Developer – Keen Games GmbH

Publisher – Keen Games GmbH

Platforms –  PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, PC (Reviewed)

Review copy given by Developer

Enshrouded is a breathtaking journey into the heart of Embervale, a once-majestic kingdom now shrouded in the lingering remnants of a pestilence unleashed by our ancestors’ greed for magical power. As Flameborn, the last ember of hope for a dying race, players are tasked with awakening, surviving, and reclaiming the lost beauty of this desolate realm.

The game plunges players into a world where the corrupting fog, known as the Shroud, threatens to consume everything in its path. The Shroud is a result of a failed experiment by the ancient Emberlords, who tried to harness the power of the Emberstones, the source of all magic in Embervale. The Shroud corrupted the Emberstones, turning them into Fellstones, and unleashed a wave of destruction and decay across the land. The Shroud also twisted the minds and bodies of the living, creating monstrous hybrids and hostile factions. The Shroud is not only a physical threat, but also a psychological one, as it can manipulate the memories and emotions of those who venture too deep into its fog.

Starting with nothing but the will to survive, players must scrape and scavenge through the ruined remnants of Embervale, fending off beasts and uncovering the secrets hidden in the depths. The game features a heart-pounding action combat system, with an emphasis on strategy and reflexes. Players can choose from a diverse range of fighting skills and powerful spells, creating a dynamic and engaging experience. The game challenges players to cleave through ravaging factions and formidable bosses like Scavenger, Vukah, and Fell creatures. Mastery of various weapon types is essential to withstand the relentless advance of the Shroud.

The game goes beyond survival, inviting players to become architects of rebirth. The game features a voxel-based building system, which unleashes creative vision, enabling the construction of grand halls and architecture on an epic scale. Players can also craft legendary weapons and armor, using the advanced workshops that they unlock by building. The game showcases its commitment to making each piece of equipment feel unique, with different stats, effects, and appearances. The game also features a strategic aspect of building, where NPCs take refuge within the player’s walls, providing quests, services, and lore.

The game also features a cooperative element, which is a standout feature. Players can join forces with friends in 16-player co-op gameplay, allowing for unique roles, complimentary skills, and memorable adventures. Together, players can raid, gather treasure, and face the Fell hordes that ravage the land, reinforcing the sense of camaraderie. The game also supports cross-play, enabling players to team up with friends across different platforms.

The game also features a rich and immersive world, with vibrant fallen cultures and ancient myths. Players can embark on a journey through the biomes of Embervale, each with its own unique environment, wildlife, and secrets. Players can also unravel the ever-unfolding story beneath the ruins, within the fog, promising magic, ruin, hope, and redemption waiting to be discovered. The game features stunning visuals, atmospheric soundtracks, and voice acting, creating a captivating experience.

To help you travel around the world of Enshrouded , you use Gliders , Gliders are one of the most useful and fun items in Enshrouded, as they allow you to soar through the air and explore the vast and beautiful world of Embervale. Gliders can help you travel faster, avoid enemies, reach new areas, and enjoy the scenery from a different perspective. However, gliders are not easy to obtain, and you will need to craft them from various materials and unlock them through quests.

There are four types of gliders in Enshrouded, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The first type is the Basic Glider, which you can craft at a Workbench using Shroud Wood, Animal Fur, String, and Shroud Spores. The Basic Glider is the simplest and cheapest glider, but it also has the lowest durability and speed. You will need to enter the Shroud to gather some of the materials, so be careful of the dangers that lurk within.

The second type is the Advanced Glider, which you can unlock by rescuing the Carpenter NPC and completing his quest that gives you Linen. The Advanced Glider is made from Shroud Wood, Linen, String, and Shroud Sack. The Advanced Glider is more durable and faster than the Basic Glider, and it also has a special feature: it can catch updrafts, which are gusts of wind that can lift you higher and farther. You can find updrafts near cliffs, waterfalls, and other places where the air is turbulent.

The third type is the Extraordinary Glider, which you can unlock by completing another quest from the Carpenter that gives you Leather. The Extraordinary Glider is crafted from Shroud Wood, Leather, String, and Shroud Sack. The Extraordinary Glider is the most durable and fastest glider, and it also has another special feature: it can glide through the Shroud without taking damage. This means you can explore the Shrouded areas more safely and easily, and discover new secrets and treasures.

The fourth and final type is the Ghost Glider, which you can unlock by completing a quest in the desert biome. The Ghost Glider is not crafted, but rather found as a reward. The Ghost Glider is the most mysterious and powerful glider, and it has a unique ability: it can make you invisible while gliding. This means you can avoid detection from enemies and sneak past them, or surprise them with a sudden attack.

Gliding is one of the best ways to experience the world of Enshrouded, as it gives you a sense of freedom and adventure. You can glide over mountains, forests, lakes, and ruins, and admire the stunning visuals and atmospheric soundtracks. You can also glide to reach new locations, such as hidden caves, islands, and dungeons, and find new quests, loot, and secrets. Gliding is also useful for combat, as you can use it to escape from danger, flank your enemies, or launch aerial attacks.

If you want to learn more about the gliders in Enshrouded, you can check out my in-depth guide on how to use and create each glider.

In conclusion, Enshrouded stands as a masterful blend of survival, crafting, and action RPG elements. Its immersive world, challenging gameplay, and cooperative features make it a beacon in the realm of voxel-based adventures. As Flameborn, players’ epic journey to reclaim the lost beauty of Embervale is an experience not to be missed.