Series-best combat carried me through Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, but I think I'm done with the Breath of the Wild version of the Zelda universe
The latest Zelda and Musou crossover relies heavily on players’ familiarity with Zelda lore, yet its core strength lies in delivering some of the most refined Warriors gameplay in years. Fans stepping into Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment know what to expect — a polished, action-heavy experience built on Koei Tecmo’s established formula.
This marks the third collaboration between The Legend of Zelda and the Warriors franchise. Over time, the developers have honed their craft to produce experiences that feel both familiar and expertly designed. The first Hyrule Warriors stood out as a fresh interpretation of the one-versus-many Musou style, using the Zelda universe not just as decoration but as an integral layer enhancing the proven formula.
“It treated the Musou setup as a foundation, and then used the trappings and concepts of The Legend of Zelda as icing on that proven-tasty cake.”
This approach proved convincing. The fusion of Zelda’s distinct world and the Warriors’ battle mechanics worked better than in other crossover attempts such as Fire Emblem or One Piece. The result elevated the formula’s simple, almost fast-food-like fights into something more engaging and atmospheric.
While the first game drew from decades of Zelda imagery, the 2020 release Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity narrowed its focus to the world of Breath of the Wild, presenting a non-canonical reimagining of its events. Despite its strong combat, some players may now feel ready to move beyond this version of the Zelda universe.
Author’s Summary
The game perfects the Musou formula by merging Zelda’s world with tight, satisfying combat, yet its focus on the Breath of the Wild setting feels creatively exhausted.