Review: 'Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment' – Brainless but Cathartic
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment feels like adrenaline-fueled fan fiction inspired by Tears of the Kingdom. Despite a formulaic story and gameplay, its solid co-op mode and vibrant style give it some charm.
Released Thursday, Age of Imprisonment is straightforward and predictable, but its impressive animation adds appeal. Though I’ve never been drawn to musou-style games, this one provides a refreshing break for my tired mind.
The traditional Legend of Zelda games, especially on Nintendo Switch, are known for their blend of exploration, puzzles, and combat. However, the Hyrule Warriors spin-offs strip away exploration and puzzles to focus entirely on intense action, featuring explosive fights and flashy special moves.
Sometimes, such lightweight gameplay is exactly what players need. As a new parent with limited gaming time, I appreciate the short 4-20 minute battles offered here, which fit well into my busy, sleep-deprived schedule—unlike longer, more demanding titles like Hollow Knight: Silksong.
Don’t expect deep storytelling or surprises. The gameplay resembles the horde-battling style of Vampire Survivors more than the classic Zelda series it branches from. In many ways, Age of Imprisonment plays like fan fiction.
“The Legend of Zelda games... earned acclaim through an open-ended melange of exploration, puzzle-solving and combat. Hyrule Warriors spinoff games abandon everything but the last part of that trifecta.”
“Age of Imprisonment may as well be fan fiction.”
Author's summary: This spinoff delivers high-energy action that suits brief play sessions but lacks the depth and innovation fans expect from the Zelda universe.