Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem is a hack’n’slash action-RPG developed and published by Wolcen Studios. Inspired by such classics as the Diablo series, Wolcen features many gameplay mechanics rarely seen in other games of the genre. These include exploration of open world environments; no player character classes and many more. The game tells a story of a young hero, a former officer in the Human Republic army, whose magical powers make them an exile. Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem received solid reviews from the critics and players alike; reviewers praised the game for exhilarating gameplay and well-written story, among others.
Hack’n’slash gameplay inspired by the classics
Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem is a thoroughbred hack’n’slash game with elements of RPG thrown into the mix. It introduces several interesting mechanics, rarely – if ever- seen in other titles of this genre. The game focuses on the personalized experience and free flow of play, which shows through classless progression and playstyle customization. The player won’t have to worry about choosing one class for their character – the weapon the player wield determines the player’s skill set, making the protagonist a jack-of-all-trades, able to lean in any direction the player chooses.
The player can freely explore the open world of the game, either following the main story or seeking out challenges and loot. The collectibles the player can found by roaming the environment and defeating enemies include armors, potions, spells and weapons. The latter are semi-randomized, so the player will rarely find a similar looking sword or bow.
Wolcen introduces a character transformation system called the Apocalyptic Form. Depending on the player’s playstyle, their character can develop a more powerful version of themselves. For example, a melee fighter can grow additional limbs, magic users gain new spell effects, etc.
The story of a betrayed warrior
The Human Republic is a land tormented by dark magic. Its rulers, who are believed to have made deals with occult beings, terrorize the citizens and hunt down anyone who shows any sign of rebellious thoughts or magical powers. As the rulers grow more powerful, the occult’s grip on the land strengthens: monstrous mutants raid villages, plundering and killing everyone.
You were saved from one of such massacres. Along with your friends, you were taken under the wings of inquisitor Heimlock, and soon grew to become on of his most trusted soldiers. However, when your latent magical powers are revealed, you had to escape in order to survive. Exiled and betrayed, you were rescued by the Brotherhood of the Templars, sworn enemies of the Republic. And here is where your story begins...
Reception
Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem received mostly positive reviews from the critics. Reviewers noted the game’s free-flow gameplay mechanics, fun combat and solid story as its main selling points. The reviewers also praised the graphics as one of the features that would keep the player glued to the screens.
Key features
- A hack’n’slash game inspired by the classics
- Advanced customization mechanics allow the player to experience the game in a unique way
- A thrilling story of betrayal and retribution
- Both intuitive and demanding combat system
- Excellent graphics, emphasizing the open world environment of the game
