Gangs of Sherwood, developed by Appeal Studios and published by Nacon, is a cooperative action game for 1 to 4 players set in a reimagined world based on the tales about Robin Hood. The game brings together an eclectic mix of medieval aesthetics, steampunk elements, and high-energy combat, creating a game that is both visually intriguing and mechanically dynamic in nature – we tested it on a PlayStation 5.
Narratively speaking, the game introduces players to a fantastical version of Middle Ages Nottingham, where traditional swords and bows coexist with super-heated mechanical fists and explosive hammers for an interesting twist on the traditional Robin Hood setting. The game’s story takes way more liberties with historical accuracy, blending interesting new elements into the storyline. The Sheriff of Nottingham is still a tyrannical overlord though, and still serves as the primary antagonist as Robin Hood and his band embark on daring missions to thwart his oppressive regime.
The alternate history setting is certainly inventive, but also gave us a sense of unrealized potential in terms of world building – as the combination of futuristic technology in a medieval setting could have been much more engaging from a narrative point of view. Nevertheless, the vibrant and varied environments, ranging from Sherwood Forest to the Sheriff’s flying castle, still add a layer of intrigue to the overall narrative.
Gangs of Sherwood is primarily a multiplayer character action game with a touch of Devil May Cry’s chaos. The four heroes – Robin, Marian, Friar Tuck, and Little John – each offer unique and customizable gameplay styles. The combat, while fun, tends to be a little messy and imprecise though, especially when you’re playing solo with and against the AI. The lack of strategic synergy between characters and a somewhat limited combo system may disappoint solo players, and the game comes much more alive when playing with others.
Combat highlights include varied abilities among the characters, such as Marian’s versatile rapier and daggers or Little John’s powerful fists that are capable of setting enemies on fire. However, combat tends to feel a bit chaotic, and it’s tricky to effectively coordinate attacks between characters – even in multiplayer gameplay.
The control scheme generally functions well though, with each character having their distinct style but sharing a similar control method. However, the unreliable target lock and a slightly fiddly camera can disrupt the flow of combat. The target lock occasionally disables itself for no reason, and the camera’s erratic behavior can be disorienting – and both are things we’re hoping will be addressed in a post-launch update.
Audiovisually, Gangs of Sherwood presents a mix of medieval architecture and steampunk-inspired machinery to create a unique visual experience. The character models aren’t great though, and it’s the sense of humor that the characters have that helps carry them – with voice acting infusing them with some personality.
In conclusion, Gangs of Sherwood manages to offer a fun experience, especially when played with friends. The chaotic combat and lack of strategic options may deter solo players though, and we can’t help but wonder about the game’s lasting appeal in such a crowded genre. While it has its enjoyable moments, it’s hard to consider it a standout title.
Score: 6.4/10
Press Play Media 