Hunted: The Demon’s Forge Previews

A fistful of new E3 previews for inXile’s Hunted: The Demon’s Forge have been posted to the web, though none of them really make me too confident about the game’s RPG elements.

Gamervision:

In order to make sure players don’t become bored of the characters, the developer has included a number of interesting elements that should help keep the two feeling different, without pigeonholing the players into sticking with one or the other until the end. Being an action RPG, kills earn experience, which can level the player up in order to unlock new abilities. Note the key word there: player. While the skills unlocked will work for the character, it’s the player that actually grows in levels, meaning that he can swap between them and still maintain the same level without needing to go back and replay early areas just to level up. On that same note, there are areas within the game where players can go to swap characters, changing which member of the duo they’re playing as in the game.

Koku Gamer:

In one stage as E’lara, I operated a ballista, demolishing demon-spewing columns and enemy cover, while Caddoc defended my position and engaged the now exposed skeleton hordes. In another segment, I lit the tip of my arrow aflame and provided my partner the only light available. While these aspects stress cooperation, players will not always be dependent on each other. A Bethesda representative called this (coop at a distance.) Both characters can wield swords, shields, and bows and can interact with the environment in many ways. While they each have their own specialized skills, both are viable on their own at least for those treacherous moments when your compatriot needs help. If you get sick of playing one of the two heroes, then have no fear. Players can switch roles at magic stones scattered about each level.

PC Gamer:

(It really has been great to hear people say ‘˜I’m surprised no one else has done this before’), says Fargo. He’s relieved to finally let people in to see Hunted, and honest about the game’s recent influences. But he’s also keen to stress how using another game’s action shorthand aids the player in their immersion: (For sure, you can’t ignore the Gears of War reference there are millions of players familiar with that system that can pick it up and be comfortable with it in seconds.) Cover is paramount to the ranged side of the game, providing chunky, Unreal Enginepowered masonry and brickwork to duck behind as flaming bolts fly towards the screen, and a staging post from which to line up your own shots.

Co-Optimus:

While the melee combat felt like it could use a little more tweaking, Hunted: The Demon’s Forge offers a little more than just the sword and shield/bow and arrow. Both players have certain abilities they can use with their preferred weapon of choice, and spells that may be used either offensively or defensively. Caddoc’s abilities include things like a shield bash and the ability to levitate all nearby foes, thereby making them easier for E’lara to pick off. E’lara had the choice between normal arrows and ice arrows, which would freeze enemies and make them easier for Caddoc to take down. These certainly aren’t all of the abilities the two will have be able to use. A trailer shown after the demo hinted at more abilities beyond these, such as fire arrows for E’lara that light dark areas and more. The spells that our two heroes may cast can be directed at their enemies to cause destruction, or towards one another to boost their offensive capabilities for a brief period of time.

And GamesOnSmash:

The combat itself is pretty standard. On the surface it is like any third person action game. You press a button to attack; you hold a button to block, and so on. What’s not so standard is the way the co-op is incorporated into the combat. You see, each character can combine their special abilities with each other to form unique and interesting ways to defeat you foes. For instance, while I was playing as E’Lara, my partner shot an electricity bolt at me. Instead of frying to death, I was consumed by the electric waves. As a result, my melee attacks were much stronger than they were before.