It wouldn't be a Nintendo console without a Zelda game, and the Nintendo Switch 2 continues this tradition in a surprising way. During today's Nintendo Direct, we were introduced to a new addition to the Hyrule Warriors series: a prequel to Tears of the Kingdom titled Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment. Developed by Koei Tecmo, this game is slated for release this winter.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment expands on the Hyrule Warriors universe by focusing on characters from the ancient history of Tears of the Kingdom. Fans can expect to see familiar faces such as Zelda, Rauru, Sonia, and other Secret Stone holders. The game delves into Zelda's journey after she travels back in time, where she allies with the last Zonai, Rauru, his sister Mineru, and his wife Sonia, to battle Ganondorf and his forces.

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

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The trailer showcased the unique abilities of the game's champions, including Mineru piloting a mech, Zelda wielding magic, Rauru brandishing a distinctive sword-spear, and brief glimpses of other Sacred Stone wielders.

This marks the third installment in the Hyrule Warriors series, following the original Hyrule Warriors and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, which served as a prequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Age of Calamity was particularly notable for its creative storytelling that slightly deviated from the known narrative of Breath of the Wild. It received a 9/10 from us, praised as "a joy to play and discover" and "a blast from start to finish." It will be fascinating to see if Age of Imprisonment follows suit with its own unique twists.

For a comprehensive overview of all the announcements from today's Nintendo Direct, click [ttpp]here[ttpp].