Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is the most recent within the collection of crossover titles merging characters from the Legend of Zelda universe with the gameplay of Dynasty Warriors. The former access, 2020’s Age of Calamity, was once a well-received spin-off of the wildly well-liked Breath of the Wild, giving avid gamers a non-canonical have a look at what will have been. Age of Imprisonment, alternatively, is an immediate and legitimate a part of the collection’ lore, detailing the traditional struggle in opposition to Ganondorf that preceded Tears of the Kingdom.
The truth that Age of Imprisonment is canon is a thrilling level for enthusiasts. Whilst the Hyrule Warriors collection has normally been properly obtained, it’s additionally a myth that deviates and ceaselessly contradicts the legitimate lore. This time round, we’re aware of the tale at the back of the tale – what in reality came about to Zelda, Rauru, Sonia, or even Ganon when Zelda was once transported again in time originally of Tears of the Kingdom? Age of Imprisonment seeks to reply to that very query. And we had been lucky sufficient to have some hands-on time with the sport at PAX Aus 2025 this previous weekend.
The on-floor demo was once performed by way of over 500 other people on a daily basis, in step with the workforce at the scene. We controlled to play this demo a number of instances, hoping to get a really feel for the gameplay, characters, and setting. Our impact? It’s shaping as much as be one thing lovely particular.
You start by way of enjoying the position of Zelda as she walks with Rauru and Mineru via a depressing cavern. Getting into the Depths is a horrifying proposition, even though it’s now not as creepy as right through Tears of the Kingdom. This bleak space would possibly appear to be an abnormal selection for a demo because it doesn’t specifically blow their own horns the huge colours and arrays of Hyrule. On the other hand, issues nonetheless glance spectacular, with crisp characters, more than one enemies, and fast paced motion to assist blow their own horns the Transfer 2’s functions. We’re satisfied to file there was once no slowdown or stuttering provide right through our time with the sport.
The demo is most probably the intro instructional degree of the sport, appearing us the ropes and introducing us to the combat machine. Right here, Zelda wields a torch, investigating some Zonai units till the trio is attacked by way of a big workforce of enemies in true Warriors model. This ends up in additional exploration, following an on-screen map to search out extra red-hued spaces that point out enemy process (any other Warriors trope).
In spite of those tell-tale Warriors options, the demo in reality felt extra like a Legend of Zelda recreation than a Warriors day out. It generally is a just right stability for Zelda affectionados like myself, discovering themselves in a well-recognized setting.
As you move, you convert characters, taking regulate of Rauru then Mineru. You’ll be able to additionally switch between them at any level in the event you want. It’s unclear if all 3 are in reality playable at this level within the complete recreation, however something is bound: there shall be various characters to choose between. That is however a pattern.
Zelda’s talents come with firing a bow of sunshine, whilst Rauru and Mineru draw on Zonai units for inspiration. Let’s simply say conjuring a big automobile to stomp on a complete bunch of enemies feels very pleasing. Every performs in a different way, giving avid gamers various selection.
There’s so much to the controls. You’ll be able to use Y and X for basic assaults, with a at hand information indicating the right way to line up combinations. The demo is beneficial with different varieties of activates, too, permitting avid gamers to check out particular strikes like the person who sees Zelda and Raura high-five each and every different sooner than issuing combo assaults upon enemies. It’s a second of natural pleasure staring at them paintings in combination this manner. And it’s tremendous pleasing to leap on an enormous creature as Zelda and pound away on its head.
The demo in reality options a number of boss fights, culminating in a combat with the Scourge of the Depths referred to as Frox. It’s now not a difficult combat – it’s now not intended to be for the aim of this demo – nevertheless it does the process of creating avid gamers really feel in regulate and experience their preliminary foray into the sport. All it did for this participant was once make me want it was once out now.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment releases at the Nintendo Transfer 2 on November 6 – only some quick weeks away. We’ll you’ll want to give our complete ideas at the recreation when it comes out. Within the period in-between, take a look at our ideas on Kirby Air Riders and the Metroid Top 4: Past demo at PAX Aus 2025, too.
