Basic Information

Genre – Action/Fighting

Publisher – Titus

Developer – Saffire

Players - Four

Introduction

At first glance, Barbarian seems like your classic hack-and-slash fantasy fighting game. This isn’t entirely true, however and Barbarian has come through as a sleeper hit of the fighting genre. With RPG elements such as the ability to make characters stronger with battles and the open ended quest mode allowing 300+ branches, Barbarian has a taste to it all it’s own and will certainly find a cozy spot among your game library.

Presentation

Barbarian is laid out and given to you more or less on the same fighter template as others of the genre, there are user friendly options such as the selection of ten fighters and a choice of arenas to battle in. The battle arenas were actually fun to throw around in, each of them having other ’levels’ to the scene depending on where you and your current foe happen to fall/smash/blast. The leveling up process is given in a format that even someone not at all connected to RPG’s can pick up and the story snippets are there and while not very deep, do add element.

Graphics, Sound and Media

The lighting is there, the water effects are there, there are shadows and the magic is pretty. Honestly, you can look at the screenshots yourself and be your own judge as I suggest, but if you insist on taking my opinion they’re very good and balanced. The most impressive thing about the graphics is that which can’t be captured in the screenshots, which are the fluidity of motion and the functioning of the game engine. The sound and music is well done but nothing groundbreaking. All in all, the programming is solid and will likely impress.

Gameplay

Now for the meat – the game play is simply terrific. With the option to pick up use your surroundings as weapons and pit your leveled up character against three other friends, the game can make a good addition to any party. Unfortunately, the strength it has in multiplayer it lacks in quest mode. While fun, the quest mode can be tackled pretty easily and without much problem. This is, and will probably remain, a game to be brought out in the company of friends for a sound beating.

Conclusion

Barbarian has come out of left field with its unique playing style and interesting elements, but is it worth buying? I’d go for it if you’re the type that enjoys gaming in groups, but if you’re more of a loner you may want to rent this one first. Overall, Barbarian is more than worth the chance of giving it a try. Have fun, kids.