Enshrouded: A Promising Survival Crafting Game Held Back by Technical Difficulties and an Uninspiring Premise

Journey into the mystical realm of Embervale, where Enshrouded, a third-person survival crafting game, unfolds. Developed and published by Keen Games, Enshrouded immerses players in a pre-built fantasy world shrouded in mystery and danger.

Building a Haven in Embervale

Enshrouded’s building system shines as its crowning glory. An array of premade shapes and materials empowers players to construct elaborate structures with finesse. The intuitive mouse wheel controls make selecting building components a breeze, while the rustic aesthetic of the materials lends an enchanting charm to each creation. Moreover, structures adapt their appearance based on the surrounding blocks, adding a layer of visual depth.

Venturing into the Shroud

Embervale’s vast expanse invites exploration, with quests guiding players through the initial stages. These quests introduce crucial traversal tools like the Grappling Hook and Glider, opening up new possibilities for navigating the world. Additionally, players encounter static NPCs, serving as glorified workbenches offering various recipes. However, these NPCs lack personality and remain confined to their designated locations, hindering deeper engagement.

Battling the Shroud’s Denizens

Enshrouded’s combat system draws inspiration from Valheim, featuring a combination of dodging, parrying, and a diverse arsenal of weapons. While the combat mechanics are solid, the weapons themselves lack differentiation, resulting in a somewhat bland and uninspired experience. Infusing each weapon with distinct characteristics and flair would enhance the combat’s appeal and engagement.

Quality of Life Enhancements and Omissions

Enshrouded introduces several quality of life features that streamline gameplay. Players can pin recipes on the screen for easy reference, and equipped clothing items do not occupy inventory space. However, the game also suffers from notable omissions. The inability to precisely split item stacks can be frustrating when dealing with large quantities. Additionally, crafted items remain pinned on the recipe screen, requiring manual removal, which can be tedious.

Multiplayer and Singleplayer Experiences

Enshrouded offers multiplayer functionality, though this review focuses primarily on the singleplayer experience. Solo adventurers may find the journey somewhat lonely, as the static NPCs offer minimal companionship or character interaction. The somber soundtrack further contributes to a melancholic atmosphere, which may resonate with some players while leaving others yearning for a more vibrant ambiance.

Technical Difficulties: A Blight on the Experience

Enshrouded’s early access status is evident in its technical shortcomings. The game is prone to crashes, save file corruption, and severe performance drops during sunset and sunrise. While high-end systems may handle the game smoothly, lower-spec PCs may encounter significant performance challenges. These issues can be a major hindrance to the overall gameplay experience and require prompt attention from the developers.

Conclusion: A Glimpse of Potential Overshadowed by Issues

Enshrouded possesses the potential to be a compelling survival crafting game, yet it is currently held back by several issues. The building system is top-notch, the world is evocative and beautiful, and the combat, though uninspired, is solid. However, the uninspiring premise of the Shroud, the underwhelming weapons, and the lack of character development for NPCs detract from the overall experience. Additionally, the technical difficulties, particularly the crashes and save file corruption, are major concerns that need to be addressed.

If you can overlook the early access quirks and underwhelming premise, Enshrouded offers a solid foundation for a future survival crafting hit. The exquisite building system, evocative world, and sound combat mechanics make it worth keeping an eye on. However, it remains to be seen whether Keen Games can address the technical issues and add more depth and character to the game’s world and systems.