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Gangs of Sherwood

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Gangs of Sherwood
Item: Gangs of Sherwood
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, RPG, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableNov 30, 2023

PlatformPlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PC

DeveloperAppeal Studios

Overview

Fight the armies of the Sheriff of Nottingham and lead the rebellion, solo or in co-op with up to 4 players. Play as one of the Merry Men, combine your attacks, and free the people in this futuristic dystopia inspired by the legend of Robin Hood.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

79%

Negative (0-49)

21%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Gangs of Sherwood are quite varied. Some critics, such as Finger Guns and Power Unlimited, appreciate the game's alternative take on the Robin Hood story, set in a semi-futuristic and semi-steampunk world. They mention the murder of King Richard by the Sheriff of Nottingham and the rebellion led by Robin and his gang as intriguing elements of the narrative. Additionally, PlayStation Universe highlights the fun banter and interesting backstories of the characters, adding depth to the story. Eurogamer Germany also praises the game for offering a fresh interpretation of the Robin Hood theme with colorful magic and humor. However, several critics express negative opinions about the story. Daily Star, GameSpew, and GGRecon find the story uninteresting, lacking depth, and struggling to engage the player. They mention that it feels like an afterthought, convoluted, and tonally inconsistent. XboxEra criticizes the story for being a tonal mismatch, with dark misery mixed with vibrant neon colors, and describes the execution as dreadful. The Jimquisition even states that the narrative is rudimentary and uninteresting, with broad strokes and anachronistic elements. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that while Gangs of Sherwood offers an intriguing and fresh take on the Robin Hood story with its alternative settings and magical elements, the execution of the narrative falls short. The story lacks depth and fails to engage the player, with some critics finding it uninteresting, convoluted, or tonally inconsistent. However, there are positive aspects highlighted by critics, such as the fun banter between characters and the enjoyable, tongue-in-cheek tone that matches the steampunk flavor of the world. Despite the mixed opinions, it seems that the concept and setting of the story have potential, but the execution could have been improved to create a more engaging and cohesive narrative experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics are divided on Gangs of Sherwood's story: Some praise its fresh take on Robin Hood in a semi-futuristic world with colorful magic, while others criticize it for lacking depth and coherence. Positive points include fun banter and interesting characters, but negative feedback points to a convoluted, tonally inconsistent narrative that fails to captivate. In essence, while the concept shows promise, the storytelling execution falls short of creating a truly engaging experience.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

24%

Mixed (50-79)

48%

Negative (0-49)

29%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Gangs of Sherwood are quite varied. Some critics, such as PlayStation Universe and Gamereactor UK, praise the combat mechanics, mentioning that it is surprisingly deep and offers a variety of attacks and combos. They also highlight the challenging nature of the game, which adds to the overall enjoyment. Additionally, Power Unlimited commends the accessibility of the gameplay, allowing for short play sessions, and mentions the smoothness of the experience. TheXboxHub and SECTOR.sk appreciate the different abilities and playstyles of each character, providing variety and opportunities for co-op gameplay. On the other hand, several critics express negative opinions about the gameplay. Finger Guns, GameSpew, and TRG criticize the combat for being repetitive and lacking variety. They highlight the lack of excitement and thrill in the combat encounters, which can become tiresome over time. ZTGD and The Jimquisition mention imprecise controls and a lack of precision in the combat, making it feel messy and unsatisfying. Metro GameCentral criticizes the simplistic and shallow mechanics, describing the combat as repetitive and uninvolving. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some critics appreciate the depth and challenge of the combat, as well as the different abilities and playstyles of the characters, others find the combat to be repetitive, lacking variety, and imprecise. The positive aspects of the gameplay, such as the fluidity of the combat, the ability to unlock new techniques and mods, and the opportunities for co-op gameplay, are countered by the negatives, including the repetitive nature of the combat encounters and the lack of excitement and precision. It seems that the gameplay of Gangs of Sherwood has its strengths and weaknesses, and individual preferences will play a significant role in determining whether players will enjoy the gameplay experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed opinions on Gangs of Sherwood gameplay. Some praise its deep combat mechanics and challenging nature, while others criticize it for being repetitive and lacking excitement. Positive points include character variety and co-op opportunities, but negatives include imprecise controls and shallow mechanics. Overall, the game's gameplay has strengths like fluid combat and variety but also weaknesses like repetitiveness and lack of precision. Player preferences will determine the enjoyment of the gameplay experience.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

