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This thread has been linked to the game 'Enslaved: Odyssey to the West'.
Journeys are always memorable. The sights and sounds are a boon to the senses; the end destination more than justifying the monotony of 'getting there'. Enslaved: Odyssey to the West; the latest release from the developers of Heavenly Sword, is most definitely a journey. It promised a cinematic ride of emotion, an exciting trip teeming with idea's. But for all it's grandstand and obvious potential, is Ninja Theory's latest outing worthy of the visit?
The game wastes no time in introducing it's foundation. In the first half-hour you'll have clambered surfaces, battled enemies and leapt athwart pictorial landscapes. It's instantly grandiose and exciting, and although an Uncharted-esque aura surrounds it; it's own personality soon starts to unfold. What follows is an action-adventure with notable pacing and strong presentation; a solid bedrock for an earnest and vividly story-led experience.
As the opening scenes explode into closure; a florid and colourful world is glimpsed at; and the two main characters are properly introduced. Trip, a young woman from an extrinsic and distant land; escapes the plummet of a burning slave-ship, landing in a post-apocalyptic New York. With her is another survivor; a brutish man known only as Monkey, of whom she decides can help her reach home. To do this, she fits him with a slave headband, a device which allows her to issue him orders and force him into cooperation. It is then that they begin their journey together; from landscapes which once held human life, to the far off vision of Trip's homeland. Enslaved: Odyssey to the West is an especially personal and well-crafted story, inspired by the ancient Chinese fable, The Journey to the West. It's a touching tale of friendship and survival, a human story with enough twists to keep you engaged from the outset. Indeed, the relationship between Monkey and Trip is one of the game's main driving points; so much in fact that's it almost disappointing when another character shows up later. Still, this filmic and inspiring plot has more than enough excitement; not to mention indubitable emotion, to have you compelled for it's entirety.
This is perhaps fortunate, as beneath the frequent (yet not over-long) cutscenes, is a game which steadily straddles between elation and tedium. At it's best, the streamlined platforming and valorous set-peices are a thrilling testament to it's genre. At it's worst, the combat is repetitive and often laborious, a weak link in an otherwise stellar production. For the most part though, the variety of activities and locations more than make up for an occasional lull. Monkey is acrobatic and versatile, with climbable surfaces glistening slightly to help you along the path. It's never distinctly challenging; most jumps are managed easily with the touch of a button; but it's always satisfying to swing and climb your way across the environment. Combat is just as easy to grasp; but it never escalates beyond a functional button mash. Enemies will often attack in numbers, and apart from a few who can be finished by special moves, it quickly becomes one-dimensional. Bosses however are more intense; some requiring a strategic knack such as dazzling a weak spot or luring it into a trap. Trip can also offer help; and with the simple tap of a shoulder button can distract an enemy enabling you to flank your foes or even avoid combat entirely. It adds an edge of tactics to encounters; and Trip's instance on scanning each area allows you to think and plan your assault. Moreover, certain enemies can be hijacked or mounted; such as gun turrets or malfunctioning robots, which can easily help to clear an area, making it safe for Trip to cross.
This to-and-fro connection between Monkey and Trip is when the gameplay is at it's high point. Helping Trip across dangerous paths by carefully choosing when to wave her across is always a joy. Furthermore, she will sometimes need carrying or throwing across a larger ravine; a concept which is carried over to the occasional puzzle requiring cooperation. For the most part these are a simple affair; knocking down debris or throwing switches in unison, but they make good use of the collaborative nature of the characters' relationship. You can also upgrade various abilities, fueled by collecting assorted red energy orbs. It's a relatively limited and basic concept; but it's still satisfying to monkey-around with your attack damage or health meter. Generally though, Enslaved does not try to reinvent it's genre; it's core mechanics are solid and functional, and for every moment of cookie-cutter combat, there's an awe inspiring set-peice to pull you into it's luxuriant world.
