The realm of Embervale is lost. In their greed for magical power, your ancestors unleashed a pestilence that consumed the world.
Enshrouded is a game of survival, crafting, and Action RPG combat, set within a sprawling voxel-based continent. As you journey across the mountains and deserts of an open world, you are free to choose your path and shape your destiny.
Ignite the Ancient power of the Flame, and piece together the fragments of a story that unfolds below the surface.
Enshrouded, the co-op survival RPG from Keen Games, has emerged from the mists of Early Access, beckoning players with its captivating world-building and collaborative gameplay. Yet, like the ever-present fog that cloaks its landscapes, the experience comes with its share of murky aspects.
You are Flameborn, last ember of hope of a dying race. Awaken, survive the terror of a corrupting fog, and reclaim the lost beauty of your kingdom. Venture into a vast world, vanquish punishing bosses, build grand halls and forge your path in this co-op survival action RPG for up to 16 players.
Reasons to Ascend:
- Immersive Fantasy: Enshrouded’s world is a vibrant tapestry woven with breath-taking landscapes, fantastical creatures, and a looming sense of mystery. The lore, while currently fragmented, hints at an intriguing narrative waiting to unfold.
- Building Dreams: The construction system shines, allowing you to craft magnificent castles, sprawling villages, and anything your imagination desires. The intuitive mechanics and diverse building blocks make the process both satisfying and strategic.
- Cooperative Camaraderie: Team up with friends (up to 16!) to conquer challenges, explore the world, and forge a lasting legacy together. The shared experience fosters camaraderie and laughter, especially when facing the game’s perils.
- Thrills and Chills: Combat is tense and engaging, with a variety of weapons and abilities at your disposal. The ever-present threat of the corrupting fog adds a constant layer of tension, urging you to stay vigilant and prepared.
Reasons to Hesitate:
- Early Access Fog: As with any Early Access title, Enshrouded is still under development. Content, features, and even core mechanics can be subject to change, and some aspects might feel unfinished or lacking polish.
- Repetitive Grind: While the core loop is engaging, repetitive resource gathering and monster slaying can become monotonous in extended sessions. The content currently available might feel limited for players seeking a sprawling, endlessly engaging experience.
- Narrative Murk: The story currently takes a back seat to the gameplay, leaving players yearning for more depth and context to their actions. The world’s lore, while intriguing, feels scattered and underdeveloped.
- Performance Fog: While generally stable, Enshrouded can experience occasional frame drops and performance hiccups, especially in densely populated areas or during intense battles.
Critical Reception:
- IGN: 7/10 – “A promising foundation for a captivating co-op experience, but held back by repetitive gameplay and a lack of narrative depth.”
- PC Gamer: 80% – “An enchanting world filled with potential, but be prepared for some early access fog.”
Platforms and Availability:
Enshrouded is currently available on PC (Steam) for $29.99. It is expected to launch for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S later in 2024.
Conclusion:
Enshrouded offers a captivating glimpse into a world brimming with potential. The enchanting visuals, engaging building mechanics, and cooperative thrills provide a solid foundation for an enjoyable experience. However, the Early Access nature presents limitations in content, polish, and narrative depth. If you’re patient with development hiccups and enjoy co-op crafting and exploration, Enshrouded offers a worthwhile adventure. For those seeking a fully fleshed-out experience, it might be best to wait until it emerges from the fog of Early Access.
Early Access and the Future:
Keen Games actively engages with the community, gathering feedback and implementing requested features. Players have expressed desires for a more robust narrative, deeper character progression, and additional content variety. As development continues, Enshrouded has the potential to solidify itself as a captivating co-op RPG experience.
Remember, this review is based on the current state of the Early Access version. As development progresses, the game may change significantly, so keep that in mind when making your decision.
If you want to play this game here is a steam link https://store.steampowered.com/app/1203620/Enshrouded/