Enshrouded - First Impression after 12 Hours of Gameplay
Enshrouded is a survival game made by Keen Games and was released on January 24, 2024.
My brothers-in-law tend to give me a heads-up whenever new open-world RPGs or survival games are released, and Enshrouded hits both of those notes. I see a lot of folks making claims that it’s not a “true survival game,” but I think it has enough survival elements to say that it is. You just get the freedom to stay creative sometimes if you don’t feel like being in survivor mode.
I didn't know what to expect at first, especially since I was underwhelmed by Nightingale, but Enshrouded quickly pulled me in with its atmospheric music and the mesmerizing glow of in-game magic. Something about that ethereal shimmer in dark fantasy games makes me want to explore every nook and cranny, even if I know I'm probably walking straight into danger—which I did a lot of in the twelve hours I’ve played.
You start out as this cute little character called a “Flameborn.” It's a unique little half-human, half-ancient figure with the powers to battle the monsters and the source of the Shroud, which is a mysterious fog that’s infested the world. Throughout gameplay, you can awaken other Flameborns and add them to your base. As you explore and gather more of the lore, you start learning about what happened and why the world is in ruins in the first place.
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Graphics and Atmosphere
Visuals are often the deciding factor for me when it comes to buying a game, and Enshrouded absolutely delivers. The way the game uses light and shadow not only adds to the magic and mystery but really creates vivid and palpable fear in all the right ways and in all the right places. There is a great balance between beauty and danger that keeps you on the edge, eager to explore more but always wondering and wary of what's lurking in the shadows.
Even the architecture and ruins scattered across the map speak volumes. Sure, you can read the lore through all of the journals and pieces you find, but it's a whole other level of magic when you're feeling it in the world around you. Every broken tower or overgrown monument feels like it has a history, and I've often found myself pausing mid-adventure just to appreciate the details.
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Ease of Controls and Combat
The first thing I noticed—and this is a big deal—was how intuitive and smooth the gameplay felt right from the start. I'm a longtime Conan: Exiles player, and I can't help but compare every new game to it in terms of ease of control. There's something so fluid and natural about Conan, and Enshrouded hits those same marks.
Laugh all you want, but for me, the real test of a game's controls is how easily you can escape dangerous situations—or, more accurately, how easy it is for me to stay alive while dry-heaving in a cortisol-infused panic. With Enshrouded, I had no idea what I was getting into when I first wandered into one of the fog-covered areas--ahem, also known as the "Shroud." The name should have been a dead giveaway, but I didn't expect the place to be filled with monsters and intense, spine-chilling sounds that had me squealing. Being relentlessly chased by creatures I could barely make out, with no idea where to run, is definitely not the most efficient way to navigate a game when you're still learning the ropes. But here's where Enshrouded shines: the controls were smooth enough to jump, climb, roll, and dodge my way out of danger without fumbling over the buttons. The tension was wild, but I felt like I was always in control, which made those near-death experiences more thrilling than frustrating.
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Building
This is where Enshrouded gets a serious high five over Conan: Exiles when it comes to building. Don’t get me wrong—I absolutely love the sandbox system in Conan, but Enshrouded takes it to the next level with its voxel system. The freedom to actually shape the landscape, not just build on a flat surface, is a total game-changer (not to say that Conan doesn’t have its perks). You can dig tunnels, carve out caves, and add some mind-blowing details to your structures that you just can’t get in a typical sandbox game. And even more, you can build floating islands! I haven’t even gotten that far to mess with it, but I’m not done with this game yet!
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Exploring
I am a sucker for open-world games where I can spend hours exploring, and Enshrouded gives us just that. I love that I can wander wherever the heck I want without fully knowing what’s waiting around the corner. Some areas are so breathtaking that I’ll just stop to take it all in, while others throw me into quests, challenges, or panic-inducing moments that get my heart racing. One minute I’m in awe, and the next, I’m scrambling to survive.
The grappling hooks and wingsuit take exploration to another level, giving you the freedom to scale cliffs, dive into canyons, or glide over dangerous terrain. It feels like there’s nowhere you can’t go, and that sense of freedom is addicting. Plus, every time you stumble across a hidden journal or piece of lore, it’s like uncovering a new puzzle piece, making the journey even more rewarding. The thrill of exploration never fades because you never know what you’ll uncover next—whether it’s a hidden gem or a new nightmare waiting to chase you down.
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Finale
Overall,?Enshrouded?is a game that truly deserves attention from those who enjoy survival, exploration, or open-world RPG games. The blend of challenging combat, intricate lore, and creative building mechanics offers something for everyone, whether you're the type of player who loves to craft the perfect base or simply get lost in an immersive world. There really is a lot to sink your teeth into.
That being said, if you're someone who isn't a fan of jump-scares and tension-filled moments, this might not be your cup of tea. This game does not shy away from terrorizing the players, and the Shroud itself may be a little overwhelming. But for everyone else, whether you love a good scare or simply crave an adventure that keeps you curious and on the edge of your seat, Enshrouded offers more thrill, mystery, and endless creativity than you might know what to do with.
It's still early days for me for this game, but based on my first 12 hours, I can safely say it's well worth keeping on the radar.
Diana Robertson
Recommended system requirements for Enshrouded, according to Steam: