Status:
- Complete in Box
- Play Tested
Enslaved: Odyssey to the West for the PS3, developed by Ninja Theory and released in 2010, is an action-adventure game set in a post-apocalyptic world, heavily inspired by the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. With a compelling narrative, beautifully designed environments, and engaging characters, Enslaved offers a unique mix of platforming, combat, and exploration. Despite some gameplay flaws and a somewhat linear structure, it remains a memorable and immersive experience. Heres a detailed review:
Story
The story of Enslaved: Odyssey to the West follows Monkey, a skilled warrior who is enslaved and must work alongside Trip, a resourceful young woman who has a device implanted on his head that forces him to obey her commands. Together, they must escape a world overrun by hostile robots and find their way to safety. The plot is loosely based on the Journey to the West narrative, with themes of survival, freedom, and self-discovery.
Pros:
- Strong Character Development: The relationship between Monkey and Trip is one of the games highlights. The dynamic between them evolves throughout the story, creating an emotional connection with the characters. The dialogue and performances by the voice actors, particularly Andy Serkis (who voices Monkey), are excellent and help to bring the characters to life.
- Interesting World-Building: The game does an excellent job of building its post-apocalyptic world, with ruined cities, overgrown nature, and hostile robotic enemies. The setting is visually stunning, and the environmental storytelling is immersive, with scattered details that hint at the fall of humanity.
- Well-Written Plot: The story has strong pacing and maintains player interest throughout. The narrative's emotional beats, combined with its adventure and action elements, create a balanced experience.
Cons:
- Predictable Story Elements: While the story is solid, it follows some familiar tropes of the post-apocalyptic genre and lacks a few surprises. Some plot points can feel predictable, especially for players familiar with similar narratives.
Gameplay
Enslaved combines platforming, puzzle-solving, and combat. The game is primarily linear, with a focus on exploration and progressing through levels. Monkey uses a combination of acrobatic platforming and combat abilities to navigate the world and protect Trip.
Pros:
- Fluid Platforming: The game features enjoyable platforming mechanics, with Monkeys acrobatics feeling smooth and responsive. The climbing and traversal segments are well-designed, and the environments are built to make exploration fun.
- Combat: The combat is fast-paced and dynamic, involving both close-quarters combat and ranged attacks. Monkey has a variety of moves that can be used to take down enemies, including combos, special attacks, and the use of a staff weapon.
- Partner Gameplay with Trip: The game introduces some interesting mechanics by making Trip an integral part of the journey. While she isnt directly involved in combat, her presence is crucial for solving environmental puzzles and guiding Monkey through certain obstacles.
- Stunning Visuals: The games environments are beautifully rendered, with a mix of futuristic technology and overgrown nature. The animation is top-notch, and the design of the robots and landscapes creates a visually compelling world.
Cons:
- Linear Gameplay: Enslaved is a fairly linear game with little in terms of open-world exploration. While this ensures a tightly crafted narrative experience, it can feel restrictive to players who prefer more freedom in their gameplay.
- Combat Can Be Repetitive: While the combat is generally satisfying, it can become repetitive as you face similar enemies throughout the game. The combat mechanics arent particularly deep, and the lack of enemy variety can make encounters feel monotonous at times.
- Occasional Camera Issues: The camera can sometimes be problematic, especially during platforming sections, where it can become difficult to see the next ledge or avoid falling.
Graphics and Presentation
Pros:
- Gorgeous Environments: The post-apocalyptic world is beautifully crafted, with ruined cities, lush forests, and futuristic ruins that all feel alive and immersive. The attention to detail is impressive, and the level design encourages exploration.
- Character Models and Animation: The character models are detailed, with lifelike animations that bring the protagonists and enemies to life. The motion capture work (especially from Andy Serkis) is exceptional and adds depth to the characters.
Cons:
- Occasional Visual Clutter: While the environments are beautiful, some areas can feel cluttered with too many details that may distract from the players path, especially during platforming sections. This can sometimes hinder the flow of exploration.
- Texture Quality: Some textures, especially on lower-resolution objects or in the background, can look a bit dated, though this is a minor issue overall.
Replayability
Pros:
- Unlockables: There are collectibles and unlockables scattered throughout the game, which provide incentive for players to explore.
- New Game Plus: After completing the game, players can start over with all their abilities unlocked, making the replay more enjoyable for those who want to experience the game again.
Cons:
- Linear Structure: Due to the games linearity, there isnt much incentive to replay the campaign unless youre interested in collecting all the unlockables. Theres not a lot of variety in the gameplay to encourage repeated playthroughs.
Verdict
Enslaved: Odyssey to the West is a beautiful, emotionally-driven action-adventure game with strong character development and a captivating story. The gameplay is fun and engaging, though it can become repetitive due to its linear design and combat mechanics. The game excels in its narrative and character-driven moments, making it a worthwhile experience for those who appreciate storytelling and emotional depth.
Overall Rating:
- Gameplay: 7.5/10
- Story: 8/10
- Graphics: 8/10
- Sound: 8/10
- Replayability: 6.5/10
- Overall: 7.5/10
Enslaved is a must-play for fans of narrative-driven games and those who appreciate emotional, character-focused experiences. While the gameplay might not be groundbreaking, the story, character dynamics, and world-building make it a memorable journey.
