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. ViscountA
    Apr 23, 2009
    10
    Zeno clash is like playing through a really trippy dream with crazy beasts, a non-linear storyline and some pretty messed up creatures and landscapes. The art style is fantastic with care taken in each area. The gameplay is smooth, with the only complaint in the entire game being the autolock system. I'm still giving this game a 10 because its a unique game that delivered. The screen Zeno clash is like playing through a really trippy dream with crazy beasts, a non-linear storyline and some pretty messed up creatures and landscapes. The art style is fantastic with care taken in each area. The gameplay is smooth, with the only complaint in the entire game being the autolock system. I'm still giving this game a 10 because its a unique game that delivered. The screen caps are AS good as the live action and it kept up on the promised gameplay. This game did NOT disappoint.… Expand
  2. AurelianoF
    Apr 24, 2009
    10
    One of the best indie games i have ever played! Everything on this game it's just too epic that i can't explain!! 10/10 Support Indie Developers!! Cheers!
  3. Samuel
    May 9, 2009
    10
    The visuals are awe inspiring, the creativity lush and invigorating, and the storyline remarkable in its audacity for being entirely abstract. From the first punch you throw to the last skull bomb you throw, this game is a vibrant and lucid thrill ride.
  4. DeseckM
    Apr 24, 2009
    10
    This game is hands down a ten out of ten. I loved every second of it, and can't wait for a sequel. I don't know what crawled up the butts of the critics and died. I cannot recommend this game enough. Don't pay attention to the critics.
  5. Bi0mesis
    Apr 28, 2009
    10
    Awesome game, may be a bit expensive since you can complete it in about 3 hours (I guess "average" players will do it in about 4 hours) but the work put into the graphic arts, music and other effects make this game a must-play in the Indie world. 10/10, for a Indie game, this is amazing, I hope it's only the beginning of the adventure for ACE!
  6. YervantB
    Jan 12, 2010
    10
    I highly recommend this game. Every second of it was fun and memorable. I beat it in one night, but it was so good i wanted more.. I kept replaying the challenges I unlocked after winning the game, that helped me blow off some of the anxiety I had from wanting more. Yes, the game is odd, and some people like to bash creativity, but i want more of this weird crap. Sequel please.
  7. Ywrik
    Apr 25, 2009
    10
    This game IS fun. It reminds me old Amiga classic "Shadow of the beast" that i loved. World art is beuatiful, with lot of colours. Combat is very satisfying, i love to play tower challenges on and on, even I finished main campaign several days before - this game somehow sticks to your mind:) . Im looking forward next chapters, that hopefully will come soon - id like to discover that This game IS fun. It reminds me old Amiga classic "Shadow of the beast" that i loved. World art is beuatiful, with lot of colours. Combat is very satisfying, i love to play tower challenges on and on, even I finished main campaign several days before - this game somehow sticks to your mind:) . Im looking forward next chapters, that hopefully will come soon - id like to discover that mysterious link between the golem and ghat, when golem got the injury from hunter....I overall enjoyed the feeling of mystery and surreal atmosphere of the game. This is title is must have. Far better than lets say Mass Efect, that bored me with its repetitiveness after few hours of gameplay. Many thanks to ACE team - i missed game that artistic for years.… Expand
  8. TimothyS
    Apr 26, 2009
    10
    Fantastic game, totally blew me away. There are some minor flaws (check out the official forums for a comprehensive overview), but overall it's an excellent title, and a stunning debut. That they're already working on free content updates just adds to the value. Recommended!
  9. AD
    Dec 29, 2009
    10
    Amazing game. Nice story, shame it was a bit short but it isn't all about what happens in that. The tower challenges add a few more hours onto your gameplay time. Took me 10 hours to finish the story and the challenges including -1 -2 and -3 challenge levels. I like it how weapons aren't a "need" to "kill" things. Melee combat was pretty awesome for saying it's a source Amazing game. Nice story, shame it was a bit short but it isn't all about what happens in that. The tower challenges add a few more hours onto your gameplay time. Took me 10 hours to finish the story and the challenges including -1 -2 and -3 challenge levels. I like it how weapons aren't a "need" to "kill" things. Melee combat was pretty awesome for saying it's a source mod. There's some nice combos you can do fighting opponents and it's satasfying to watch the other guy fly off the top of your screen :D. Looking at one of the previous reviews, I was shocked that they said the game had no gameplay or story at all.… Expand
  10. FacelordG
    Apr 23, 2009
    10
    One of the best games ever made, this game is an absolute must-have for any PC gamer. I absolutely love this game, and I'm sure anyone else who plays this game all the way through would admit that this is one of the most original games ever made(if not, THE most). Artistically, this game isn't comparable to many games. The art style is so much different from anything else on the One of the best games ever made, this game is an absolute must-have for any PC gamer. I absolutely love this game, and I'm sure anyone else who plays this game all the way through would admit that this is one of the most original games ever made(if not, THE most). Artistically, this game isn't comparable to many games. The art style is so much different from anything else on the market that it's arguably as artsy as games get in the visual sense, but when you consider the story and the amazing cinematic feel of it all you can easily see that there's more to it than pretty visuals and an amazingly realized world. I would compare this to Final Fantasy 9 for holding a special place in my heart, but this game is shrewdly mature(not in an M-rated sense, either). This game is appropriate for teenagers, but adults and older teens might get the most out of the deep story, with its twists and turns, mature plot(I'm gonna compare it to The Watchmen in some regards, and Pan's Labyrinth in others), and beautiful execution. This is my favorite video game at this point in time.… Expand
  11. 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!
  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. 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!!
  14. 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
  15. 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.
  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. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. DexterD
    Jan 3, 2010
    9
    Something different and refreshing, loved the universe, and the artwork behind the various kinds of characters. The game is bug free, action oriented with some awesome hand to hand combat. I loved it, and yes, I bought it off Steam for just USD $4.99. Well and truly worth every cent.
  21. AnonymousMC
    Apr 29, 2009
    9
    VERY impressive indie effort by first time game developer ACE. The graphics are beyond what you would normally expect from a Source engine game, the sound is engaging, the storytelling immersive, and the combat brutal and loads of fun. $20 for a five-hour romp may not do it for a lot of folks, but Zeno Clash is a game everyone should at least try.

