BERSERK and the Band of the Hawk

82%
Game Brain Score Based on 2,006 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
BERSERK and the Band of the Hawk Game Cover
Berserk and the Band of the Hawk is not only one of the best Musou titles to date, it’s the first license to truly fit the mould effortlessly.
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"BERSERK and the Band of the Hawk" is an action-packed hack-and-slash game based on the popular manga and anime series "Berserk." Players control the characters from the Band of the Hawk mercenary group, led by the main protagonist Guts, in their journey through a dark fantasy world filled with fierce battles and epic boss encounters. The game features a unique story mode, extensive character development, and a multitude of weapons to master.

  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Windows
  • Play​Station
  • Play​station 3
  • Play​station Vita
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

82%
Audience ScoreBased on 2,006 reviews
story170 positive mentions
optimization23 negative mentions
  • story890 mentions

    The story in "Berserk and the Band of the Hawk" is a mixed bag, praised for its faithful adaptation of the manga's narrative, particularly the Golden Age arc, but criticized for omitting significant arcs and character moments, leading to a feeling of incompleteness. While the game incorporates animated cutscenes from the anime and movies to enhance storytelling, many players find the gameplay repetitive and the overall presentation lacking depth compared to the source material. Overall, it serves as a decent introduction to the Berserk story for newcomers, but fans of the manga may be disappointed by the censorship and simplification of key plot points.

    • “The good part is, if you have trouble sitting down to watch an anime or read a manga, this is one of the best out there and it's another way of experiencing some of the best themes, stories, characters, and plot twists in all of anime.”
    • “The story follows the manga quite accurately, at least for the first half or so - it's a 'dark fantasy' story of friendship, betrayal, loss, vengeance, and redemption that really is a modern classic.”
    • “The story mode is very nicely done and a great way to get into the series or to keep enjoying it.”
    • “The story has been butchered so badly I consider it disrespectful to the source material and author.”
    • “The original berserk story has been gobbled up, chewed down, and shit out - seriously don't play this game if you want to experience the amazing storytelling of late Kentarou Miura - buy the manga.”
    • “While the story arc the game follows can seem pretty freaky/disturbing at times, it does not hold a candle to the manga.”
  • gameplay307 mentions

    The gameplay of "Berserk and the Band of the Hawk" is largely characterized by its repetitive hack-and-slash mechanics typical of the musou genre, drawing comparisons to the Dynasty Warriors series. While some players appreciate the mindless fun and the ability to relive the Berserk story, many criticize the simplicity and lack of depth in combat, with limited character variety and shallow mechanics leading to a monotonous experience. Overall, the game may appeal to die-hard Berserk fans or those who enjoy musou gameplay, but it falls short for players seeking more complex and engaging mechanics.

    • “The gameplay is fast, fun, and a never-ending stream of enemies to kill, pretty fitting as a Berserk game.”
    • “Gameplay is satisfying and brutal, as well as having its own twists to the warrior's formula unlike any other spin-off.”
    • “The gameplay fits so well with the story of Berserk and it gets even better when you receive the berserker armor.”
    • “The gameplay is horribly boring and repetitive, which I think is just a problem with the genre of game in general.”
    • “The gameplay is quite simple, and it consists of incredibly repetitive hack and slash battles where you're fighting the same enemy types with the same objectives.”
    • “The gameplay is very basic; you can't make combos any simpler.”
  • graphics139 mentions

    The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some praising the artistic style and atmospheric visuals that align well with the source material, while others criticize the performance issues and graphical glitches that hinder gameplay. Many players note that despite the game's age, it still holds a certain charm, though it often feels like a last-gen title with subpar optimization. Overall, while the graphics can be visually appealing, they are marred by technical shortcomings and inconsistencies.

    • “The visuals are stunning, with a moody, atmospheric style that's both haunting and beautiful, and the action is some of the most brutal and intense I've ever seen in a game.”
    • “The graphics are top notch, the music keeps the pacing and the voice acting and effects are AAA all the way.”
    • “The graphics are great too and the environments are pretty nice...especially given the context that we don't really see them fleshed out in the manga or any of the official anime adaptations.”
    • “Despite having my best gaming laptop, the game lags if you have the highest graphic setup.”
    • “The graphics almost look like this game was developed for the PS2.”
    • “It's broken, graphics are smearing, models are breaking like crazy, and it will never get fixed for what I know.”
  • music67 mentions

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players criticizing it as generic and unmemorable, particularly in comparison to the iconic soundtracks of the anime and films. While some appreciate the sound design and find the soundtrack decent, others suggest muting the in-game music and opting for classic tracks from the 1997 anime for a more fitting experience. Overall, the consensus is that the music fails to capture the essence of the Berserk series, leaving players disappointed.

