Review of "Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment"
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment feels like adrenaline-fueled fan fiction based on Tears of Kingdom. While the plot and gameplay follow a familiar formula, the game’s cooperative mode and stylish presentation make it enjoyable.
Gameplay and Style
The game, released on Thursday, lacks subtlety. Players face predictable storylines but are rewarded with impressive animation. Although I’ve never been a fan of “musou” style games, this one refreshes my tired mind like a cool breeze.
The Legend of Zelda series, especially on Nintendo Switch, is praised for combining exploration, puzzles, and combat. The Hyrule Warriors spin-offs focus solely on combat, intensifying action and flashy special attacks while sacrificing the franchise's thoughtful elements.
Personal Experience
As a new father, the fast-paced battles lasting 4 to 20 minutes in Age of Imprisonment fit well into my busy, sleep-deprived schedule, unlike more demanding games like Hollow Knight: Silksong.
"I’m rarely able to game for more than half an hour at a time, so I’ve welcomed the four-to-20-minute battles of this latest Hyrule Warriors."
The game offers limited story or surprises. It shares more in common with the horde-style gameplay of Vampire Survivors than with the traditional Zelda series it derives from.
"Age of Imprisonment may as well be fan fiction."
Summary
This spin-off delivers fast-paced, stylish combat perfect for quick gaming sessions, but it lacks the depth and narrative complexity of the main Zelda titles.
Would you like the tone to be more casual or formal?