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Co-op games have been frightfully underwhelming for me this past year.
Luckily, we've got titles like Saints Row IV and Payday 2 to play this month, but
if you're as poor as I am, you're probably looking for something cheaper to play
with your friends.
Fret not. Hammerwatch is here to save the day.
Boasting beautiful pixel art and simplistic yet frenetic gameplay,
Hammerwatch is a treat and a half to anyone looking for a successor to Castle
Crashers.
The game utilizes few buttons in an easy to learn, difficult to master sort of
approach.
The game has a bit of a difficulty curve to it, but this can be eased by the
addition of up to three friends. Once you master your chosen class's main weapon
and skills,
you and your team will be wiping out hordes of enemies at a time. Fighting
your way to the top of Castle Hammerwatch
is a challenge, but it's extremely fun and rewarding to strategize with your
friends.
The game's fast-paced action is its main draw,
but there are small RPG and puzzle elements tossed into the mix.
Many floors will grant access to special NPC's who can upgrade your equipment,
move speed,
health and mana, or sell you new skills or potions. This is where
you'll pour all of those shiny coins you've been picking up with
obsessive-compulsive frequency.
Certain floors will have horrible traps meant to maim and dismember you
unless you find the switches that turn off the evil, jabby floor-spikes.
nobody promised any deep puzzle solving, but I found myself wanting some.
Everything else felt so 'old-school Zelda,' right down to the key collecting, that
I just needed to push some blocks around, or shoot things with the correct arrows.
Sadly, the base game did not deliver on those needs,
but that doesn't mean players can't scratch that itch later on.
Hammerwatch comes packed with a level editor, which means that diligent level
designers will be able to create their own quality experiences and share them
with others.
I haven't toyed with the editor much, but from what I've seen it looks pretty
powerful. On another note, the music is pretty good, but there isn't enough
variety.
Every time you reach a new chapter, you'll be treated to a new soundtrack, but given
that each chapter can take an hour to complete,
this means that you'll probably tune the music out for ninety percent of your
playtime.
I might have had the same complaint of the tile set, but the level designs
utilize every single tile effectively without becoming too stale.
Your mileage may vary on this one, but I was satisfied with the uniqueness of
each floor.
Overall, I can't recommend Hammerwatch enough for players looking to scratch
that co-op hack and slash itch.
The single player game is enjoyable as well, but feels a great deal lonelier,
and wouldn't really be in the spirit of the game. If you're looking for fast-
paced, frenetic action
at a low price, you need look no further than Hammerwatch.
To summarize, Hammerwatch mostly accomplishes what it sets out to do,
but falls short when it comes to puzzle solving. The gameplay is smooth and works
perfectly,
and the aesthetic of the game is also perfect. Music could vary a bit more, but
listening to enemies pop and squelch never gets old.
It is my opinion that Hammerwatch has earned a seven out of 10.
This has been DingosAreFrisky with your review of Hammerwatch.
Thanks for watching!