Robin Hood: The Legend of Sherwood (2002 Video Game) User Reviews

Who'd have thought that RTS and swashbuckling mixed? And what's the result?

[TBJCSKCNRRQTreviews · 7/10 · 18 October 2009]

Not everything can be turned into a video-game. How to convert a centuries old legend that has been re-told many times, with additions over time(romance, in the form of Maid Marian, for example, was not part of the original, I understand)? Robin and his band of companions were, obviously, not just one man. A standardly-controlled action outing wouldn't cut it. Instead, they opted to make this in a similar manner to Commandos(since the second of the series came out before this, comparisons are impossible to avoid... and while that one is the superior of the two, this still has its value). A birds-eye view, control of five characters for one level and abilities specific to the characters. The plot works well to introduce new-comers(without being condescending towards those who know it) whilst including all of the elements and characters(to the best of my recollection). I would have never thought of this being done like this, but I have to admit, they got away with it. This stays relatively true to the legend, and includes all of the characters that you know. Little John has a perfect, booming voice(the cast is spot-on all the way, and the acting is almost flawless, they even get the accent right) and always fights with that staff. I wish the first time he met Robin they'd have that famous fight. Then again, you get to do plenty of battle in this, as well as partake in the battle between those true to Richard the Lionhearted, and those who swear allegiance with his deceiving brother, the Prince. Everyone(not counting the civilians... that's an aspect that this incorporates that I have yet to witness in any other title like this, the regular population actually respond to you, and there are those of them will actually go tell the guards on you, since they do not all realize that your activities are for the best of the country) in this is capable of defending themselves at short range(that goes for your own people as well... that's probably why Will Scarlett doesn't use knives, and instead a mace(not to be confused with the kind you spray at assailants), for reasons of equality). Combat is simple, and with a nice amount of moves. It handles multiple opponents pretty well, if it could use a tiny bit of polishing. Control is done with the mouse... right clicking makes the person you're fencing as take a break from striking and instead parry until further notice, and drawing a basic line, circle or such will have you attacking like that(right to left or vice versa, a direct stab, or spinning around to ward off anyone within range). Try pushing enemies into each other, and down stairs. You can also move around, and in fact attempt a retreat, if you're facing tough foes. Bosses duel with you, and I believe every one of them is a figure you may know from having heard the tale. In general, this tends to be easy to get into. Once you've learnt about half a dozen hot-keys by heart, you're good to go. The interface is intuitive, there's sort of a way-point mode, and it is not difficult to utilize the tactical opportunities you have, and they're reasonably plentiful(do note that they tend to fall into the categories of distracting and temporarily knocking out; there's no travelling by water, and obviously no blowing anything up). You get a helpful map that won't confuse anyone. Zooming is possible, in and out. You can't rotate the view, however, you won't miss it, and interiors are dealt with in a smart manner, as well. Most places inside you simply go into(without seeing anything), and you can hide yourself, as well anyone you've killed or rendered unconscious, and if you can go to(and leave through) another door than the one you entered through, it/they will glow. The exceptions to that, the area is permanently revealed when you approach it, sometimes without you going in. You cannot get lost in this. It does occur that you'll be behind something blocking your view. Fortunately, your men glow, and so does anyone else, when you point at them with the cursor, and that helps somewhat. The total number of missions(before each of them, you can put together a team, and that affects the strategies you can engage in, by way of what abilities they master, and that's three for "name" ones, and two for the regular ones) is over thirty, and you can choose the order to an extent(there is no selector, perhaps because of this freedom, also, this is story-driven), and do not have to complete every last one(with that said, there are ones you do have to). There are five castles, and three sections of forest to explore, and the 30+ all take place in those eight possibilities. The variables that make them differ are where you start, them taking place during day or night, a few minor weather effects(such as fog), and the objectives. And yes, in theory it sounds like robbing the tax collector should feel light-years away from one of the rescues you go on. In practice... the game-play is really kind of repetitive. You methodically work your way through anyone in your way, being as thorough as you feel like. The more lives you spare, the greater support you'll garner, in the form of "soldiers" to command. Those you don't bring with you can rest, produce or train. There are no alarms, and for too much of this, you can only get into insurmountable trouble by being careless. That's the downside to this not being complex. Design is rich. Graphics are dated. It's nice how immersive this is, they went all out... the setting, text, music, all fits. The good and well-delivered dialog contains old words. Cut-scenes are scripted and in-engine, save for an opening and closing one, both full-CGI, with Matrix-esquire, well-choreographed martial arts. There is nothing offensive in this. I recommend this to anyone interested in it. 7/10