Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity Nintendo Switch 2 In-Depth Review

Hello everyone, I'm your old friend, a seasoned gamer with over a decade of experience. Today, I want to talk to you about a highly anticipated Nintendo Switch game, and at the same time, look forward to its performance on the future Nintendo Switch 2 – that is 'Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity.' As a prequel to 'The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,' this game tells the story of the Great Calamity in Hyrule Kingdom, allowing players to personally experience that tragic battle.

1. Introduction and Background of 'Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity'

'Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity' is an action role-playing game developed by Koei Tecmo and published by Nintendo, released on the Nintendo Switch platform on November 20, 2020. The game is set 100 years before 'The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,' where players take on the roles of Link, Princess Zelda, and other characters that appeared in 'Breath of the Wild,' fighting against Ganon's resurrection and witnessing the destruction of Hyrule Kingdom.

This game is not a traditional 'The Legend of Zelda' series game, but uses the "Warriors" gameplay that Koei Tecmo excels at. Players can face hundreds of enemies on the battlefield, experiencing the exhilarating joy of mowing down hordes. At the same time, the game also incorporates many elements of 'Breath of the Wild,' such as the Sheikah Slate abilities and the cooking system, allowing players to experience the Warriors fun while also feeling the strong Zelda flavor.

Considering the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, it is exciting to see how this game will perform on a more powerful console in the future.

2. 'Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity' Game Review

Next, I will conduct a detailed review of 'Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity' from multiple dimensions such as gameplay, graphics, sound effects, story, and controls.

2.1. Gameplay

• Exhilarating Warriors Combat: As a Warriors game, the core gameplay of 'Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity' is naturally the exhilarating horde-slaying combat. Players can choose different characters, each with unique attack methods and skills. By combining different buttons, you can unleash gorgeous combos to easily defeat a large number of enemies.
• Strategic Elements: In addition to mindless horde-slaying, the game also incorporates some strategic elements. For example, players need to choose the appropriate character and weapon based on the type of enemy. Some enemies are resistant to attacks of a certain attribute, while they are very vulnerable to attacks of another attribute. In addition, players also need to make reasonable use of the Sheikah Slate's abilities, such as Magnesis and Stasis, to control the battlefield and defeat powerful enemies.
• Mission System: The game's main storyline consists of a series of missions. Each mission has different goals and challenges. Players need to complete these missions to advance the plot. In addition to the main missions, there are a large number of side missions that can be completed. Completing side missions can earn rich rewards, such as new weapons, equipment, and skills.

2.2. Graphics

• Visual Style: The visual style of 'Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity' is consistent with 'The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,' using a cel-shaded style. The game scenes are colorful and rich in detail.
• Frame Rate Issues: On the Nintendo Switch platform, the game's frame rate performance is not stable. Especially when there are a large number of enemies on the screen, the frame rate will drop significantly, affecting the gaming experience. Considering that the future Nintendo Switch 2 may bring more powerful performance, this problem may be solved. To learn more about the Nintendo Switch 2, you can check out nintendo switch2 first look.
• Future Outlook: If it can run on the Nintendo Switch 2, I believe the game's graphics will be greatly improved. Higher resolution, more stable frame rates, and more detailed graphics will allow players to better experience this game.

2.3. Sound Effects

• Music: The game's music uses the classic melodies of 'The Legend of Zelda' series and has been rearranged. These music can not only set off the tense atmosphere of the battlefield, but also evoke players' memories of 'The Legend of Zelda' series.
• Sound Effects: The game's sound effects are also excellent. The sound of weapon collisions, the screams of enemies, and the sound of explosions are all very realistic, allowing players to feel the cruelty of the battlefield immersively.
• Voice Acting: The characters in the game have voice acting. The voice actors' performances are excellent, and they can accurately express the characters' personalities and emotions.

2.4. Story

• Epic Story: 'Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity' tells the story of the Great Calamity in Hyrule Kingdom. This story is tragic and touching, allowing players to gain a deeper understanding of the world of 'Breath of the Wild.'
• Character Development: The character development in the game is very successful. Characters such as Link, Princess Zelda, Mipha, Daruk, Revali, and Urbosa have left a deep impression on players. Through the game, players can learn more about these characters' personalities, backgrounds, and fates.
• Story Depth: The game's story is not just a simple monster-slaying and leveling-up, but also involves some profound themes, such as the cruelty of war, the fragility of life, and the power of hope. These themes make the game more profound and meaningful.

2.5. Controls

• Easy to Pick Up: The game's controls are very simple and easy to pick up. Even players who have never played a Warriors game can quickly master it.
• Character Differences: The control feel of different characters varies greatly. For example, Link's attack style is relatively balanced, while Princess Zelda's attack style is more inclined to ranged combat. Players can choose different characters according to their preferences.
• Control Optimization: I personally feel that there is still room for optimization in the control experience on the Nintendo Switch. For example, when quickly switching weapons or skills, misoperations sometimes occur. I hope the Nintendo Switch 2 can bring a smoother control experience.

