Hammerwatch

 PC
User Score
7.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 114 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 64 out of 114
  2. Mixed: 37 out of 114
  3. Negative: 13 out of 114

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  1. Boonah
    Aug 15, 2013
    8
    This is very much like the old game "Gauntlet" roam around a dungeon killing monsters and opening chests. It's not particularly deep or complex but what do you expect from the price?

    Solid value for money.

    8/10
  2. furl
    Jan 14, 2014
    9
    There are quite a few games that are valued not for their modern graphics or epic storyline, but purely for their gameplay. Hammerwatch is one of them. It's gameplay is very similar to Mage Gauntlet's on iOS, so if you like that game, grab Hammerwatch without even thinking.

    The fighting mechanics in the game can be described as something between those of Crimsonland and Rogue Legacy.    There are quite a few games that are valued not for their modern graphics or epic storyline, but purely for their gameplay. Hammerwatch is one of them. It's gameplay is very similar to Mage Gauntlet's on iOS, so if you like that game, grab Hammerwatch without even thinking.

    The fighting mechanics in the game can be described as something between those of Crimsonland and Rogue Legacy. Hammerwatch's difficulty is adequately challenging and somewhat similar to aforementioned games, but can still be configured to make the game easier or even harder.

    Personally, I like the game a lot. Tomorrow is a working day and I should have been in bed for a couple of hours now, but I keep playing. This game deserves 10 points, but I'll give it 9 solely because of Mage gauntlet, which is - just a bit - but better.    … Expand
  3. BigMike
    Aug 26, 2013
    9
    It's hard, and it's fun. Sometimes it makes you mad, but I think that's not a bad quality in a game at all. It's frustrating, but it certainly doesn't end up feeling any more monotonous than any game it resembles.
  4. jefflaydenrocks
    Dec 1, 2013
    10
    I try out tons of games and rarely do I find one that can capture me the way Hammerwatch did. Indie games are an interesting breed. Most of them are a waste of time but every now and then you get something special. Some examples are FTL, Rogue Legacy, Super Meatboy, and Limbo. This one is definitely on par with those. I'm not sure why this one isn't as popular but don't miss it. Now ifI try out tons of games and rarely do I find one that can capture me the way Hammerwatch did. Indie games are an interesting breed. Most of them are a waste of time but every now and then you get something special. Some examples are FTL, Rogue Legacy, Super Meatboy, and Limbo. This one is definitely on par with those. I'm not sure why this one isn't as popular but don't miss it. Now if you'll excuse me... back to it.… Expand
  5. T-1001
    Aug 18, 2013
    8
    It is a lot like Gauntlet, as some others mention here. Seriously, If you hate Gauntlet, you might as well not play this. Personally, I don't love Gauntlet, I just think it's alright. But this I really like!
    Hammerwatch plays pretty much exactly like the old Gauntlet games with some improvements to the formula and great additions like upgrade stores scattered about, online and offline 4    It is a lot like Gauntlet, as some others mention here. Seriously, If you hate Gauntlet, you might as well not play this. Personally, I don't love Gauntlet, I just think it's alright. But this I really like!
    Hammerwatch plays pretty much exactly like the old Gauntlet games with some improvements to the formula and great additions like upgrade stores scattered about, online and offline 4 player co-op, the challenges and crutches system and really nice looking, tweakable old-school graphics.
    I love that it has a level editor because it really increases the value a lot once all the level editor enthusiasts and pros gets their hand on it.
    To sum things up: It is a great co-op arcade hack & slash game. I absolutely fully recommend this if you've played any of the Gauntlet games. If you haven't, I still recommend it because it's only 8 dollars on the Humble store.
    Ps. To the people saying that this isn't hack & slash: remember, Gauntlet was one of the first (if not THE first) to innovate the genre. This is true hack & slash.    … Expand
  6. Hallz
    Aug 16, 2013
    9
    A great dungeon crawler with plentiful multiplayer options, including both online and very much appreciated local mode. Best played with a controller. Well worth the $10 price tag!
  7. Zero_Tactics
    Sep 14, 2013
    8
    Hammerwatch is a really fun, really beautiful title. It's a neat Gauntlet style game that is perfectly enjoyable alone but immensely better when playing with friends. Some small but fun puzzle change the pace of the game, giving a small 'Zelda' dungeon vibe. The classes are fun and everyone will find one that match their play style.
  8. wyzeguyy
    Nov 27, 2013
    9
    Saw this game on sale for cheap, picked it up, and it has been nothing but addicting thus far. If you have a few friends and love dungeon crawlers this game is definitely a good time sink; especially for the price! Just expect a few deaths before you get the hang of things.
  9. Samnater
    Dec 2, 2013
    9
    Easy to learn, difficult to master. This game is fun with friends (you won't find me playing it solo) and provides an excellent challenge to any gamer. If you don't take your time to look around and think about how to engage mobs, then you will die fairly early. Even playing on the easiest setting, it took me and three other veteran gamers a few attempts just to get to and kill the firstEasy to learn, difficult to master. This game is fun with friends (you won't find me playing it solo) and provides an excellent challenge to any gamer. If you don't take your time to look around and think about how to engage mobs, then you will die fairly early. Even playing on the easiest setting, it took me and three other veteran gamers a few attempts just to get to and kill the first boss.

