Exploring Zelda's journey into the ancient era of Hyrule, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment manages to deliver one of the most compelling experiences in the Warriors series. Its mastery in blending lore with action makes it arguably the best entry so far.
When starting the game, it’s natural that Tears of the Kingdom comes to mind—alongside Age of Calamity and its interpretation of Breath of the Wild’s backstory. Though Zelda games have rarely prioritized narrative, recent titles have experimented more boldly with storytelling, sometimes stumbling but always showing ambition.
The concept of exploring the unseen layers of Hyrule’s history, as in Tears of the Kingdom, is fascinating. Yet, I found myself wishing for a deeper emotional connection and more cohesive storytelling. Age of Imprisonment seemed like a chance to close those gaps, providing the story that could have made earlier attempts feel complete.
Ultimately, just as with Tears of the Kingdom, the game’s success hinges on execution—and it succeeds. Beyond narrative appeal, it stands as a finely tuned Warriors experience that balances action with atmosphere.
“It’s all well and good then that it’s a sleeper hit for my personal game of the year.”
Those familiar with Dynasty Warriors will feel right at home here, yet Age of Imprisonment offers enough innovation and heart to engage even the newcomers to the franchise.
An expertly crafted blend of lore and action makes Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment a standout entry, breathing new life into Zelda’s storied legacy.