No Nintendo console experience would feel complete without a Zelda title, and the Nintendo Switch 2 continues this tradition - though not quite how we anticipated. Today's Nintendo Direct revealed Koei Tecmo's latest Hyrule Warriors installment: a Tears of the Kingdom prequel titled Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, set to launch this winter.
While maintaining the familiar Hyrule Warriors gameplay, Age of Imprisonment spotlights the ancient characters from Tears of the Kingdom's backstory. Players will control Zelda, Rauru, Sonia, and other Secret Stone bearers as they unravel the untold story of Zelda's time-traveling adventures in Tears of the Kingdom. The game chronicles her alliance with the last Zonai survivors - Rauru, his sister Mineru, and his wife Sonia - in their epic battle against Ganondorf's forces.
Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 - Hyrule Warriors Age of Imprisonment
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The announcement trailer showcases each champion's unique abilities: Mineru piloting her mechanical construct, Zelda wielding magic, Rauru brandishing an impressive sword-spear hybrid, and brief glimpses of other Sacred Stone wielders in action.
Marking the third entry in the Warriors spin-off series, Age of Imprisonment follows the original Hyrule Warriors and Age of Calamity - which notably delivered a surprising prequel narrative to Breath of the Wild. Given how Age of Calamity cleverly subverted expectations with its Breath of the Wild backstory, fans are curious whether Age of Imprisonment will similarly take unexpected narrative turns. Our glowing 9/10 review of Age of Calamity praised it as "an absolute joy to play" that maintains excitement throughout the entire experience.
For a complete rundown of today's Nintendo Direct announcements, check our full coverage.
