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CRITIK

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity
Item: Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2020

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Fighting, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableNov 20, 2020

PlatformNintendo Switch

DeveloperOmega Force, Koei Tecmo Games

Overview

See Hyrule 100 years before the Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild game and experience the events of the Great Calamity. Join the struggle that brought Hyrule to its knees. Learn more about Zelda, the four Champions, the King of Hyrule and more through dramatic cutscenes as they try to save the kingdom from Calamity. The Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity game is the only way to see firsthand what happened 100 years ago. Battle hordes of Hyrule’s most formidable foes. From barbaric Bokoblins to towering Lynels, menacing monsters have emerged in droves. In addition to Link and Zelda, take control of characters like the four Champions and a young Impa. Use their distinct abilities to carve through hundreds of enemies to save Hyrule from the impending Calamity.

Elsewhere

8.0

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

69%

Mixed (50-79)

29%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity has received mixed reviews from critics. Some positives highlighted by reviewers include the expansion of the world and characters from Breath of the Wild, as well as the introduction of new characters that fit well within the established lore. Critics like COGconnected and Game Rant appreciate how the game fills gaps in the pre-Calamity timeline without straying too far from the original Breath of the Wild world bible. Additionally, RPG Fan and Digital Trends praise the character development, particularly focusing on Princess Zelda's arc and emotional depth portrayed through cutscenes. On the negative side, several critics expressed disappointment with the story of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity. iMore and Attack of the Fanboy criticize the narrative for being shallow, lacking depth, and introducing time travel elements that lead to plot holes and confusion. PLAY! Zine and MGG mention the lackluster twists and simplistic elements, which contribute to an overall underwhelming storytelling experience. Furthermore, Critical Hit points out the erasure of events from Breath of the Wild and the lack of character growth for the Champions as drawbacks to the story. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the story of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity leans towards a mixed reception. While some reviewers appreciate the expansion of the world and characters, as well as the emotional depth portrayed in cutscenes, others find the narrative lacking in depth and coherence. The game's ability to serve as a prequel to Breath of the Wild and provide new perspectives on familiar characters is acknowledged positively by some critics. However, the introduction of time travel elements and the handling of character growth and plot development receive criticism from others, leading to a varied range of opinions on the overall storytelling experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed feelings about the story in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity. Some praise its expansion of the Breath of the Wild world and character development, particularly for Princess Zelda. However, others criticize the narrative for being shallow, lacking depth, and introducing confusing time travel elements. While some appreciate its prequel ties and new character perspectives, issues like plot holes and underwhelming twists divide opinions on the storytelling experience.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

64%

Mixed (50-79)

36%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The critics generally praised the gameplay of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity for its engaging combat mechanics and variety of playable characters. Critics like GameSkinny and Switch Player highlighted the engaging combat with a mix of action RPG elements, stylish swordplay, and individuality for each character. The inclusion of Sheikah Slate abilities from Breath of the Wild, as mentioned by AusGamers and Game Rant, added depth and variety to the combat experience. Additionally, the game's fast-paced combat, diverse character abilities, and unique playstyles, as noted by Trusted Reviews and TheSixthAxis, were commended for providing a satisfying and enjoyable gameplay experience. On the downside, several critics pointed out some common issues with the gameplay of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity. The repetitive nature of combat, as highlighted by Pocket Gamer UK and Video Chums, was a concern for some reviewers. The lack of difficulty and variety in character abilities, as mentioned by Slant Magazine and My critic name is PLAY! Zine, also detracted from the overall experience. Additionally, camera issues and occasional fluidity breaks, noted by Starbit and Pure Nintendo, were mentioned as drawbacks that affected the gameplay immersion. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity offers a solid hack-and-slash experience with engaging combat mechanics, diverse character abilities, and a mix of elements from Breath of the Wild. While some critics appreciated the depth and variety in gameplay, others found issues with repetition, lack of challenge, and technical shortcomings. Despite these criticisms, the majority of reviewers found the gameplay to be enjoyable, offering a satisfying combat loop and a variety of missions to keep players engaged. Critics like Game Informer and Critical Hit praised the combat system for its depth and strategic requirements, while others, such as Noisy Pixel and GamesRadar++, appreciated the incorporation of new mechanics inspired by Breath of the Wild. Ultimately, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity seems to deliver a fun and action-packed gameplay experience for fans of the musou genre and the Legend of Zelda series.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics praised Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity for its engaging combat, diverse characters, and Sheikah Slate abilities. However, some critics mentioned issues like repetitive combat, lack of challenge, and technical glitches. Overall, the game offers a solid hack-and-slash experience with a mix of Breath of the Wild elements, providing an enjoyable gameplay loop for fans of the musou genre and Legend of Zelda series.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

