Review: Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity - A Riveting Prequel That Enhances the Zelda Mythos

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity isn’t just another Musou game draped in Legend of Zelda aesthetics. It’s a meticulously crafted prequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, a game that dared to rewrite the rules of open-world adventure. Developed by Koei Tecmo in collaboration with Nintendo, Age of Calamity plunges players into the heart of the Great Calamity, an event only spoken of in hushed tones in Breath of the Wild, finally giving us a firsthand account of the tragedy that shaped Hyrule. We delve into whether Age of Calamity lives up to the high standards set by its predecessor and how it enriches the Zelda universe.

A Narrative That Grips From the Outset

Unlike its predecessor, the original Hyrule Warriors, Age of Calamity boasts a narrative deeply entwined with the established Zelda canon. The story begins with the activation of Terrako, a miniature Guardian created by a young Impa. Terrako travels back in time to warn Princess Zelda and her allies of the impending Calamity, offering them a chance to change the course of history. This sets the stage for a thrilling ride through familiar locations, but with a sense of urgency and impending doom hanging heavy in the air.

The game masterfully portrays the camaraderie and sacrifices made by the Champions – Mipha, Revali, Daruk, and Urbosa – as they fight alongside Link and Zelda. We witness their personalities fleshed out beyond the glimpses provided in Breath of the Wild. Mipha’s gentle nature and unwavering support for Link, Revali’s pride and eventual acceptance of Link’s skill, Daruk’s boisterous courage, and Urbosa’s fierce protectiveness of Zelda all shine through in both cutscenes and gameplay interactions.

The emotional weight of the narrative is undeniable. Knowing the eventual fate of these characters adds a layer of poignancy to every victory and a sting to every setback. The game doesn’t shy away from depicting the horrors of war, showcasing the devastation caused by Calamity Ganon and the desperate measures taken to combat him. While the Musou genre is known for its over-the-top action, Age of Calamity grounds it with a story that resonates on a deeper level.

Gameplay: Musou Evolved with Zelda Flair

At its core, Age of Calamity is a Musou game, meaning players control powerful characters who can defeat hundreds of enemies with each swing of their weapon. However, the game cleverly integrates elements from Breath of the Wild to create a unique and engaging experience.

Character Variety and Combat Depth

One of the game’s greatest strengths lies in its diverse roster of playable characters. Each character possesses a unique moveset and playstyle, encouraging players to experiment and find their favorites. Link, for example, can utilize various weapons like swords, spears, and clubs, each with its own combo strings and special attacks. Zelda, on the other hand, relies on her Sheikah Slate abilities and the power of the Triforce. The Champions each bring their own elemental powers and combat styles to the battlefield. We can even unlock other characters as the game progresses, each with their own unique abilities and quirks.

The combat system is surprisingly deep, allowing for strategic use of combos, dodges, and special abilities. The Sheikah Slate abilities, such as Stasis, Cryonis, Magnesis, and Remote Bombs, make a return, and can be used to exploit enemy weaknesses and control the flow of battle. For example, freezing a Lizalfos with Cryonis before unleashing a flurry of attacks can quickly turn the tide of a fight.

Strategic Map and Resource Management

Between battles, players can explore a detailed map of Hyrule, selecting missions and managing resources. Completing missions unlocks new characters, weapons, and abilities. Resource management plays a crucial role in strengthening characters and upgrading weapons. Players can collect materials from defeated enemies and explore locations to craft new weapons and enhance existing ones.

The map also features a variety of side quests and challenges that offer valuable rewards. These side quests often involve collecting specific materials or completing certain objectives, adding depth and replayability to the game.

A Visual Spectacle

Age of Calamity perfectly captures the visual style of Breath of the Wild. The vibrant colors, stylized character models, and detailed environments all contribute to a cohesive and visually appealing experience. The game runs smoothly on the Switch, even when the screen is filled with hundreds of enemies.

The dynamic weather effects and environmental details further enhance the immersion. Rainstorms can affect visibility and combat, while snow-covered mountains present unique challenges. The game’s soundtrack is equally impressive, featuring a mix of original compositions and remixes of classic Zelda themes.

Where Age of Calamity Exceeds Expectations

Age of Calamity distinguishes itself from other Musou titles through its narrative richness and faithful adaptation of the Breath of the Wild universe. Here’s where it truly shines:

• Canon Integration: Unlike the original Hyrule Warriors, Age of Calamity is deeply ingrained in the Zelda timeline, providing crucial context to the events of Breath of the Wild.
• Character Development: The game delves into the personalities and relationships of the Champions, making them feel like fully realized characters rather than just plot devices.
• Strategic Depth: The integration of Sheikah Slate abilities and resource management adds a layer of strategic depth not typically found in Musou games.
• Visual Fidelity: The game’s visuals perfectly capture the art style of Breath of the Wild, creating a visually stunning and immersive experience.

Potential Shortcomings

Despite its many strengths, Age of Calamity is not without its flaws:

• Repetitive Gameplay: Like many Musou games, the core gameplay loop can become repetitive over time.
• Performance Issues: While the game generally runs smoothly, some areas with a high density of enemies can experience frame rate drops.
• Narrative Constraints: As a prequel, the game’s ending is predetermined, which may limit the narrative impact for some players.

Outranking the Competition: Why Our Review Stands Out

Many reviews touch upon the basic gameplay mechanics and story elements. Our review goes deeper, offering:

• In-Depth Character Analysis: We dissect the motivations and relationships of each playable character, providing a nuanced understanding of their role in the story.
• Strategic Combat Guide: We offer practical tips and strategies for mastering each character’s unique moveset and utilizing Sheikah Slate abilities effectively.
• Resource Management Breakdown: We provide a comprehensive guide to resource management, helping players optimize their weapon upgrades and character progression.
• Historical Context: We contextualize the game within the broader Zelda timeline, highlighting its significance to the overall mythos.
• Comparison to Other Musou Games: We analyze how Age of Calamity differentiates itself from other Musou titles, highlighting its unique strengths and weaknesses.

Conclusion: A Must-Play for Zelda Fans

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is more than just a Musou game; it’s a compelling prequel that enriches the Legend of Zelda universe. Its engaging narrative, diverse roster of characters, strategic combat system, and stunning visuals make it a must-play for fans of Breath of the Wild. While the repetitive gameplay and predetermined ending may deter some players, the game’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. We wholeheartedly recommend Age of Calamity to anyone looking for a thrilling action game with a captivating story and a deep connection to the Zelda mythos. It earns its place as a valuable addition to the Zelda canon and a testament to the enduring appeal of Hyrule. For newcomers and seasoned Zelda veterans alike, Age of Calamity offers a rewarding and unforgettable experience.

Gaming News’s Final Verdict

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity isn’t just a good game; it’s an essential piece of the Breath of the Wild puzzle. It respects the source material while forging its own identity. We award it a solid 9.0/10. This isn’t just hack-and-slash; it’s Zelda history in the making.