Is Age of Calamity an Official Zelda Game?
The short and definitive answer is yes, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is an official game in the Legend of Zelda franchise. Developed by Omega Force and published by Koei Tecmo in Japan and by Nintendo internationally, it holds a prominent position in the expansive Zelda universe. While it diverges from the core gameplay mechanics of traditional Zelda titles, Age of Calamity is officially recognized by Nintendo as a part of the broader Zelda narrative. However, its canonicity is a different matter, which we will delve into further. This distinction is important: being official does not inherently mean it’s part of the central, consistent timeline.
Understanding Age of Calamity
Age of Calamity is a hack-and-slash game, a significant departure from the puzzle-solving and exploration-focused gameplay that defines most Zelda titles. It falls under the Musou genre, known for its large-scale battles against hordes of enemies. This game serves as a prequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (BotW), depicting the events that led to the Great Calamity, which devastated Hyrule a century prior to the start of BotW. Players take control of various key characters, such as Link, Zelda, and the four Champions, among others, to fight off hordes of enemies in familiar locales from Breath of the Wild.
Official Recognition, Not Canon
The game’s official status is clear – it’s released under the official Zelda banner by Nintendo. It is also available for purchase on the official Nintendo store. However, within the established lore of the Zelda universe, Age of Calamity is considered non-canon. This is because the sequence of events portrayed in the game irreconcilably differs from what Nintendo had previously established as canon in Breath of the Wild.
The narrative in Age of Calamity introduces time-travel elements and alters certain outcomes that are fixed in Breath of the Wild’s established history. While it fills in the gaps on the events leading up to the Great Calamity, it doesn’t tell the “definitive” story of it from a canonical perspective. Think of it as an officially sanctioned alternate timeline.
Why Play Age of Calamity?
Even with its non-canon status, skipping Age of Calamity might mean missing out on a valuable and entertaining experience. The game provides critical context for Breath of the Wild. Seeing the events leading up to the Calamity unfold firsthand, getting to know the champions and seeing the relationships between characters in BotW adds a layer of depth to the overall narrative. For many, seeing the tragic events unfold with a different perspective makes the impact of the Breath of the Wild that much stronger.
Furthermore, Age of Calamity is a good game in its own right. The fast-paced combat, the ability to play as numerous key characters, and the opportunity to visit familiar locations in their heyday provide plenty of entertainment. It allows you to experience Hyrule and its cast in a way that differs from the core experience of Breath of the Wild, enhancing the rich lore of the Zelda universe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Age of Calamity a sequel to Hyrule Warriors?
While Age of Calamity builds upon the Musou gameplay style of the original Hyrule Warriors, it’s more of a prequel to Breath of the Wild. There is no direct story connection, although some may note parallels in the gameplay experience. The developers have mentioned that it builds upon the lore established by the first Hyrule Warriors, and it does borrow some characters, like Terrako.
Do I need to play Breath of the Wild before Age of Calamity?
It’s highly recommended to play Breath of the Wild first. Playing Breath of the Wild will enhance your enjoyment and understanding of the narrative and world of Age of Calamity. The emotional impact of many events in Age of Calamity rely on the familiarity with the characters and world as presented in Breath of the Wild.
Do I need to play Age of Calamity before Tears of the Kingdom?
No, you do not need to play Age of Calamity before Tears of the Kingdom. Tears of the Kingdom is the direct sequel to Breath of the Wild, and its story doesn’t require any knowledge from the non-canon events of Age of Calamity. However, playing Age of Calamity can deepen your appreciation for the world and characters as you proceed through Tears of the Kingdom.
Can I play Age of Calamity on other consoles?
No, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is exclusively available on the Nintendo Switch.
Does Age of Calamity have DLC?
Yes, Age of Calamity has an Expansion Pass DLC, which includes two waves of additional content with new characters, stages, and more.
Is there a demo available for Age of Calamity?
Yes, there is a free demo available on the Nintendo eShop. You can play a substantial portion of the beginning before deciding if it’s the game for you.
Is Age of Calamity multiplayer?
Yes, Age of Calamity supports local split-screen multiplayer for up to two players.
How long is Age of Calamity to complete?
The main story of Age of Calamity takes about 24-25 hours to complete. To achieve 100% completion, it may take around 76 hours.
What type of combat does Age of Calamity have?
Age of Calamity features a hack-and-slash style of combat, where you battle hordes of enemies as various characters with unique abilities and special attacks.
Is Age of Calamity repetitive?
The gameplay in Age of Calamity can be somewhat repetitive due to its Musou nature, which relies on large battles with many enemies. However, the varied characters and their unique move sets do keep the experience engaging for many players.
Is Ganon a boss in Age of Calamity?
Yes, Calamity Ganon is one of the final bosses, and is even unlocked as a playable character once you beat him. Other “Bligh” Ganon’s also appear as bosses in the game.
Is Age of Calamity difficult?
Age of Calamity is not particularly difficult in terms of combat. However, players should engage with side missions to keep their characters well leveled. Playing only the main storyline might result in a difficulty spike later in the game.
How does Age of Calamity end?
Age of Calamity culminates in the battle against Calamity Ganon, where Terrako, the small guardian, sacrifices itself to weaken the dark force, allowing Zelda to seal Ganon away.
What is the hardest boss in Age of Calamity?
While difficulty can vary by player, many consider the Malice Lynel and Calamity Ganon as some of the more difficult bosses. Different players may also experience struggles with the Blight Ganons and Master Kohga & Sooga.
How much does the Age of Calamity DLC cost?
The Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity Expansion Pass which contains both waves of content, costs $19.99.
In conclusion, while not part of the main timeline of The Legend of Zelda, Age of Calamity is undoubtedly an official game, offering a unique experience within the franchise’s universe. Its fast-paced combat and the ability to dive deeper into the lore that leads to Breath of the Wild make it a title that Zelda fans should consider playing.