Zeno Clash

 PC
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 321 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 201 out of 321
  2. Mixed: 84 out of 321
  3. Negative: 36 out of 321

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  1. grihajedy
    Mar 27, 2023
    8
    75%
    Коротенькое 3-часовое артхаусное приключение, состоящее из нескольких арен, оказывается, что движку Сурс очень "к лицу" и жанр файтинга, хотя по мувсету это, скорее, битемап, тыканья одной кнопки и уворота достаточно, но добавляют движухи, раскиданные по карте огнестрельные оружия с хорошими дизайнами и импактом, которые надо успевать перезаряжать в пылу динамичного мордобоя. Немножко    75%
    Коротенькое 3-часовое артхаусное приключение, состоящее из нескольких арен, оказывается, что движку Сурс очень "к лицу" и жанр файтинга, хотя по мувсету это, скорее, битемап, тыканья одной кнопки и уворота достаточно, но добавляют движухи, раскиданные по карте огнестрельные оружия с хорошими дизайнами и импактом, которые надо успевать перезаряжать в пылу динамичного мордобоя. Немножко ещё смазывает впечатления финальный файт с боссом, он очень простой, кажется уже вымученным, сильно повторяет бой с тем же персонажем пол часа хронометража назад.
    Но игра явно войдёт в копилку моих, обделённых массовым вниманием, бриллиантов индустрии.

    … Expand
  2. hydroquaqua
    Jun 8, 2022
    10
    _никогда мною тема сюрреализма не была затронута, на столько близко особенно когда ты непосредственно оказываешься в нём, в мире игры. Не являясь фанатом или любителем картин, произведений на данную тему, но благодаря видеоигре Zeno Clash, этот "недореализ" на четыре часа с уверенностью - мне понравился

    _попадая в мир абстракций чувствуешь недоумение, непонимание всего происходящего,    _никогда мною тема сюрреализма не была затронута, на столько близко особенно когда ты непосредственно оказываешься в нём, в мире игры. Не являясь фанатом или любителем картин, произведений на данную тему, но благодаря видеоигре Zeno Clash, этот "недореализ" на четыре часа с уверенностью - мне понравился

    _попадая в мир абстракций чувствуешь недоумение, непонимание всего происходящего, что можно сказать и о сюжете, так и о окружении. С первым выигранным боем осознаёшь чётко что предстоит нам делать, ещё раз - я как человек далёк от не естественного понимания высшего искусства и картин связанных с сокрытым смыслом, драться - здорово! Вот прям с каждым ударом чувствуешь как кулак ударяется об поверхность чего то непонятного. Не капаясь в сюжете Zeno Clash достойно принимает вызов быть захватывающим Beat 'em up'ом он первого лица на движке Source.

    *_I have never touched on the topic of surrealism, so close especially when you directly find yourself in it, in the world of the game. Not being a fan or lover of paintings, works on the subject, but thanks to the video game Zeno Clash, this "underrealistic" for four hours with confidence - I liked it

    _getting into the world of abstractions, you feel bewilderment, misunderstanding of everything that is happening, which can be said about the plot and the environment. With the first battle won, you clearly understand what we have to do, once again - as a person, I am far from an unnatural understanding of higher art and paintings associated with hidden meanings, it's great to fight! With every blow, you feel like a fist hits the surface of something incomprehensible. Without dabbling in story, Zeno Clash rises to the challenge of being an exciting first-person Beat 'em up on the Source engine.    … Expand
  3. Dco326
    Oct 24, 2021
    7
    Ne znam, jako cudna igrica, pricu ne kapiram uopste, hjahahahahaha ali jebes ga zanimljivo bilo odigrati jednom.
  4. DuduzinhoDoMau
    Sep 3, 2021
    10
    Jogo é antigo, mas vale muito a pena. Design dos mapa 10/10
    Gameplay 100% funcional e quem reclama é bobão
  5. Broyax
    Apr 19, 2020
    0
    Un indé qui aurait pu éventuellement sortir de la fosse à purin habituelle des indés merdiques mais qui reste finalement droit dans ses bottes et dans la merde jusqu'au cou, hélas ! en conséquence de quoi, il s'agit d'un étron de plus à rajouter à la longue liste des saloperies pas ludiques pour un sou !

