Awhile ago a developer called Ninja Theory announced brand new Dante (the emo one), so just to better measure how ruined that can be, I've played Enslaved, a game from the same developer. This game is intriguing, because it uses one of the most despicable aspect of gaming; escort mission and manages to make it engaging while preventing it to be cumbersome. Yup, the whole game is practically one giant escort mission.
Btw I do have a drawing, but the file is corrupted for some reason. I'll try to fix it and post in next time.
Enslaved is one of those underrated and unappreciated games, mostly due to the fact it was released in major competitions such as Halo: Reach, Fallout: New Vegas and Black Ops. Talk about bad timing, it does reminds me of Threads of Fate, a good game but released in 1999 along with a dozen RPGs. But don't let it distract you, Enslaved is not an epic tale of saving the universe, but the characters' chemistry and development works wonderfully.
The story is heavily influenced (read rip-off) by the Sun Go Kong tale, Journey to The West. I bet we all know about it, since it's more famous in Asia. There are some differences though, the setting is post apocalypse, mostly New York rather than China or India and the enemies take the form of mechs. The hero is Monkey, rightfully named so, a big brute powerhouse with demeanor like, what else, a monkey. At the start of the game, he was locked in a slaver's ship and by fate or coincidence, it was hijacked by Trip, a sexy tech whiz. They somehow escaped together when the ship crashed. Realizing that she wouldn't survive alone, Trip put a slave headband on Monkey when he passed out, hence the title Enslaved.
Aforementioned headband serves not only for story, but it's a neat trick for the gameplay as well. It gives you the HUD and any info Trip scanned will appear in-game. It also provides a death link between the two, if Trip dies, so is Monkey. Through almost the entire game, you will need to make sure Trip survive the journey. Monkey is well versed in combat and exploration, think of it like a platformed action game with a bit strategy game. Monkey will be able to climb, jump and traverse the ruined world, a bit similar to PoP without the wall run, and the way he moves with his sash flailing about certainly describes a more primal movement.
There is stealth element involved that can make the travel easier, but in case that doesn't work, he can also engages the enemies in combat, it is quiet simple but works. He has the usual basic light attacks that can be mixed with heavy attacks, there are also more damaging charged attack and focused attack thrown in the mix or later in the game. His staff can also deliver plasma and stun to reach annoying ranged enemies. While the combat is not as deep as other action titles such as Bayonetta or DMC, it fits and quiet thrilling.
If the whole escort mission daunted you, rest assure. Trip is not the usual burden type, she is quiet useful. She can create a hologram to distract enemies, uses EMP when she is in danger and also upgrades your stats. Across the game, it's rare that Trip will be a nuisance. She does however, needs your assist in reaching more elaborate terrains, but compare to Ashley and Sheva from RE 4 & 5 respectively, she is an angel.
The visual in the game is simply marvelous to behold. Post-apocalypse world has never look so good, a far cry from the normal plain or barren environment, Enslaved world is one with lustrous plants creeping about after years of thriving without humans' interference. It has some great artistic value to better the mood, from the subtle hints of passing civilization or shimmering sunset. They are beautiful to say the least. Although there are some awkward movement when Trip climbs or other clunky enemies' animation, they clipped sometimes, but it's just minor occasional distraction.
Sound is consistent enough throughout the game. The dubbing for the main chars are good, Monkey sounds like a sort of familiar Vin Diesel but with more crude voice. Trip has soft voice and the artist delivers well on more dramatic moments, she sounds completely believable. Soundtracks are good, it has moody despair vibe to it that matches the setting, add with some playful or serenade ballad tone, it works well with the game's theme.
The main draw of the game is the story of these chars when they are traveling together, while it's a bit linear, only occasion beaten paths to collect tech orbs. Playtime should takes about ten hours give or take, it's not that long, but it's a journey worthy of your time.
Graph : Beautifully rendered world and fluid motion, with a little odd movement. 8.5/10
Gameplay : A mix of platform, combat and stealth. A bit simple but still fun. 8/10
Sound: Interesting vocal, moody ambient noise makes the journey believable. 8/10
Presentation : Well told story, great characters in a brilliant setting, although a bit short. 8.5/10
Overall : 8.3/10
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