    Drawbacks
    -No mouse support for aiming
    -Lack of storyline (if you're into that sort of thing)
    -Class progression somewhat linear

    Overall, its definitely worth getting if you've got a group of friends to play it with over skype/vent/etc, or want a REALLY challenging dungeon crawl, but otherwise I would avoid it.    … Expand
  10. Thorstoned
    Aug 15, 2013
    10
    A blast from the past!

    This game has kept me in front of the screen for far too long. I don't understand the negative reviews; it's obvious what kind of game this is, even before you buy it an old school, pixelated action RPG. The controls are perfect in my eyes, WASD to run and arrow keys to do everything else. Now I've never played Gauntlet, nor have I played any other game that    A blast from the past!

    This game has kept me in front of the screen for far too long. I don't understand the negative reviews; it's obvious what kind of game this is, even before you buy it an old school, pixelated action RPG. The controls are perfect in my eyes, WASD to run and arrow keys to do everything else.

    Now I've never played Gauntlet, nor have I played any other game that is even remotely close to this, all I know is that this was BOUNDS of fun. There's never a dull moment. It's an intense, unforgiving hack and slash jewel. Finding secret areas in a game has never felt so rewarding (keep your eyes open!).

    The game is challenging, especially while you get used to it. Unless you turn on 'crutches' like infinite lives, you only have a set amount of extra lives before it's game over. This just makes it that much more rewarding to finally beat that boss and progress into the next level.

    Complex level design, exhilarating puzzles, fast-paced action, online co-op (personally only played single-player) and hours of focus makes this one a must-own in my book, especially considering the cheap price tag.

    I'm sitting here trying to think of cons, to create a more balanced review, but I'm honestly struggling to find any. I'll let other users take care of that part, it seems like that is something people like to do. I'm going to play some more.    … Expand
  11. ibitato
    Dec 7, 2013
    8
    The game is a dungeon crawler with more or less big maps.
    It shines on coop specially if each player chooses a different class and there is workteam
    I've played a good amount of hours solo and with the wife, and it's much more fun on coop. Also, there is a big difference (IMO) trying to play on keyb/mouse and with a gamepad Gamepad works much better then keyb/mouse The statistics part    The game is a dungeon crawler with more or less big maps.
    It shines on coop specially if each player chooses a different class and there is workteam
    I've played a good amount of hours solo and with the wife, and it's much more fun on coop.
    Also, there is a big difference (IMO) trying to play on keyb/mouse and with a gamepad
    Gamepad works much better then keyb/mouse
    The statistics part of the game needs to be overhauled, since it's pointless ATM
    The local coop option, I think the saving does not work as it should
    Other than that, the game is fun    … Expand
  12. TheRedGiant
    Jan 5, 2014
    10
    Great old style game. Fast to pick up. Hard to walk away from. The game is seriously addictive and I have not had so much fun in years. Bought it in a Steam sale but would happily pay more for the hours of fun so far. Even bought a few copies for friends.
  13. Skyrimist
    Oct 30, 2014
    8
    Great Dungeon Crawler to play with friends.
    However the levels aren't randomly generated;so it does old after a while....
    Still,I think for what it's worth ,it's a great game to try!
  14. Minisvet
    Sep 28, 2015
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Its finally game that make sense to play with friend,
    i tried more games like Serious Sam and more and more but this game is f* awesome !
    Explore dungeon full of money and monsters and make you're way for boss and new locations
    You can choose one of six heroes, Ranger is best for new players.

