Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Review - Link To The Past
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment marks a high point for the spin-off series, offering deeper and more varied hack-and-slash combat despite a few issues.
Background and Series Context
Over the years, the Dynasty Warriors franchise has spawned numerous spin-offs, including anime adaptations of Gundam, Berserk, and One Piece, as well as video game collaborations with Persona and Fire Emblem. Among these, the 2014 collaboration Hyrule Warriors and its sequel, Age of Calamity, stand out for their successful mix of Omega Force’s over-the-top combat with The Legend of Zelda’s famous characters, settings, and foes.
More Than Just a Spin-Off
Age of Imprisonment deepens the connection between the two long-running series so thoroughly that it feels more like a new Zelda game than a typical musou title. While it is not perfect and may not sway those who are already uninterested in this genre, it advances its predecessors in many respects.
Story and Presentation
The merging of the two series is most evident in the game’s story, showing a tighter narrative alignment.
By Richard Wakeling on November 4, 2025 at 6:00AM PST: “The game's story is the most obvious aspect where the two series are aligned.”
Summary
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment elevates the series by combining familiar Zelda elements with innovative musou gameplay, delivering a richer experience despite some minor flaws.
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