Overview
- For the first time, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment joins the official canon of the Legend of Zelda series.
- The game delves into the Imprisoning War, which is crucial for understanding the context of Tears of the Kingdom.
- This integration suggests a strengthening collaboration between Nintendo and Koei Tecmo.
In a groundbreaking move for the franchise, Nintendo has confirmed that Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment will be recognized as an official part of the Legend of Zelda canon. This title marks the third release in the Hyrule Warriors series, developed by Koei Tecmo, yet it is the first to impact the core narrative of the franchise significantly.
Breaking away from the traditional action-adventure framework that has characterized the Legend of Zelda series since its inception in the mid-1980s, the Hyrule Warriors titles are action-packed hack-and-slash experiences. These games pit iconic characters from Hyrule against swarms of foes. Hyrule Warriors has emerged as one of Koei Tecmo’s standout releases, effectively melding the gameplay mechanics of Dynasty Warriors with beloved franchises like Gundam, Fire Emblem, and One Piece.
While past entries in this genre have provided escapism for fans of various franchises, they often lacked a lasting influence on their original narratives. However, the recent announcement for Age of Imprisonment indicates a shift, as the game aims to construct a canonical storyline surrounding the pivotal Imprisoning War, which sets the stage for the events in Tears of the Kingdom. Although the complete character roster is not yet revealed, the recently released trailer hints at time-travel elements that bring modern characters into the fray, with Princess Zelda and King Rauru confirmed to play critical roles.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Sets a Canonical Precedent
For fans who may not be well-versed in the intricate lore of the Legend of Zelda, it is noteworthy that there are two key events known as the Imprisoning War within the series’ timeline. The first war dates back to the classic SNES title, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. Both conflicts center around the sealing of Ganon following his invasion of Hyrule, where he seeks to harness the power of the Triforce. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment aims to provide in-depth backstory regarding the war within the more contemporary era of the Zelda series, positioning itself at the tail end of the timeline.
This addition to the official canon could signify an evolving relationship between Nintendo and Koei Tecmo. After the poor reception of the CD-i games related to The Legend of Zelda produced by Philips Interactive Media in the 1990s, Nintendo has exercised tight control over its iconic characters. A report from June 2024 highlighted Nintendo’s initial apprehension that the Hyrule Warriors series might tarnish the Zelda brand, but following the series’ positive reception, their stance appears to have shifted.