Hunted: The Demon’s Forge is an example of a game, like too many before it, that suffers under the weight of misconceptions, ignorance and impatience. People succumb to hype and expect an open-world role playing game for fans of shooters like Gears of War, along with all the preconceived notions that such a comparison carries with it.

Absent the benefit of careful research, it’s no wonder gamers chafe at the mostly linear levels, complain about the relatively light RPG elements or fume at the lack of technical polish adorning this title by inXile Entertainment and publisher Bethesda Softworks. In fact, the Bethesda name itself no doubt conjured dreams of Elder Scrolls adventure.

Some would say the same of this game.

I’ll be honest, despite my own extensive research, I’ve come away amused by the game’s first one to two hours but far short of impressed. Still, my measured expectations meant I wasn’t overly disappointed by the beginning and I know to be patient and continue playing deeper into the campaign before passing judgment. Indeed, continuing play reveals more to like.

This is not intended to be criticism of Game Informer’s review. Rather, it’s a critique of gamers’ penchant for leaping before they look, whether it’s making what amounts to an impulse buy or jumping to conclusions about a game before giving it its due. This in and of itself is of little account, but when such disappointed gamers paint a poor picture for others, it’s a disservice to everyone.

Look before you leap, whether playing or buying.

A look at the process of making a purchase decision demonstrates the divergent paths that can lead to satisfaction or buyer’s remorse. The hype for Hunted can be attributed to the publisher’s marketing. Bethesda promoted the Gears of War comparisons, fueling expectations for a hybrid of Epic’s brutal, futuristic shooter and Bethesda’s own storied RPGs.

Indeed initial screenshots and videos reinforced this portrayal with its emphasis on E’lara’s bow and arrow attacks, the cover system, and the destroyed beauty setting, plus Caddoc’s hack and slash fighting style and the myriad enemies. The problem is that such initial impressions reinforce only superficial comparisons.

To be or not to be ... a rock.

And even then, I’m skeptical that some took advantage of this content as many complained about the game’s production values. Reviewing the screenshots and video I was struck by the dated presentation so knew what to expect, but perhaps others assumed it would be updated prior to release? In my experience, the difference is never so dramatic.

If prospective buyers were to preorder based on such marketing, they would miss out on the context of such imagery. Media interviews and previews help fill in details related to story, controls, gameplay, pacing, etc. that provide more depth to our impressions. We’re still at the mercy of whatever content the publisher wishes to reveal but it’s more substantive at this point.

That shadow at the center is Caddoc, after falling through the ground. Like a true ally, E'lara (and her shadow) apparently followed him.

However, it seems many avoid this step, too. With Hunted, it’s clear there was an expectation for open world exploration and RPG style loot grinding and inventory management. But media consumption would have helped dispel such misconceptions, as it was apparent the gameplay was more focused on progression from one action sequence to another.

In fact the world is less open than offering multiple paths along a more or less linear journey. Likewise, you have less an inventory than equipped melee and ranged weapons that can be swapped with dropped arms. There are also limited spells, though all weapons can be upgraded. Again, this streamlined gameplay reinforces the action motif, a concept lost on the less diligent.

A pleasant surprise is how blood stains remain after battle (ala Dragon's Age)

Part of the problem is a distrust of the media. Many would seemingly rely on a game’s publisher for details on their product, rather than succumb to what they see as media bias in their coverage of titles from companies that are often advertisers, or subjective critiques written by hacks who otherwise have no industry experience.

This, however, would be misguided in my opinion. One can always read between the lines to separate fact from opinion and thereby glean some helpful information from any article. Especially when it comes to reporting on a demo’s gameplay, such feedback is invaluable in helping form an educated opinion about a forthcoming title.

Imaginative settings help overcome a dated presentation

Whether one relies on such previews or actual reviews, the information is rich in detail that will temper expectations so important to making an informed decision about purchasing. Hunted’s streamlined gameplay, imprecise but functional controls, mostly linear paths, limited inventory, average presentation and horde-like Crucible mode were all on display.

But to judge by reactions to its release, gamers seemed oblivious to these details that otherwise were readily available before launch. Similarly, if one had followed such coverage, they might have been convinced to search for a deal instead of pay full price. In fact, due to some misgivings, I bought mine at a 25% discount, helping mitigate potential buyer’s remorse.