    • “Sound design fits for the themes included and the OST is nothing short of fantastic; you detect the blood surges with each note.”
    • “It's a fun musou game and has a really great soundtrack, and that's really all you need in a game like this.”
    • “The game has a pretty enjoyable soundtrack as well.”
    • “The game also uses scenes from the trilogy films for the first half of the game but replaces the music and sound effects with worse ones; seriously, they are so bad and generic they ruin the scenes most of the time.”
    • “The music they have is generic fantasy, completely not fitting with the series.”
    • “The soundtrack is pretty terrible, which says something since Koei went to the effort of licensing parts of the Golden Age trilogy to use as cutscenes.”
  • optimization63 mentions

    The game's optimization for PC has received widespread criticism, with many players reporting significant performance issues, including low frame rates and instability, even on high-end systems. Users have noted that the game is poorly suited for keyboard and mouse controls, often requiring mods or workarounds to improve playability. While some players experienced smooth performance, these instances appear to be exceptions rather than the norm, leading to a general consensus that the game is not well-optimized for PC platforms.

    • “The game runs smoothly, with no performance issues.”
    • “It's a lot of fun, the writing is immaculate, the slow descent into dark fantasy madness is incredibly compelling, and it's actually shockingly well optimized.”
    • “Performance wise, I experienced little to no hitch on max with 59+ fps, with massive body counts/blood etc. If my only complaint, it would be to uncap the fps so the slight frame drop might be less noticeable.”
    • “Do not support this un-optimized carpet bagging lazy trash heap of a game with your money.”
    • “It's not optimized for PC, it's horribly unstable, and it's a massive chore to get working even on an extremely powerful system.”
    • “I have an i7 processor with a 1070 GTX graphics card and the game runs at a snail's pace; this is poorly optimized for a Windows platform, and I cannot even move about in the game at a reasonable pace as it lags considerably.”
  • grinding30 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game is widely criticized for being excessively tedious and repetitive, often feeling like a chore rather than an engaging gameplay element. Players note that the need to level up multiple characters and complete monotonous tasks detracts from the overall experience, with many expressing frustration over the lack of meaningful rewards for their efforts. While some acknowledge that grinding is a common feature in such games, the overwhelming sentiment is that it is poorly implemented here, leading to a frustrating and unfulfilling experience.

    • “You have to go through the endless eclipse on each of the 8 characters, which is extremely tedious.”
    • “The first half feels well-paced, but the second half of the game is extremely grindy, and probably could have had fewer levels.”
    • “Quite honestly, this game was incredibly tedious and I couldn't pull myself through it anymore for the sake of my sanity. I love the Berserk manga and anime, but this doesn't do it any justice and is just a waste of money and time.”
  • replayability25 mentions

    Overall, the game's replayability is a mixed bag; while some players appreciate the challenges, unlockables, and multiple game modes, many express disappointment over the limited number of playable characters and repetitive gameplay. The lack of diverse modes and the feeling of monotony detract from its longevity, though dedicated fans may still find enjoyment in completing objectives and exploring different character builds. Ultimately, the game offers some replay value, but it could benefit from more variety and depth to enhance the experience.

    • “There is a good amount of replay value for the game, even if you get bored of just cutting down enemies by the thousands.”
    • “Good replayability, and I like the sound design and voiceovers (Japanese over English subtitles).”
    • “Replayability is very much there as you can play for the bonus objectives, different characters, and with different costumes.”
    • “I can't say there's a ton of replay value, even though it is there.”
    • “It strikes all the important notes for how to make a decent Dynasty Warriors clone, but its few faults are only diminishing its longevity and replayability, not the fun from playing it in general.”
    • “This aspect hurts the game significantly as there are more characters in this series that would make interesting playable characters. While I know this game is meant to follow Guts, more characters would add not only replayability, but different varieties to keep the game fresh for longer.”
  • humor13 mentions

    The humor in the game is a mix of dark comedy and absurdity, with players highlighting moments that elicit genuine laughter, such as quirky character animations and unexpected scenarios. While some find the humor to be a refreshing take on serious themes, others appreciate the comedic elements in the game's visuals and character expressions, even amidst its darker narrative. Overall, the humor adds a unique charm, making the experience both entertaining and memorable.

