Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is another impressive collaboration between Koei Tecmo and Nintendo, offering some surprising elements along with its signature action gameplay.
Having played numerous “Warriors” titles over the years, I expected a familiar hack-and-slash experience. However, this game delivers more than just intense battles—it unexpectedly includes a mini Star Fox game, providing a rare chance to fly and shoot reminiscent of that franchise for the first time in almost a decade.
Age of Imprisonment follows a similar formula as its predecessor, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, focusing on action and serving as a prequel narrative to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. It also acts as a continuation of Age of Calamity by enhancing its systems and incorporating new features from Tears of the Kingdom.
The result is one of the most refined Warriors experiences in years, with a story that meaningfully expands the lore surrounding Tears of the Kingdom.
The game is set during the Imprisoning War against Ganandorf, occurring long before the events of Tears of the Kingdom. It focuses on Princess Zelda's alliance with King Rauru and Queen Sonia in the distant past.
“There’s basically a mini Star Fox game in your Warriors game.”
Author's summary: Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment combines classic Warriors action with an unexpected Star Fox-style flying experience, enriching the prequel story of Tears of the Kingdom.