Every few years, Hollywood capitalizes on public domain British classics like King Arthur, Robin Hood, and Sherlock Holmes to generate profits without licensing fees. Unfortunately, the results often end up as uninspired cash-grabs with little connection to the original stories, albeit serving the purpose of keeping these names alive.
Interestingly, video games, despite working under similar copyright laws, rarely explore public domain concepts. Sherlock Holmes games have existed on a lower budget, but they seldom break into the mainstream. Similarly, Arthur and the Roundtable are seldom directly featured in fantasy games, and Robin Hood’s appearances in video games are infrequent.
In retrospect, this is quite peculiar, especially given the increasing global wealth gap. One of the few successful modern representations of the Robin Hood legend was Mike Bithell’s 2015 game “Volume.” This stealth game was set in a near-future corporate world, where Guy of Gisborne played the role of a company CEO. Surprisingly, “Volume” managed to maintain authenticity to the mythos and deliver a far superior gaming experience compared to titles like “Gangs Of Sherwood.”
A Steampunk Twist on Robin Hood with a Discordant Tone
Set in a steampunk rendition of medieval England, Gangs Of Sherwood presents an intriguing concept that, in theory, allows for creative liberties with the beloved legend of Robin Hood. However, the implementation of lion-faced mechs and flying machines leans more towards the absurd than the captivating. While the story’s core message remains paramount, the deviation in character portrayals and plot elements may not sit well with everyone.
While Gangs Of Sherwood can be enjoyed solo, its primary appeal lies in its four-player co-op mode. Distinct from Hood: Outlaws & Legends, which is predominantly multiplayer-focused, Gangs Of Sherwood attempts to capture the essence of classic scrolling beat ’em-up games like Final Fight or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, albeit with a steampunk Robin Hood twist.
Despite its promising premise, Gangs Of Sherwood falters in execution. The game’s tone veers wildly between the zany steampunk contraptions and wisecracking heroes and the somber portrayal of peasant life, which feels like a relic from a completely different game concept. This tonal inconsistency hinders the overall experience, leaving much to be desired in the end.
Game Bosses and Difficulty Curve
The bosses in this game leave much to be desired, especially when playing with multiple players. The difficulty curve takes an unusual turn, becoming even easier as you progress further. This leads to a situation where players can exploit the system and unlock more potent attacks and buffs, making the experience less challenging.
Despite the game offering a variety of complex combos, they seldom prove necessary due to the game’s low difficulty level, which actively discourages experimentation.
Furthermore, it’s nearly impossible to unlock all the abilities in a single playthrough, as the game seems to assume players will want to replay it multiple times. However, given the uninspiring level and side quest design, this expectation appears overly optimistic. The game lacks the necessary elements to engage players, making it challenging to maintain interest, especially after the first playthrough.
Mastery amidst disappointment
Inexplicably, this game exhibits a stark contrast between the genuine skill and effort invested in certain aspects and the overall disappointment it delivers. From a technical standpoint, the graphics may not dazzle, but they certainly don’t fall into the realm of terrible. The art design shines with its vibrant colors and chunky character models, evoking an appropriate arcade-like quality. Additionally, the charming pre-mission puppet shows serve as evidence that this isn’t just another run-of-the-mill shovelware title.
Nonetheless, something appears to have gone seriously amiss during the game’s production, resulting in a final product that feels devoid of engagement, tediously monotonous, and occasionally obnoxious. The painful irony lies in the fact that there’s a glimmer of a promising concept buried within, making the overall disappointment all the more palpable. Regrettably, it seems that Robin Hood and his Merry Men might need to wait even longer for their chance to shine in the world of video games.
Brief Overview
In brief, this game ambitiously seeks to blend elements of Warhammer: Vermintide with the classic scrolling beat ’em-up style, but it falls short due to its uninspiring combat, which remains unenjoyable even in cooperative play.
Pros: The unconventional steampunk setting shows promise under different conditions, and the graphics are passable.
Cons: The combat is shallow and excessively easy, leading to instant repetition and rendering a plethora of unlockable yet superfluous skills pointless. The game is marred by obnoxious dialogue and a tedious single-player experience.
Discover the gaming world through the eyes of Ana Luíza, the dynamic force behind howtoplay.blog. From a casual player to a respected author and redactor, Ana’s journey is a testament to her passion. Her writings transcend ordinary guides, offering deep insights and connecting every type of gamer with the essence of virtual adventures.
