Hunted: The Demon's Forge
- June 2, 2011
- inXile Entertainment
- 19h median play time
A lengthy game that will give you hours of fun while playing 2 player co-op. Many upgrades from weapons to magic to skills will keep you on your toes.
"Hunted: The Demon's Forge" is a co-op action RPG set in a dark fantasy world. Players assume the roles of E'lara, a ranged weapon expert, and Caddoc, a skilled melee fighter, as they battle demonic forces and uncover the secrets of a corrupt empire. The game features intense combat, a variety of weapons and spells, and a rich, immersive storyline.
Reviews
- The game features enjoyable banter and chemistry between the two main characters, Caddoc and E'lara, making the story more engaging.
- The combat system allows for a mix of melee and ranged attacks, providing players with different playstyles and strategies.
- The game includes a level editor for creating custom matches, adding replayability and variety to the gameplay experience.
- The game is linear and lacks depth in its story, making it feel generic and unmemorable.
- Co-op functionality is broken due to the shutdown of GameSpy, requiring third-party software for LAN play, which can be cumbersome.
- The AI companion can be unhelpful and frustrating, often getting in the player's way during combat and puzzle-solving.
- story176 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 51 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The story in the game is generally perceived as mediocre and often generic, with many reviewers noting its linearity and lack of depth. While some players appreciate the character interactions and humor, others find the plot forgettable or clichéd, with a few mentioning that it has potential that remains largely untapped. Overall, the narrative is described as serviceable but not particularly engaging, with mixed opinions on its execution and character development.
“The story is engaging and the voice acting is very well done.”
“The story is great and captivating, and the dark fantasy theme really draws you into the game's lore.”
“The story itself was interesting and kept me playing to the conclusion (of which there are 3 endings) and there was a lot of potential in the world that has been created here, although that potential is never fully tapped into.”
“Lackluster story.”
“The story is giga cliché 'anti-heroes' choosing to be selfless and save the world instead of being mercenaries.”
“The story is bland and very forgettable.”
- gameplay123 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Hunted: The Demon's Forge" is a mixed bag, featuring a blend of third-person shooting and hack-and-slash mechanics that some players find enjoyable and engaging, particularly in co-op mode. However, many reviews highlight issues such as repetitive combat, clunky controls, and a lack of depth in mechanics, leading to a somewhat shallow experience. While the game offers solid visuals and character interactions, its linearity and simplistic gameplay may not appeal to everyone, making it a hidden gem for some and a bore for others.
“The shooting mechanic is quite fun.”
“Overall, hunted: the demon's forge is a solid action-adventure game that offers a unique blend of gameplay styles and an engaging world to explore.”
“Great graphics, cool levels, fun and solid gameplay keep you coming back for more.”
“The gameplay/weapon combat is really lacking... and it leaves much to be desired.”
“The gameplay is a mix of simple melee combat (literally hold down M2 and mash M1) or awkward cover-shooting.”
“The gameplay is samey and mind-numbing.”
- graphics100 mentions
- 37 % positive mentions
- 51 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with many players noting that while they were decent for their time, they now appear outdated and rough, often described as mediocre or even ugly. Some players appreciate the atmospheric visuals and character design, highlighting that the game still holds up reasonably well despite its age, while others criticize the graphical glitches and low-resolution textures. Overall, the consensus suggests that the graphics are serviceable but lack the polish expected in modern titles.
“The game's medieval atmosphere is superb and graphics are very nice (especially for its time and stand up in today's time as well).”
“It has outstanding graphics... the type that just makes you want to stop in your tracks and stare in awe.”
“The graphics look really good even for a 2011 game (the dungeon under the city for example feels very natural and has very atmospheric lighting) and the level proportions are right.”
“Graphics is really rough & outdated.”
“Dated visuals comprised of low resolution textures, and mediocre lighting, horribly low resolution videos which are almost too grainy to make out details in.”
“Even though it's almost 10 years old, graphically it still looks pretty decent.”
- humor23 mentions
- 96 % positive mentions
- -9 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by the witty banter and interactions between the two main characters, which many players find engaging and entertaining. While some reviews note that the story and certain dialogues can be clichéd or poorly executed, the overall comedic elements, including humorous cutscenes and clever in-game comments, contribute positively to the experience. However, there are mixed opinions on the effectiveness of the humor, with some finding it amusing and others deeming it amateurish or overly reliant on snark.
“Fun combat, clever puzzles and secrets, funny characters, all set in a dark, fantasy world for you to explore either by yourself or with a friend!”
“The banter between the main two characters is hilarious at times - shoot chickens - seriously keep shooting chickens and doing pointless stuff and your partner comments on it.”
“The dialogue in this game is simply amazing, very well crafted, character building is also great, the relationship between the two is very fun and funny to watch, and it doesn't get in the way of the gameplay.”
“Horrible graphics, clunky animations, quirky one-liners, and an unfunny running joke.”
“The humor falls flat, relying on tired clichés and predictable punchlines.”
“Attempts at humor feel forced and often miss the mark, leaving me cringing instead of laughing.”
- stability17 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting a range of bugs and graphical glitches that can detract from the overall experience. While some users noted that they encountered few issues, others experienced significant game-breaking problems, particularly in co-op mode. Overall, the game is described as having a fun concept but suffering from inconsistent stability, leading to frustration for some players.
“Basically fun, but increasingly buggy, unplayable by the end of the game.”
“However, it is a buggy mess.”
“What started off as a great game concept turns out to be a bad console port, with more than its share of game-breaking glitches and terrible netcode, which renders co-op unplayable.”
