Kenshi
Release Date: December 6, 2018
RPG, TPP, sandbox, survival, elements of strategy, indie games, crafting, singleplayer
OpenCritic
Steam
A mix of various genres. The game combines features of strategy and role-playing games. It takes place in a post-apocalyptic world mixed with oriental themes. The player can control a single character or up to fifty characters simultaneously. The game doesn’t limit the player in any way. He or she can complete quests, conduct trading or even build cities.
Kenshi is a sandbox combination of a real-time strategy game and a role-play. It is the debut title of the independent British studio Lo-Fi Games. The game was released on PC.
Mechanics
Kenshi for PC takes place in a reality that combines post-apocalyptic themes and oriental influences. The game features only a singleplayer mode. The player can control a single character or up to fifty characters simultaneously. The characters don’t have to remain close to each other. If the player wants to, he or she can send them to various distant locations.
The game world is gigantic and it features 400 square kilometers of areas. The player can move through long distances by using a quick travel system similar to one in Fallout – the progress of the party can be observed on a map. The virtual reality of the game is fully dynamic. The non-playable characters and factions that inhabit the land are living their own lives, even if the player has no contact with them.
The battles are fought in real time and are similar to beat ‘em up games. The characters feature unique fighting styles and special attacks. Statistics of characters can determine the outcome of battles as well. The game features RTS-like unit management system. Buying and upgrading buildings is important as well – this enables the player to, for example, fortify constructions.
The developers focused on realism. The characters controlled by the player aren’t some chosen ones. Instead, they start at the same level as other inhabitants of the world and they can be easily killed or wounded. The player must gain each achievement on his or hers own. At the same time, the game doesn’t limit the freedom of the player in any way. One can be evil or good, conduct business or steal from other characters. It is possible to join an army or become a hermit who lives alone on a desert. The game even enables the player to build cities or destroy other ones.
A realistic health system makes the game more interesting. A character, whose leg is wounded will hobble and slow down the whole group. Losing an eye will worsen the sight and a wounded arm will make it harder to use a sword. If a character bleeds, they can pass out and the smell of blood will lure other predators. Bad physical condition, bad weather, heavy equipment or lack of water will increase fatigue, thus reducing combat abilities. Luckily, it is possible to replace a lost limb with a cybernetic part. However, this won’t be cheap.
Last updated on November 7, 2017
Videos and Screens
[1:28] Kenshi launch trailer
[1:55] Kenshi gameplay trailer #1
GameGrin: 7.5 / 10 by Simon Brown
An intriguing RPG/Survival hybrid sandbox that invites you to experiment in the world it presents. Some technical hiccups interrupt the open world and the freeform nature definitely isn't for everyone but if you are after something different, Kenshi is the very definition of that.
GameSkinny: 9 / 10 by Tim White
Difficult and unforgiving, Kenshi is clearly someone's labor of love. You'll likely either love it or hate it, but either way, you have to admire its resolve.
GameSpace: 6.1 / 10
A hardcore, post-apocalyptic, sci-fi survival game that is nothing if not challenging. Despite being in beta and harboring a variety of issues, Kenshi shows great potential; and its beta status leaves hope that some of that potential will be realized. This is a game that is very difficult to become established in, but that just adds value to your investment of time and strategy.
The main pros of the game
- Open-Ended Gameplay: Players appreciate the freedom to create their own stories and choose their paths, whether as traders, thieves, or warlords.
- Depth and Complexity: The game is noted for its intricate systems and the ability to develop characters and bases over time, making progression satisfying.
- Replayability: Each playthrough feels unique due to the dynamic world and various emergent narratives.
- Rich Sandbox Environment: The game offers a vast, open world for exploration, allowing players to engage in various activities like resource management, combat, and city-building.
- Community and Mod Support: Users mention the availability of mods that enhance the experience and customization options.
The main cons of the game
- Difficulty and Learning Curve: Many players find the game challenging, with a steep learning curve that can be frustrating for newcomers.
- Technical Issues: Some reviews mention bugs and crashes, as well as performance issues on lower-end PCs when managing multiple characters.
- Graphics: While some players adapt to the graphics, others feel they are subpar compared to modern standards.
- Lack of Multiplayer: Several users expressed a desire for a multiplayer mode, indicating that the absence of this feature is a downside.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- Storyline or Objectives: Some players feel that the game lacks a clear storyline or objectives, which can lead to confusion about what to do next.
- Finality or Closure: Users have suggested the need for an ending or a way to conclude their journey after achieving certain goals.
- Enhanced Graphics: While mods can improve visuals, some players wish for better graphics in the base game itself.
- Guided Tutorials: A lack of tutorials or guidance is mentioned, which could help new players acclimate to the game?s complex systems more easily.
Summary
- Overall, Kenshi is highly praised for its depth and freedom, but it also faces criticism for its difficulty and technical issues.
Summary generated on:
GAMERS Score
Average score from 212 votes. 59 players anticipated the game.
Kenshi Summary
Early Access:March 20, 2013
Game Series: Kenshi
Platforms:
PC / Windows
Developer: Lo-Fi Games
Publisher: Lo-Fi Games
Age restrictions: 12+
Kenshi System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Dual Core, 6 GB RAM, graphic card 1 GB GeForce GTX 460 or better, 14 GB HDD, Windows 7 64-bit
Recommended: Quad Core, 16 GB RAM, graphic card 2 GB GeForce GTX 660 or better, 14 GB HDD, Windows 7 64-bit
One of the Best Open World Games on Steam Comes From 12 Years of Work by Lone Developer
Kenshi is a very good, original mix of RPG and RTS genres, offering a huge open world to explore. As it turns out, one man is behind the game's success.
video games
Zuzanna Domeradzka
August 14, 2023