Enshrouded, only in early access, has just been released and surged beyond expectations, boasting an impressive feat of surpassing the coveted one-million-downloads milestone. The buzz surrounding this nascent release is growing louder, signaling the emergence of a potential gaming powerhouse that is swiftly etching its name into the collective consciousness of gamers worldwide.
As the player base expands and enthusiasm intensifies, Enshrouded is proving to be a formidable force, shaping up to be the next big sensation in the gaming realm. The journey has just begun, and the allure of exploration, discovery, and ever-evolving gameplay is painting a promising future for this rising star in the gaming galaxy.
Enshrouded offers a versatile experience, accommodating solo players or groups of up to 16 friends – although playing in groups is recommended. Players embark on hours of versatile exploration, allowing them to shape unique narratives in a customizable world.
While labeled as a survival game on Steam, Enshrouded leans more towards an action RPG with integrated survival elements. Essential systems such as base-building, crafting, farming, and cooking enhance character strength and provide advantageous buffs, rather than being crucial for survival. Regardless of classification, the interface is well organized and fans of the survival genre will feel right at home.
The Story
Enshrouded unfolds in a once-majestic world now marred by decay, where the splendor of magic and beauty has been eclipsed by a relentless pestilence unleashed from the earth’s depths. The land is overrun by mutated remnants of its former inhabitants, driven to madness and controlled by an enveloping fog. Hidden in ancient temples above the mists, warriors from a forgotten era slumber, untouched by time and dreams.
As players embark on their journey, they step into the role of the “Flameborn,” the last hope of an ancient civilization. Armed with a latent arcane power coursing through their veins, players must engage in hunting, gathering, and crafting to unlock their potential and unravel the secrets of this beautifully ruined realm. Exploration leads them through lush forests, unyielding deserts, deep fissures, and forgotten dungeons, where truth, treasure, and wisdom await discovery.
Yet, the Shroud, a creeping blight absorbing and mutating all life it encounters, poses a formidable challenge. To repel this malevolent force, Flameborns ascend an expansive skill tree, mastering powerful weapons, spells, and armor. Developing a unique playstyle becomes essential as they confront warring factions and conquer formidable bosses in intense combat.
In their quest to revitalize the kingdom and shield themselves from the fog, players wield creative prowess to shape the terrain and construct bases and homes with meticulous detail, using a diverse range of materials and furniture. Beyond mere aesthetics, these structures attract powerful NPCs, awakening advanced workshops and unlocking the ability to craft exclusive items and mythic weapons, further fortifying their journey against the encroaching darkness.
Overall Thoughts
The game is seriously well-made, and the visuals are just mind-blowing. Each adventure keeps things interesting and doesn’t get old even after a lot of grinding. The enemies are cool and not repetitive, adding to the overall appeal.
Building and crafting are simple but super fun, focusing on making things easy and efficient. It’s not complicated at all, but you can still create some pretty complex structures if you put in the time. No need to overcomplicate things – the system is easy to get the hang of.
Now, onto the not-so-great stuff. The stamina system, especially when climbing, can be a real headache. I can’t count the times my stamina ditched me mid-climb, and yet, fighting is way more forgiving.
Combat has its quirks too. Some enemies freeze in place when there are obstacles, or when you get the high ground. Also, my shield had a mind of its own during combat, especially when the camera angles changed.
Note: Props to the devs for actively fixing bugs and rolling out patches. These issues could, in fact, already be remedied.
Despite these hiccups, they’re not deal-breakers and didn’t mess up the overall gameplay too much. The fact that the game is still in early access is pretty awesome.
For gamers looking to dive into a massive world with tons of replay value, Enshrouded definitely hits the mark – and it will only get better since it’s in early access. It’s got the whole package – an immersive environment, balanced mechanics, and ongoing updates that keep things fresh.
