Review: 'Zelda' Spin-Off 'Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment' Balances Chaos and Charm
“Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment” comes across like high-energy fan fiction for those chasing an adrenaline rush. While its story is simple and predictable, its lively co-op play and flashy presentation make it engaging enough to hold attention.
“Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment,” out Thursday, isn’t subtle. You endure predictable plotlines and admittedly splendid animation.
The game strips “The Legend of Zelda” formula down to pure combat, abandoning exploration and puzzles in favor of relentless action. Its massive battles and wild special attacks throw subtlety aside for spectacle, and it works—at least for short bursts of play.
“The Legend of Zelda” games, particularly in their Nintendo Switch incarnations, earned acclaim through an open-ended melange of exploration, puzzle-solving and combat.
Unlike those deeper adventures, the Hyrule Warriors entries celebrate chaos. The battles, lasting anywhere from a few minutes to twenty, cater perfectly to players with limited time but a craving for immediate gratification.
“As a new dad, ‘Age of Imprisonment’ has slid into my sleep-deprived life far more smoothly than, say, the excellent but excruciating ‘Hollow Knight: Silksong.’”
It might not deliver much in the way of storytelling or innovation, but its frantic rhythm provides a welcome escape. For some, that fleeting sense of release is exactly the point.
“It’s got more in common with the horde-smashing joys of ‘Vampire Survivors’ than it does with the venerable series it’s spun off from.”
Author’s Summary
A flashy and mindless yet satisfying brawler, “Age of Imprisonment” trades the heart of Zelda’s world for the pleasures of rapid-fire combat and quick catharsis.