Xbox Of Orcs and Men Review
Description:
| Available Platforms: Xbox 360 | PC | PS3 |
| Genre: Role Playing | Turn Based |
| Publisher: Focus Home Interactive |
| Multiplayer:
Local:1 Online:N/A |
| Website: oforcsandmen.com |
| ESRB Rating: 18 |
| Other: |
| Released: October 2012 |
Score:
Overall
| Story | 8 |
| Gameplay | 7 |
| Graphics | 6 |
| Audio | 6 |
| Fun Factor | 7 |
| Longevity | 7 |
Pros:
Some solid turn base combat
Cons:
Its unpolished in areas
Game supplied by
Apex Interactive
For fans of:
Turn Based
Of Orcs and Men
The eternal battle between Orcs and Humans seem to have been raging on almost as long as games have existed. Warcraft games have been the battlefield for this conflict for ages, but there is a new arena emerging from developers Cyanide. This new IP has a fresh twist on an old conflict which comes in the form of its turn based combat. Instead of hordes of Orcs and goblins you will be in control of just one Orc and one Goblin. Both are equipped with unique skills and the ability to drop more F bombs than there are seconds in the day.
The story see’s you controlling Arkail, a massive brute Orc that could easily be mistaken for the Hulk. Arkail is part of an elite group of Orcs called the Bloodjaws who didn’t get that name for their conversation skills. The Orcs and Goblins are being hunted by the Emperor and his men, and are on the verge of extinction. Arkail is sent on a mission from the leader of the Bloodjaws to end the Emperors reign of oppression, and he is sent a little help from the Goblins. A small Goblin assassin by the name of Styx joins Arkails quest, and so the banter begins.
The combat is all turn based; hitting the RB will slow the game down allowing you a chance to plan your next move. The player can queue up a number of either offensive or defensive moves as well as special attacks to mix things up. You can quickly switch between a character which is essential to make best use of their unique skills. Arkail is the brute character who will be in the thick of the combat, while Styx is more effective at a distance and won’t last long toe to toe with the enemy. Styx has the ability to go invisible and perform stealth takedowns as well, and you will have to learn how to master each character’s special ability to survive the later levels as the combat really gets intense.
This type of gameplay might not be for everyone, and you will have to play the game more like a dynamic chess board instead of a hack and slash. There are not too many games around that play like this with integration which are made. Of Orcs and Men is a nice change from the sea of generic action games out there. Unfortunately it does have its problems though, it might have fantastic voice work and a decent enough story but the lack of polish is too evident and hurts the overall experience. Visual fidelity has few high moments but many low ones, with the odd glitch here and there.
This might be one to skip this time around sadly, unless you truly are a turn based strategy fan. There is not enough on show here to win over new players to this genre, and it can’t hold a candle to such greats as Knights of the Old Republic.
Tips N4G