    Alors que graphiquement, ça tient presque la route... malgré cependant une    Un indé qui aurait pu éventuellement sortir de la fosse à purin habituelle des indés merdiques mais qui reste finalement droit dans ses bottes et dans la merde jusqu'au cou, hélas ! en conséquence de quoi, il s'agit d'un étron de plus à rajouter à la longue liste des saloperies pas ludiques pour un sou !

    Alors que graphiquement, ça tient presque la route... malgré cependant une direction artistique pas très artistique, pour ne pas dire d'un goût douteux mais je suppose que le désir d'originalité du développeur est à ce bas prix d'exigence... Mais évidemment le souci rédhibitoire (et le coeur du jeu) reste ce système de combat en vue subjective, bancal et mal fichu, bourrin et con, stupide et mal conçu, ennuyeux et désagréable.

    Surtout que le jeu envoit régulièrement plusieurs ennemis et que dans cette vue (on a pas le choix de toute façon) on ne peut pas en tabasser plusieurs à la fois ; c'est plutôt l'inverse, car lorsqu'on s'en occupe d'un, les deux autres en profitent ! au corps-à-corps ou... à distance. D'ailleurs, la partie à distance est aussi ratée que la partie au corps-à-corps, ce qui fait de Zeno un vrai zéro en la matière.

    Signalons que le jeu est censé prendre en compte la manette mais qu'elle merde totalement, on est donc obligé de se taper le clavier-souris. La répétition s'installe de tout manière assez vite tandis que le pourquoi du comment de ce "monde" très bizarre confine au grotesque. On lâche donc l'affaire, ayant bien mieux à faire que de se faire chier avec une telle merde.    … Expand
  6. Voyou
    Dec 2, 2017
    3
    A very repetitive game with an excellent visual design but very poor controls indeed. Just an example : if you play with a gamepad, you still need the mouse to look up and down.

    Zeno Clash is cool to look at, but not fun to play, therefore it fails as a game. Perhaps Tripwire Interactive (the wire bit needs to go) should have made a short animation movie instead.
  7. Captain_Chaos
    Apr 17, 2017
    7
    I picked up Zeno Clash after having already played the second game with a friend, and I can tell you, the second one is better. This entry is pretty fun, but it lacks the quality of storytelling, free-roaming mechanics and of course, 2-player coop. However, it is significantly more straightforward (and thus, shorter), and the guns can be reloaded, though they have a habit of being knockedI picked up Zeno Clash after having already played the second game with a friend, and I can tell you, the second one is better. This entry is pretty fun, but it lacks the quality of storytelling, free-roaming mechanics and of course, 2-player coop. However, it is significantly more straightforward (and thus, shorter), and the guns can be reloaded, though they have a habit of being knocked out of your hands. They do less damage then in the second game, and the hammers are much more awkward to use. Generally it's much easier to just punch things- except for the obnoxious heavy fights, which require you to use the hammers.

    Still, without having played this one (or had someone explain the premise), the second game really would not make a lot of sense, given the weirdness of not only the setting and asthetic but the morality and motivations of its characters. Collectively, the series is certainly the most unique thing to come out of the Source Engine, and worth playing. I would advise you play this entry before the second game, however.    … Expand
  8. Hugopa
    Nov 16, 2015
    10
    Amazing otherworldly atmosphere where things are colorful, grim, supernatural and alien at the same time, everything very detailed with excellent graphics, even for today standards (Souce Engine). Audio department is not epic but goes very well with the gameplay and the pacing of the story. Combat mechanics is different and needs a little time to get used to, but it's not bad. The story isAmazing otherworldly atmosphere where things are colorful, grim, supernatural and alien at the same time, everything very detailed with excellent graphics, even for today standards (Souce Engine). Audio department is not epic but goes very well with the gameplay and the pacing of the story. Combat mechanics is different and needs a little time to get used to, but it's not bad. The story is short but I personally have no problem with that, since it's very creative and not cliche like many longer games.… Expand
  9. Fluffiator
    Aug 17, 2015
    9
    This game is inscrutably good. The pieces weave together like the chapter of an eclectic and slightly bewildering book, and yet the whole package just works. Thoroughly enjoyable
  10. Artoorzyn
    May 19, 2015
    5
    + climate music
    +surrealistic world
    +graphic is not bad
    ?over after 3,5 h
    -It requires dosage
    -all the same enemies
    -after time fight is boring

    You can play but do not have
  11. GolovA
    Dec 8, 2014
    7
    Very unique game. The story is off-bunkers, the ambiance and setting - out-worldly. It reminds me of an old "Planescape Torment" RPG, back in the day - it had the same atmosphere.
    Gameplay pretty solid, although repetitive; still, it is original enough to keep me playing. And the story is whack, like i said! :)
  12. fabittar
    May 27, 2014
    10
    Whoa! This game is a work of art. What, with all the bad - but constantly overhyped, over publicized - games out there costing 30, sometimes even 60 dollars, this game is actually good, original and fun! I'm having so much fun with this game that for the first time in my life I'm giving it a second playthrough immeditaly after finishing the game for the first time.

