The recent announcement of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment has sparked considerable excitement among fans, yet one critical aspect stands out. Unlike its predecessor, Age of Calamity, which introduced a major plot twist, the new installment should refrain from adopting a similar dramatic device. Given its rich foundational premise, there’s more than enough content to captivate players without overcomplicating the storyline.
Revealed during the Nintendo Direct event on April 4, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment added to the growing anticipation for the Nintendo Switch 2. The game’s development aligns perfectly with the narrative trajectory established in previous titles. Age of Calamity offered a glimpse into Hyrule’s past during the Great Calamity, while Tears of the Kingdom delves deeper into ancient lore, providing an ideal backdrop for Age of Imprisonment to explore.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity’s Departure from a True Prequel
The Impact of Time Travel on the Storyline
While Age of Calamity was heavily marketed as a prequel to Breath of the Wild (BOTW), its narrative diverges significantly from the true chronology of Hyrule’s history. Central to the plot is Terrako’s time travel, which instantly alters the established timeline and sets forth a cascade of altered events. This divergence not only complicates the relationship between Age of Calamity and BOTW but also introduces a host of new challenges for the narrative sequence.
There are both pros and cons to this narrative choice. Following the true events leading to BOTW could have resulted in a somber storyline, but the survival of the Champions introduces poignant moments of triumph. However, this alteration creates a disconnect, leaving fans yearning for clarity regarding the real events surrounding BOTW’s Calamity, a realization that disappointed many.
Maintaining Narrative Integrity in Age of Imprisonment
Adhering to Historical Events for Success
According to the trailer, Age of Imprisonment will likely follow the events established in Tears of the Kingdom, which raises the question of whether it will adhere to the timeline without introducing the same twists seen in Age of Calamity. Maintaining the integrity of the original events can avert the disappointment that many users encountered and avoid any disruption to the established canon of Tears of the Kingdom.
Unlike the ambiguity surrounding Age of Calamity, the timeline in Tears of the Kingdom is already deeply intertwined with time travel. Zelda’s interactions with Ganondorf beneath Hyrule Castle trigger events that form a time loop critical to both her journey and the fabric of Hyrule’s history. Deviating from this narrative could introduce paradoxes that ultimately complicate the story further.
Time travel could allow for intriguing plot twists, such as the survival of Sonia post-Ganondorf’s assassination attempt. However, this approach might not align with the essence of the story. Forcing changes in a way that alters the foundation could detract from the impact of the narrative.
The Potential of a Traditional Prequel
Unexplored Mysteries in Rauru’s Hyrule
I firmly believe that Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment can harness its premise without altering pivotal events. There are numerous unsolved mysteries from Tears of the Kingdom that the game could tackle, leading to engaging narratives without necessitating a shift in historical events. The interest in the Zonai and the intricacies of ancient Hyrule present a narrative rich with potential; the journey to that outcome can be just as captivating, even if the ending is predetermined.
The Imprisoning War inherently possesses a more hopeful narrative than the Great Calamity, with key victories including Ganondorf’s defeat. Thus, it would be unwise to substantially alter its story, as doing so could only reduce its inherent appeal.
Although Age of Calamity successfully introduced a redemptive storyline from what was originally a tragedy, it did so at the cost of distorting the established narrative of the Great Calamity. However, any significant modifications in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment could detract from the clarity of the prequel framework. The journey through Zelda’s distant past already has ample potential, waiting to unfold in a manner that respects the established timeline while providing an engaging experience.