Tears of the Kingdom’s Top Ability is a Game-Changer for Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment

The Hyrule Warriors series is set to expand with the release of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, a development that’s sure to excite fans of both Zelda and musou games. This new installment takes place before the events of Tears of the Kingdom, promising a mix of engaging storytelling and thrilling combat.

In traditional Hyrule Warriors fashion, Age of Imprisonment will follow a diverse group of characters as they engage in massive, intense battles. Drawing inspiration from the Dynasty Warriors series, it brings the signature chaotic gameplay that fans have come to love. Although its combat style will differ significantly from recent Zelda titles, the connection to the Breath of the Wild/Tears of the Kingdom lineage ensures it will share some familiar elements. This blend of styles might lead to a uniquely experimental experience in the musou genre.

Age of Imprisonment, being a canonical prequel, could reveal significant changes in the future of Zelda games. As past entries have included powers from mainline games, it’s possible that similar features will make an appearance here.

In Age of Calamity, players utilized Breath of the Wild abilities like Cryonis, Remote Bomb, Stasis, and Magnesis during battles. For example, Cryonis could create ice crystals for area damage, and Magnesis could clump enemies together. These abilities, initially designed for puzzles in BOTW, were reimagined for combat, supporting both gameplay and narrative. With Age of Imprisonment featuring characters like Rauru who were pivotal in providing abilities like Fuse, Recall, and Ultrahand, it’s likely these powers will play a role.

Though abilities like Ascend from TOTK, which focuses on traversal, might not appear due to its limited combat application, there’s room for creativity. For instance, Ultrahand could allow players to rapidly build weaponry, or Recall might be used to repel enemy advances. The Fuse ability could support weapon-crafting, offering a rich integration of familiar skills into the musou framework. Age of Imprisonment seems poised to innovate by weaving beloved elements from Tears of the Kingdom into its own distinct narrative and gameplay, creating an experience that feels both fresh and faithful to its roots.