Hyrule Warriors: Age Of Imprisonment Review

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Review

Link to the Past

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment reaches a new high in the spin-off series, refining its intense hack-and-slash gameplay with greater depth and variety. Despite a few drawbacks, it offers a fresh experience that feels more like a new Zelda title than just another musou game.

Background and Franchise Crossovers

Over the years, the Dynasty Warriors franchise has spawned numerous spin-offs, including anime adaptations such as Gundam, Berserk, and One Piece, along with collaborations with popular games like Persona and Fire Emblem. Among these, the 2014 collaboration Hyrule Warriors and its sequel, Age of Calamity, stand out for their successful combination of Omega Force’s signature action and The Legend of Zelda’s iconic elements—characters, locations, and enemies.

Integration Between Series

With Age of Imprisonment, the two series are more deeply intertwined than ever before. The game feels like a genuine Zelda release, going beyond the boundaries of a typical musou spin-off. Although it may not sway those who are not fans of this game style, it significantly improves upon previous entries in many aspects.

Key Highlight

The story of Age of Imprisonment is the clearest demonstration of this close relationship between the two franchises.

By Richard Wakeling on November 4, 2025 at 6:00AM PST

Author’s summary: Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment successfully blends the dynamic action of musou combat with rich Zelda lore, offering a refined and immersive experience despite some minor issues.

GameSpot — 2025-11-04