The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is considered by many to be one of the greatest games of all time. The game featured an open-world for players to explore all of Hyrule and had dungeons that were completely unique compared to previous installments in the series. However, the game's plot and character arcs disappointed some players compared to titles such as Ocarina of Time and Twilight Princess... until now.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity was announced recently and a lot of news was revealed during this year's Tokyo Game Show. This upcoming title is going to tell the story of what happened leading to Calamity Ganon's attack on Hyrule and Link's 100 years of slumber. Though fans have already learned a lot about the game, there are still some things they would like to know.
10 What We Learned: It Is The Third Warriors Game With Nintendo Characters
Nintendo and Koei Tecmo have collaborated two times prior to this upcoming title. Hyrule Warriors was a game that brought other installments in the series into the same world in one big hack and slash adventure. It released on the Wii U, 3DS, and Switch. The Fire Emblem franchise got similar treatment with Fire Emblem Warriors, which released on the New 3DS and Switch. Koei Tecmo is returning to Hyrule in the upcoming game to tell a story that is canon to The Legend of Zelda.
9 Question We Have: How Does This Connect To The Breath Of The Wild Sequel?
Though it has been confirmed that this game's story directly connects to the events of Breath of the Wild, it is unknown how important it is in the anticipated sequel's narrative. Very little is known about what the sequel to Breath of the Wild will be about. It may be a stand-alone like most of the other games in the series, but there may also be hints as to what the next installment will be about throughout Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity. Unfortunately, fans probably will not find out until after both titles release.
8 What We Learned: Hyrule Looks Great
Breath of the Wild showed Hyrule in a state of destruction and ruin for 100 years. During this time, a lot of places within the kingdom came to look lifeless and dull compared to other titles. Though that game had a lot of amazing sights for players to see, not much of what Hyrule is known to look like was shown. Fans are finally able to experience the kingdom before Calamity Ganon attacked. The unique art style that Breath of the Wild is known for mashing with the beauty the kingdom should have shows fans one of the prettiest versions of Hyrule yet.
7 Question We Have: When Will The Story End?
As this is a prequel, and arguably an interquel, fans know a lot about where the game's story will probably lead. But there are many ways the story can end. Players may play up until Link falls asleep and Zelda holds Calamity Ganon back from Hyrule. Or they could possibly experience the deaths of the Champions. Perhaps the game will go even farther and show events that are closer to Link's awakening through the eyes of characters Link meets in Breath of the Wild such as Teba and Riju.
6 What We Learned: Confirmed Playable Characters
Seven playable characters have been confirmed for Age of Calamity. Link and Zelda will be joined by the Champions: Daruk, Urbosa, Mipha, and Revali, as well as a younger Impa, who resembles her granddaughter, Paya.
Throughout Breath of the Wild, players learned that all seven of these characters played an important role in the history of Hyrule and fought against Calamity Ganon. Fans will finally get to see interactions between these characters beyond the few cutscenes that they were in during the previous installment.
5 Question We Have: What Other Characters Will Be Playable?
Hyrule Warriors had a lot more characters than what fans have seen from its sequel. After all of the DLC was released, the game ended up having 31 characters. Fire Emblem Warriors had 34 characters. More will certainly be joining the game in both the base game that just haven't been revealed yet as well as the DLC. Some of the characters fans hope to see include Sidon, King Rhoam, and Calamity Ganon. However, whoever does end up being playable in the game is anyone's guess right now.
4 What We Learned: Gameplay
During TGS, a lot of gameplay was shown. Link can use weapons he used in Breath of the Wild, such as a variety of swords, arrows, and shields. He can also use the Sheikah Slate's runes, which other characters can also use in this game, as well as shield surf to travel faster. Similar to Link, Daruk can travel faster by rolling around. He can also use the Boulder Breaker and Daruk's Protection. Impa is a more agile character and can summon clones to help her in battle. Though not all of the playable character's movesets were shown, fans enjoyed what they saw.
3 Question We Have: Will This Make Hyrule Warriors Canon?
The original Hyrule Warriors game was a spin-off that was not connected to the main series in any way. Though there is little to indicate a connection between Age of Calamity and that game besides the gameplay, this could potentially reference the previous title.
Due to Breath of the Wild arguably not having a direct connection to the other games, it would not be too surprising if it takes place in the same universe as Hyrule Warriors. As Hyrule Warriors was well received by fans and Nintendo enjoys working with Koei Tecmo, this may have been their plan all along.
2 What We Learned: Guardian Companion
Guardians are some of the hardest enemies that players faced in Breath of the Wild. Though they were originally built to serve Hyrule, Calamity Ganon turned them against their creators. In Age of Calamity, a new guardian has been revealed, which will serve as a companion throughout the game. A trailer shown during TGS, introduced the small, white guardian in a cutscene where Impa throws a Sheikah Slate to Link, which activates the guardian. This new comrade follows Link into combat. The purpose of this guardian is still unknown but it's nice to not get caught in a dangerous battle or feel like running away from them for once.
1 Question We Have: What Timeline Does This Take Place In?
After Ocarina of Time, Hyrule split into three different timelines: one where Link dies, one where he remains an adult, and one where he turns back into a child. Games that take place after this installment have only been in one of these timelines. This changed in Breath of the Wild, as it is set years after all of the other games and references titles from all three timelines. This has caused a lot of debate between fans and Age of Calamity may settle them once and for all. Whether it takes place in one specific timeline and the references from the others are from events that players don't know about or if the timelines have become one again may finally be revealed on November 20, when fans can finally play the upcoming game.