51%

Mixed (50-79)

45%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity have received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Many reviewers praised the game for capturing the essence of Breath of the Wild's art style, with visuals that closely resemble the beloved predecessor. Critics like GamePro Germany and TheGamer commended the game for its stunning environments, character designs, and the faithful representation of the world of Hyrule. The use of familiar landmarks and the watercolor-like art style were highlighted by iMore as standout features that added to the overall visual appeal of the game. On the downside, several critics pointed out technical issues that impacted the visual experience of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity. Framerate drops and inconsistent performance were common complaints, with critics like MGG and Impulsegamer mentioning frequent frame rate issues that affected gameplay. The Guardian and Slant Magazine highlighted graphical issues such as sudden scenery pops, low-quality textures, and visual chaos during certain segments, detracting from the overall immersion and polish of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards acknowledging the game's strong visual connection to Breath of the Wild while also acknowledging its technical shortcomings. While some reviewers appreciated the gorgeous aesthetics and seamless integration with the original game, others like Easy Allies and Screen Rant noted the lack of detail in certain environments and occasional framerate dips. Despite the mixed opinions on performance issues, the majority of critics seem to agree that Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity successfully captures the art style and charm of Breath of the Wild, providing an immersive experience for fans of the Zelda series.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity's graphics draw both praise and criticism. Critics love its faithful Breath of the Wild style but point out technical flaws like framerate drops and visual glitches. While some appreciate the stunning visuals and world design, others feel let down by performance issues. Overall, the game captures the essence of Breath of the Wild but falls short in technical polish according to critics.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

75%

Mixed (50-79)

25%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity are largely positive. Critics such as Digital Chumps, Easy Allies, and GameSkinny praise the music for being wonderful, memorable, and excellent, respectively. They highlight how the soundtrack complements the gameplay experience with sweeping tracks, somber melodies, and brilliant reworkings of Breath of the Wild's iconic songs. Additionally, Game Rant and GameGrin commend the pulse-pounding music that creates a hectic atmosphere during battles, contributing to the immersive gameplay. On the other hand, some critics express mixed feelings about certain aspects of the sound design and music. RPGamer mentions that while the music and sound effects are enjoyable, the voice acting is variable and some parts feel stilted. PLAY! Zine criticizes the English voice acting as subpar, with Pure Nintendo noting Link's silence as standing out. iMore criticizes the voice acting for leaving a lot to be desired, particularly Zelda's performance, and highlights the lack of meaningful story impacting the overall experience negatively. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity excels in its Sound Design and Music. The game is praised for its superb voice acting, cutscenes, and soundtrack that create a high-quality production with cinematic moments, as noted by AusGamers. The incorporation of familiar musical cues from Breath of the Wild, seamless transition of sound effects, and fully voiced cutscenes enhance the immersive experience, as highlighted by GamesRadar++ and God is a Geek. While there are criticisms regarding voice acting and certain character performances, the majority of critics appreciate the sound design and music for elevating the gameplay and capturing the essence of the Legend of Zelda universe.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity's sound design and music, praising the sweeping tracks, immersive atmosphere, and excellent voice acting. While some feel the voice acting is lacking in parts, the majority agree that the game's soundtrack enhances the gameplay and captures the essence of the Legend of Zelda universe.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

64%

Mixed (50-79)

36%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity are generally positive. AusGamers, God is a Geek, and RPG Fan all praise the voice acting for enhancing the storytelling and bringing the characters to life, contributing to a more immersive experience. CGMagazine appreciates the fully voiced and articulated dialogue, which adds depth to the characters. TheSixthAxis specifically mentions excellent voice acting for all characters, with a noteworthy performance from Link. Worth Playing also acknowledges the improvement in Zelda's voice actress performance, indicating an overall positive sentiment towards the voice acting in the game. On the other hand, some critics express mixed feelings about the voice acting in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity. RPGamer notes that the voice acting is variable, with some parts feeling stilted, suggesting inconsistencies in the delivery of the performances. PLAY! Zine highlights that the English voice acting is perceived as worse than in Breath of the Wild, although the option for Japanese voices is seen as a welcome improvement. Easy Allies points out Link's lack of voice as awkward, especially in contrast to the rich personalities of other characters, indicating a potential area for improvement in future games. Overall, despite some criticisms regarding certain aspects of the voice acting, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity generally adds to the storytelling and character depth, creating a more engaging and immersive gameplay experience. The majority of critics appreciate the efforts put into the voice performances, with standout mentions for bringing the characters to life and enhancing the emotional impact of the narrative. While there are some areas that could be improved, such as consistency in performances and addressing the lack of voice for certain characters like Link, the overall sentiment leans towards a positive reception of the voice acting in the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics mostly praise the voice acting in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity for enhancing storytelling and character depth, with standout performances and immersive experiences. Some critics note inconsistencies and areas for improvement, like Link's lack of voice. Overall, the voice acting adds to the game's narrative impact, despite minor flaws.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

