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Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Earthblood

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Earthblood
Item: Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Earthblood
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2021

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, RPG, Fighting, Single Player

AvailableFeb 4, 2021

PlatformPlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X

DeveloperCyanide

Overview

Become a werewolf, known as Garou, in the atmosphere of their shamanistic and tribal world. Garou are Werewolf warriors opposed to urban civilization and supernatural corruption, all heading towards inevitable apocalypse. Werewolf: The Apocalypse is set in the World of Darkness, a gritty version of our own time where society declines and humans fall victim to supernatural horrors.

Elsewhere

5.1

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Earthblood has a promising premise that tackles environmental issues through its werewolf protagonist, Cahal, but critics agree the execution falls flat. While the opening cinematic earns praise and some themes resonate, the narrative is criticized for being shallow, clichéd, and confusing, with weak character development and unclear motivations. Ultimately, the story disappoints, feeling more like fan fiction than a compelling narrative, leaving players unsatisfied and wanting more from the rich World of Darkness universe.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

47%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

45%

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

The story of Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Earthblood has garnered some praise from critics for its intriguing premise and its connection to the World of Darkness universe. Critics such as Push Square and Meristation highlight the narrative's exploration of environmental themes, with Cahal, the werewolf protagonist, embodying a struggle against corporate greed and ecological destruction. The game’s opening cinematic is frequently mentioned as a high point, setting an engaging tone for the narrative, and some reviews, like that of Xbox Tavern, appreciate the semi-interesting elements of tragedy and redemption woven into the story. Additionally, the lore rooted in real-life ecological concerns has been noted by Slant Magazine as compelling, suggesting that there is a foundation of potential within the story. However, the overwhelming consensus among critics is that the story ultimately falls short in execution. Many reviewers, including BaziCenter and ZTGD, criticize the narrative for being shallow and lacking depth, with unclear motivations for the protagonist. Critics like Metro GameCentral and GamingBolt point out that the game fails to adequately explain its lore, leaving newcomers confused and the narrative feeling half-baked. The dialogue and character development have also been described as weak and uninteresting, with multiple reviews, such as those from CGMagazine and GameGrin, labeling the story as clichéd and predictable. The lack of emotional engagement and depth in character arcs is a recurring theme, with several critics noting that the story feels more like fan fiction than a well-crafted narrative. Overall, the critics' consensus suggests that while Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Earthblood has a promising premise and some engaging themes, it is ultimately undermined by a lack of depth, poor character development, and a confusing narrative structure. Reviews from Gaming Age and Daily Star encapsulate the sentiment that the story is predictable and poorly executed, leaving players wanting more from a universe rich with potential. As a result, despite some positive elements, the game’s story is largely viewed as a weak point, failing to resonate with both fans of the franchise and newcomers alike.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Earthblood delivers a mixed bag of gameplay. While its dynamic combat system and shapeshifting mechanics earn praise for variety and brutal action, critics slam the repetitive combat and lackluster stealth elements. Poor AI and clunky stealth mechanics further diminish the experience, leaving many reviewers feeling the game is basic and lacking depth. Ultimately, the ambitious ideas fall short, overshadowed by execution flaws, leading to a mostly negative reception.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

15%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

55%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

31%

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

The gameplay of Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Earthblood has garnered a mix of opinions, with some critics highlighting notable strengths. Several reviewers, such as IGN Portugal and Generación Xbox, praised the game's combat system, which allows players to switch between human, wolf, and werewolf forms, offering varied gameplay approaches. Critics like GameCritics also appreciated the "play it your way" aspect, which encourages players to choose between stealth and combat. The ability to engage in brutal and satisfying werewolf combat, as noted by CGMagazine, was often cited as a highlight, with many reviewers enjoying the visceral nature of the action and the unique mechanics associated with each form. However, the gameplay also suffers from significant drawbacks that many critics have pointed out. A common theme among reviewers like Metro GameCentral and Hey Poor Player is the repetitive nature of both combat and stealth mechanics, which detracts from the overall experience. Critics such as Gaming Age and Cultured Vultures noted that the AI is poor, leading to frustrating encounters that lack tension. Additionally, the stealth mechanics were frequently described as clunky and poorly implemented, with many reviewers, including DualShockers and God is a Geek, expressing disappointment in the game's failure to integrate stealth effectively with combat, resulting in a dated experience. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a negative perception of the gameplay in Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Earthblood. While there are some redeeming qualities, particularly in the combat system and the ability to switch forms, the gameplay is marred by repetitiveness, lack of variety, and underwhelming stealth mechanics. Critics like New Game Network and GamingBolt encapsulated this sentiment by describing the gameplay as basic, bland, and ultimately lacking depth. The game appears to struggle to balance its ambitious ideas with execution, leading to a mixed reception that highlights its potential overshadowed by its shortcomings.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Earthblood features some praised combat visuals and creature designs, but critics overwhelmingly label its graphics as outdated and uninspired. Reports of stiff character animations, drab environments, and a lack of creativity dominate the feedback, revealing that the game fails to fully leverage current-gen capabilities, leaving a lackluster impression overall.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

