Koei Tecmo America is infamous for its ‘Warriors’ franchise. Dynasty Warriors, Samurai Warriors, etc. these are long-running hack’n’slash title that have thrilled gamers for generations, even if they can be repetitive. It’s rare for the team to diverge from the long-utilised formula. Everyone knows it, the 1 versus 1,000, it’s a staple that many have enjoyed, even myself. However, as the years have gone on many, myself included, have tired of the formula. Now Koei Tecmo America has released Warriors: Abyss.
Warriors: Abyss is a twist on the formula, you’re still 1 versus 1,000, but this time you’re descending through the many layers of Hell to take down a demonic warrior known as Gouma, who has ousted King Enma and turned the place upside down.
Warriors: Abyss, don’t blink
Warriors: Abyss is the roguelike Warriors title you may have been looking for. With over 150 playable characters there are so many options available to you, or so it seems at first. You’ll need this colourful cast of characters if you’re to descend and reclaim Hell. Hell itself consists of 4 levels with 8 phases within each level. There are endless hordes of enemies hellbent on stopping you from reaching Gouma. Their designs are fine, nothing to write home about. The graphics are from the previous generation, the levels are rudimentary, and the controls are sluggish at times when you’re keying in the combos during the brawls. Each character has a variation of the same 2 button combinations. They throw in a third when you want to unleash your Musou attack (your ultimate attack for the uninitiated).
While descending the multiple phases and levels you’ll be asked to “choose your own adventure”, you’ll have branching paths that lead you to the boss of the level of Hell. The choices can range from increasing your stats, and your health, or usually adding more support to your warrior. You see in Warriors: Abyss you choose one particular warrior from the Dynasty Warriors or Samurai Warriors franchise. Then in each level, you have the opportunity to choose support characters that will ultimately enhance the capabilities of your chosen warrior.
The enhancements range from increasing your strength, speed, elemental damage, etc. With a 6 support character limit you have to pick the best options as you try and conquer each level of Hell. With the wrong combination, you will fall quickly at the hands of the bosses within the game.
A frustrating war of attrition
It’s a fun balancing act. Unfortunately, the game isn’t as fleshed out as other titles of the genre. Descending through Hell is nowhere near as fun as when I descended Hades as Zagreus. Though there are dozens of characters none of them have a real personality. They spew some catchphrases and each has a character bio, but that’s it. It’s a shame because I remember the involved cutscenes that would play out in all the previous titles. It feels like such a waste.
On the topic of previous titles, Warriors: Abyss reuses so many assets from previous titles. From screenshots utilised to showcase the memories of characters, to the very soundtrack of Warriors: Abyss, nothing is particularly impressive, save for the roster.
Ultimately Warriors: Abyss is a fun title, it doesn’t add anything new to the genre though and there are several other titles out there that are doing the same thing, except much better. If you’re a diehard ‘Warriors’ fan I’d suggest this when it’s on sale.
Stay tuned to GamEir. Come talk with us on Twitter (@gam_eir), Facebook (@GamEir), and Instagram (@GamEir).
Leave a Reply