- music16 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 31 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players praising it as fitting and well-produced, enhancing the overall experience, while others find it forgettable and lacking excitement. Many agree that the soundtrack complements the game's atmosphere, though it may not leave a lasting impression. Overall, the music is generally seen as a solid aspect, but it doesn't stand out as a highlight for all players.
“The music is really on point with some of your standard medieval gothic tracks; think of the soundtrack from Conan the Barbarian and you get the idea.”
“The music and sound effects are absolutely fitting, and the dialogue between the two characters is funny and fits the levels and game situations.”
“Production values are high – voice acting, music, and graphics quality (Unreal 3) are good – but can’t make up for how boring the game becomes.”
“Lack of exciting music and is not memorable.”
“Extremely shallow western-fantasy tripe with butt ugly, listless art direction and music.”
“Soundtrack is somewhat forgettable; even now after just completing the game, no music seems to have stood and stuck in my head.”
- atmosphere14 mentions
- 79 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its rich medieval and gothic elements, enhanced by impressive graphics that hold up well over time. Players appreciate the immersive environments, well-designed levels, and the effective use of visuals and storytelling to create a gloomy yet engaging ambiance. Overall, the combination of atmospheric aesthetics and solid gameplay contributes significantly to the game's appeal, making it a standout in the action RPG genre.
“Narration is mostly made by the visuals and cadavers, survivors and freed prisoners' tales keeping the gloomy atmosphere.”
“The game's medieval atmosphere is superb and the graphics are very nice (especially for its time and stand up in today's time as well).”
“The very atmospheric aesthetic of the game is very pleasing and will make up for the sharp polygons and not so great textures.”
“Narration is mostly made by the visuals and cadavers, survivors, and freed prisoners' tales, keeping the gloomy atmosphere.”
“In short, it feels sort of like a third-person Diablo, dungeon crawler sort of game had an incestuous love child with Gears of War... more or less a bro shooter with a cinematic presentation, focus on combat, and a gothic/medieval atmosphere and environment.”
“The game play, main characters, and graphics contribute to a strong atmosphere, but it feels like it lacks depth and immersion.”
- replayability12 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is mixed among reviewers. While some appreciate the abundance of collectibles and the option to replay levels with friends, others find the content lacking, with limited reasons to replay beyond different endings. The presence of a level creator and the enjoyment of certain game elements contribute positively to replay value, but the experience can feel linear and unpolished for some players.
“Game is quite replayable!”
“Unpolished, rough around the edges, crucible is the jewel in the crown by far, lots of replayability, good music, great art, and great voice acting.”
“The content is so bare thin, no real replay value apart from getting a different ending, but you can look that up on YouTube.”
“The game is also pretty linear but there are a good amount of collectibles along the way, of which some can be pretty tricky to get but ensures there is some replayability for those that like to 100% their games.”
“(5.5/10, little replay value, but decent. Online co-op is shut down for whatever reason, but it was okay single player)”
- character development5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is noted to be minimal, with characters often falling into generic stereotypes that make it difficult for players to engage with them emotionally. While there are moments of development as the story progresses, the overall design and depth of the characters are criticized for lacking originality and vibrancy, reminiscent of outdated graphics and design trends.
“They are entertaining and are permitted some character development as the story unfolds.”
“Back when games had good female character designs.”
“Good graphics and character design.”
“The character development feels stuck in the Xbox 360 era, with level and character design that is either grey, brown, a stock Unreal Engine 3 asset, or just more grey.”
“There is a small amount of character development, but both characters are so generic in their stereotypes that I found it very hard to care about either of them.”
- grinding4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be a mixed experience; while some moments can feel tedious and repetitive, particularly with enemy encounters, the overall gear progression remains satisfying. It's advised to farm areas before advancing, as there is no option to backtrack, and while puzzles and secrets are simple, they add a layer of enjoyment to the grind.
“The bad thing is that once you move forward, there is no turning back, so I recommend farming an area before moving on.”
“There are levels and levels of pure grinding of enemies, and the repetitiveness grows as you go on.”
“There are some tedious moments, some trash moments, but overall it is simply okay.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate a negative perception of the game's monetization practices, with criticisms aimed at forced diversity and the presence of microtransactions, which some players view as detrimental to the gaming experience.
“The monetization model is frustrating, with constant pressure to spend money on microtransactions.”
“The game feels like it's designed more for profit than for player enjoyment, with aggressive monetization tactics.”
“It's disappointing to see such a beautiful game marred by a heavy reliance on in-game purchases.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is mixed; while it runs well on both older and modern hardware, providing clear graphics without issues, it is also criticized for being buggy, flawed, and lacking polish, leading to a subpar gameplay experience.
“The game may be a little bit outdated, but it's still fresh enough to enjoy even in 2018. What's important for me is that it has clear graphics without any epileptic effects, and it shows good performance even on older hardware like a 2009 PC or notebook. It also works perfectly with modern hardware and software.”
“It's bugged, flawed, lacks polish, badly optimized, and just doesn't play very well.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the game emotionally engaging, with a strong emphasis on the thrill of heroism and unexpected events. The experience varies significantly based on player choices, such as substance use, which adds depth to the emotional journey. Overall, it is highly recommended for those seeking an immersive and dynamic emotional experience.
Critic Reviews
Hunted: The Demon’s Forge Review
A lengthy game that will give you hours of fun while playing 2 player co-op. Many upgrades from weapons to magic to skills will keep you on your toes.
70%Hunted: The Demon's Forge review
Stuck on your own, easily ignored. With a friend, a solid hack-and-slash, but nothing special, or half as funny as it thinks.
68%Hunted: The Demon's Forge review
60%