It seems the Hyrule Warriors series is far from over. The recent reveal of “Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment” not only confirms this but also hints at a new direction for Nintendo’s beloved Legend of Zelda franchise. The announcement, part of a busy April Nintendo Direct that set the stage for the Switch 2 launch, introduced us to yet another spin-off prequel rooted in the lore of “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.” Much like “Age of Calamity,” this new game rewinds the clock to spotlight Princess Zelda during the dramatic events of the Imprisoning War.
Now, with “Tears of the Kingdom” still fresh in our minds, there’s a big question looming over “Age of Imprisonment”: Is Link, the legendary franchise hero, benched for this installment? If Omega Force sticks with the storyline established in “Age of Calamity” without venturing into non-canonical territory as it did with “Breath of the Wild,” we might see our first Hyrule Warriors game without Link as a playable character. Should this happen, it would align with a trend that’s gaining traction in the Zelda universe—a shift away from centering everything around Link.
Reflecting on the success of “Age of Calamity,” it seems only natural for Hyrule Warriors to build on the story of “Tears of the Kingdom.” However, the absence of Link in the game’s initial trailer suggests a commitment to the canonical storyline. This approach paves the way for fresh, playable characters like Rauru, Sonia, and Mineru, adding a unique twist to the gameplay.
This development isn’t solely confined to the realm of Hyrule Warriors. “Age of Imprisonment” is the second Zelda game in recent times to step away from Link as the main character, opting instead to put Princess Zelda front and center. Much like “The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom,” which marked the first time the titular princess led a mainline game, this pivot could signify a more permanent change within the franchise, rather than a one-off experiment.
As the saying goes, “Once is an accident, twice is a coincidence,” and Nintendo, along with the Zelda series, might be edging closer to fully embracing games led by characters other than Link. With the transition away from “Breath of the Wild” and “Tears of the Kingdom,” the Zelda series is exploring new territory. The emergence of two consecutive games that shift the spotlight from Link hints at Nintendo’s willingness to shake things up. While Link remains an iconic figure, Nintendo seems to be testing the waters with these innovative protagonist shifts.
Ultimately, this could be a refreshing change for Zelda enthusiasts. The excitement around “Echoes of Wisdom” shows there’s room for diverse experiences within the franchise. By leveraging the potential of characters like Princess Zelda and exploring more spin-offs on the new Switch 2 platform, Nintendo could rejuvenate the series beyond its triumphant peak of “Tears of the Kingdom.” Alternatively, they might choose a similar path as “Age of Calamity,” offering non-canonical adventures ripe for creative exploration.
