Enclave

I was a little hesitant at first to buy this game. I really didn't know what to make of it as hack 'n' slash isn't really my type of genre. But I just went for it and boy am I glad. Personally, I wouldn't label this game a hack 'n' slash; the only game I can really compare it to is the recent Demon's Souls. If you've played that, that's what the combat is like. The story is okay, as is the voice acting. It has great atmosphere and replayability. But most of all: It's fun. Buy it, you won't be disappointed.

Starbreeze studios is mostly known now a days for the hit "Chronicles of Riddick" and a little lesser known "The Darkness". Yet way back in 2003, they created a very well put together hack'n'slash. Let's take a look shall we? Storyline (2/5): The wizard Zale split the world in two, splitting two factions off from each. You must chose to either fight for the light and push back the demon king Vatar or Kill Queen Celenhiem. Regardless which side you chose, the games over-arching story is pretty bare thin. It's really there to set you up for the reason you're on such a level. Gameplay (3/5): You chose light or darkness, based on which you chose you'll get a different set of characters, as well as levels. The game plays like a cross between Tomb Raider and Golden Axe. You'll swing/shoot/cast you're way through most levels, with very little in the way of puzzles, but they are there. The biggest fun for most will be the variety of different classes/characters you can switch between each level. In each level there is bags of gold you can find, at the end of the level you can then use that gold to purchase upgrade such as armor, weapons and customize you're character to you're liking. It's quite fun and really adds the nice rpg feel to a otherwise normal hack'n'slash. Graphics (3/5): The games graphics are blocky at times, but get the jobs done. Animations can be stiff, and overall it's a aging game. Yet, where the game shines is the atmosphere and variety in levels. You'll be go from cities, volcanic, snowy, and all around and each stage feels right at home within the games world. Overall: (3/5) The game isn't outstanding by any means, but it does put together a decent gem that hearkens back to the glory days of Fantasy Hack'n'Slash. The two different campaigns while not that different, still adds some extra time to the game, and the different charcters makes this one you'll have some re-playability with. Give it a shot.

Wow! I just bought this game today on sale for $2.99 and I am incredibly pleased! I thought it would just be "okay" because I read some reviews on it being visually pleasant but boring and such. They were 50% wrong! Lol The game is indeed visually pleasant. This game is freaking beautiful! I'm running it with max texture settings etc. and I am quite impressed. For such an old game there are some really good textures in here. The sound is another thing. The music is incredible! It really enthralls you and makes you completely forget about real life and puts you straight in the game. It is by far some of the best atmospheric music I've heard in a game as old as this. The fighting is pretty good. It isn't the absolute best but it does the trick and can be pretty difficult starting around level 6 (that's quest 6, there is no leveling system). Pretty standard hack and slash, only thing is there are very limited animations and you are often left running backwards for a few seconds just so you can time your swing to hit properly. Drinking potions is a tad annoying. It looks good and makes you feel like it's real but... standing there for 6 seconds chugging before you can swing or shoot again is a tad annoying. Linear. This is one of the draw backs. There isn't an RPG element in this game other then choosing which campaign (light and dark) to follow. The quest basically moves on over the span of the levels (I'm on quest 6 for the light campaign, I don't know how many there are) and you don't choose where it goes. Basically it's a kick back hack and slash with an awesome story that you watch unfold as you go through countless quests slaughtering enemies like a bad-ass. The story to this game is actually really good so far. You start off the game with a REALLY long introduction video. Watch it though.. watch it all.. it's awesome. The game-play is actually pretty decent. The story unfolds quite rapidly and it get's you into the world and having fun right from the get-go. Even the introduction tutorial isn't noticeable. You learn from playing! And the scripted events are freaking sweet so far! Also, the level design is immaculate. Everything from sneaky bowmen hiding in the rafters to little enemies jumping out of bushes a,bushing you. Careful thought was clearly used everywhere they placed any kind of enemy or item and it shows. This kind of thought put into a game makes it so freaking FUN! That's about it! This game is freaking awesome! I'm so happy it was on sale, I probably wouldn't have come across it at all without the promo deal this weekend. This is worth $2.99 for sure but I would have spent $5.99 for it now that I know how good it is.

Nice graphics with plenty of variety in terms of the gameplay and locations. Part of trio of Hack & Slash games that i played from 2000-2002. Enclave, Blade Of Darkness and Rune.

As a soundtrack lover I enjoyed the entire game music, and alone the Menu screen soundtrack gave me chills. The Menu itself is beautifully crafted and the game idea is beautiful. The gameplay itself has a few slow moments but the scenery is nice and diverse.