Enslaved: Odyssey to the West

If you haven't checked out this game, then you're genuinely missing out on one of the hidden gems of 2010. It combines beautiful visuals with a gripping narrative and engaging gameplay, yet it never quite got the spotlight it deserved.

Set in a post-apocalyptic world, you play as Monkey, a strong but reluctant hero, who teams up with a mysterious woman named Trip. The chemistry between the characters is fantastic, making for some truly touching moments throughout the story. The combat is fun and fluid, allowing you to mix melee and platforming like a pro, although some folks might find the AI a bit wonky at times. One of the standout features has to be the art direction. The environments are lush and vibrant, creating a striking contrast to the game's dystopian themes. Plus, the soundtrack is just awesome -it perfectly complements the emotional weight of the story.

What really grips me about this game is its heart. It tackles themes of freedom, survival, and the bond between the characters in a way that feels sincere and well-crafted. If you're in the mood for an adventure with depth and a bit of charm, definitely give this one a go. It's an experience that's all too easy to overlook but absolutely worth it!

This game is incredible easy to play fun I do like long journey games that inquire battles graphics are great gameplay is amazing controls are very easy to use I still want this game first came out this game is not bad at all I highly recommend picking it up or download it on PlayStation now for free.

i own this game and believe me i LOVE it. I am so into the Journey to the West story (which the game is loosely about), that i have been playing it a lot! I am only at the first boss but so far the graphics are beautiful, the sounds are amazing, and the voice acting 5 out of 5.

The game controls are easy to use. Set in America's New York City in the distant future you would recognize several places and wonder how the game got to such dismay in the future.

I would highly recommend the game to anyone that is looking for something based off Journey to the West, or a game with a lot of excitement and adventure.

As a fan of Ninja Theory's previous work, including the stunning *Heavenly Sword*, I found myself eagerly awaiting the release of *Enslaved*. With its rich visuals, engaging story, and action-adventure style, I was convinced that this game would resonate with me - and I'm happy to say it did not disappoint.

Set in a post-apocalyptic future where remnants of a catastrophic war have left the world in ruins, *Enslaved* places you in the shoes of Monkey, an acrobatic and often angry protagonist. Captured by slavers but quickly freed by the resourceful Trip, you embark on a journey as the duo maneuvers through a perilous landscape filled with towering skyscrapers and hostile mech adversaries. The dynamic between Monkey and Trip is at the heart of the game, showcasing a relationship that evolves from mistrust to friendship, which adds genuine depth to the already immersive experience.

The gameplay itself conjures comparisons to heavyweights like *Uncharted* and *The Last of Us*. While it's worth noting that *Enslaved* predates *The Last of Us*, it still shares similarities in storytelling and character development. Each level guides you from point A to B, while presenting ample opportunities for exploration. The levels are expansive and thoughtfully designed, making traversal enjoyable and engaging. You'll find yourself scaling crumbling structures, engaging in fluid combat with your trusty staff against various mech foes, and solving environmental puzzles that keep the experience fresh.

Visually, *Enslaved* boasts striking graphics powered by Unreal Engine 3, impressive for its time. While it may not quite match *Uncharted* in graphical fidelity, it more than holds its own with action sequences that rival those seen in Naughty Dog's franchise. The production quality is certainly AAA, and the attention to detail shines through in both the gameplay and the stunning environments.

In my playthrough, the voice acting stood out as a highlight, with Andy Serkis delivering a masterful performance as Monkey. The character of Trip is equally compelling, showcasing believable emotions as their bond develops. It's worth mentioning that there are only three human characters throughout the game, a bold choice that contributes to a strong narrative focus. The visuals are complemented by an exceptional soundtrack that enhances the ambiance and overall experience.

One small critique comes from the inclusion of live-action cutscenes. While they are not detrimental to the narrative, they feel slightly disjointed from the game's overall aesthetic and design. Additionally, the ending left me wanting more; I wished for a sequel or at least an extension of the story, especially considering the potential for a rich franchise that was sadly underexplored due to the game's underwhelming commercial performance.

My playthrough lasted around 13-15 hours and was filled with joy and engagement throughout. Despite a few minor grievances, *Enslaved* stands as a remarkable action-adventure experience that deserves recognition. Its blend of compelling characters, well-executed gameplay mechanics, and a beautifully rendered world makes it a game I highly recommend.

Ultimately, I'd give *Enslaved* a solid 9/10. If you have a penchant for story-driven games that prioritize character development and exhilarating action, you owe it to yourself to dive into this captivating journey.

I was fortunate to stumble across this game about a month ago. I never knew about it and I have been playing video games actively since '95 when I was a kid. I LOVE this game, and if you like Uncharted I hope you will, too. The story and characters are fleshed out and feel real for their circumstances. The amazing Andy Serkis seriously needs to be nominated for a Oscar, they should bend the rules to include MoCap actors just for him. The overall world is creative and colorful, for 2010 the graphics hold their own and don't feel like the game is too dated. I personally like the fighting style, shooter games are too common anymore. The ending gives us both closure but enough room at the same time to allow a sequel if (hopefully) NinjaTheory ever could. I've played this game 3 times in a row and still am in fan-craze mode

Due to all the good this game has, my score will remain a solid 10, however I will discuss some nitpicks as well, but let me preface them with this: this game is 10 years old. The camera angle can be wonky sometimes, the platform jumping can feel too straight and narrow and looking at the game as a whole it really is one big escort mission. I found the difficulty a little easy, even on hard mode (which I never play unless I really love the game), but that could just be me. The escort part I don't mind because these characters are so well thought out and you aren't doing a lot of rescue and protect, Trip stays (for the most part) to herself. In addition, she's very helpful.

Plus, I'm a sucker for a love story and this game gives us just enough. I laughed, had fun and will be playing this game many more times in the future. The game length I would say is about 8-10 hours if you take your time, I beat it the first time in two marathon sittings.

Give it a chance, you know you want to.