Okay, I really enjoy the concept of this game. I have almost 13 hours of gameplay. Exanima offers a very new and unique format to the RPG/Dungeon Crawler genre. The combat system is fresh and actually demands a larger amount of skill than games that would run in a manner similar to this one. I can honestly admit that I am not that great at the combat system, but it is enjoyable once you start catching on to the flow of how it's supposed to work. And here comes the downside. While I have spent a good amount of time playing this game in the short period of ownership, it just takes way too much time with very little reward. It is promoted as a level playing field with the AI, but the issue is that the AI can coordinate the physics engine better than a human player. This is the main problem I am having with the combat system. Besides that, there are a lot of "clunky" issues that come from using a raw physics model, such as hands getting stuck behind the character's back. Lighting... I don't see too many reviews on this, but I feel it is critical in this game. The lighting in the game is TERRIBLE. For a combat system that relies on actual hits rather to a character model. I know it's keeping with the dark theme of the game, but it is absolutely miserable for the combat. And, honestly, it makes the main story almost unplayable. The main story starts in a dungeon. I don't know if that's where it ends, I can't get out of the dungeon and haven't spent much time trying. There is no sufficient light in the dungeon, which makes it impossible to use two-handed weapons in most circumstances. Also, makes it impossible to use a shield, as you can't hold a shield and a torch. The arena mode is worthy of being a small game in itself. There are multiple options of play and a no-mercy system by which you can build up your force. Also, there are maps with suitable light so that you can enjoy the combat system and get good at it. Short: New combat system not enough light, play arena
I have to say that I am thoroughly impressed and pleased by this game (I own it through a different platform, but wanted my GOG community to understand it is worth the buy). The game itself offers an incredible level of tactical coordination by which the player is required to navigate many maps and situations with given tools. There is an extreme amount of freedom provided to the player in the majority of the game - it does narrow down a few times for areas driven by plot, but it is a point of appreciation at those times. The flexibility offered ensures that people with different mentalities will enjoy the game in different ways. This is not easy to do, since many tactical games rely on system and mechanics being used in the same way; this game has many combinations so that even when you use similar sequences, you're forced to adapt to the new environment. The average player should not expect to fully master the game within a single play-through. There are 9 achievements that can be acquired in each of the 13 missions. These missions offer a replayable experience and a chance to a different challenge and award different approaches to the same level. The story is immersive and engaging; and at a critical point in the story (no spoilers), the characters even provide different comments following the circumstances. It is NOT an RPG where you develop the characters yourselves, but the characters develop their personality and increase how invested the player becomes with those characters. This probably isn't a graphic novel, but it is still an excellent story that brings the player through the game. TL;DR: This game is worth the full price and it is a steal if it is on sale.
