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Numerous games have explored the theme of Robin Hood, the noble outlaw who robs from the rich to aid the poor, bringing to light the escapades of his merry band in Sherwood. Given this familiarity, when presented with the opportunity to play Gangs of Sherwood, I initially anticipated it to be another addition to the array of games with an appealing theme but potentially lacklustre execution. However, my experience with this co-op-based adventure proved to be surprisingly positive.
To claim that Gangs of Sherwood is a game that will astonish you with its complexity or narrative would be disingenuous. In fact, the game doesn't boast impressive visuals either. However, what it lacks in those aspects, it compensates for with incredibly simple yet very fun gameplay. Having invested nearly thirty hours in the lively world of Sherwood, here are my impressions.
Story
Gangs of Sherwood draws its narrative inspiration from characters and locations found in the original Robin Hood literature, featuring a slightly different premise and a markedly distinct setting.
In Gangs of Sherwood, the malevolent Sheriff of Nottingham rules with an iron fist, levying exorbitant taxes on the inhabitants of Nottingham. This oppressive rule is enforced by technologically advanced soldiers who ensure the Sheriff's commands are followed. Naturally, our protagonists—Robin of Locksley, Maid Marian, Friar Tuck, and Little John—strongly oppose this reign of terror and initiate a resistance movement against the Sheriff's oppressive regime.
Basically, the story in Gangs of Sherwood shares similarities with other tales featuring the Robin Hood theme. However, as you engage with the game, this story takes a distinctive trajectory, particularly owing to the direct ties between the playable characters and the primary antagonist. This connection adds a layer of depth to the narrative, infusing the story with a unique and meaningful perspective.
Moreover, the dialogues among the protagonists throughout the missions contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the lore, offering additional insights into the unfolding events. Initially, the game plunges you into what seems like a chaotic situation, leaving you uncertain about the identities of those involved and the motivations behind the attacks and conflicts.
However, as the gameplay advances, clarity emerges, and it becomes evident that while Gangs of Sherwood may not present an exceptionally novel or groundbreaking narrative, the storytelling approach is intriguing and notably distinctive.
In a nutshell, the story may not be exceptional or leave a lasting impression, yet it manages to sustain your interest, acting as a driving force that propels you towards the game's conclusion. Considering that Gangs of Sherwood prioritises engaging and enjoyable gameplay over an intricate story, it can still be considered passable.
Gameplay
Gangs of Sherwood compensates for any narrative shortcomings or potentially unrealized story potential with exceptionally enjoyable, diverse, and high-quality gameplay. Notably, the combat stands out as an excellent segment within the game.
Optimal gameplay in Gangs of Sherwood is achieved when played cooperatively with up to four characters, unlocking the game's true potential. However, even in single-player mode, the game remains highly enjoyable and entirely playable. This is due to the inclusion of four distinct playable characters, each equipped with unique moves and special abilities. Importantly, it's not merely about diverse classes; rather, it involves entirely different weapons and their strategic utilisation.
Consider Robin as an example; his primary weapon is the bow and arrow, and all of his moves, both regular and special, revolve around the utilisation of this weapon. In contrast, Maid Marian, for instance, wields daggers, resulting in a distinct and tailored gameplay experience centred around her unique set of moves.
The combat system relies on executing combo attacks, and your performance in each encounter is rated from D to S based on your efficiency. Achieving higher scores yields greater earnings in the form of gold coins, which can then be used to acquire new moves, special attacks, outfits, and additional upgrades.
Character upgrades take place in Major Oak, the hub area visited after each mission. With a limited number of missions—only thirteen—the game might seem relatively short. However, replaying these missions with different characters extends the gameplay. Yet, due to the unchanged plot, the missions can become monotonous over time.
Gangs of Sherwood offers three well-balanced difficulty levels: easy, medium, and hard. Easy provides a relaxed experience, making the game a breeze. Medium strikes a balance between ease and challenge, providing a genuine middle-ground experience. On the other hand, hard proves to be quite challenging, demanding sharp reflexes to navigate through the game's space.
Speaking of quick reflexes, the combat in Gangs of Sherwood is notably fast-paced, requiring swift movement across the battlefield for success. An intriguing aspect to note is that at the commencement of each mission, you start with a power level of zero. As you advance through the mission, you encounter checkpoints where you can exchange gold for power levels. These power levels enhance your health layers, making the initial stages of the mission the most challenging, while it gradually becomes easier as you make headway.
