Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment's Best New Feature
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment marks another impressive collaboration between Koei Tecmo and Nintendo, offering several surprises. Having played nearly two dozen Warriors titles, I believed I understood what to expect, but this game delivered something unique.
A Hidden Star Fox Game
Unexpectedly, Age of Imprisonment includes what feels like the closest experience to a new Star Fox game in almost ten years. Within this Warriors title, players can fly and shoot in a way reminiscent of the classic Star Fox gameplay, effectively embedding a mini Star Fox game inside the Warriors framework.
Story and Gameplay Continuity
This game largely follows the formula of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, serving as a prequel to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. It builds directly on the systems and mechanics of Age of Calamity while incorporating unique elements from Tears of the Kingdom.
The result is one of the strongest Warriors games released in recent years, with a narrative that meaningfully enhances the story of Tears of the Kingdom.
Plot Details
Age of Imprisonment recounts the Imprisoning War against Ganandorf, setting the stage for the events in Tears of the Kingdom. The entire story unfolds in the distant past, focusing on Princess Zelda's encounters with King Rauru and Queen Sonia.
"I genuinely did not expect that this would be the closest thing we’ve gotten to a new Star Fox game where you can fly and shoot in nearly a decade."
"Age of Imprisonment essentially does the exact same thing as the previous game, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, in that it’s an action-focused experience that tells the prequel story to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom."
Summary: Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment innovatively blends action-packed gameplay with a rare Star Fox-inspired flying segment, enriching the prequel story to Tears of the Kingdom with fresh experiences and deep lore.