80%

Negative (0-49)

16%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the positives for Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity on the Nintendo Switch, several critics noted stable framerates and enjoyable performance overall. AusGamers highlighted that the game maintains a mostly stable framerate, even with a high number of on-screen effects, while RPG Fan mentioned that the game runs well with minimal lag, even with numerous enemies and special effects. Additionally, Noisy Pixel pointed out that the game runs smoothly with minimal slowdown, except for a brief incident on the last level. On the negative side, the Nintendo Switch version of the game faced several technical issues according to multiple critics. Attack of the Fanboy, Comicbook.com, and Easy Allies all mentioned frequent framerate drops impacting the gameplay experience. Furthermore, GamePro Germany criticized the performance issues on the Switch, running at low frame rates and experiencing control lag, especially in intense situations. Impulsegamer also highlighted frequent framerate issues, especially in handheld mode, and occasional slowdowns that impact the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity on the Nintendo Switch leans towards a mixed reception. While some reviewers appreciated the stable framerates and smooth gameplay in certain instances, many others pointed out significant framerate drops, camera issues, and performance inconsistencies that detracted from the overall experience. The varying opinions from critics like Critical Hit, who noted the addressed framerate issues in the final build, to GameSkinny, who mentioned occasional framerate drops and resolution issues, showcase the diverse range of experiences players may encounter. Despite the technical shortcomings, the game's engaging gameplay mechanics and level design, as highlighted by Switch Player, help mitigate some of the performance issues, offering an enjoyable experience for fans of the genre.

TL;DR

technical performance

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity on the Nintendo Switch received praise for stable framerates and smooth performance, but faced criticism for frequent framerate drops and technical issues. Reviews vary from highlighting smooth gameplay to significant performance inconsistencies, with some critics pointing out framerate drops and resolution issues. Despite the mixed reception on technical performance, the game's engaging gameplay mechanics and level design offer an enjoyable experience for genre fans.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

42%

Mixed (50-79)

53%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity are varied, with several positive aspects highlighted. Critics such as COGconnected, Comicbook.com, and GameCrate praise the game for its compelling optional content, emotional storytelling, and diverse missions that contribute to the replay value. The game offers a wide roster of characters with unique playstyles, various objectives, and character upgrades, as noted by Cubed3 and GameRant, which provide players with engaging gameplay experiences and reasons to revisit the game. Additionally, the game's depth in combat diversity, character uniqueness, and meaningful tasks, as mentioned by Impulsegamer, adds to the replay value by allowing players to explore different combat styles and abilities. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the replay value of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity. Attack of the Fanboy and GameSpot mention that side missions can feel suffocating, repetitive, and grind-heavy, which may diminish the overall replayability of the game. RPGamer and iMore highlight limitations in mission variety, customization options for characters other than Link, and underwhelming story elements that could impact long-term replayability. Additionally, Digital Trends mentions technical flaws that may affect the multiplayer experience, potentially reducing the enjoyment of the game for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity offers a significant amount of content and engaging gameplay experiences that contribute to its replay value. Critics such as GameCrate, Nintendo Insider, and Pure Nintendo emphasize the game's encouragement of exploring all the content it has to offer, completing challenges, and leveling up characters, which keeps players busy and entertained. While there are concerns raised by some critics regarding repetitive side missions and technical issues, the overall sentiment leans towards a positive reception of the game's replay value, with many critics acknowledging its depth, diverse gameplay elements, and the potential for players to spend a considerable amount of time enjoying the world of Hyrule.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics are divided on the replay value of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity. While some praise its diverse missions, character roster, and combat depth, others criticize repetitive side missions and technical flaws. Overall, the game offers engaging gameplay experiences and a wealth of content that keeps players entertained, despite some concerns about long-term replayability.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

70%

Mixed (50-79)

