A Trip Back in Time to a Familiar Hyrule
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild left us with a beautiful, broken Hyrule and a story of a great battle that happened 100 years before. We all wanted to see that epic fight, the Great Calamity, for ourselves. Nintendo answered with Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, a game that promised to take us back. But does it deliver the story we expected? After diving into the game, reviews, and a few leaks, we have a lot to talk about.
This isn’t a sequel but a prequel, developed by Omega Force and Koei Tecmo, the minds behind the Dynasty Warriors series. It blends their signature large-scale, hack-and-slash combat with the world and characters of Breath of the Wild. Initial impressions from demos and early gameplay were largely positive, getting fans excited for a return to Hyrule, even if it’s a very different kind of game.
Not Your Average Walk in Hyrule Field
If you’re expecting the quiet exploration of Breath of the Wild, think again. Age of Calamity is all about action. The core gameplay involves fighting massive armies of Bokoblins, Lizalfos, and other familiar foes. You’ll take on the role of various heroes and mow down hundreds of enemies to capture outposts and complete objectives. It’s fast-paced, chaotic, and incredibly fun.
Unlike the first Hyrule Warriors, this game integrates elements directly from Breath of the Wild. Characters can use the Sheikah Slate runes like Magnesis and Stasis in combat, and the paraglider is available for quick traversal. Each playable character has a unique fighting style:
- Link: The versatile hero with his trusty Master Sword.
- Impa: A lightning-fast ninja who can create clones of herself.
- Zelda: Uses the Sheikah Slate for explosive, ranged attacks.
- The Four Champions: Mipha, Daruk, Revali, and Urbosa are all playable, each with moves that reflect their personalities and abilities.
You can even control the massive Divine Beasts in certain missions, wiping out thousands of enemies in an instant. It’s a power trip that feels incredibly satisfying, though some players noted that the performance can dip, with frame rates dropping when the on-screen action gets too intense.
A Story with a Twist
Here’s where things get interesting. The game starts at the height of the Great Calamity, but a small, egg-shaped Guardian named Terrako escapes through a time portal to the past. This single act creates an alternate timeline. So, instead of just playing through the tragic events that led to Breath of the Wild, you’re actively trying to prevent them.
This narrative choice was a bit divisive. Some loved the idea of saving the Champions and giving Hyrule a fighting chance. Others were disappointed that it wasn’t the direct, canonical prequel they were hoping for. The story features some fantastic character moments, but it can also feel a bit convoluted, with characters appearing and disappearing from the plot. However, it does allow for some amazing ‘what if’ scenarios and brings beloved characters back to the forefront.
Leaks, Characters, and Content
Before release, leaks revealed a ton of exciting details. The full roster of 18 playable characters was uncovered, including surprising additions like the Korok musician Hestu and even King Rhoam himself. Data miners also found lists of weapons and stages, confirming that we’d be fighting in iconic locations like the Yiga Clan Hideout and Akkala Citadel.
The game is packed with content beyond the main story. There are hundreds of side missions and challenges that unlock upgrades, new combos, and resources for crafting. Weapons don’t break in this game, which is a welcome change for many. Instead, you can fuse them to create more powerful versions. The game also saw two waves of DLC, ‘Pulse of the Ancients’ and ‘Guardian of Remembrance’, which added new characters, stages, and story vignettes.
FAQs
What type of game is Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity?
It’s a hack-and-slash game in the style of Dynasty Warriors, set in the world of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Is Age of Calamity a direct prequel to Breath of the Wild?
No. It is set 100 years before, but due to a time-traveling character, it creates an alternate timeline where the heroes try to prevent the Calamity. It’s more of a ‘what if’ story.
How many playable characters are there?
There are 18 playable characters in the base game, with more added through the DLC. This includes Link, Zelda, the four Champions, and Impa.
Does the game have performance issues?
Some players and reviewers have noted that the frame rate can drop during intense battle sequences with many enemies on screen, but it is generally considered a smooth experience.
Is there DLC for the game?
Yes, there is an Expansion Pass that includes two waves of content: ‘Pulse of the Ancients’ and ‘Guardian of Remembrance’. This DLC adds new playable characters, story missions, and challenges.
Do weapons break like in Breath of the Wild?
No, weapons do not break in Age of Calamity. You can collect different weapons and fuse them together to make them stronger.
Conclusion
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is a fantastic companion piece to Breath of the Wild. It’s a thrilling, action-packed adventure that lets you experience the full might of Hyrule’s heroes. While the story might not be the direct prequel some were expecting, it offers a hopeful and exciting alternate take on the Great Calamity. If you love the world of Breath of the Wild and enjoy action-heavy gameplay, this is a must-play title. It’s a well-polished and content-rich game that provides dozens of hours of heroic, enemy-stomping fun.