Underrated Game: Enslaved: Odyssey to the West

Enslaved: Odyssey to the West is a game developed by Ninja Theory with the help of novelist Alex Garland and actor Andy Serkis. The game takes its plot from the 16th-century Chinese classic Journey to the West, and the story revolves around Monkey, a wild man who is enslaved by a fellow runaway, Trip. The game is designed to exhilarate rather than challenge, and the experience is linear, focused, and wonderfully paced.

The game blurs the lines between climbing and fighting, and combat sequences always feel like they serve a larger purpose in the context of a level. The game is not terribly complex, and there aren't too many buttons to press, but there are plenty of opportunities to make satisfying tactical decisions due to the variety of enemies. The experience is roughly equal parts climbing and fighting, and the game is good at keeping the player interested and intrigued.

The superb voice work and convincingly human characters draw the player into the story with a subtlety that is seldom seen in games. By the end, the player is totally sold on the bond forged by the two protagonists. The conclusion is quite open, and the player will no doubt be left curious as to what happens next.

Enslaved is a testament to simplicity, and the game is so good at keeping the player interested and intrigued that they will happily go where it takes them. The game's mechanics are solid, and the combat and platforming sequences are both enjoyable. The game's pace works in tandem with its plot to deliver an experience that is relentless and engrossing. By the end, the player is left wanting more, curious about what happens next. The characters in the game are also impressively natural, with their voice work and motion capture bearing the mark of the talented Andy Serkis.

The game is not very demanding, but it is very functional, with streamlined tools for its combat mechanics, and a simple mechanical foundation that makes it all the better. However, the lack of complexity in the game's protagonist, Trip, is a missed opportunity for a more active role that could have added more depth to the game.

The boss fights are the game's best set-piece sequences, and players are required to use all their skills to overcome the most ferocious mechs roaming the world. The combat mechanics may lack complexity, but they make up for it with tactical variability, allowing players to approach fights in different ways.

The game's length is about standard for this day and age, lasting about eight to ten hours before the credits roll. There isn't much to draw players back for a second run unless they are obsessive about collectibles or have a burning need to max out on upgrades.

Overall, Enslaved: Odyssey to the West is an enjoyable game that keeps players engaged and curious throughout the experience. Although it has some performance problems when things get too hectic, the game is one of those rare games in which the majority of the experience feels imperative and consequential, with very little filler to speak of. The surprise ending leaves players hungry for resolution, and it is hoped that the game's stunning world will be revisited in the future.