Previously known as Hammerfall this Russian made game has been on my radar for a while now. I had great fun with the freely available Russian version and was pleased as punch when the full, English version appeared on steam. So let's review it.
The premise is this, you are in a world where the noblemen do battle not on foot or on horseback but on steam punk helicopter like vehicles which wield giant swords and maces which you swing around by maneuvering your craft to generate centrifugal force. This makes for a heavily skill based combat system as actually hitting your opponent requires timing and dexterity. There is also immense satisfaction in bringing down a heavy blow on a downed opponent, causing their craft to explode in a cloud of sparks and smoke. Let's break it down.
Gameplay: So yeah, the game play is not only utterly unique it is wildly satisfying and entirely skill based. There is also a large variety of weapons so you are in a position to modify your heli-thingy to fight in your own specific style. There are swords, scythes, hammers, flails and even ranged weapons. What's more you come into possession of a variety of jewels to modify your weapons with new abilities and you can buy single use items in a shop such as javelins and throwing stars. There's a lot of great game play to be had here.
Negative sides of the controls are that I do find it hard to control my craft sometimes and it doesn't always seem as smooth as it could be but it's never a huge problem. I can say that every time I died in this game it was my fault (apart from the situations I'm about to describe). I also found the hunting sections of the game to be a bit too long and not all that fun. Fighting bland worms and bees has nothing on facing the unique enemy pilots and it doesn't add too much to the proceedings apart from padding out the game.
Sound: Sound is a bit weak and takes the background for the most part. Weapon effects are a mixed bag with close combat weapons sometime sounding a bit on the wimpy side but ranged weapons do have a very satisfying bass-y quality. The music is very Russian and has a nice flavor but you won't be blown away. Sound doesn't annoy but it doesn't do too much to enhance the game either.
Graphics: This game looks really good, the little details really make it, like the way a skull hangs off your craft for every other pilot you kill. Enemy pilots have their own banners and weapon load outs and it looks really cool. As the game proceeds you'll have collected your own batch of customized weapons and shields and it's great to have your own look within the world. Particle effects also enhance the combat and sometimes sparks from the clash of metal even set banners and wood alight making for extremely epic spontaneous backdrops for fights.
Where the graphics let you down is that sometimes it is very hard to keep tabs on your craft, in a cloud of particle effects it's possible to get thrown from one side to another where it takes crucial seconds for you to get your bearings. It's an issue that is kind of unavoidable given the style they went with but it does hurt the game sometimes and increase the frustration factor.
Story: There's quite a good story here, it follows the last member of a destroyed family and return to fame and glory. It doesn't really have any effect on the game play but it gives a good backdrop to the fights. For example an early section has you enslaved and you must impress your owner like in the film gladiator. Sometimes you have the option of side quests but as far as I can tell it doesn't change the story, only the items you receive which is fine.
The story is fine but having played through most of it previously in Russian and not understanding a word, I don't find its inclusion makes much of a difference.
Conclusion: Hammerfight is a game you'll pick up and play for maybe half an hour at a time. You'll definitely enjoy the fights against other pilots but if you are like me will be bored by the grind fest when you are pitched against worms and bees.
This game can be difficult and you do need some dexterity to do well and that fact will make it a must-buy for some and one to avoid for others. If you are looking for a great pick up and play game with customizable weapons and skill based combat this game is for you. Also, it's really cheap.
80/100
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