"Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Coming to Nintendo Switch 2"

It wouldn't be a Nintendo console without a Zelda, and the Nintendo Switch 2 is no exception, though it came in a form we weren't expecting. During today's Nintendo Direct, we learned that Koei Tecmo is developing a new Hyrule Warriors game: a Tears of the Kingdom prequel called Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, set to release this winter.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is the latest installment in the Hyrule Warriors series, this time featuring characters from the ancient history sections of Tears of the Kingdom. The game stars Zelda, Rauru, Sonia, and other Secret Stone holders. It narrates the tale of Zelda's activities during the events of Tears of the Kingdom, after she journeys back in time. She allies with the last Zonai, Rauru, his sister Mineru, and his wife Sonia, to combat Ganondorf and his forces.

Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 - Hyrule Warriors Age of Imprisonment

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The trailer showcased the abilities of these champions, including Mineru piloting her mech, Zelda's magical prowess, Rauru wielding a unique sword-spear, and brief glimpses of the other Sacred Stone bearers.

This marks the third entry in the Hyrule Warriors series, following the original Hyrule Warriors and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, which was a prequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Age of Calamity was particularly notable for its unique storytelling that diverged slightly from the expected narrative of Breath of the Wild. It will be fascinating to see if Age of Imprisonment takes a similar creative approach. We awarded Age of Calamity a 9/10, praising it as "a joy to play and discover" and "a blast from start to finish."

You can catch up on all the announcements from today's Nintendo Direct right here.