    9/10 Best spent money for old-stile game    … Expand
  15. Overvulture
    Nov 9, 2015
    8
    More fun the more players you have, with smooth and functional online or local coop that allows you to save and continue your game in multiple sessions. With an emphasis on huge hordes of enemies and traps galore, there is plenty of fun to be had exploring and crushing massive swarms of enemies that fill the screen, and a variety of classes to make multiple playthroughs appealing. AnMore fun the more players you have, with smooth and functional online or local coop that allows you to save and continue your game in multiple sessions. With an emphasis on huge hordes of enemies and traps galore, there is plenty of fun to be had exploring and crushing massive swarms of enemies that fill the screen, and a variety of classes to make multiple playthroughs appealing. An assortment of workshop content can enhance your mileage even more.

    By default, it can be quite challenging, but there are plenty of options to customize your experience and make it easier or harder depending on your tastes. Infinite lives, no lives. Regenerating health, 1 health. The extra options add some spice and make it a good candidate for multiple sessions even after you finish the main campaign. It's all built on top of a game whose core combat feels fast and satisfying, and that's always bombarding you with rewards just as much as it is with enemies. Well, maybe a few more enemies than rewards.    … Expand
  16. LT_Gruber
    Dec 11, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Amazing classic retro Hack and Slash RPG with high replay value.

    When I first played Hammerwatch, I did not expect much. Another indie game for a quick cash grab (yeah, I was that skeptical). But that soon changed the minute I advanced through the first level.

    Hammerwatch is a simple yet fun Hack and Slash game. You kill monsters, collect copper, silver and gold pieces, level up your skills and defeat bosses, you know, classic stuff. Its fast gameplay is addicting, and I played half the game in my first session.

    The game has challenging enemy encounters and mini bosses and a ton of stuff to kill and collect. The secrets are well hidden and reward you well for finding them. The Easter eggs are fun and refer to other games, my favorite being the Serious Sam Easter egg.

    Hammerwatch is well balanced in terms of difficulty. It can be challenging, but it is not impossible to beat it (except for the survival mode with the Crystal Lich).

    The graphics are nice, classic 8-bit style with a modern twist. The music is awesome, it fits perfectly in the levels and plays nicely in the background. The sound effects are satisfying and gives the feeling that you actually hit something or break something. For me this is important.

    The added DLC level Temple of the Sun is also a ton of fun. In this small campaign you fight your way through a temple while avoiding traps. Also, you need to think more carefully which vendor you want to upgrade to higher levels to get the next tier upgrades because, there is limited ore you can distribute among them, a nice new mechanic. The new enemies are fun too and, in my opinion, harder than the original ones.

    I enjoyed playing the game and earning the achievements. The only negative aspect in the game are, like some other games, the extreme grinding achievements where you need to kill or collect a sh!tton of beings taking you hours and hours.

    But that aside, I certainly recommend Hammerwatch to anyone.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 5 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. PC Gamer UK
    Nov 6, 2013
    70
    It's great to revisit the dungeon crawler genre's crude beginnings, but don't go alone. [Dec 2013, p.89]
  2. Eurogamer
    Sep 24, 2013
    70
    There's precious little depth lurking in Hammerwatch, then, but if you've got a few friends handy or are willing to wait around online for the worryingly small community to make itself known, this is genuine old-fashioned skeleton-bashing with a gloriously tidal approach to chucking in the enemies.
    Read full review
  3. Games Master UK
    Sep 18, 2013
    77
    Exploring dungeons, gathering loot and puzzling your way through the provided arenas is banter baiting fun, however. [Nov 2013, p.75]
See all critic reviews »