Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity Review: A Must-Play Prequel for Zelda Fans

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity isn’t just another musou game draped in a Zelda skin; it’s a deeply engaging prequel to Breath of the Wild that manages to tell a compelling and often heartbreaking story while delivering satisfying action. The game masterfully expands upon the lore and world established in its predecessor, giving players a chance to witness firsthand the events leading up to the Great Calamity. For fans eager to explore the origins of Link, Zelda, and the Champions, and experience the devastating conflict that shaped Hyrule, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity provides an unforgettable journey.

A Gripping Narrative That Transcends Genre

Many licensed games, especially those of the musou variety, are often criticized for prioritizing gameplay over narrative. However, Age of Calamity bucks this trend. While the core gameplay loop of mowing down hordes of enemies remains intact, the story surrounding it is genuinely captivating. Witnessing the rise of the Champions, their individual struggles, and their eventual fates adds emotional weight to the battles. The cutscenes are beautifully rendered and expertly voiced, further enhancing the immersive experience. The game skillfully uses the established lore of Breath of the Wild to create a narrative that is both familiar and fresh, offering new perspectives on beloved characters and events.

Gameplay That Evolved Beyond Button Mashing

While the musou genre is often associated with repetitive button mashing, Age of Calamity adds depth and complexity to its combat system. Each character boasts a unique moveset inspired by their abilities in Breath of the Wild.

• Link can utilize various weapon types, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
• Zelda employs Sheikah Slate runes for powerful attacks and crowd control.
• The Champions possess unique abilities tailored to their individual fighting styles.

Strategic use of these abilities, combined with precise dodging and parrying, is crucial for success, especially on higher difficulty settings. The game also incorporates environmental interactions, allowing players to trigger elemental reactions and exploit enemy weaknesses. This adds a layer of tactical depth that elevates the gameplay beyond simple button mashing.

Performance and Presentation: A Visual Spectacle

One of the most impressive aspects of Age of Calamity is its visual fidelity. The game flawlessly recreates the art style of Breath of the Wild, from the rolling hills of Hyrule Field to the towering peaks of the Gerudo Highlands. The character models are incredibly detailed, and the environments are lush and vibrant. However, the game does suffer from occasional performance issues, particularly during moments of intense action with numerous enemies on screen. Frame rate drops can be noticeable, but they are generally infrequent and don’t detract significantly from the overall experience.

A Few Minor Drawbacks

Despite its many strengths, Age of Calamity isn’t without its flaws. The aforementioned performance issues can be frustrating at times. Additionally, the game’s mission structure can feel somewhat repetitive, with many objectives revolving around capturing specific locations or defeating waves of enemies. While the story is engaging, certain plot points feel rushed or underdeveloped. However, these minor drawbacks are easily overshadowed by the game’s overall strengths.

Comparing to Other Musou Titles