The banter helps inject humor and personality into a seemingly threadbare story

The final issue is a lack of patience when it comes to playtime. Many games ease players into the role and story, whether through explanatory sequences or training opportunities. Such expositions take time and are mostly standard fare, yet they are too often mistaken as indicative of gameplay in general by players too annoyed to delve any deeper into the game.

For example, most Hunted buyers agree the first one or two hours in the roughly 12 hour game (or first of six chapters) is merely prologue to a more entertaining game thereafter. Likewise, I found that it takes the first five hours (of a reportedly 40 hour game) to rank up to a respectable level in Two Worlds 2 where you can attempt most challenges.

Swamp ruins exemplify some of the creative level design

Even in a blockbuster game like Portal 2 I’ve read complaints from gamers about how slow and derivative the gameplay is based on the first 15 to 60 minutes. What they fail to appreciate is that the gameplay at this stage is an introduction for the franchise’s uninitiated or a refresher for those who haven’t played its predecessor in some time. Thereafter the game really takes off.

Likewise exposition can be questionable early on. Whether the inconsistent video of Hunted or the awful glitchy mess that was the opening scene in Two Worlds 2, a poor precedent is set that is not always an accurate predictor of what follows. More often than not in my experience, seeing a game through the beginning will reward steadfast players.

An ally/pathfinder feature helps navigation in dark areas

It should be noted that in none of these examples were the beginning segments in general poor by any stretch of the imagination. Indeed, they are all eminently playable and boasted at least average presentation. In fact I appreciated Portal 2’s refresher and really enjoyed the hours spent exploring the setting of Two Worlds 2.

So how does Hunted fare? The presentation is mediocre, at least at the beginning. There are harsh, angular edges, flat textures and static 2D water effects. Animations can be stiff and lip sync is inconsistent. Glitches abound including pop up, collision detection issues and a game ending fall through the ground. Though annoying, they rarely interfere.

E'lara's lit arrows illuminate a nice touch: skeletons that reach from the catacombs

Gameplay also can be inconsistent, whether targeting that does not always follow movement, a dodge move that is not always responsive, or combat controls that can be unintuitive (I have not yet experimented with other layouts). Again, though, it’s worth noting that these are not insurmountable or unique to this title and thus far can be overlooked.

In fact, the settings can overcome the average presentation with their imaginative design, whether a swamp with ruins or a cave with elevated pools. Likewise there are little flourishes I’m discovering along the way that contribute to the atmosphere, like blood stains that stay on your character after a fight or catacomb skeletons that reach out as you pass.

Upgradeable abilities/spells promote progress and exploration

Gameplay also impresses at times with a well implemented cover system whether sticking to cover or vaulting over it, ranged fighting that allows for popping up from behind cover or rapid fire arrows release, standard but powerful melee attacks, the aforementioned dodge move, and throwing potions to a downed ally.

Other features worth mentioning are traditional, ubiquitous containers that hold potions or mana, a simplified chart for upgrading abilities, basic spell casting, the option for changing between melee or ranged weapons, and enchanted weapons that are powerful though of limited use. And as one progresses, one’s combat options expand accordingly.

Dark, compelling caves can hide presentation limitations while improving atmosphere

This is reinforced by others’ accounts of gameplay that opens up considerably as one moves beyond the initial stages of the game. Of course, such observations would be lost on those who make up their mind about the game based on unrealistic expectations and/or their limited experience of having played only the opening segments of the campaign.

All this does not even take into account co-op gameplay, which reportedly is good, or the level creator Crucible mode. Some complain about the latter being limited to generating Horde-type maps, though here again this was suggested by at least some previews posted online. In general, these elements should add some depth and replayability.

Evildoings are foreshadowed, as is a compelling action experience

My intent has been not to belittle those who eschew the myriad tools at our disposal for making informed purchases, but to demonstrate how incorporating them into our process can save us frustration and anger down the road, and likewise spare readers complaints that otherwise could have been avoided or at least mitigated by careful research. I hope I’ve succeeded in that regard.