24%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

10%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Gangs of Sherwood are varied. Several critics praised the visuals for their unique and imaginative take on the classic tale of Robin Hood. Critics such as Finger Guns and TRG commended the game for its distinctive art style, with a mix of historical periods and technology, as well as its vibrant and varied environments. Power Unlimited also highlighted the beauty of the natural landscapes and the charming character animations that added a sense of lightheartedness to the game. Eurogamer Germany appreciated the vibrant visuals and flashy abilities, although they noted potential performance issues on lower-end hardware. These positive opinions indicate that the game successfully captures the attention of players with its visually fresh and inspired design. However, not all critics were as positive about the Graphics and Visual Design of Gangs of Sherwood. PlaySense and GGRecon criticized the game for its lackluster graphics, pointing out visual glitches, minor issues, and plain environments that detracted from the overall experience. Gamereactor UK echoed these concerns, describing the character models as horrible and the game as unpolished in several areas. The Jimquisition went even further, describing the graphics as dated and hideous, with plain environments, wooden character models, and excessive visual effects during fights. These negative opinions highlight the shortcomings of the game's visuals, including technical issues and a lack of graphical fidelity. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Gangs of Sherwood is mixed. While some critics praised the game for its distinctive and imaginative art style, vibrant environments, and charming character animations, others criticized it for its lackluster graphics, visual glitches, and unpolished areas. The positive opinions indicate that the game successfully delivers a visually fresh and inspired take on the legend of Robin Hood. However, the negative opinions highlight the game's shortcomings in terms of graphical fidelity and technical issues. It is important for potential players to consider these mixed opinions when deciding whether the Graphics and Visual Design of Gangs of Sherwood align with their preferences and expectations.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics have mixed opinions on the Graphics and Visual Design of Gangs of Sherwood. Some praise its unique art style, vibrant environments, and charming animations, while others criticize its lackluster graphics, glitches, and unpolished areas. Positive feedback highlights the game's fresh take on Robin Hood, but negative comments point out issues with fidelity and technical performance. Potential players should weigh these varied opinions before deciding if the game's visuals meet their expectations.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

20%

Mixed (50-79)

60%

Negative (0-49)

20%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Gangs of Sherwood are quite varied. Some critics have praised the sound design and music, highlighting its positive aspects. PlayStation Universe commends the solid voice work and the orchestral soundtrack that perfectly fits the world of the game, providing a unique take on the score. Power Unlimited also appreciates the medieval soundtrack, stating that it complements the natural environments well. Eurogamer Germany mentions the epic sound effects and lighthearted conversations, which add to the overall experience. TheSixthAxis praises the sound design, stating that it is good and helps the player stay immersed in the game. The music is also highlighted as a standout feature that adds to the replayability of the game. However, there are also critics who have expressed negative opinions about the sound design and music of Gangs of Sherwood. TheXboxHub mentions that while the score and effects work well with the gameplay, the voice performances feel outdated. XboxEra criticizes the music for being bright and cheery, not matching the horror elements of the game. They also criticize the voice acting, stating that it is fine but let down by terrible quip-filled dialogue. GGRecon describes the voice acting as poor, with disconnected voice actors reading lines from a script, and the dialogue becoming insufferable with repetitive voice lines. God is a Geek mentions that the voice acting is hit and miss, with some weird moments in the script, and describes the overall voice work as just a little off. The Jimquisition criticizes the voice acting as dreadful, with particular mention of Marian's voice, but does not provide further details about the music. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While there are positive remarks about the sound design and music, with critics like PlayStation Universe, Power Unlimited, Eurogamer Germany, and TheSixthAxis appreciating various aspects, there are also negative opinions expressed by critics such as TheXboxHub, XboxEra, GGRecon, God is a Geek, and The Jimquisition. The criticisms mainly revolve around outdated voice performances, mismatched music, poor voice acting, repetitive dialogue, and some odd moments in the script. It seems that while the sound design and music have their strengths, they also have their weaknesses, leading to a divided opinion among the critics.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics have mixed feelings about the sound design and music in Gangs of Sherwood. Some praise the fitting orchestral soundtrack and immersive sound effects, while others criticize the outdated voice performances and mismatched music. Positive feedback comes from outlets like PlayStation Universe and TheSixthAxis, while negative opinions are expressed by critics such as TheXboxHub and GGRecon. Overall, the consensus is divided, with strengths and weaknesses noted in the game's audio elements.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

60%

Negative (0-49)