    It's focused on    Whoa! This game is a work of art. What, with all the bad - but constantly overhyped, over publicized - games out there costing 30, sometimes even 60 dollars, this game is actually good, original and fun! I'm having so much fun with this game that for the first time in my life I'm giving it a second playthrough immeditaly after finishing the game for the first time.

    It's focused on melee, but there are all sorts of crazy guns. It's a very, very different fantasy setting, but this is great 'cause the weirdness only makes it more fun.

    If you're looking for something new, be glad you read this review. Purchase without fear.    … Expand
  13. HPrimeTimeH
    Feb 19, 2014
    9
    Zeno Clash is the best INDIE GAME I have ever played in my life. And I said INDIE GAME! Some people do not understand that this is not a full game. Just an indie game. Just a **** indie game.

    P.E.: INDIE GAME
  14. Klewer
    Jan 5, 2014
    5
    Typical not a fan of brawler style of games I did not find this overly enjoyable. The brawl action isn't too bad but becomes highly repetitive and the shooting mechanics are below par, feels tacked on.

    Story is ok but really fails to pull you through.
  15. JimCorbett
    Dec 17, 2013
    6
    Zeno Clash is an interesting and original game that ultimately falls flat in too many areas to make it a great game. You go around in a very weird and interesting world punching people in the face and sometimes shooting them with the strange gun. The world Zeno Clash is set in is very strange and you immediately want to know more about it, but you never will. The story is hard to followZeno Clash is an interesting and original game that ultimately falls flat in too many areas to make it a great game. You go around in a very weird and interesting world punching people in the face and sometimes shooting them with the strange gun. The world Zeno Clash is set in is very strange and you immediately want to know more about it, but you never will. The story is hard to follow and makes next to no sense. It's also unfortunate that the combat quickly becomes repetitive. Even though the story is only 3-4 hours long, by the end you will be tired of executing the same moves over and over again. In the end, Zeno Clash is a huge waste of potential that could have been so much more.… Expand
  16. lmarc001
    Oct 7, 2013
    10
    One of the best melee combat games i have played. Beautiful stages and intense combat. Nice story, and beautifuls characters. The game don't have some bugs.
  17. socketwrench14
    Jun 18, 2013
    5
    Definitely a very poor game with a great idea and interesting story and characters. Nothing is quite so unique in what it tries to be than Zeno Clash. However sadly the implementation of the game is poor. Painfully bad voice acting, clunky controls and often there are battles that, while not difficult are just frustrating based on the tactics you have to use taking forever. There is oneDefinitely a very poor game with a great idea and interesting story and characters. Nothing is quite so unique in what it tries to be than Zeno Clash. However sadly the implementation of the game is poor. Painfully bad voice acting, clunky controls and often there are battles that, while not difficult are just frustrating based on the tactics you have to use taking forever. There is one particularly long and unnecessary on rail shooting portion that was easy, but so long and boring I wanted to cry.

    The combat system IS fun, but the implementation does feel off. IF its on sale I'd say pick it up if you like the idea of a unique hand to hand combat system, otherwise pass this game over.    … Expand
  18. dannyhl2
    May 26, 2013
    8
    This game.....it's just AWESOME Really FASCINATED....I STRONGLY recommend you this game especially you really love this kind of punk art style or those mystery story stuff....if you want to try the best First Person Fighting games, try this one, it will blow you mind
  19. philthymcnasty
    May 4, 2013
    10
    This is a rare game. it somehow manages to become art not just through the design, but thru the story as well. Its main draw back is that it is short.
  20. Potitoman
    Apr 25, 2013
    9
    Chilean developer ACE has done something that not many others would even try doing. Instead of going for a safe, true and tried formula, they gave us Zeno Clash.
    How do you even begin to describe this game?
    For one, it's a first person brawler. A brutal one at that. You punch, kick and on some occasions, shoot some sort of gun. It is done in a manner which you probably have not seen in    Chilean developer ACE has done something that not many others would even try doing. Instead of going for a safe, true and tried formula, they gave us Zeno Clash.
    How do you even begin to describe this game?
    For one, it's a first person brawler. A brutal one at that. You punch, kick and on some occasions, shoot some sort of gun. It is done in a manner which you probably have not seen in many other games. It can be a tad frustrating but very satisfying when your fist connects to some creature's face.
    What makes this game unique though, is that art direction. It is demented. Chileans are an artistic lot and this games shows it. It is whacked to the point of disturbing yet beautiful.
    The story is just as strange but despite the truly alien landscape and characters, you do become engaged in it.