37%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

63%

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

The graphics and visual design of Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Earthblood have garnered some praise, particularly regarding the combat sequences and the design of certain creatures. Critics like Impulsegamer noted that the combat graphics provide a sense of achievement, highlighting that some aspects of the game, such as the spirits scattered throughout the landscape, are intriguingly designed. Additionally, MGG Spain mentioned that while the character faces lack expressiveness, the game runs fluidly on current-gen consoles, suggesting that the technical performance is generally stable. Finger Guns also appreciated the stunning visual effects during combat and the beautiful vistas found in the forest and desert environments, indicating that there are moments where the game shines visually. However, the overwhelming sentiment among critics is that the graphics and visual design are significantly lacking. Many reviewers, including Cultured Vultures and Daily Star, described the visuals as feeling last-gen and not impressive, while GameGrin pointed out that the animations, particularly in cutscenes, appear unfinished and jarring. Critics like GamingBolt and TheXboxHub echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the janky and stiff character models and animations that fail to meet the expectations for a game on next-generation hardware. Furthermore, the environments are often criticized for being drab and repetitive, with several reviewers, including ZTGD and WellPlayed, noting that the overall aesthetic lacks creativity and fails to create a memorable identity for the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Earthblood falls short in its graphical presentation, with many describing it as outdated and uninspired. The game does not fully utilize the capabilities of current-generation consoles, as highlighted by critics like SomosXbox and God is a Geek, who pointed out that the visual quality feels more akin to older generations. While there are some redeeming qualities in specific combat visuals and creature designs, the majority of the feedback suggests that the game suffers from poor character animations, generic aesthetics, and a lack of detail that detracts from the overall experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

The sound design and music of Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Earthblood are polarizing. Critics praised the heavy metal soundtrack for enhancing combat and atmosphere, calling it "powerful" and "intoxicating." However, many slammed the voice acting as lifeless and the sound design as outdated and generic. While the heavy metal moments shine, the overall audio experience is deemed lacking, creating a stark divide in opinions among reviewers.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

17%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

53%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

31%

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

The sound design and music of Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Earthblood received a mixed bag of opinions from various critics, with some praising certain aspects. Notably, several reviewers highlighted the heavy metal soundtrack as a positive feature, enhancing the combat experience and the overall atmosphere of the game. For instance, Generación Xbox noted the soundtrack as "powerful and immersive," while Jeuxvideo.com echoed this sentiment, stating that the "metal-rock soundtrack provides energetic accompaniment during combat sequences." Critics like Finger Guns also appreciated the guitar riffs, describing them as "intoxicating." Additionally, some reviewers mentioned that the music fits well with the action, making the gameplay more engaging, as noted by Hey Poor Player, who pointed out the fitting use of extreme death metal during transformations. On the flip side, the criticisms regarding the sound design and voice acting were prevalent among the reviews. Many critics described the voice performances as lifeless, wooden, or overly dramatic, which detracted from the storytelling experience. App Trigger criticized the voice acting for being "lifeless and lacking emotion," while Metro GameCentral described it as "wooden," and Gaming Age found the dialogue to be "cheesy." Furthermore, the sound design was often labeled as outdated or unremarkable, with BaziCenter pointing out the artificial effects and lack of impactful audio direction. The soundtrack also faced criticism for being generic or repetitive, with New Game Network referring to it as "generic fart-rock" and PlayStation Country noting the repetitiveness of the themes throughout the game. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a significant divide in opinions regarding the sound design and music of Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Earthblood. While some found the heavy metal soundtrack to be a highlight that enhances combat and fits the game's theme, many others criticized the voice acting and sound design for lacking depth and emotional engagement. The positive remarks from critics like Generación Xbox and Jeuxvideo.com stand in stark contrast to the negative assessments from App Trigger and Metro GameCentral, suggesting that while the music may appeal to fans of the genre, the overall execution in terms of voice acting and sound design left much to be desired. This dichotomy reflects a broader sentiment that, despite some energetic musical moments, the game ultimately falls short in delivering a cohesive and immersive audio experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

While Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Earthblood features a few decent voice performances, notably from the main character Cahal, the overwhelming critique dubs the voice acting largely subpar. Critics cite a lack of emotion and wooden delivery as major flaws, ultimately detracting from the game's narrative and player engagement. Overall, the voice acting is seen as a significant weak spot in the game's presentation.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

45%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

52%

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

In analyzing the voice acting of Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Earthblood, there are a few positive notes from various critics. Some reviewers, like GAMES.CH and IGN Portugal, found the English voice acting to be more than decent and competent, respectively. Twinfinite even highlighted the performance of the main character, Cahal, as impressive and fitting for the role. Additionally, Xbox Tavern mentioned that while the character models may look outdated, the voice acting itself was quite good, suggesting that there are moments of quality amidst the overall critique. However, the predominant sentiment across the reviews leans heavily towards the negative. Critics such as App Trigger and ZTGD described the voice acting as one of the game's worst aspects, with lines delivered in a manner that lacks emotion and depth. Many reviewers, including Impulsegamer and New Game Network, echoed this sentiment, noting that the performances felt wooden, with actors seemingly going through the motions without genuine investment in their characters. The overall impression from critics like Gaming Age and PlayStation Universe was that the voice acting detracted from the overall experience, with exaggerated dramatics and stunted delivery further compounding the issue. The overall consensus among critics is that while there are some commendable performances, particularly from the main character, the voice acting in Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Earthblood is largely viewed as subpar. Many reviewers agree that the lack of emotional depth and natural delivery significantly undermines the narrative experience. Critics such as GameGrin and Multiplayer.it pointed out that the voice acting contributes negatively to the game's overall reception, with a general feeling that it fails to engage players effectively. Therefore, while there are glimpses of quality, the overwhelming critique suggests that the voice acting is a significant flaw in the game's presentation.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Earthblood shines on Xbox Series X with 4K, 60 FPS, and minimal bugs, earning praise for its smooth gameplay. In stark contrast, PlayStation 4 and 5 versions suffer from game-breaking issues, glitches, and outdated mechanics, leading to a frustrating experience. Critics agree: Xbox delivers a polished product while PlayStation users face significant technical struggles, highlighting the critical role of platform optimization.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

22%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

48%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

30%

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

The technical performance of Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Earthblood varies notably across platforms, with the Xbox Series X generally receiving a more favorable reception. Critics like Generación Xbox highlighted the game's ability to run at 4K and 60 FPS, with features such as Quick Resume enhancing the overall experience. App Trigger and Player 2 also noted the quick loading times and smooth gameplay, with Player 2 emphasizing the impressive lack of bugs considering the game’s budget. GamingBolt and SomosXbox echoed these sentiments, reporting a stable performance even during intense combat scenarios, which suggests a well-optimized experience for Xbox players. Conversely, the PlayStation 4 and 5 versions of the game faced significant criticism regarding their technical performance. Critics like DualShockers reported game-breaking issues during boss fights on PS4, while IGN France mentioned texture popping and camera problems that detracted from the gameplay experience. On PS5, while some critics like GameSpew and RPG Site acknowledged a smooth frame rate, many others pointed out persistent technical issues, including outdated mechanics and glitches in animations (JeuxActu and Meristation). The lack of a manual save option was also a common complaint across platforms, particularly noted by GameOver.gr on PS5 and App Trigger on Xbox Series X. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a mixed reception for Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Earthblood, with a clear divide between the Xbox Series X and the PlayStation platforms. While Xbox players generally enjoyed a smoother and more polished experience, those on PS4 and PS5 encountered a range of technical issues that hindered their enjoyment. Critics like Jeuxvideo.com on both PS4 and PS5 described the game as "extremely dated," suggesting it struggles to compete with contemporary titles. This disparity highlights the importance of platform optimization in the gaming experience, with Xbox seemingly delivering a more stable product compared to its PlayStation counterparts.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

"Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Earthblood" offers some enjoyable combat and a concise 12-hour experience, but critics overwhelmingly agree it has minimal replay value due to its linear structure, repetitive gameplay, and lack of meaningful choices. Despite a few positive notes on combat and adaptive approaches to objectives, the absence of side quests and underdeveloped RPG elements lead to a disappointing and unengaging experience, making it unlikely for players to return.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

33%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

67%

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

In analyzing the opinions of various critics regarding the replay value of "Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Earthblood," it is evident that there are some positive aspects noted by a few reviewers. For instance, Pure Xbox highlights that the combat mechanics can be enjoyable enough to warrant another playthrough, suggesting that the core gameplay experience has some merit. Additionally, Player 2 mentions that the game runs for around 12 hours, which could be seen as a reasonable length for players looking for a concise experience. Furthermore, some critics, like PlayStation Universe and Push Square, point out that the game offers a degree of replayability through its adaptive design, allowing players to approach objectives in different ways, albeit this is not universally agreed upon. However, the overwhelming sentiment among critics is that the game suffers from significant drawbacks that severely limit its replay value. App Trigger and Cultured Vultures both emphasize the linear nature of the game, which leads to a lack of side quests and variety in enemy encounters, resulting in a repetitive experience. Critics like GameGrin and Generación Xbox echo this sentiment by noting the game's short length and minimal side missions, which contribute to a feeling of limited engagement after the initial playthrough. Destructoid and GameOver.gr further reinforce the idea that the repetitive gameplay and lack of meaningful choices diminish the incentive for players to revisit the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is that "Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Earthblood" has minimal replay value due to its linear structure, repetitive gameplay, and limited RPG elements. While some reviewers acknowledge the enjoyable combat mechanics and the potential for different approaches to objectives, the majority agree that these factors are not enough to create a compelling reason to replay the game. As highlighted by critics like Meristation and RPGamer, the lack of significant side quests and the underdeveloped RPG mechanics contribute to a general feeling of disappointment regarding the game's longevity, making it unlikely for players to return after completion.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

68%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

27%

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

The overall sentiment surrounding "Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Earthblood" reveals a mixed bag of opinions, with some reviewers noting a few positives amidst the game's shortcomings. Several critics, including Finger Guns and GAMES.CH, highlighted the game's engaging combat mechanics and the way it captures the essence of its source material, suggesting that fans of the World of Darkness universe might find some enjoyment in the experience. The combat has been described as satisfying, with some reviewers like TheSixthAxis and PlaySense appreciating the unique B-movie atmosphere and the enjoyment derived from playing as a werewolf. Additionally, IGN France pointed out that the game offers dynamic gameplay and a captivating story, albeit with some technical issues, indicating that there is a kernel of enjoyment to be found. However, the negatives overwhelmingly dominate the critiques of the game. Many reviewers, such as BaziCenter and Vandal, expressed disappointment in the weak story, poor graphics, and frustrating gameplay. Critics like GameOver.gr and App Trigger emphasized that the game is not worth purchasing at full price, suggesting that potential players should wait for discounts or free offerings on subscription services. The consensus among numerous reviewers is that the game's repetitive gameplay, lack of depth, and dated audiovisual presentation significantly hinder its potential. Critics like GamingBolt and Destructoid noted that the game feels uninspired and fails to stand out, with some even likening it to early 2000s shovelware. Overall, the consensus among critics is that "Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Earthblood" falls short of expectations, failing to deliver a compelling experience despite its interesting premise. While some reviewers found redeeming qualities in the combat and thematic elements, the majority of opinions lean towards disappointment due to its lackluster execution and repetitive gameplay. Critics like Critical Hit and Metro GameCentral emphasized that the game does not do justice to the rich lore of the World of Darkness universe, ultimately making it hard to recommend. As a result, the game appears to be more suitable for die-hard fans of the franchise rather than a broader audience seeking a polished and engaging gaming experience.

TL;DR

"Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Earthblood" garners mixed reviews; some praise its engaging combat and thematic elements, but the overwhelming consensus is disappointment. Critics cite weak storytelling, poor graphics, and repetitive gameplay as major flaws, making it hard to recommend at full price. While fans of the World of Darkness may find some enjoyment, the game falls short of delivering a polished experience, leaving it more suitable for die-hard enthusiasts than casual players.

MONSTER

Reviews

121 reviews found

Finger Guns

PlayStation 5

Feb 4, 2021