ENSLAVED: ODYSSEY TO THE WEST SHOWCASE
ENSLAVED: ODYSSEY TO THE WEST SHOWCASE
Enslaved is a truly unique, and wonderfully crafted game. Ninja Theory, makers of Heavenly Sword, Hellblade, DMC, Kung Fu Chaos, and Bleeding Edge, brought their trademark fluid combat, motion capture performances, and captivating story writing to Enslaved. Published by Bandai Namco, Enslaved was critically praised and touted as a wonderful, must-play story game. Unfortunately, the game did not sell well. Bandai never approved a sequel, so the series was effectively put on ice. Thankfully, due to massive support and requests by fans, the Xbox BC Team was able to make it playable for Xbox One and Scarlett going forward.
Enslaved is set on Earth in the distant future, where nature has reclaimed much of the planet, and dangerous mechs roam the ruins of cities. Players assume the role of Monkey, a drifter who is bound to the young woman, Trip. Monkey has been fitted with a slave headband, which binds him to Trip. Trip is desperately trying to get back home to her village, and fitted Monkey with the slave band while he was unconscious, to force him to help her get home, a dangerous quest that she would absolutely not be able to accomplish on her own. Enslaved does play with some heavy themes and concepts, and handles them beautifully, namely the question of what truly is freedom. Trip promises Monkey his freedom when they arrive at her village, which definitely incentivizes Monkey to aid her in her journey. While they begin as uneasy, forced partners, by the end of the story, they have an unbreakable, close bond. Enslaved is truly, a phenomenal story, and should be experienced by everyone who enjoys a good story game.