Developer: Keen Games GmbH
Publisher: Keen Games GmbH
Release date: Jan 24th, 2024
Genre: Open world, Survival, Base Building, Multiplayer
Price: $29.99
Where to buy: Steam
Enshrouded, the latest offering from Keen Games, arrived in Early Access with the promise of a vast, corrupted world ripe for exploration, conquest, and base-building. As a Flameborn, the last ember of a dying race, you shoulder the burden of reclaiming your kingdom from the ever-encroaching Shroud, a toxic fog that twists the land and its inhabitants. But does Enshrouded live up to the hype? Strap on your grapple hook, because we’re diving deep into its gameplay.
Survival in the Shadow:
Survival forms the core of Enshrouded. Hunger, thirst, and exposure force you to constantly be on the hunt for food, water, and shelter. Gathering resources like wood, stone, and fiber becomes a rhythmic dance, punctuated by the need to craft tools, weapons, and armor. The building system shines, offering intuitive and flexible tools to create sprawling homesteads or fortified outposts. But the true survival test lies within the Shroud itself. This ever-growing fog zone drains your life force, forcing you to manage time carefully and utilize temporary safe havens like lanterns and corrupted flora. This mechanic injects a thrilling tension into exploration, pushing you to strategize your journeys and respect the Shroud’s power.
Combat: Dance with Darkness:
Combat in Enshrouded is a blend of action and RPG elements. Melee weapons offer satisfying swings and parries, while ranged options like bows and magic wands require strategic aiming and resource management. Enemy design is varied, from corrupted animals to hulking monstrosities, each demanding different tactics. Early encounters feel manageable, but later foes and boss battles necessitate dodging, blocking, and using your skill tree to unlock powerful abilities. Combat might not be the deepest, but it provides a solid foundation for thrilling encounters, especially when facing multiple enemies or exploring the Shroud’s more dangerous depths.
Building Your Legacy:
The base-building system is where Enshrouded truly shines. It’s intuitive, offering snap-to-grid construction and a wide variety of materials. From cozy cottages to sprawling castles, you can create your dream home or a bustling community hub. Functional blocks like furnaces, crafting stations, and farms add depth, allowing you to create self-sustaining havens. But base-building isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s crucial for progression. Upgrading your base expands the safe zone around it, pushing back the Shroud and unlocking new areas. This creates a satisfying loop, motivating you to gather resources, expand your base, and venture deeper into the corrupted world.
A World Shrouded in Mystery:
The world of Enshrouded is vast and visually stunning. Lush forests give way to arid deserts, each biome teeming with unique flora, fauna, and secrets to uncover. Exploration feels rewarding, offering hidden lore entries, challenging puzzles, and valuable resources. However, the narrative currently feels fragmented, leaving players piecing together the story through environmental details and scattered notes. While intriguing, a more cohesive narrative could elevate the emotional impact of the world and its struggles.
Beyond the Fog:
Enshrouded is still in Early Access, and its potential is undeniable. The core gameplay loop of survival, exploration, combat, and base-building is strong, offering hours of engaging content. However, some aspects need polishing. The combat system could benefit from additional depth and enemy variety. The narrative needs a more unified structure to draw players deeper into the world’s lore. And while the building system is excellent, more endgame content is crucial to maintain player engagement in the long run.
Soundtrack:
The soundtrack sets the tone of the world, perfectly capturing its beauty and danger. Tranquil piano melodies accompany exploration of lush forests, while tense, atmospheric strings build anxiety when venturing into the Shroud. The music dynamically responds to your actions, ramping up during combat or intensifying when danger lurks nearby. This adds a layer of immersion and emotional impact to your journey. While some players might yearn for more variety, the current soundtrack effectively sets the mood and complements the gameplay well.
Sound Effects:
Sound effects in Enshrouded are meticulously crafted, bringing the world to life. The rhythmic crackle of flames, the satisfying clang of metal on metal during combat, and the unsettling whispers of the Shroud all contribute to the atmosphere. Every creature has unique sounds, making encounters feel distinct. The wind whistling through trees, the chirping of birds, and the rustling of leaves create a sense of environmental immersion. Even subtle details like the crunch of footsteps on different surfaces are present, further enhancing the overall soundscape.
The audio design in Enshrouded is a strong point. While the soundtrack might not hold up to some genre giants, it effectively sets the mood and complements the gameplay. The sound effects, however, shine, immersing you in the world and its dangers with remarkable detail.
Remember, this is just an overview based on readily available information. Your experience of the sound design might differ depending on your personal preferences and audio setup.
Final Verdict:
Enshrouded is a promising journey into a corrupted world, offering a blend of survival, exploration, combat, and base-building. While not without its flaws, the core gameplay loop is engaging, the world is beautiful, and the potential for future expansion is vast. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding adventure with a unique blend of mechanics, Enshrouded is worth exploring. Just be prepared to face the shadows, both within and without.
