Series-best Combat in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
The latest Zelda and Musou crossover heavily relies on players' familiarity with Zelda lore but delivers the best Warriors gameplay in years. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment marks the third collaboration between The Legend of Zelda and Koei Tecmo's Warriors franchise.
A Proven and Engaging Formula
These collaborations have become remarkably skilled at blending the known Musou gameplay with Zelda's unique world. The original Hyrule Warriors offered one of the most intriguing takes on the one-versus-many Musou genre, using the gameplay structure as a base enriched with Zelda trappings.
“The Zelda trappings meshed better with Warriors than the likes of Fire Emblem or One Piece, ultimately serving to elevate the deliberately simplistic and junk foodian nature of the hack-and-slash battles.”
This combination created a convincing formula that felt fresh and rewarding for fans of both series.
Evolution Through the Series
While the first game incorporated Zelda elements from various eras, the 2020 sequel, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, focused on the world and story of Breath of the Wild. It presented a non-canonical alternative timeline, deepening the connection with that beloved title.
Summary
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment showcases refined Warriors gameplay enriched by Zelda lore, capping a strong series run while signaling a possible end to the Breath of the Wild-inspired era.