In fact, the world itself a real spectacle. Instead of going the expected route; where 'post-apocalyptic' is a byword for grey; Enslaved is a true concussion of colour. Organic growth sways in substitute for wastelands and industrialism, whilst remnants of the human world teeter stylishly above expansive jungles and riverscapes. It's scope and artistry is forever a draw, and so exploring it; such as riding a hover-board across an ocean; is forever a marvel. Animations and character models are similarly superb, and specifically their facial expressions. It allows the characters to come to life; such human features advancing emotion in the already engaging plot line.
Of course, such accurate depictions would soon fall flat were it not for convincing voice work behind them. Thankfully, actor Andy Serkis (Lord of the Rings) plays Monkey with charm, whilst Trip is voice-acted by Lindsey Shaw. Together they deliver a believable duo of emotion which does more than simply reinforce the narrative. Music is less memorable but equally high quality; a mixture of endearing assonance and thrilling orchestra. It's all very fitting and infinitely listenable, ringing with a cinematic aura most deftly demonstrated at the game's most edge-of-seat moments.
As an experience, Enslaved represents an enchanting ride which more than earns a place amongst it's genre rivals. It's affecting storyline and gorgeous visuals are sure to captivate; it's stand-out moments suitably compensating for an occasional dip into tedium. It may not be an especially long journey; but it is an inspiring one, and it's wealth of quality and filmic flair make sure it's a trip that will be remembered.
8/10
The game wastes no time in introducing it's foundation. In the first half-hour you'll have clambered surfaces, battled enemies and leapt athwart pictorial landscapes. It's instantly grandiose and exciting, and although an Uncharted-esque aura surrounds it; it's own personality soon starts to unfold. What follows is an action-adventure with notable pacing and strong presentation; a solid bedrock for an earnest and vividly story-led experience.
As the opening scenes explode into closure; a florid and colourful world is glimpsed at; and the two main characters are properly introduced. Trip, a young woman from an extrinsic and distant land; escapes the plummet of a burning slave-ship, landing in a post-apocalyptic New York. With her is another survivor; a brutish man known only as Monkey, of whom she decides can help her reach home. To do this, she fits him with a slave headband, a device which allows her to issue him orders and force him into cooperation. It is then that they begin their journey together; from landscapes which once held human life, to the far off vision of Trip's homeland. Enslaved: Odyssey to the West is an especially personal and well-crafted story, inspired by the ancient Chinese fable, The Journey to the West. It's a touching tale of friendship and survival, a human story with enough twists to keep you engaged from the outset. Indeed, the relationship between Monkey and Trip is one of the game's main driving points; so much in fact that's it almost disappointing when another character shows up later. Still, this filmic and inspiring plot has more than enough excitement; not to mention indubitable emotion, to have you compelled for it's entirety.
This is perhaps fortunate, as beneath the frequent (yet not over-long) cutscenes, is a game which steadily straddles between elation and tedium. At it's best, the streamlined platforming and valorous set-peices are a thrilling testament to it's genre. At it's worst, the combat is repetitive and often laborious, a weak link in an otherwise stellar production. For the most part though, the variety of activities and locations more than make up for an occasional lull. Monkey is acrobatic and versatile, with climbable surfaces glistening slightly to help you along the path. It's never distinctly challenging; most jumps are managed easily with the touch of a button; but it's always satisfying to swing and climb your way across the environment. Combat is just as easy to grasp; but it never escalates beyond a functional button mash. Enemies will often attack in numbers, and apart from a few who can be finished by special moves, it quickly becomes one-dimensional. Bosses however are more intense; some requiring a strategic knack such as dazzling a weak spot or luring it into a trap. Trip can also offer help; and with the simple tap of a shoulder button can distract an enemy enabling you to flank your foes or even avoid combat entirely. It adds an edge of tactics to encounters; and Trip's instance on scanning each area allows you to think and plan your assault. Moreover, certain enemies can be hijacked or mounted; such as gun turrets or malfunctioning robots, which can easily help to clear an area, making it safe for Trip to cross.
