I’m sure many of you glossed over Ninja Theory’s
Enslaved: Odyssey to the West when it came out last October. I know I passed up its release in order to save some cash, but having finally gone back and played it I’d say it’s a shame that anyone missed it.
As you may know the story is a futuristic take on an ancient Chinese Buddhist text called Journey to the West, which centers on a mischievous monkey god who is forced to accompany a Buddhist monk on a journey to retrieve sacred texts from the dark and dangerous “Western Regions”.
The monkey – known as Sun Wukong – is fitted with a magical headband that shrinks upon the monk’s command, should the rascal get out of line. So in order to be freed from his bondage he must protect the monk on his journey, and return him safely home.
(“Monkey can I ask you a question. You use a lotta hair product?”)
The story’s progression is mostly swift and satisfying, with only a few hiccups that cause it to drag here and there. I found myself not wanting to stop when it was time to go to bed, and was profoundly curious about how it would all wrap up. I won’t spoil it here – it’s too good. Consider this a long-winded foreplay, intended to get you in the mood. Pick it up, try it out – it’ll cost you a few dollars and a few hours and it’s totally worth your time. Then, if you like, come back here and discuss ;)
This game does its predecessor a great modernizing service, and I’m thinking I might go play it again, real-life obligations be damned.
Can't seem to embed the video but check out the trailer
here if you're not familiar with it already.
LOOK WHO CAME: