Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity Review – A Must-Play for Zelda and Musou Fans on Nintendo Switch
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, developed by Koei Tecmo and published by Nintendo, stands as a compelling prequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (BOTW), one of the most acclaimed titles on Nintendo Switch.
Unveiled with considerable anticipation through Treehouse Live presentations, official Nintendo Direct segments, and a playable eShop demo, Age of Calamity caught both Zelda enthusiasts and longtime Musou fans by surprise with its fusion of action-packed hack-and-slash gameplay and beloved Zelda lore. From the outset, Age of Calamity establishes itself as a Musou game first and foremost—a point echoed by critics and fans alike.
As Matt C.
noted in an earlier review of the series, "This remains a warriors game at its core, more so than a traditional Zelda title, and that's a distinction fans should remember when picking it up." The game eschews open-world exploration in favor of large-scale battles, allowing players to command a compact roster of Champions against overwhelming waves of enemies across Hyrule. Set a century before the events of BOTW, the story follows a time-traveling Guardian as familiar heroes band together to defend the kingdom from impending calamity.
Notably, taking control of the four Champions—both on foot and while piloting the iconic Divine Beasts—adds fresh depth and distinctiveness, invigorating the Musou formula that Koei Tecmo has refined over decades. Although Age of Calamity offers fewer playable characters than some traditional Musou entries, each Champion is finely crafted and meaningfully differentiated.
This tighter focus results in balanced gameplay without overwhelming the player.
Innovations like utilizing Shiekah Slate Rune abilities and elemental rods seamlessly blend modern action mechanics with Zelda’s signature world-building, offering nods to BOTW that fans will immediately appreciate. The heart of the gameplay remains classic Musou: executing combos, exploiting enemy weak points, and wielding special attacks to clear hordes of monsters.
Multiple difficulty settings accommodate both newcomers and veterans, while varied side objectives—such as completing quests, leveling up Champions, and gathering recipes—promote rewarding progression and replay value.
The inclusion of collectible Korok seeds, special gear for BOTW save data owners, and amiibo bonuses further bolster longevity and player engagement. Visually, Age of Calamity channels the aesthetic of BOTW, with meticulous attention given to dynamic weather effects and memorable locales such as Rito Village and Zora’s Domain.
Some players may notice frame rate drops, particularly in local co-op or during especially hectic sequences.
However, these technical hiccups are minor compared to the overall quality and are consistent with other high-profile Nintendo Switch releases. Music and story are additional highlights.
The robust soundtrack, unlockable via an in-game music player, and voiced cutscenes provide an engaging atmosphere that draws players back into one of Nintendo’s richest universes.
The narrative caters to those captivated by BOTW's backstory and serves as an ideal complement to the series’ lore, further accessible through a replayable gallery of story cinematics. The game’s giant Divine Beasts segments shift the gameplay perspective, offering memorable battles from a bird’s-eye view.
Optional motion controls add an extra layer, though many will appreciate the ability to disable them to suit their preferences. Overall, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity may not surpass Breath of the Wild's legendary status or redefine the action genre, but it delivers a robust, satisfying experience brimming with content and fan service.
It is a standout title both for Musou fans and the expansive community of Zelda enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the franchise.
Available now on the Nintendo Switch and eShop, Age of Calamity stands as a fitting addition to Nintendo’s celebrated legacy of innovative, engaging video games.
Unveiled with considerable anticipation through Treehouse Live presentations, official Nintendo Direct segments, and a playable eShop demo, Age of Calamity caught both Zelda enthusiasts and longtime Musou fans by surprise with its fusion of action-packed hack-and-slash gameplay and beloved Zelda lore. From the outset, Age of Calamity establishes itself as a Musou game first and foremost—a point echoed by critics and fans alike.
As Matt C.
noted in an earlier review of the series, "This remains a warriors game at its core, more so than a traditional Zelda title, and that's a distinction fans should remember when picking it up." The game eschews open-world exploration in favor of large-scale battles, allowing players to command a compact roster of Champions against overwhelming waves of enemies across Hyrule. Set a century before the events of BOTW, the story follows a time-traveling Guardian as familiar heroes band together to defend the kingdom from impending calamity.
Notably, taking control of the four Champions—both on foot and while piloting the iconic Divine Beasts—adds fresh depth and distinctiveness, invigorating the Musou formula that Koei Tecmo has refined over decades. Although Age of Calamity offers fewer playable characters than some traditional Musou entries, each Champion is finely crafted and meaningfully differentiated.
This tighter focus results in balanced gameplay without overwhelming the player.
Innovations like utilizing Shiekah Slate Rune abilities and elemental rods seamlessly blend modern action mechanics with Zelda’s signature world-building, offering nods to BOTW that fans will immediately appreciate. The heart of the gameplay remains classic Musou: executing combos, exploiting enemy weak points, and wielding special attacks to clear hordes of monsters.
Multiple difficulty settings accommodate both newcomers and veterans, while varied side objectives—such as completing quests, leveling up Champions, and gathering recipes—promote rewarding progression and replay value.
The inclusion of collectible Korok seeds, special gear for BOTW save data owners, and amiibo bonuses further bolster longevity and player engagement. Visually, Age of Calamity channels the aesthetic of BOTW, with meticulous attention given to dynamic weather effects and memorable locales such as Rito Village and Zora’s Domain.
Some players may notice frame rate drops, particularly in local co-op or during especially hectic sequences.
However, these technical hiccups are minor compared to the overall quality and are consistent with other high-profile Nintendo Switch releases. Music and story are additional highlights.
The robust soundtrack, unlockable via an in-game music player, and voiced cutscenes provide an engaging atmosphere that draws players back into one of Nintendo’s richest universes.
The narrative caters to those captivated by BOTW's backstory and serves as an ideal complement to the series’ lore, further accessible through a replayable gallery of story cinematics. The game’s giant Divine Beasts segments shift the gameplay perspective, offering memorable battles from a bird’s-eye view.
Optional motion controls add an extra layer, though many will appreciate the ability to disable them to suit their preferences. Overall, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity may not surpass Breath of the Wild's legendary status or redefine the action genre, but it delivers a robust, satisfying experience brimming with content and fan service.
It is a standout title both for Musou fans and the expansive community of Zelda enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the franchise.
Available now on the Nintendo Switch and eShop, Age of Calamity stands as a fitting addition to Nintendo’s celebrated legacy of innovative, engaging video games.
