Zelda Fans Can’t Miss Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment’s Shocking TotK Tie-Ins!

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Finally, the long-awaited April 2025 Nintendo Switch 2 unveiling has taken place, and I couldn’t be more thrilled! The event showcased a variety of first-party Nintendo games, and one that truly caught my attention was the unexpected announcement of a new Legend of Zelda title – Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment. While it took me by surprise, it was far from an unwelcome revelation.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, developed under Koei Tecmo with the assistance of their new AAA Games Studio, will once again adopt the Musou/Warriors gameplay style. What’s more, this installment will be set in the same Hyrule as Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, all exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2.

For optimal performance on the two exclusive Switch versions of “Hyrule Warriors,” “Age of Imprisonment” should leverage its exclusivity to the Nintendo Switch 2, ensuring smooth gameplay and a good draw distance at approximately 60 frames per second. Since previous Switch versions of “Warriors” games have faced performance issues throughout their lifespan, this upgrade would be a welcome improvement for fans. Additionally, “Age of Imprisonment” is not only beneficial due to its compatibility with the Nintendo Switch 2 but also caters to enthusiasts of recent “Legend of Zelda” entries by offering unique and engaging content.

Age of Imprisonment Is Joined With Tears of the Kingdom At The Hip

One of TotK’s Biggest Story Elements Takes Center Stage In Age of Imprisonment

Fundamentally, “Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment” is a prequel that comes close to being an interquel because of its story selection, serving as a detailed exploration of the storyline hinted at through Dragon Tear cutscenes in “Tears of the Kingdom.” It appears that it will delve into both the largely untold story of the Imprisoning War and the events preceding it. This is much like how “Age of Calamity” filled in the gaps for the flashback war from “Breath of the Wild,” but it’s unclear if “Age of Imprisonment” will incorporate the same alternate timeline twist, given that Princess Zelda has already traveled back to the past in this narrative.

In summary, fans of the Zelda series will get one final chance to explore the main Hyrule setting on Nintendo Switch before it’s phased out, with Tears of the Kingdom enthusiasts standing to gain the most. Age of Imprisonment, a prequel to Tears of the Kingdom, offers significant value due to its storyline. Although TotK’s Dragon Tear memories are praised for their unique aspects, they have been criticized for issues such as inconsistent acquisition order and lack of clarity. Age of Imprisonment might address these concerns and potentially offer additional improvements.

Tears of the Kingdom’s Extended Cast Should Benefit From Age of Imprisonment

In a different phrasing, addressing issues with “Tears of the Kingdom” might find solutions in “Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment,” particularly by introducing a narrative centered around Princess Zelda. Fans of “Breath of the Wild” had hoped that Zelda would be playable in “Tears of the Kingdom,” based on its trailer, and while they received “Echoes of Wisdom,” another game focusing on Zelda would be delightful. Given that the Divine Beasts were controlled in “Age of Calamity,” it’s possible that the Light Dragon could also become playable in “Age of Imprisonment,” but this will depend on the storyline direction of “AoI.

Many TotK Characters Will Make Their Playable Debut In Age of Imprisonment

In the upcoming game “Age of Imprisonment,” we can expect a more detailed exploration of Princess Zelda’s character, as well as other characters from ancient times such as Rauru, Mineru, Sonia, and the version of Ganondorf in “Tears of the Kingdom.” While all these characters will have substantial story focus, it seems that the original Sages from the four Champions’ tribes, who were not even named in “Tears of the Kingdom,” could potentially benefit the most. Additionally, there’s a chance that the Ancient Hero may make an appearance to take over the role of Link. In essence, “Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment” promises to be an exciting event for fans of “Tears of the Kingdom” that they won’t want to miss.

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2025-04-04 00:07