Game #10 – Enslaved: Odyssey to the West
Publisher: Namco
Developer: Ninja Theory
Platforms: PS3/360
Since releasing PS3 exclusive Heavenly Sword, Ninja Theory have been rather quiet. During the three years between the release of that game, one wondered just what they were up to. Turns out they were busy refining their tech and their game design skills, which definitely shows in Enslaved: Odyssey to the West.
Enslaved is a retelling of iconic Chinese folk talk “Journey to the West”, which is often erronously referred to as the story of Dragon Ball (which is very loosely based on the story). You play as Monkey, a hulking brute trapped upon a slave ship in a future where the machines have taken over. After a daring escape, Monkey ends up enslaved by fellow escapee Trip (shortened from Tripitaka), whom has forced Monkey to assist her journey back to her village, being that she can't fight and all..oh, and put a headpiece on Monkey tied to Trips heart; to quote the game, “If I die, you die”.
What immediately impresses about Enslaved is very much what impressed most about Heavenly Sword – the visuals and storytelling. Both work hand in hand with one another to retell the story for a new generation, with lush jungles and some snappy dialogue. The character designs are also pretty damned cool...well, for Monkey anyway. Trip looks like a slightly altered version of Heavenly Sword protagonist Nariko.
As for the actual game part? Well, it's satisfying enough that it makes you want to get to the next cutscene. Combat is usually a brief affair, and quite simple to boot – no combos or anything of the like here. The platforming is also quite decent – iif you can stomach the lights that tell you where to go or the platforms you can't jump on, but know you can.
Yeah...the part where you play the game isn't exactly the best, but it's made up with a fantastic narrative, and it's certainly a lot better than what was done with Heavenly Sword. Otherwise, it's a something that's definitely worth a shot. Now to see what they do with Devil May Cry...
Do not want.
Downloaded and played the demo. Saved me about 18 quid. Repetitive combat, completely automated platforming (you can't jump in any direction other than the right one) ... makes for some very stale gameplay. I hear it has charm and character though.
Do not want.
That's what you said about Assasins Creed before you bought it.
Totally different kind of automation. Assassins Creed does away with the jump button, but you still need to make a decision about which direction to jump/move in. You have freedom of movement in AC. This has a scripted path which you have to follow and it won't even let you make a mistake and fall to your death or try again, you just have to point in the direction in wants you and press jump. Uncharted has scripted platforming but it at leasts lets you find the path yourself and it lets you fall and try again (or die) if you make a mistake.
I see.
Wait a minute, there is no jump button in Assasins Creed?