'Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment's Best New Feature Is A Star Fox Game In Disguise

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment's Best New Feature Is A Star Fox Game In Disguise

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is a solid collaboration between Koei Tecmo and Nintendo, delivering several surprises. Having played numerous Warriors titles, I expected the usual hack-and-slash gameplay, but this installment offers something unexpected.

Beyond its intense battles, Age of Imprisonment includes what feels like the closest experience to a new Star Fox game in nearly ten years, allowing players to fly and shoot in a mini Star Fox-style segment embedded within the Warriors gameplay.

The game essentially follows the formula of its predecessor, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, by offering an action-packed prequel narrative to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. It also acts as a direct sequel to Age of Calamity, expanding on its mechanics while incorporating unique features from Tears of the Kingdom.

This blend makes Age of Imprisonment one of the most compelling Warriors games in recent years with a story that enriches the lore of Tears of the Kingdom.

Story and Setting

The game explores the Imprisoning War against Ganandorf, setting the stage for the events of Tears of the Kingdom. The entire plot unfolds in the distant past, showcasing key encounters such as Princess Zelda meeting King Rauru and Queen Sonia.

“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.”

“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.”

Gameplay Highlights

Action-packed battles true to the Warriors series style
Integration of new gameplay elements from Tears of the Kingdom
A unique Star Fox-inspired flying and shooting mini-game embedded within the main game

Overall, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment successfully combines familiar Warriors gameplay with fresh features and a narrative that deepens the Zelda universe's backstory.

Author’s summary: Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment revitalizes the series by blending classic action with a surprising Star Fox-inspired mode and an enriching prequel story to Tears of the Kingdom.

Inverse — 2025-11-04