    The only down point is that it is too short. But for what it is, it's a great addition to any gamer's collection.    … Expand
  21. drakenseng
    Mar 24, 2013
    7
    Zeno Clash is a good indie game. It looks like a mod from Half Life 2 but the gameplay is different. You can use guns but the main focus is the melee fights. It feels like i'm playing old school, Super PunchOut! on SNES but instead of a restricted ring, you get to fight on a linear path with more enemies at once. It does get boring after awhile, but on Hard Mode it was still pretty fun.Zeno Clash is a good indie game. It looks like a mod from Half Life 2 but the gameplay is different. You can use guns but the main focus is the melee fights. It feels like i'm playing old school, Super PunchOut! on SNES but instead of a restricted ring, you get to fight on a linear path with more enemies at once. It does get boring after awhile, but on Hard Mode it was still pretty fun. You can't reload while running so sometimes it got frustrating and i just tossed the gun and fight hand to hand. I think thats what they wanted you to do in the first place anyways. The story and game itself is solid but it feels more like a really long demo than an actual game to me. Visuals are good but you dont get to really explore too much and level design is pretty straightforward linear paths. overall, good solid game to kill some time.… Expand
  22. sayedstafa
    Feb 19, 2013
    7
    Short game, it has a weird tribal theme with weird creatures. Story was weird too, it's just weird. Though, this game is worth checking out for the first person melee combat. It does it really well, it's like a first person Streets of Rage, except with a lot of weird.
  23. Ravenblood
    Jan 28, 2013
    10
    It is an awesome game with different elements.In my opinion it is mostly an FPS/Fighting hybrid.Let's start with the graphics.The graphics are visually good but not excellent and the textures of the different kinds of enemies and weapons are nice.The gameplay is a bit repetitive but the fights in the game are awesome and different from the other games.The story is good but not so excitingIt is an awesome game with different elements.In my opinion it is mostly an FPS/Fighting hybrid.Let's start with the graphics.The graphics are visually good but not excellent and the textures of the different kinds of enemies and weapons are nice.The gameplay is a bit repetitive but the fights in the game are awesome and different from the other games.The story is good but not so exciting and it is short,it took me 5 hours to complete the game.It also has a list of challenges but they are difficult so I have played only one of them.… Expand
  24. Lacuentadejoako
    Dec 26, 2012
    1
    Honestly I dont think I have played a game so bad in a long time. I got it in a steam sale for just 1 dolar , but it sucks. The story is bad,so is the voice acting. The level design,controls and enemies are the worst, I dont know how to describe this game I just finish it to see how it ended but I cant explain, pirate the game, play 10 minutes of it and you will understand why this gameHonestly I dont think I have played a game so bad in a long time. I got it in a steam sale for just 1 dolar , but it sucks. The story is bad,so is the voice acting. The level design,controls and enemies are the worst, I dont know how to describe this game I just finish it to see how it ended but I cant explain, pirate the game, play 10 minutes of it and you will understand why this game deserves a 1/10.… Expand
  25. Nosleinad
    Dec 10, 2012
    10
    Awesome game, nice graphics, animation, combat and history. The only Flaw is that its too short, but hey, it was made by a small developer who just proved its potential and its already making Zeno Clash 2, that will have n open world and RPG elements. Its a great buy for its price!!
  26. JasonPWalker
    Oct 25, 2012
    8
    This game was surprisingly incredible, and that's saying something. After a few videos of interesting combat and questionable character/overall world designs from screenshots, I had no idea what I was getting into, but I can say without a doubt, that I don't regret buying this title whatsoever. Without spoiling the story, I'll say this: it's based on a great premise of originality that weThis game was surprisingly incredible, and that's saying something. After a few videos of interesting combat and questionable character/overall world designs from screenshots, I had no idea what I was getting into, but I can say without a doubt, that I don't regret buying this title whatsoever. Without spoiling the story, I'll say this: it's based on a great premise of originality that we hardly see nowadays, much less an actual story at all, which is one of the main elements that kept me going throughout its long and difficult journey. The combat is amazingly fun and fluid; you punch and kick the living hell out of these awfully disgusting creatures, which is definitely a welcome change to the generic FPS formula, though, it does have some newly designed guns and grenades for you to toy around with, they're not quite as satisfying as the brawling combat system, but still differentiate themselves from any other random FPS title, though there are a couple of blunt weapons which are somewhat interesting to use, being the only things you can use to even damage tougher enemies, still, none of these things could could even come close to that of the innovative and expertly crafted brawling system. The voice acting among most of the characters, especially that of the protagonist and his companion(s), could have been implemented more thoroughly, but that doesn't detract from the game's overall charm whatsoever. Plus, if you want to get more out of it once you finish the short, yet enjoyable story, the game also offers its own Tower of Challenges along with a plentiful list of achievements to keep you throwing punches and landing counter-kicks. And all of this, including the fact that it's only $10, makes the game worth every penny, I highly recommend buying this amazing indie title.… Expand
  27. Viacota
    Oct 17, 2012
    7
    Me cuesta ser parcial con este juego ya que es un juego hecho por Chilenos :D

