Review: 'Zelda' spin-off 'Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment' is as brainless as it is cathartic

Review of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment feels like adrenaline-fueled fan fiction inspired by Tears of Kingdom. While the plot and gameplay are formulaic, its cooperative mode and vibrant style make it enjoyable.

Gameplay and Style

The game, released Thursday, offers impressive animation but follows a predictable storyline. Unlike the open-world exploration and puzzle-solving that define The Legend of Zelda series, this spinoff focuses solely on combat.

“‘Hyrule Warriors’ spinoff games abandon everything but the last part of that trifecta. They dial the action up to 11, sacrificing nearly everything thoughtful about the franchise on the altar of bombastic fights and dazzling special attacks.”

Its gameplay is intense and action-packed, prioritizing flashy battles over depth.

Personal Experience

For a sleep-deprived new parent, Age of Imprisonment fits more smoothly into short gaming sessions than more demanding titles like Hollow Knight: Silksong. Battles can last between four and twenty minutes, ideal for limited playtime.

“The thing is, sometimes such fluff is all you have capacity for.”

The game shares more in common with the horde-style gameplay of Vampire Survivors than with the core Zelda series it derives from.

Summary

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment prioritizes fast-paced combat and style over story or innovation, making it a cathartic but shallow experience.

Author's Summary

This spinoff provides satisfying bursts of action for casual sessions but lacks the depth and creativity of its legendary source material.

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WBUR WBUR — 2025-11-06

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