The legendary world of Zelda collides once more with the high-octane action of Dynasty Warriors in the latest Nintendo Switch release, Hyrule Warriors: Age Of Imprisonment. Priced at £58.99, this title serves as a direct prequel to the acclaimed The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, plunging players into the mythic Imprisoning War mentioned in the 2023 game.
A Tale of Two Gameplay Styles
At its heart, Age Of Imprisonment is a fascinating hybrid. The Zelda series was famously inspired by a longing for childhood adventure and exploration, while Dynasty Warriors was built on the simple, visceral thrill of defeating hundreds of enemies simultaneously. This third Hyrule Warriors game, following the original 2014 release, proves this cocktail is still a potent one, though the blend has evolved.
You play as Princess Zelda herself, sent back a thousand years in Hyrule's history to a time of great conflict. The screen is consistently filled with hundreds of monsters, and each swing of your weapon can send dozens of them flying. While this may sound like a simplistic button-masher, the gameplay reveals surprising depth and a terribly satisfying rhythm as you unlock more characters and abilities.
The Strategic Carnage of War
The combat is where Age Of Imprisonment truly excels. What begins as freewheeling carnage gradually evolves into a more strategic experience. Managing the battlefield, utilising different character abilities, and responding to dynamic threats becomes key to victory. This is not just mindless hacking and slashing; it's a chaotic dance of destruction that requires thought and adaptation.
However, this strength in combat has created a new imbalance within the game's structure. The compelling, strategic fighting now far surpasses the narrative being told. The story of the Imprisoning War, while a tantalising premise for fans, feels weaker in this instalment compared to the robust gameplay systems supporting it.
Verdict: A Triumph of Combat
In the end, Hyrule Warriors: Age Of Imprisonment delivers an experience where the Dynasty Warriors DNA has decisively won out over the Zelda storytelling. The combat is refined, immensely satisfying, and capable of standing on its own. For players seeking deep, strategic action set within the beloved Hyrule universe, this game is an easy recommendation, even if the narrative doesn't quite reach the same legendary heights.
