Review: 'Zelda' Spin-off 'Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment' Balances Mindless Action With Style
“Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment” plays like “Tears of the Kingdom” fan fiction aimed at adrenaline seekers. Despite its predictable story and repetitive combat, its lively multiplayer mode and striking visuals keep it engaging.
“Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment,” out Thursday, isn’t subtle. You endure predictable plotlines and admittedly splendid animation.
The traditional Zelda formula—exploration, puzzles, and combat—gets reduced here to pure action. The “musou”-style gameplay dials the frenzy to full volume, trading thoughtfulness for spectacle, with sweeping fights and explosive special moves dominating every mission.
The thing is, sometimes such fluff is all you have capacity for.
For players short on time, the game’s fast, four-to-20-minute missions fit well into a busy schedule. The reviewer notes that as a new father, this lighter, high-octane gameplay feels refreshingly manageable compared to more demanding titles like “Hollow Knight: Silksong.”
Ultimately, “Age of Imprisonment” shares more DNA with chaotic crowd-battlers such as “Vampire Survivors” than the deeply woven adventures of its parent series. It’s flashy, simple escapism—nothing profound, but satisfying when you just need a break.
Author’s Summary
The game trades depth for spectacle, delivering short-burst, action-heavy escapism that feels tailor-made for exhausted players seeking quick thrills.