    • “The DLC is great and the *surprise* 5th horse in the DLC had me chuckling pretty good!”
    • “It's a game that Woody Allen himself might appreciate, with its blend of dark humor, stark visuals, and exploration of the human condition.”
    • “I take umbrage with Guts's 'grimacing' face; the first time I saw it, I died laughing because it looked like he was at the dentist's.”
  • emotional11 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game elicits a wide range of responses, with some players finding it deeply moving and thought-provoking, particularly those familiar with the source material. However, others criticize the execution, feeling that the fast-paced plot and combat mechanics diminish the emotional impact of key moments. Overall, while the game has its poignant moments, its ability to forge strong emotional connections varies significantly among players.

    • “It's a story that's both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant, and one that lingers in the mind long after the credits have rolled.”
    • “Story is gripping, emotional and amazingly executed.”
    • “I definitely recommend this game to anyone who is a Berserk fan, as well as anyone who enjoys dark fantasy settings with an emotionally gripping story.”
  • monetization9 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game is heavily criticized, with many reviewers labeling it a "cash grab" that exploits the fandom of the Berserk franchise. Players feel that the game is lazily designed and lacks originality, serving primarily to profit from fans rather than deliver a quality experience. Overall, the sentiment is that the game prioritizes financial gain over genuine engagement with its audience.

    • “Absolutely love Berserk, but I appreciate that it avoids cash grabs and mindless mashing.”
    • “The monetization model is fair and doesn't feel exploitative, which enhances the overall experience.”
    • “I enjoy how the game offers plenty of free content while still providing optional purchases that feel worthwhile.”
    • “I don't know how they looked at this and genuinely thought it was anything but a cash grab...”
    • “Just a giant cash grab towards Berserk fans, on top of that, they censored everything!?”
    • “This game is a cash grab built to exploit the fandom, just bite the bullet and keep praying Muri makes another chapter this decade.”
  • atmosphere9 mentions

    The game's atmosphere receives mixed reviews, with many praising its stunning visuals and haunting, dark fantasy style that evokes the essence of the Berserk universe. However, some players feel it falls short, describing it as lacking depth and tone, with a more generic fantasy feel rather than the expected intensity. Overall, while the atmosphere is appreciated by some, others find it disappointing and not reflective of the source material.

    • “The visuals are stunning, with a moody, atmospheric style that's both haunting and beautiful, and the action is some of the most brutal and intense I've ever seen in a game.”
    • “The 'hack n slash' genre combined with 'dark fantasy' makes a simple and well-done combo in which the player must eliminate any foe that tries to resist, with easy-to-learn mechanics aimed for the casual audience, while re-experiencing the dark and eerie atmosphere of Berserk.”
    • “Berserk is a great license which has deep conflicted characters, exceptional atmosphere and world creation, and a thrilling story.”
    • “Environments are extremely bright and colorful; the gore is subpar, and the atmosphere feels more like a generic fantasy than Berserk.”
    • “I would suggest playing the PS2 game first, and then try this one if it goes on sale, but right now, the price tag is too high and the overall value is lower than expected thanks to quite dreadful cell shading, 3D models, and a general lack of a proper tone and atmosphere.”
    • “Completely missed tone and atmosphere.”
  • stability8 mentions

    The stability of the game is mixed, with some players reporting a smooth experience free of glitches, while others encounter severe graphical issues and frequent crashes, particularly during the second level. Overall, while there are moments of enjoyment, the game is marred by significant stability problems that can hinder gameplay.

    • “The game runs smoothly on PC, providing a stable and enjoyable experience.”
    • “I appreciate how stable the gameplay is; it never crashes or lags.”
    • “The performance is impressive, ensuring a seamless experience throughout.”
    • “Furthermore, there are intensely bad graphical glitches that smear the screen and essentially make the game unplayable.”
    • “It continuously crashes at the second level no matter how many times I try on multiple different settings; it just freezes and crashes.”
    • “Game simply freezes during launch every single time.”
  • character development7 mentions

    Character development in the game is a mixed bag; while some players appreciate the amazing story and superb character arcs that keep them engaged, others criticize the execution, noting that certain designs feel off and that the development is often overshadowed by grinding for limited scenes. Additionally, there are extras available for those interested in deeper character insights, though some character designs are described as bizarre.

    • “The amazing story and its superb character development is one of the few things that will want you to keep playing and enjoying the scenarios.”
    • “Fantastic characters and character design.”
    • “There are also extras providing further details for those who enjoy further character development.”
    • “It's a lot of grinding to barely see scenes and characters that were understandably cut from the motion pictures, and the scenes and character development aren't very well done.”
    • “Some of the character designs look 'off'.”
    • “This on top of some of the weirdest monster/character design I have seen in a while.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

65% average critic score

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Play time

10hMedian play time
14hAverage play time
7-25hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 9 analyzed playthroughs

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