This to-and-fro connection between Monkey and Trip is when the gameplay is at it's high point. Helping Trip across dangerous paths by carefully choosing when to wave her across is always a joy. Furthermore, she will sometimes need carrying or throwing across a larger ravine; a concept which is carried over to the occasional puzzle requiring cooperation. For the most part these are a simple affair; knocking down debris or throwing switches in unison, but they make good use of the collaborative nature of the characters' relationship. You can also upgrade various abilities, fueled by collecting assorted red energy orbs. It's a relatively limited and basic concept; but it's still satisfying to monkey-around with your attack damage or health meter. Generally though, Enslaved does not try to reinvent it's genre; it's core mechanics are solid and functional, and for every moment of cookie-cutter combat, there's an awe inspiring set-peice to pull you into it's luxuriant world.
In fact, the world itself a real spectacle. Instead of going the expected route; where 'post-apocalyptic' is a byword for grey; Enslaved is a true concussion of colour. Organic growth sways in substitute for wastelands and industrialism, whilst remnants of the human world teeter stylishly above expansive jungles and riverscapes. It's scope and artistry is forever a draw, and so exploring it; such as riding a hover-board across an ocean; is forever a marvel. Animations and character models are similarly superb, and specifically their facial expressions. It allows the characters to come to life; such human features advancing emotion in the already engaging plot line.
Of course, such accurate depictions would soon fall flat were it not for convincing voice work behind them. Thankfully, actor Andy Serkis (Lord of the Rings) plays Monkey with charm, whilst Trip is voice-acted by Lindsey Shaw. Together they deliver a believable duo of emotion which does more than simply reinforce the narrative. Music is less memorable but equally high quality; a mixture of endearing assonance and thrilling orchestra. It's all very fitting and infinitely listenable, ringing with a cinematic aura most deftly demonstrated at the game's most edge-of-seat moments.
As an experience, Enslaved represents an enchanting ride which more than earns a place amongst it's genre rivals. It's affecting storyline and gorgeous visuals are sure to captivate; it's stand-out moments suitably compensating for an occasional dip into tedium. It may not be an especially long journey; but it is an inspiring one, and it's wealth of quality and filmic flair make sure it's a trip that will be remembered.
8/10
This is a pretty professionally crafted review. Are you sure you don't work as a games journalist? If not, you should consider it!
Journeys are always memorable. The sights and sounds are a boon to the senses; the end destination more than justifying the monotony of 'getting there'. Enslaved: Odyssey to the West; the latest release from the developers of Heavenly Sword, is most definitely a journey. It promised a cinematic ride of emotion, an exciting trip teeming with idea's. But for all it's grandstand and obvious potential, is Ninja Theory's latest outing worthy of the visit?
The game wastes no time in introducing it's foundation. In the first half-hour you'll have clambered surfaces, battled enemies and leapt athwart pictorial landscapes. It's instantly grandiose and exciting, and although an Uncharted-esque aura surrounds it; it's own personality soon starts to unfold. What follows is an action-adventure with notable pacing and strong presentation; a solid bedrock for an earnest and vividly story-led experience.
As the opening scenes explode into closure; a florid and colourful world is glimpsed at; and the two main characters are properly introduced. Trip, a young woman from an extrinsic and distant land; escapes the plummet of a burning slave-ship, landing in a post-apocalyptic New York. With her is another survivor; a brutish man known only as Monkey, of whom she decides can help her reach home. To do this, she fits him with a slave headband, a device which allows her to issue him orders and force him into cooperation. It is then that they begin their journey together; from landscapes which once held human life, to the far off vision of Trip's homeland. Enslaved: Odyssey to the West is an especially personal and well-crafted story, inspired by the ancient Chinese fable, The Journey to the West. It's a touching tale of friendship and survival, a human story with enough twists to keep you engaged from the outset. Indeed, the relationship between Monkey and Trip is one of the game's main driving points; so much in fact that's it almost disappointing when another character shows up later. Still, this filmic and inspiring plot has more than enough excitement; not to mention indubitable emotion, to have you compelled for it's entirety.
