In Hyrule Warriors: Age Of Imprisonment (Nintendo Switch, £58.99), you are sent back a thousand years to the Imprisoning War. As Princess Zelda, you must fight through waves of enemies, with hundreds of monsters appearing on screen simultaneously.
The Zelda series was created to evoke the spirit of childhood adventure, exploring caves, forests, and riverbanks. The Dynasty Warriors series, meanwhile, focuses on defeating countless foes through intense combat. When combined, these elements formed the Hyrule Warriors spin-offs, which first launched in 2014.
Age Of Imprisonment is the third installment in the series and serves as a prequel to 2023’s Tears Of The Kingdom. The story deepens the lore by exploring the Imprisoning War, previously only briefly mentioned in the main game.
The gameplay centers on relentless battles where each weapon swing dispatches dozens of enemies, offering the familiar fast-paced action fans expect.
"Princess power: Zelda cuts a swathe through her enemies in Age Of Imprisonment."
This mix of Zelda’s enchanting world and Dynasty Warriors’ button-mashing combat results in a compelling and enjoyable experience. While it maintains the core formula, Age Of Imprisonment delivers a fresh perspective on the series’ lore and action.
Author’s conclusion: A brilliant fusion of Zelda’s rich adventure and Dynasty Warriors' intense combat, Age Of Imprisonment offers engaging battles and deepens the lore effectively.