a masterpiece, it leaves many questions about the crucial event known as the Imprisoning War, which sealed away Demon King Ganondorf.
You might expect Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment to explore this era deeply, following Princess Zelda back to the founding of Hyrule. However, the game shines more as an exhilarating, fanservice-packed experience rather than a rich narrative.
“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.”
The title consistently favors gameplay over story, making it my least favorite story in the Zelda: Breath of the Wild series by a considerable margin. Yet, the silver lining is that it feels like the most polished and enjoyable Hyrule Warriors game so far.
The series blends the world of The Legend of Zelda with Dynasty Warriors’ trademark one-versus-many combat. Age of Imprisonment features an approximately 18-hour campaign set across numerous familiar battlefields in ancient Hyrule, including vibrant encounters in the golden Sky Islands and the eerie Gloom-infested Depths.
Key Features
- Extensive campaign across recognizable locations from Tears of the Kingdom’s ancient Hyrule
- Exciting battles in the Sky Islands and Depths
- Gameplay-driven experience with high replay value
Author's summary: Despite a weak narrative, Age of Imprisonment delivers the most thrilling and polished Hyrule Warriors gameplay yet, making it a must-play for fans of action-packed combat.
Would you like the tone to be more formal or casual?