This is perhaps fortunate, as beneath the frequent (yet not over-long) cutscenes, is a game which steadily straddles between elation and tedium. At it's best, the streamlined platforming and valorous set-peices are a thrilling testament to it's genre. At it's worst, the combat is repetitive and often laborious, a weak link in an otherwise stellar production. For the most part though, the variety of activities and locations more than make up for an occasional lull. Monkey is acrobatic and versatile, with climbable surfaces glistening slightly to help you along the path. It's never distinctly challenging; most jumps are managed easily with the touch of a button; but it's always satisfying to swing and climb your way across the environment. Combat is just as easy to grasp; but it never escalates beyond a functional button mash. Enemies will often attack in numbers, and apart from a few who can be finished by special moves, it quickly becomes one-dimensional. Bosses however are more intense; some requiring a strategic knack such as dazzling a weak spot or luring it into a trap. Trip can also offer help; and with the simple tap of a shoulder button can distract an enemy enabling you to flank your foes or even avoid combat entirely. It adds an edge of tactics to encounters; and Trip's instance on scanning each area allows you to think and plan your assault. Moreover, certain enemies can be hijacked or mounted; such as gun turrets or malfunctioning robots, which can easily help to clear an area, making it safe for Trip to cross.
This to-and-fro connection between Monkey and Trip is when the gameplay is at it's high point. Helping Trip across dangerous paths by carefully choosing when to wave her across is always a joy. Furthermore, she will sometimes need carrying or throwing across a larger ravine; a concept which is carried over to the occasional puzzle requiring cooperation. For the most part these are a simple affair; knocking down debris or throwing switches in unison, but they make good use of the collaborative nature of the characters' relationship. You can also upgrade various abilities, fueled by collecting assorted red energy orbs. It's a relatively limited and basic concept; but it's still satisfying to monkey-around with your attack damage or health meter. Generally though, Enslaved does not try to reinvent it's genre; it's core mechanics are solid and functional, and for every moment of cookie-cutter combat, there's an awe inspiring set-peice to pull you into it's luxuriant world.
In fact, the world itself a real spectacle. Instead of going the expected route; where 'post-apocalyptic' is a byword for grey; Enslaved is a true concussion of colour. Organic growth sways in substitute for wastelands and industrialism, whilst remnants of the human world teeter stylishly above expansive jungles and riverscapes. It's scope and artistry is forever a draw, and so exploring it; such as riding a hover-board across an ocean; is forever a marvel. Animations and character models are similarly superb, and specifically their facial expressions. It allows the characters to come to life; such human features advancing emotion in the already engaging plot line.
Of course, such accurate depictions would soon fall flat were it not for convincing voice work behind them. Thankfully, actor Andy Serkis (Lord of the Rings) plays Monkey with charm, whilst Trip is voice-acted by Lindsey Shaw. Together they deliver a believable duo of emotion which does more than simply reinforce the narrative. Music is less memorable but equally high quality; a mixture of endearing assonance and thrilling orchestra. It's all very fitting and infinitely listenable, ringing with a cinematic aura most deftly demonstrated at the game's most edge-of-seat moments.
As an experience, Enslaved represents an enchanting ride which more than earns a place amongst it's genre rivals. It's affecting storyline and gorgeous visuals are sure to captivate; it's stand-out moments suitably compensating for an occasional dip into tedium. It may not be an especially long journey; but it is an inspiring one, and it's wealth of quality and filmic flair make sure it's a trip that will be remembered.
8/10
The game wastes no time in introducing it's foundation. In the first half-hour you'll have clambered surfaces, battled enemies and leapt athwart pictorial landscapes. It's instantly grandiose and exciting, and although an Uncharted-esque aura surrounds it; it's own personality soon starts to unfold. What follows is an action-adventure with notable pacing and strong presentation; a solid bedrock for an earnest and vividly story-led experience.
