Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment releases in two days, but Nintendo has hit the first wave of reviews with some unusual restrictions. It’s standard for game reviews to be unleashed under specific embargo guidelines, which might request that reviews avoid certain key spoilers. In this case, however, the requirements seem a little stricter.
An IGN article claims that reviews ahead of launch have to refrain “from discussing any non-public story details whatsoever” and establishes the site’s decision to hold its review until launch to avoid these restrictions. On Bluesky, Polygon editor Giovanni Colantonio confirmed his similar intent, noting that he’s “holding publish until launch day” to “offer a more substantive critique.”
Nintendo Is Clamping Down On Hyrule Warriors Spoilers
Age Of Imprisonment’s Story Is Still Under Wraps
A protective approach is nothing new for Nintendo, as the company tends to be more cautious than others when handing out review keys. Reviewers with launch model Switches, for example, were often denied access to first-party Switch games. Upholding strict review requirements fits with Nintendo’s broader model of conservative business practices, which are often the subject of controversy among fans.
There are still plenty of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment reviews to read ahead of launch, including Screen Rant‘s review of the game, which praises its visual design, performance, and character interactions while criticizing a slow start and some repetitive locations. However, those seeking more detailed coverage of narrative specifics may have to wait until the game’s November 6 release, when both withheld reviews and community discussions will dive into the nitty-gritty.
Age Of Imprisonment’s Story Shouldn’t Be A Secret
This Embargo Feels Like Overkill
Nintendo may have some big secrets in store in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, but it still seems likely that a more balanced approach to embargo requirements could be found. The situation also highlights the fundamental oddity of Age of Imprisonment‘s position. Some of Zelda‘s biggest story elements are now being delivered in spin-off games that won’t appeal to every fan, rather than appearing in the main series to begin with.
I’d prefer to see Nintendo avoid this particular embargo tactic in the future, as it could complicate discussions surrounding the launches of any games that use a similar approach. Mario or Animal Crossing games are certainly less likely to be hit with a major story embargo, but games like the upcoming Metroid Prime 4: Beyond could be affected.
Hopefully, this secretive approach means that Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is keeping a memorable story under wraps. Either way, there are only a couple of days to go until everyone can discover the answers.