Enhancing your character's strength is possible through special artefacts found during the levels, which can be equipped in designated slots. It's important to note that at the end of each mission, all artefacts, along with the power level, are reset. As you embark on a new mission, the progression cycle begins anew.
Apart from the primary missions, there are also side quests to tackle, although they don't warrant significant attention. These quests are rather straightforward, typically following a pattern of objectives such as defeating a certain number of special enemies, executing finishers, or eliminating a specified count of crows in a particular level.
The enemies in the Gangs of Sherwood display a diverse range, each demanding distinct approaches for victory. Notably, the boss battles stand out with their intriguing and creative designs. Once a boss is defeated, they reappear later in the game as a regular enemy with slightly reduced health. This twist adds complexity to the battles, making them notably challenging towards the conclusion of the game, particularly on higher difficulty settings.
Upon completing the main story, special missions emerge on the map designed in an arena style, pitting you against waves of enemies and concluding with repeated boss encounters. This particular segment of the game merits commendation, providing a substantial challenge and an opportunity to face bosses after enhancing your characters through upgrades.
A notable regret for me is not having the opportunity to experience the game in co-op, which I believe would have been an intriguing venture. Co-op play is limited to friends who own the game or online players who join your session. As I played the game prior to its official release, none of my friends possessed the game, and connecting online with others proved challenging. I remain uncertain about the conditions post-release, but I am optimistic that they will present a more favourable environment. Although I missed the chance, I anticipate it would be a highly enjoyable experience.
Graphics and Sounds
Regarding its visual presentation, Gangs of Sherwood triggered diverse reactions in me. The graphical effects depicting explosions, fire, water, and similar elements are reminiscent of those seen in games released two decades or more ago. The first level, set in a burning city, swiftly reveals that the game's graphics are notably outdated.
However, the next level transports you to the Sherwood forests, where the vibrant colours and captivating effects of the trees, swaying grass, and natural scenes are bound to leave a lasting impression. However, shortly thereafter, when you visit Major Oak and engage with other characters, the disappointment sets in as the NPCs are poorly designed, featuring low-resolution textures and appearing lifeless, resembling doll-like figures.
The crux of the matter lies in the game's visual presentation, which is inherently inconsistent. There are moments when it looks exceptionally good, and then there are instances when it appears so lacklustre that it leaves you torn between admiration and pure hatred.
Conversely, the level design is notably impressive, showcasing a commendable variety in its execution. The game unfolds in an alternate Robin Hood world, featuring a technologically advanced, almost robotic aesthetic, complete with enormous technological marvels such as giant flying ships and towering structures. Each area is meticulously presented with a compelling atmosphere, and in this regard, the developers deserve accolades for their work.
On the contrary, the sound aspect is not particularly remarkable. While the soundtrack is forgettable, the sound effects are competently executed. One aspect that can become quite tedious is the incessant repetition of ratings after each encounter. Whether it's a D prompting "Dull" or an A accompanied by "Aced," the constant repetition, given the repetitive nature of encounters, can become wearisome. There were instances where I sought an option to disable this feature, but unfortunately, no such option was available.
Conclusion
Gangs of Sherwood promises an abundance of enjoyment with its extensive array of specialised moves designed for all four playable characters and a combat system that is both enjoyable and addictive. However, the game grapples with a relatively thin and underdeveloped narrative, coupled with graphics that occasionally appear dated and, dare I say, unattractive.
This raises the question of whether engaging in combat alone is sufficient to justify the price of $50. Ultimately, if pure gaming enjoyment is your primary motivation, then Gangs of Sherwood is a must-try, as it undeniably delivers thrilling and entertaining combat paired with good level design and an enjoyable atmosphere.
The Good
Engaging and entertaining gameplay- Unique and specialised moves for each of the four playable characters
- Impressive boss battles with creative designs
- Good level design
- Special missions post-main story for added challenge
The Bad
Inconsistent visual presentation featuring outdated graphics- Unimaginative side quests
- The NPC design lacks detail and appears lifeless
- Limited co-op opportunities
- Thin storyline, leaving the overall narrative less compelling