30%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Overall, the critics' opinions on Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity are mixed, with a range of positive and negative aspects highlighted throughout their reviews. In terms of positives, many critics praised the game for its engaging storytelling and its ability to deepen the lore of the Zelda universe. Comicbook.com lauded the game for offering a version of Zelda fans have longed to see, with a focus on playing as the capable princess. Additionally, Impulsegamer commended the game for its meaningful narrative and increased combat depth, providing a fresh experience for Zelda enthusiasts. The game's gameplay mechanics, graphics, sound design, and music were also highlighted as strong points by TheSixthAxis, contributing to an overall immersive experience. On the flip side, several critics pointed out technical issues as a major drawback of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity. MGG and iMore both mentioned technical performance problems, including frame rate issues, which impacted the overall gameplay experience. iMore specifically criticized the game for its shallow story, lack of mission variety, and underwhelming character development, highlighting areas where the game fell short of expectations. The Sydney Morning Herald expressed a sentiment of disappointment, feeling that the game lacked the essence of Breath of the Wild that they had hoped for, leading to a desire to return to playing the original game instead. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards acknowledging Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity as an enjoyable experience that may not fully live up to the expectations set by its predecessor, Breath of the Wild. While some critics like Game Rant and GameSkinny praised the game for being a must-have for Zelda fans and a successful tribute to the series, others like GameSpot and MGG expressed disappointment in its technical issues and narrative execution. The game's ability to deliver a fun and action-packed gameplay experience, deepen the Zelda lore, and offer a unique blend of hack-and-slash mechanics with RPG elements was recognized by multiple critics. Ultimately, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity seems to cater well to fans of the franchise and the musou genre, providing an engaging but imperfect addition to the Legend of Zelda universe.

TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity. Positive aspects include engaging storytelling, deepening Zelda lore, and immersive gameplay. However, technical issues like frame rate problems and shallow story were noted as drawbacks. While some critics praise it as a must-have for Zelda fans, others express disappointment in its execution. Overall, the game offers a fun and action-packed experience for fans of the franchise and the musou genre, but falls short of expectations set by Breath of the Wild.

CRITIK

Reviews

163 reviews found

100

Digitally Downloaded

Nintendo Switch

Nov 18, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is one of the best things you can play on Nintendo Switch, with a worthwhile tradeoff between being a celebration of the Zelda series and contributing to the lore.

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Digital Chumps

Nintendo Switch

Nov 30, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is a breath of fresh air compared to other Warrior installments and is worth playing if you loved Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The story, characters, and music are the best seen in a Nintendo Warriors game in a long while, despite the lacking AI and multiplayer issues.

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Worth Playing

Nintendo Switch

Dec 8, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is a successful follow-up, best Warriors title to date, lacks content quantity of Definitive Edition but plays excellently, must-have for fans of Hyrule Warriors, Warriors games, or Breath of the Wild.

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Switch Player

Nintendo Switch

Nov 18, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is an original, inspired, and meticulously well-crafted game that pays homage to Breath of the Wild while standing on its own as a Game Of The Year contender.

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GameSkinny

Nintendo Switch

Nov 25, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is a must-have for Zelda fans, offering non-stop fun and serving as a shining tribute to Breath of the Wild and the Zelda series.

TheGamer

Nintendo Switch

Nov 18, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is a spectacular game, possibly the reviewer's favorite of the year, with an engaging story, refined gameplay mechanics, and gorgeous visuals. However, technical issues like Joy-Con drift and performance drops in docked mode hinder the overall experience.

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TheSixthAxis

Nintendo Switch

Nov 18, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is a frenetic and fun game that combines familiar elements with refreshing additions. The story, gameplay, graphics, sound design, and music are all strong. Despite some minor technical issues, it is an incredibly strong package overall.

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Nintendo Insider

Nintendo Switch

Nov 18, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is praised for its storytelling, gameplay depth, and content variety, despite technical performance issues. It is considered a triumph that integrates characters, world, and gameplay systems effectively.

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RPG Fan

Nintendo Switch

Dec 7, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is an exhilarating game for fans of hack-and-slash gameplay. It is enjoyable even without prior knowledge of Breath of the Wild, with a captivating story and addictive gameplay. However, the repetitive nature and grinding can be tiresome.

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GameCritics

Nintendo Switch

Feb 3, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Age of Calamity is a worthy addition to the Zelda franchise and a must-play for anyone itching to return to Hyrule. It is a love-letter to Breath of the Wild and successfully adapts its successes into a different genre.

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