Review: Gangs of Sherwood (2024)

Developer – Appeal Studios

Publisher – Nacon

Platforms – Xbox Series S|X,PS5 , PC (Reviewed)

Since Henry also got a PS5 Review Code , I have added a performance review of that version to the end of my PC Review with his thoughts

Review copy given by Publisher

In the sprawling landscape of gaming, Gangs of Sherwood emerges as a standout, offering players a chance to step into the shoes of legendary outlaws, and promises an immersive journey into the heart of Nottingham’s dense forests, where players navigate a world of thievery, strategy, and rebellion. However Gangs of sherwood is a great action game , it doesn’t come without a few questions and concerns.

From the first step into Sherwood Forest, players are greeted by a visually stunning world. The attention to detail in recreating the lush greenery, medieval villages, and clandestine hideouts is remarkable. The dynamic day-night cycle adds depth, casting a different ambiance on the forest as players execute daring heists and cunning escapes under the moonlit sky.

The game offers a rich ensemble of characters. Players can assemble their band of outlaws, each with unique skills and personalities. Robin Hood, Maid Marian, Little John and Friar Tuck take center stage, and the game masterfully weaves their stories into the broader narrative.

Gangs of Sherwood excels in its implementation of stealth mechanics. Whether infiltrating a heavily guarded castle or ambushing a convoy, players must utilize the environment wisely. The tension of avoiding patrolling guards and executing precision-based maneuvers creates an exhilarating experience that pays homage to the essence of Robin Hood’s exploits.

Beyond stealth, the game introduces strategic elements as players lead their gang in a rebellion against the oppressive Sheriff of Nottingham. Resource management, alliance-building, and tactical decision-making all play pivotal roles. This strategic layer adds a complexity that elevates Gangs of Sherwood beyond a mere stealth-action title.

Sherwood Forest is not just a backdrop; it’s a dynamic, living world. The plethora of quests and side activities ensures that players are continually engaged. From rescuing kidnapped villagers to engaging in archery tournaments, the game seamlessly blends narrative progression with optional content, providing a sense of agency to players.

A robust crafting and upgrade system allows players to tailor their outlaws to their preferred playstyle. Whether it’s enhancing weapons, fortifying hideouts, or brewing potions, the depth of customization adds a layer of personalization that resonates with both casual and hardcore gamers.

The game’s audio design deserves special mention. From the rustling leaves in Sherwood Forest to the clinking of swords in intense battles, the attention to sonic detail is impeccable. The orchestral score, inspired by medieval ballads, further immerses players in the timeless allure of Robin Hood’s world.

The narrative structure of Gangs of Sherwood is non-linear, driven by player choices. Decision points influence the direction of the story, creating a sense of agency rarely found in open-world games. The consequences of choices, both immediate and long-term, weave a rich tapestry that encourages multiple playthroughs.

The multiplayer mode allows players to band together in cooperative heists or engage in rivalries as competing outlaw gangs. This social dimension adds a layer of unpredictability and excitement, making Gangs of Sherwood a captivating experience for solo players and groups alike.

However, Crossplay is not available in Gangs of Sherwood, and it is not a planned feature in the future, meaning you cannot play this game with PC or Xbox players if you are on PlayStation. There is no local co-op either, so each player must own a copy of the game in order to play it via online matchmaking. What’s nice is that there is the option to play the game in an offline mode if you want to tackle it solo, but the game isn’t that fun alone. The game also costs $10 more on console than on PC, which is just absurd, as it doesn’t add anything extra.

Technical prowess is evident in the seamless transition between Sherwood’s diverse regions. The absence of loading screens enhances the immersive quality, making exploration feel natural and uninterrupted. The game’s optimization ensures a smooth experience across a range of gaming platforms.

In Regards to the PS5 Version Performance is surprisingly decent on the PlayStation 5, with smooth and stable frame rates of up to 60 fps. Load times on the other hand, aren’t super fast and can take as long as 10 seconds to load into a level. The gameplay settings, on the other hand, are quite lacking, with no accessibility features nor performance modes to toggle. You have basic languages to switch between and standard audio levels to adjust, but that’s about it. Controls cannot be rebound either, but there are two schemes to pick from, modern and classic. The subtitles and text size on screen are extremely miniscule and incredibly hard to read, and unfortunately cannot be increased. It’s also worth noting that zero DualSense features are utilized, not even rumbling, let alone adaptive triggers.

Gangs of Sherwood not only pays homage to the legend of Robin Hood but also sets a new standard for narrative-driven gameplay, strategic depth, and immersive world-building. With its captivating visuals, engaging gameplay mechanics, and a narrative that responds to player choices, this title is a great for anyone seeking an unforgettable journey into the heart of medieval England’s most famous forest, but the lack of multi-player Crossplay , accessibility options and use of the Dualsense controller makes us question if the game could have done better with more time.