3. 'Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity' Pros and Cons Analysis

3.1. Pros

• Exhilarating Warriors Combat: As a Warriors game, the combat experience is very exhilarating.
• Rich Characters and Weapons: Players can choose different characters and weapons to experience different combat styles.
• Epic Story: Tells the story of 100 years before 'Breath of the Wild,' and the plot is deeply moving.
• Excellent Sound Effects and Music: The sound effects and music set off the tense atmosphere of the battlefield.
• Easy to Pick Up: The controls are simple and easy to pick up.

3.2. Cons

• Unstable Frame Rate: On the Nintendo Switch platform, the frame rate performance is not stable.
• Some Missions are Highly Repetitive: The design of some missions is relatively repetitive, which can easily make players feel bored.
• Slightly Regretful Story: Although the plot is very touching, the final ending cannot be changed, which is slightly regretful.

4. 'Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity' Score and Evaluation

Based on the above analysis, I will give 'Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity' a score of 8.5/10.

• Reason: This game is an excellent Warriors game. It not only inherits the exhilarating combat of Warriors games, but also incorporates the essence of 'The Legend of Zelda' series. The game's story is deeply moving, the character development is successful, and the sound effects and music are also excellent. Although there are frame rate issues on the Nintendo Switch platform, it is still a game worth playing.

Authoritative Score Reference:

• IGN: 8/10 ([IGN Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity Review](Authoritative Score URL))
• Metacritic: 79/100 ([Metacritic Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity Review](Authoritative Score URL))

5. 'Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity' Strategy Sharing

5.1. Beginner's Guide

• Familiarize Yourself with the Controls: First, you need to familiarize yourself with the basic operations of the game. For example, how to attack, defend, dodge, and release skills.
• Choose the Right Character: Different characters have different attack methods and skills. Choosing a character that suits you can make it easier for you to get started.
• Make Reasonable Use of the Sheikah Slate: The Sheikah Slate's abilities are very powerful. Making reasonable use of these abilities can give you an advantage in battle.
• Upgrade Characters and Weapons: By completing missions and defeating enemies, you can earn experience points and materials. Use these experience points and materials to upgrade characters and weapons and increase combat power.
• Try Different Combinations: There are a large number of characters, weapons, and skills that can be combined in the game. Try different combinations to find a combat style that suits you.

5.2. Advanced Skills and Strategies

• Cancel Animation Lock: Through specific operations, you can cancel the animation lock of attacks or skills, thereby improving attack efficiency.
• Elemental Advantages: Understanding the relationship between different elemental advantages can make you more advantageous in battle.
• Weak Point Attacks: Some enemies have weak points. Attacking these weak points can cause more damage.
• Reasonable Allocation of Resources: The resources in the game are limited. Allocating these resources reasonably can allow you to improve your combat power faster.

5.3. Level Guide

• Due to space limitations, a guide for all levels cannot be provided here. It is recommended that players refer to online walkthrough videos or forums when encountering difficulties.

5.4. Best Equipment and Skill Combinations

• Link: Master Sword + Shield + Various Sheikah Slate Skills.
• Princess Zelda: Sheikah Slate + Various Sheikah Slate Skills.
• Mipha: Lightscale Trident + Mipha's Grace.
• Daruk: Stone Smasher + Daruk's Protection.
• Revali: Great Eagle Bow + Revali's Gale.
• Urbosa: Scimitar of the Seven + Urbosa's Fury.

5.5. Speedrun Techniques and Hidden Element Guide

• Speedrun Techniques: Prioritize completing the main missions and avoid wasting time on side missions. Make reasonable use of the fast travel function to shorten travel time.
• Hidden Elements: Some secrets are hidden in the game. For example, hidden treasure chests, hidden characters, hidden weapons, etc. Exploring these hidden elements can earn rich rewards.

6. Nintendo Switch 2 Outlook

Considering that the release date of the Nintendo Switch 2 may be around April, we have reason to expect that 'Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity' can be revitalized on the new hardware platform. Higher resolution, more stable frame rates, and more detailed graphics will allow players to better experience this game.

In addition, the Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to be backward compatible with Nintendo Switch games, which means that players can continue to play 'Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity' on the new console and enjoy a better gaming experience. For information on Nintendo Switch 2 compatibility, please refer to nintendo switch2 compatibility.

Of course, we also hope that Koei Tecmo can launch an optimized version of 'Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity' for the Nintendo Switch 2 to further improve the game's graphics and performance.

For players who pursue a more extreme gaming experience, the Nintendo Switch 2 is definitely worth looking forward to. As for the price of the Nintendo Switch 2, you can pay attention to nintendo switch2 price to get the latest information as soon as possible.

7. Summary and Recommendation

Overall, 'Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity' is an excellent Warriors game. It not only inherits the exhilarating combat of Warriors games, but also incorporates the essence of 'The Legend of Zelda' series. If you are a fan of 'The Legend of Zelda' series, or you like Warriors games, then this game is definitely worth playing.

Even if you have never played 'The Legend of Zelda' series, you can learn about the world of 'Breath of the Wild' through this game. If you have a Nintendo Switch, I highly recommend you buy this game. If you plan to buy a Nintendo Switch 2 in the future, then this game is also worth looking forward to.

I hope my review and guide can be helpful to you. If you have any questions, please leave a message in the comment area, and I will try my best to answer them. Thank you for reading!