The game Enshrouded is described as a ‘co-op survival action RPG,’ packed with NPC quests, mining, crafting, farming, combat skill trees, intricate base-building, and an open world. However, after playing the game for 27 hours, the player finds it lacking in excitement and direction. The main reason behind this disappointment is that Enshrouded feels too safe, failing to create a sense of peril that could lead to memorable moments.
Enshrouded’s impressive technical aspects and world to explore are overshadowed by the lack of consequences for mistakes and the game’s overly forgiving systems and mechanics. There are no real repercussions when dying, and prep work for survival feels optional rather than necessary. The survival elements are only loosely related to the rest of the gameplay, leading to a lack of tension and a flat overall experience. The game’s worldbuilding and lore also fail to create a sense of urgency or an adversary, resulting in a world that feels without threat and quite empty between points of interest.
Despite these shortcomings, Enshrouded has strengths in its building system and a potential for fun in its 16-person multiplayer mode. The game is in Early Access, and its developer may make changes based on player feedback. It is hoped that improvements will introduce a higher level of threat and make the survival elements more significant. In its current state, the game can still provide a decent way to spend time with friends or a serene experience for players looking for a chill survival game.