40%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in Gangs of Sherwood, it is evident that there is a mix of positive and negative feedback. PlayStation Universe and SECTOR.sk both highlight the positive aspects of the voice work, with PlayStation Universe stating that the performances of the heroes are enjoyable and SECTOR.sk mentioning that the voice acting is good. These critics appreciate the effort put into the voice work and find it to be solid. However, there are several critics who express negative opinions about the voice acting in Gangs of Sherwood. GGRecon and God is a Geek both criticize the voice acting, with GGRecon describing it as poor and God is a Geek mentioning that it is hit and miss. GGRecon specifically points out that the voice actors sound disconnected from the script, which detracts from the overall experience. TheXboxHub also shares a negative sentiment, stating that the voice performances feel outdated and reminiscent of an era of gaming that has been left behind. The Jimquisition goes even further, describing the voice acting as dreadful, with particular criticism towards Marian's voice. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Gangs of Sherwood is a mixed bag. While there are some positive aspects, such as solid performances from the heroes and good voice acting in general, there are also significant negatives. The lack of voice acting for some NPCs and characters, as mentioned by GameSpew, and the issues with lip syncing further contribute to the mixed reception. Additionally, the poor writing and dialogue, as highlighted by XboxEra and PC Gamer, also bring down the overall quality of the voice acting. It is clear that the voice acting in Gangs of Sherwood is a divisive aspect of the game, with some critics appreciating certain elements while others find it lacking or even detrimental to the overall experience.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics are divided on the voice acting in Gangs of Sherwood. Some praise the solid performances of the heroes, while others slam it as poor and outdated. Complaints include disconnected voice actors and subpar writing, making it a mixed bag overall.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

10%

Mixed (50-79)

70%

Negative (0-49)

20%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance on the PS5, there are mixed opinions among the critics. PlaySense mentions visual glitches and other small issues, while Power Unlimited highlights crashes and bugs, particularly in specific missions or with certain devices. TRG also mentions minor issues with character clipping and enemies staying still during combat. These opinions suggest that Gangs of Sherwood may have some technical shortcomings on the PS5, which could impact the overall gameplay experience for players. On the Xbox Series X, the opinions of the critics are more positive overall. XboxEra describes the game as competently coded with no real bugs, running at a steady 60fps. TheXboxHub mentions some stutters in frame rate, especially during cooperative play, but doesn't specify any major technical issues. IGN France notes occasional frame rate drops, which can be distracting. These opinions indicate that Gangs of Sherwood generally performs well on the Xbox Series X, with only minor issues affecting the gameplay experience. For PC, the opinions are more varied. Eurogamer Germany suggests that performance issues may occur on lower-end hardware, indicating that the game may require more powerful systems to run smoothly. Gamereactor UK describes the game as feeling unpolished in several areas but doesn't mention any specific technical issues. Metro GameCentral provides limited information, only mentioning that the graphics are not great but not terrible. The Jimquisition, however, highlights several technical problems, including buggy gameplay, wonky physics, and instances where the attack button stops working. The reviewer also mentions that finding a co-op partner increases the likelihood of the game crashing. These opinions suggest that Gangs of Sherwood may have significant technical issues on PC, affecting both the gameplay and overall stability. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Gangs of Sherwood has mixed technical performance across different gaming platforms. While the Xbox Series X receives more positive feedback, with steady frame rates and competent coding, the PS5 experiences some issues such as visual glitches, crashes, and minor bugs. The PC version seems to have the most varied opinions, with performance issues on lower-end hardware, unpolished aspects, and significant technical problems highlighted by The Jimquisition. It's important for players to consider these technical aspects when deciding which platform to play Gangs of Sherwood on, as they may impact the overall enjoyment of the game.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics have mixed opinions on the technical performance of Gangs of Sherwood across platforms. PS5 faces visual glitches and crashes, Xbox Series X runs smoothly with minor stutters, and PC has varied feedback including performance issues and significant bugs. Players should choose their platform wisely to avoid technical hiccups affecting gameplay.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

13%

Mixed (50-79)

44%

Negative (0-49)

44%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Gangs of Sherwood are mixed. Some critics, such as PlaySense and IGN France, highlight the cooperative play and additional modes as positive aspects that contribute to the game's replayability. PlaySense specifically mentions the enjoyment and extended gameplay provided by collectibles and side missions. The ability to play with friends or strangers is also praised by ZTGD, who emphasizes the fun and shorter acts when playing in multiplayer. These aspects provide opportunities for players to experience the game in different ways and enhance its replay value. However, there are several criticisms regarding the game's replayability. Finger Guns criticizes the expensive in-game economy and the lack of excitement in the levels, suggesting that additional modes like Boss Rush and Endless Mode feel like a necessity to compensate for these shortcomings. Power Unlimited expresses disappointment with the lack of varied enemies and mini-bosses, which they consider a drawback. The repetitive gameplay and lack of depth are also mentioned by XboxEra and God is a Geek, who both highlight the game's reliance on playing with others for a more enjoyable experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that while Gangs of Sherwood offers some elements that contribute to its replay value, such as cooperative play and additional modes, there are significant drawbacks that limit its overall appeal. The repetitive gameplay, lack of varied content, and linear level design are mentioned as factors that discourage replayability. The game's short length and lack of lasting impact are also noted by PC Gamer. While there are positive aspects to be found, such as the enjoyable combat and different team setups mentioned by TheSixthAxis, the overall sentiment suggests that Gangs of Sherwood may not offer enough depth or variety to keep players engaged in the long term.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics have mixed opinions on the replay value of Gangs of Sherwood. Positive aspects like cooperative play and additional modes enhance replayability, but criticisms include an expensive in-game economy, lack of varied enemies, and repetitive gameplay. While some find enjoyment in combat and team setups, overall, the game may lack the depth and variety needed to keep players engaged long-term.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