As the opening scenes explode into closure; a florid and colourful world is glimpsed at; and the two main characters are properly introduced. Trip, a young woman from an extrinsic and distant land; escapes the plummet of a burning slave-ship, landing in a post-apocalyptic New York. With her is another survivor; a brutish man known only as Monkey, of whom she decides can help her reach home. To do this, she fits him with a slave headband, a device which allows her to issue him orders and force him into cooperation. It is then that they begin their journey together; from landscapes which once held human life, to the far off vision of Trip's homeland. Enslaved: Odyssey to the West is an especially personal and well-crafted story, inspired by the ancient Chinese fable, The Journey to the West. It's a touching tale of friendship and survival, a human story with enough twists to keep you engaged from the outset. Indeed, the relationship between Monkey and Trip is one of the game's main driving points; so much in fact that's it almost disappointing when another character shows up later. Still, this filmic and inspiring plot has more than enough excitement; not to mention indubitable emotion, to have you compelled for it's entirety.
This is perhaps fortunate, as beneath the frequent (yet not over-long) cutscenes, is a game which steadily straddles between elation and tedium. At it's best, the streamlined platforming and valorous set-peices are a thrilling testament to it's genre. At it's worst, the combat is repetitive and often laborious, a weak link in an otherwise stellar production. For the most part though, the variety of activities and locations more than make up for an occasional lull. Monkey is acrobatic and versatile, with climbable surfaces glistening slightly to help you along the path. It's never distinctly challenging; most jumps are managed easily with the touch of a button; but it's always satisfying to swing and climb your way across the environment. Combat is just as easy to grasp; but it never escalates beyond a functional button mash. Enemies will often attack in numbers, and apart from a few who can be finished by special moves, it quickly becomes one-dimensional. Bosses however are more intense; some requiring a strategic knack such as dazzling a weak spot or luring it into a trap. Trip can also offer help; and with the simple tap of a shoulder button can distract an enemy enabling you to flank your foes or even avoid combat entirely. It adds an edge of tactics to encounters; and Trip's instance on scanning each area allows you to think and plan your assault. Moreover, certain enemies can be hijacked or mounted; such as gun turrets or malfunctioning robots, which can easily help to clear an area, making it safe for Trip to cross.
This to-and-fro connection between Monkey and Trip is when the gameplay is at it's high point. Helping Trip across dangerous paths by carefully choosing when to wave her across is always a joy. Furthermore, she will sometimes need carrying or throwing across a larger ravine; a concept which is carried over to the occasional puzzle requiring cooperation. For the most part these are a simple affair; knocking down debris or throwing switches in unison, but they make good use of the collaborative nature of the characters' relationship. You can also upgrade various abilities, fueled by collecting assorted red energy orbs. It's a relatively limited and basic concept; but it's still satisfying to monkey-around with your attack damage or health meter. Generally though, Enslaved does not try to reinvent it's genre; it's core mechanics are solid and functional, and for every moment of cookie-cutter combat, there's an awe inspiring set-peice to pull you into it's luxuriant world.
In fact, the world itself a real spectacle. Instead of going the expected route; where 'post-apocalyptic' is a byword for grey; Enslaved is a true concussion of colour. Organic growth sways in substitute for wastelands and industrialism, whilst remnants of the human world teeter stylishly above expansive jungles and riverscapes. It's scope and artistry is forever a draw, and so exploring it; such as riding a hover-board across an ocean; is forever a marvel. Animations and character models are similarly superb, and specifically their facial expressions. It allows the characters to come to life; such human features advancing emotion in the already engaging plot line.
Of course, such accurate depictions would soon fall flat were it not for convincing voice work behind them. Thankfully, actor Andy Serkis (Lord of the Rings) plays Monkey with charm, whilst Trip is voice-acted by Lindsey Shaw. Together they deliver a believable duo of emotion which does more than simply reinforce the narrative. Music is less memorable but equally high quality; a mixture of endearing assonance and thrilling orchestra. It's all very fitting and infinitely listenable, ringing with a cinematic aura most deftly demonstrated at the game's most edge-of-seat moments.
As an experience, Enslaved represents an enchanting ride which more than earns a place amongst it's genre rivals. It's affecting storyline and gorgeous visuals are sure to captivate; it's stand-out moments suitably compensating for an occasional dip into tedium. It may not be an especially long journey; but it is an inspiring one, and it's wealth of quality and filmic flair make sure it's a trip that will be remembered.
8/10