Enslaved: Odyssey to the West

About Enslaved: Odyssey to the West

Enslaved: Odyssey to the West is a third-person action adventure that reimagines the classic Journey to the West novel in a ruined future America. Ninja Theory released this title on October 5, 2010 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC. The story follows two very different characters navigating a world where nature has swallowed cities after a global war left most humans dead. You control Monkey while protecting the mysterious woman known as Trip. Andy Serkis provides the motion capture performance for the lead character. This game stands out because it takes ancient mythology and places it in a gritty sci-fi setting filled with malfunctioning war machines. The narrative feels grounded despite the fantastical premise.

Gameplay

You spend most of your time moving through overgrown urban environments while solving environmental puzzles and fighting robotic enemies. The core loop involves using Monkey's grappling hook to swing across gaps or pull objects into place for Trip to interact with. Combat relies on a fluid system where you dodge, parry, and counter-attack machines that are often much larger than your character. You cannot jump freely like in traditional platformers; movement feels heavier and more weighty. You must keep an eye on Trip because she needs protection from enemies or she will die. The game includes stealth sections where you sneak past patrol bots without triggering alarms. Combat encounters can get chaotic with multiple machines attacking at once.

What Players Think

Players on PlayPile rate this title highly with an IGDB score of 81.3 out of 100 based on 221 user ratings. The community vibe leans heavily toward appreciation for the story and animation quality. Average playtime sits around 9 hours for a standard run through the single-player campaign. Completion rates show that most users who start the game finish it, suggesting the pacing keeps interest high. Review snippets often highlight the motion capture work by Andy Serkis as a standout feature. Some players mention frustration with certain boss fights but overall sentiment remains positive regarding the art direction. The mood tags frequently include "emotional" and "narrative-driven."

PlayPile's Take

This game is worth your time if you enjoy strong character dynamics over high-octane shooters. The price point varies by platform and region but often drops significantly on sale given its age. You will earn a set number of achievements that track your combat efficiency and puzzle solving speed. Ninja Theory crafted a memorable experience here that few other studios attempted in the same way. Do not expect endless replayability since there is no multiplayer or new game plus mode. The story ends definitively so do not bother returning for secrets. Go play this if you want a focused narrative adventure with excellent acting.

Storyline

The story is a re-imagining of the novel Journey to the West written by Wu Cheng'en. Unlike the original story that was set in a fantastical version of ancient China, the game is set 150 years in a future post-apocalyptic world following a global war, with only remnants of humanity left, along with the still active war machines left over from the conflict. Like the original story however, the plot revolves around someone who forces the help and protection of a warrior, with many characters sharing the same names and roles. The game's story was written by Alex Garland, with voice talent and motion capture from Andy Serkis and Lindsey Shaw.