78%

Negative (0-49)

19%

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding the overall verdict of Gangs of Sherwood, it is clear that there are both positive and negative aspects to the game. Several critics, such as Daily Star and PlayStation Universe, highlight the game's positive elements. They appreciate the unique twist on the classic legend of Robin Hood and commend the game for offering a decent fighting experience. PlayStation Universe also mentions the deep combat and enjoyable voice work as strengths of the game. Eurogamer Germany describes the gameplay as enjoyable and fast-paced, further adding to the positive sentiment. On the other hand, there are several criticisms raised by the critics. Finger Guns and Power Unlimited both express disappointment in the lack of depth and variety in the combat and the outdated feel of the game. Finger Guns also mentions the game feeling slightly unfinished. IGN France acknowledges the simplicity of the game's formula, which may not appeal to everyone. TheXboxHub criticizes the misguided tone, unimpressive visuals, and repetitive nature of the game. XboxEra goes as far as calling the overall experience dreadful and not recommended, highlighting issues with dialogue, tonal shifts, and lack of depth. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some critics, such as Daily Star and PlayStation Universe, find Gangs of Sherwood to be a decent and enjoyable game, others, like XboxEra and Metro GameCentral, have a more negative view of it. The game is seen as having potential but falling short of expectations, with issues such as crashes, bugs, repetitive action, and lackluster fights hindering its overall appeal. The game's unique concept and entertaining gameplay are acknowledged, but they are often overshadowed by its flaws. The sentiment leans towards mediocrity, with critics like GameSpew and ZTGD describing the game as mediocre and not easy to recommend.

TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on Gangs of Sherwood. Some praise its unique take on Robin Hood and fun combat, while others criticize its lack of depth and outdated feel. Despite some positive aspects like enjoyable gameplay, the game falls short with issues like bugs, repetitive action, and uninspiring visuals. Overall, the consensus is that while Gangs of Sherwood has potential, it fails to meet expectations and is seen as mediocre by many critics.

MONSTER

Reviews

54 reviews found

PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 5

Nov 27, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Gangs of Sherwood is a fun game to play solo but shines with three other friends. It offers deep combat and enjoyable voice work and backstories. The visuals are hit-and-miss.

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IGN France

Xbox Series X

Nov 27, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Gangs of Sherwood is an original and enjoyable game with a simple but captivating formula. It is worth the price and is great to play with friends.

PlaySense

PlayStation 5

Dec 19, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Gangs of Sherwood is a decent game with some flaws, earning a score of 7.0 out of 10.

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SECTOR.sk

Dec 1, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Overall, 'Gangs of Sherwood' is a fun game with entertaining gameplay, but its lower budget is noticeable. The game may not appeal to everyone, but it has the potential to be successful due to its unique steampunk and comic book-inspired concept.

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ZTGD

Xbox Series X

Dec 7, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Gangs of Sherwood feels like a mix-mash of ideas and things. While some aspects work, others are done better in other games. The game is more enjoyable when played multiplayer.

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God is a Geek

Nov 28, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is described as a hodgepodge, with an enjoyable time to be had, especially with others, but it doesn't do anything well enough to stand out from the crowd.

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Eurogamer Germany

Dec 13, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Gangs of Sherwood offers an enjoyable and fast-paced gameplay experience.

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Daily Star

PlayStation 5

Nov 28, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game offers a decent fighting experience with a unique twist on a classic legend.

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TheXboxHub

Xbox Series X

Dec 13, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Gangs of Sherwood is a game that works okay, is good fun with a group of friends, and provides an interesting take on the Robin Hood myth. However, the tone feels misguided, the visuals are not impressive, and it gets repetitive quickly. It may be more forgivable with a lower price tag.

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Finger Guns

PlayStation 5

Nov 27, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Gangs of Sherwood is a fun combat-focused action game that can be enjoyed with friends. However, it lacks depth in its story, variety in its combat, and exciting level design. The game feels slightly unfinished and outdated.

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