Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom review!

Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom
Xbox 360 / PS3
Rated 12+

Another month, another third-person action adventure game, it really feels like Devil May Cry and god of War have a lot to answer for. NamcoBandai are at it again with a brand new IP but just like their other game, enslaved, it certainly doesn’t disappoint. It’s not just the publishers name which this game and Enslaved: Journey to the West have in common, they’re both fantastically produced third-person action adventure games with an AI controlled partner which helps you out in both combat and puzzling situations.

Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom is set in a fantasy universe in which the very generic enemy “The Darkness” have taken over and is seizing the land of its beautifully lush environments and people. You play as Tepeu, a young thief who has befriended this large, magical yet simple creature known as the Majin whose back story is revealed to you over the course of the game.

The story in Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom is kept relatively simple throughout the games lifespan of about twelves hours which is definitely the impression the game gives off within the first hour of play. The opening tutorial level holds your hand more than you would like which is often interrupted with cut-scenes which don’t really have a lot to do with the games story overall.

Don’t let that last paragraph put you off from experiencing this wonderful gem of a game. Once you leave the tutorial level the game world expands into something much bigger than most other third-person action adventure titles leaving you free roaming round the world map solving puzzles and earning new abilities as you progress leaving an impression similar to a Zelda dungeon.

Combat is kept relatively simple yet satisfying with an interesting twist. Upon knocking an enemy down, the spirit from the corpse is then absorbed by your Majin which heals him. If you ever find yourself with low-health and covered in The Darkness, your buddy with happily remove it from you and replenish your health.
Co-operative moves are also available in combat alongside a basic yet functional upgrade system to Tepeus health, strength and friendship with the Majin which allows you to access bigger and better moves further on in the game.

If you’re interested in an original and exciting game for your Xbox 360 and PS3 then look no further than Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom. While it might not satisfy your narrative needs it provides excellent core game mechanics in spades and that’s fine by me!

8/10