    Lo bueno: El arte es muy bueno , muy diferente a los que estamos acostumbrados a ver, tanto los personajes, como el entorno y las armas que las encuentro creativas. Tratas de hacer un juego en primera persona enfocado en los combates cuerpo a cuerpo. Historia retorcida. Lo malo: Mucha linealidad del juego,    Me cuesta ser parcial con este juego ya que es un juego hecho por Chilenos :D

    Lo bueno: El arte es muy bueno , muy diferente a los que estamos acostumbrados a ver, tanto los personajes, como el entorno y las armas que las encuentro creativas.
    Tratas de hacer un juego en primera persona enfocado en los combates cuerpo a cuerpo. Historia retorcida.

    Lo malo: Mucha linealidad del juego, los gráficos no son destacables. Se vuelve algo tedioso el sistema de lucha.    … Expand
  28. jim109109
    May 31, 2012
    6
    Awesome first person punching gameplay, the story is brilliant, especially in the end, I played this through from start to end and couldn't stop. Then, I looked at the time. You will have completed the game in 4 hours, and there is zero replayability. As some indie games, it is short and pathetically so. If the game had been at least three times longer, it would have been "great", now it'sAwesome first person punching gameplay, the story is brilliant, especially in the end, I played this through from start to end and couldn't stop. Then, I looked at the time. You will have completed the game in 4 hours, and there is zero replayability. As some indie games, it is short and pathetically so. If the game had been at least three times longer, it would have been "great", now it's fun but barely worth more than a 6.… Expand
  29. Andreakossa
    Apr 21, 2012
    6
    It's not a bad game, but the combat system and the story being short, the graphic doesn't looks bad however, anyway in 2-3 hours at max you will have completed it already so i suppose you can find something else better to buy.
  30. Davey5000
    Apr 13, 2012
    10
    This game is unlike anything I have ever played. The biggest breath of fresh air I have taken in a long time. This game is challenging, charming in the most bizarre way and badass all at the same time. The story is great and nothing about this game is cookie cutter. Nothing! It's fun and worth your time, I promise you that. If you love games like I do you need to play this!
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Awards & Rankings

62
#62 Best PC Game of 2009
32
#32 Most Discussed PC Game of 2009
62
#62 Most Shared PC Game of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 41 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 41
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 41
  3. Negative: 0 out of 41
  1. HellBored
    89
    Zeno Clash is what a future cult favourite looks like. With a wickedly brutal melee engine, and some jaw-dropping visual design, this gorgeously demented indie brawler is short but sweet.
    Read full review
  2. Destructoid
    70
    While I would have liked to see a bit more emphasis on the melee combat and less on shooting, I think you’ll still find that most battles give you a bit of a rush and are enjoyable to play, particularly the unique boss battles.
    Read full review
  3. Eurogamer
    80
    A fantastically involving and solid fighting game, enhanced by being set in one of the most imaginative and beautiful universes in the medium.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »