Berserk and the Band of the Hawk

The reviewers generally praise The Story of Berserk and the Band of the Hawk for its faithful adaptation of key manga arcs, particularly the Golden Age Arc and Falcon of the Millennium Empire Arc, which are highlighted as standout elements. Critics like CGMagazine and COGconnected commend the game’s effort to blend in-game events, cutscenes, and anime clips, creating an immersive experience for fans. The narrative’s dark themes—brutality, betrayal, and vengeance—are noted as effectively captured, with Attack of the Fanboy praising its mature content and character development. Additionally, IGN Italia and The Games Machine highlight the meticulous attention to detail in recreating the manga’s world, including cinematic sequences and faithful dialogue. The game’s ability to balance fan service with accessibility for newcomers is also a recurring positive, as noted by PlayStation Universe and Forbes, who appreciate its chronological storytelling and contextual anime segments. However, several critics point to significant shortcomings, particularly in pacing, depth, and narrative completeness. Atomix and DarkZero criticize the game for feeling “cut short,” with the latter half rushed and lacking emotional weight, while Destructoid and Digitally Downloaded note that the story assumes prior knowledge of the series, leaving gaps that require players to reference the film trilogy. Issues like censorship, poor animation quality in later sections (as mentioned by GameCritics), and omitted subplots—such as the Lost Children arc highlighted by Gameplanet—further detract from the experience. Push Square and GamingTrend also criticize filler missions and inconsistent storytelling, with the second half of the game suffering from a “weaker overall experience” due to simplified narratives and reduced quality in cutscenes. These critiques collectively underscore a sense of missed potential in expanding the source material’s complexity. Despite these flaws, the consensus among critics is that the game remains a dedicated and respectful adaptation for Berserk fans, even if it falls short of fully capturing the series’ depth. IGN and Forbes acknowledge its fidelity to the manga while noting its brevity, whereas Gamers’ Temple and TheSixthAxis appreciate its exploration of dark themes and character struggles. However, many agree that the game’s incomplete nature—due to the manga’s unresolved ending and omissions in adaptation—limits its impact. While it succeeds as a nostalgic tribute for longtime fans, the mixed reception reflects a divide between those who prioritize faithful storytelling and those who expect more expansive, polished narrative execution. Ultimately, the game is seen as a worthwhile but imperfect experience that captures the essence of Berserk while highlighting the challenges of adapting such a complex and mature source material.

The gameplay of Berserk and the Band of the Hawk is generally praised for its adherence to the Musou formula while introducing some unique elements that enhance the experience. Critics like CGMagazine and Gamers’ Temple highlight the distinct character abilities, such as Guts’ frenzied attacks and Griffith’s strategic playstyle, which add variety to combat. The inclusion of horse combat, as noted by Atomix, and modes like Endless Eclipse (mentioned by IGN and PlayStation LifeStyle) provide structure and replayability. Additionally, the Frenzy Mode and Death Blow mechanics, praised by IGN and DualShockers, offer satisfying loops for dispatching hordes of enemies, while TheSixthAxis commends the mission variety and dynamic combat that avoid complete monotony. These elements collectively create an engaging, if formulaic, action experience. However, the game faces significant criticism for its repetitive mechanics and lack of innovation. Multiple reviewers, including Atomix, Attack of the Fanboy, and DarkZero, argue that the core gameplay feels stagnant, relying heavily on hack-and-slash combat with minimal strategic depth. The limited character roster (only 8 playable characters, per Gameblog.fr and DarkZero) and repetitive mission structures—such as escort tasks and base captures—are frequently cited as drawbacks. Issues like awkward camera controls (COGconnected), tedious boss fights (Everyeye.it, Push Square), and simplistic enemy AI (JeuxActu) further detract from the experience. Even the Frenzy Meter and combo systems, while praised for their accessibility, are seen as insufficient to mask the game’s reliance on mindless button-mashing and lack of meaningful challenges. Overall, critics agree that Berserk and the Band of the Hawk is a competent but unremarkable entry in the Musou genre. While it successfully captures the visceral, large-scale battles of the source material and offers enjoyable combat for fans of the formula, its failure to innovate or diversify beyond established mechanics limits its appeal. IGN and Worth Playing note that it meets expectations for the genre but falls short of exceeding them, while TrueGaming and Video Chums dismiss it as uninspired. The consensus leans toward a balanced assessment: a fun, if repetitive, experience that prioritizes accessibility over depth, leaving room for improvement in future iterations.

The graphics and visual design of Berserk and the Band of the Hawk received praise for their faithful adaptation of the source material’s dark, anime-inspired aesthetic. Critics like CGMagazine highlighted the cel-shaded character models that mirror the manga’s style, while Eurogamer Italy and Gameblog.fr commended the detailed transformations during awakening abilities and immersive environments such as forests, castles, and dungeons. TheSixthAxis noted sharp character models, impactful blood effects, and cinematic camera work during special attacks, emphasizing the game’s ability to translate Berserk’s grimdark tone into a hack-and-slash format. Additionally, IGN Italia praised the animation quality for its weight and detail, and SpazioGames appreciated the visually appealing cutscenes despite technical limitations. The game’s commitment to capturing the series’ mature themes through vivid blood effects and unique character designs was a recurring positive point. However, several critics pointed out significant shortcomings in graphical polish and technical execution. Atomix and JeuxActu criticized the visuals as outdated, with repetitive environments, low-quality textures, and technical issues like clipping and camera locks. DarkZero and DualShockers noted that level design felt monotonous, relying on corridors and boxed arenas, while Forbes and GRYOnline.pl argued the game’s engine underutilized PS4 hardware, resulting in a dated appearance. Gaming Nexus and PlayStation Universe highlighted drab menus and repetitive battle areas, and We Got This Covered pointed to lower-detail in-game models in later scenes that disrupted immersion. Many also mentioned performance issues, such as frame rate drops and poor draw distance, which detracted from the experience despite functional gameplay visuals. Overall, the consensus among critics was mixed but leaned toward appreciation for the game’s stylistic fidelity to Berserk’s source material, tempered by frustrations over technical limitations. While Gameblog.fr and TheSixthAxis celebrated the immersive environments and stable performance, others like Forbes and JeuxActu felt the visuals fell short of modern standards. The game’s cel-shaded aesthetic and attention to detail in character design were widely praised, but repetitive level design, underdeveloped environments, and technical flaws—such as those noted by DualShockers and Gaming Nexus—diminished its overall impact. Despite these issues, many acknowledged that Berserk and the Band of the Hawk succeeded in capturing the series’ dark, medieval atmosphere, even if it struggled to match the visual ambition of more contemporary titles.

The sound design and music of Berserk and the Band of the Hawk received generally positive feedback for their atmospheric depth and thematic cohesion. Critics like CGMagazine praised the orchestral score’s "booming horns and intense strings" that align with the game’s medieval warfare themes, while GRYOnline.pl highlighted its ability to capture the story’s dark tone through "atmospheric quality." Push Square emphasized the "over-the-top, squelchy sound effects" that enhance combat brutality, and Video Chums noted the "strong orchestral score and sound effects" contributing to an immersive experience. The use of tracks from recent anime adaptations, as mentioned by Everyeye.it, added variety, while PlayStation Universe acknowledged the music’s role in building atmospheric intensity during cutscenes. These elements collectively create a cohesive sonic landscape that supports the game’s grim, epic narrative. However, several critics pointed to shortcomings in originality and memorability. Atomix noted the soundtrack's "lack of memorable tunes," while DualShockers criticized the absence of recognizable tracks for long-time fans and the "missed opportunity" of not including licensed music from the series. Gaming Nexus called the score "unremarkable," and Worth Playing described it as "bland," suggesting it fails to stand out in its genre. TrueGaming and Gameplanet highlighted the disappointment of using original music instead of iconic themes from the source material, with Gameplanet specifically pointing out the absence of Susumu Hirasawa’s signature synth orchestra. Additionally, some reviewers, like COGconnected, found the voice acting in Japanese with English subtitles "disappointing" compared to dubbed versions, though this was a minor critique amid broader musical assessments. Overall, the consensus leans toward the soundtrack being functional and thematically appropriate but lacking in standout moments or emotional resonance. While many critics acknowledged its effectiveness in enhancing the game’s dark, epic atmosphere—CGMagazine, GRYOnline.pl, and Push Square all praised this aspect—the lack of memorable melodies or iconic themes was a recurring criticism. The use of original music over licensed tracks from the Berserk franchise divided opinions, with some seeing it as a faithful adaptation and others as a missed opportunity to connect with fans. Despite these mixed reactions, the sound design’s technical quality and atmospheric contributions were widely recognized, suggesting that while not exceptional, it successfully supports the game’s narrative and combat intensity.

The voice acting in Berserk and the Band of the Hawk receives largely positive reception, with many critics praising its authenticity and alignment with the source material. COGconnected acknowledges the game’s adherence to the original anime style through Japanese voice acting paired with English subtitles, even if they personally prefer dubbed versions. Gameblog.fr highlights “high-quality dubbing for all dialogues,” which enhances immersion despite narrative flaws in certain scenes, while SpazioGames and GRYOnline.pl commend the “strong, convincing performances” from the anime cast, noting that the original Japanese voice acting elevates the game’s immersive quality. Similarly, Video Chums emphasizes the “authenticity” of high-quality Japanese voice work, and Worth Playing praises the “solid” voice performance with subtitles ensuring accessibility. These reviews collectively underscore the value of preserving the source material’s tone through Japanese audio, particularly for fans familiar with the franchise. However, some critics express reservations about the lack of an English dub and its impact on accessibility. Gaming Nexus criticizes the Japanese-only voice track as a “letdown,” though they note it isn’t a deal-breaker for the overall experience. TheSixthAxis raises concerns about comprehension during fast-paced combat scenes, where dialogue is sometimes missed due to the absence of subtitles in action sequences. COGconnected also mentions their personal preference for dubbed versions, reflecting a broader sentiment that non-English speakers or those unfamiliar with Japanese might find the audio less engaging. While most reviewers acknowledge the quality of the voice acting itself, these critiques highlight potential barriers for players seeking a more universally accessible experience. Overall, the consensus among critics leans positive, emphasizing the high-quality and authentic Japanese voice acting as a key strength that aligns with the game’s source material. While some critics like SpazioGames and GRYOnline.pl celebrate the performances as a major asset, others such as Gaming Nexus and TheSixthAxis point to the absence of an English dub and accessibility issues as notable drawbacks. Despite these criticisms, the majority agree that the voice acting contributes meaningfully to the game’s atmosphere and immersion, with many viewing it as a faithful adaptation of the original anime. The mixed feedback reflects a balance between appreciation for authenticity and practical concerns about inclusivity, but the overall sentiment remains favorable toward the voice work itself.

The technical performance of Berserk and the Band of the Hawk on PS4 is generally praised for its stability and polish, with several critics highlighting smooth gameplay and consistent frame rates. Gameblog.fr noted that the game runs "smoothly without major bugs or frame drops," even during large-scale battles, while Gaming Nexus commended its technical achievements despite a "rushed feel." The Games Machine and TheSixthAxis also emphasized stable performance on PS4 Pro, with the latter stating it handles intense action sequences well. Additionally, some reviewers acknowledged improvements in framerate stability compared to previous musou games, as noted by SpazioGames. While these positives are scattered across platforms, they collectively suggest that the game’s core technical foundation is solid, particularly on higher-end hardware like the PS4 Pro. However, the PS4 version faces notable technical shortcomings, including frame rate drops, camera issues, and graphical inconsistencies. DarkZero criticized "frame rate drops, especially on standard PS4," while COGconnected described a "problematic camera system reminiscent of older games." DualShockers highlighted poor draw distance and unpolished environments, and JeuxActu pointed to "outdated graphics" and "clipping issues." Localization problems also emerged as a recurring issue, with CGMagazine noting missing words and subtitle glitches. Twinfinite and XGN further criticized the camera system during boss fights and dated animations, respectively. These flaws, while not crippling, collectively undermine the experience, particularly on standard PS4 hardware. The PC version, reviewed by Gameplanet, added another layer of concern with a vague "technical issues" critique, though specifics remain unclear. Overall, critics agree that Berserk and the Band of the Hawk is technically flawed but playable, with performance varying significantly across platforms. On PS4, the game’s stability and handling of large battles are praised by Gameblog.fr and TheSixthAxis, yet its dated engine, repetitive environments, and camera issues (noted by COGconnected and Twinfinite) temper enthusiasm. The PC version’s technical problems, though less detailed, hint at broader optimization challenges. While some reviewers, like Forbes and IGN Italia, acknowledged modest but functional performance, the consensus leans toward a game that prioritizes gameplay over technical polish. Despite these shortcomings, the PS4 version remains the most refined, with its issues largely attributed to hardware limitations and a lack of post-launch fixes for standard consoles. The mixed reception underscores a trade-off between accessibility and technical ambition.

The reviewers generally acknowledge that Berserk and the Band of the Hawk offers several elements that contribute to its replayability, particularly through its Endless Eclipse mode. Critics like COGconnected and Eurogamer Italy highlight the mode’s randomized dungeons, 100-floor progression system, and rewards as key draws, while DualShockers and Gaming Nexus praise character progression systems and customizable weapons that encourage multiple playthroughs. IGN and IGN Italia note the incremental difficulty and experimentation opportunities in Endless Eclipse, and Gamers’ Temple emphasizes the variety of difficulties and unlockable characters. Additionally, modes like Free Mode and side challenges (e.g., Benelith puzzles) provide some post-campaign engagement, as noted by The Games Machine and PlayStation LifeStyle. These elements suggest that dedicated fans may find sustained enjoyment through exploration of these mechanics. However, many critics point to significant limitations in the game’s replay value due to repetitive gameplay and lack of innovation. Atomix criticizes the repetitive nature of campaign and free-play modes, while DarkZero and Gameblog.fr argue that the absence of cooperative play and shallow progression systems diminish long-term appeal. Forbes and JeuxActu highlight generic early-game content and monotonous mission structures, and Push Square and SpazioGames describe later stages as relying on "cheap tactics" and feeling unengaging. XGN and Gameplanet note that even Endless Eclipse becomes tedious over time, with repetition in missions, enemies, and a lack of RPG depth. The limited character roster (Destructoid) and minimal post-story content (Gameblog.fr) further reduce incentives for repeated play, suggesting the game’s appeal is largely confined to fans of the source material. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Berserk and the Band of the Hawk has moderate replay value, primarily driven by its Endless Eclipse mode but hindered by repetitive core mechanics. While some reviewers (e.g., COGconnected, IGN) recognize the game’s structured progression and customization as strengths, others (e.g., Atomix, Gameblog.fr) argue that these elements fail to overcome the monotony of its gameplay loops. The game seems to cater most effectively to fans who prioritize narrative immersion and specific mechanics, but its lack of multiplayer, shallow post-game content, and repetitive design limit broader appeal. As noted by GamingTrend and XGN, the title’s longevity hinges on player tolerance for repetition, making it a niche experience rather than a universally engaging one.