    I can't wait to see what else this    VERY impressive indie effort by first time game developer ACE. The graphics are beyond what you would normally expect from a Source engine game, the sound is engaging, the storytelling immersive, and the combat brutal and loads of fun. $20 for a five-hour romp may not do it for a lot of folks, but Zeno Clash is a game everyone should at least try.

    I can't wait to see what else this company puts out in the future. I'll be looking for a full title!    … Expand
  22. MikelF
    Apr 24, 2009
    9
    Stunning visual design and combat system, although it would be great a bit more of freedom.
  23. RB
    Jul 13, 2009
    9
    Excellent game, truly unique and beautiful whilst also being brilliant to play. pros: very VERY fun, looks great, story is great, characters are great, very original, gameplay never gets boring cons: voice acting isn't very good, some characters feel a bit pointless (a woman follows you from the start and does nothing at all for the whole game) the biggest downfall is that it is very Excellent game, truly unique and beautiful whilst also being brilliant to play. pros: very VERY fun, looks great, story is great, characters are great, very original, gameplay never gets boring cons: voice acting isn't very good, some characters feel a bit pointless (a woman follows you from the start and does nothing at all for the whole game) the biggest downfall is that it is very short, you have some challenges in the challenge tower to get into, and some achievements to do in the main game, but they don't last long- it is a very replayable game, but it is too short. btw, people complaining about the lock on- you can turn it off in the options! lol oh and to slore- you say they are reusing the same models for enemies, its because they are the same enemies! have you not noticed that they seem to know who you are? they are the same characters. I really don't know how you can say the characters look bad at all, they are the most imaginative and beautiful characters i have EVER seen in a game.… Expand
  24. MW
    Oct 10, 2009
    9

    did not have the brilliant combat system, I would have had no regrets buying it simply because of the beautiful, awe-inspiring environments that are experienced through the whole game. Combined with a fantastic combat system and excellent musical score, Zeno Clash is an unforgettable experience.
  25. JoshR
    Dec 9, 2009
    9
    The only thing stopping this game getting full marks is that i didn't like the ending. the combat was hard, but rewarding, frantic, but fluent and the storyline was entirely compelling. the storytelling was fab, the universe was fascinating, and to top it off i bought it on steam for £4, distracting me from both Borderlands and Mass effect. definitely worth the full asking price.
  26. MichaelM
    Apr 26, 2009
    9
    I think this game is absolutely amazing. I love the combat, the aesthetics, the art design. The whole package. The game is short, but it is also supplemented with a really fun challenge mode. This title is certainly a bright beacon for the future of indie development. The fact that it comes packed with Steam achievements and the promise of DLC in the future only exacerbates the fact that I think this game is absolutely amazing. I love the combat, the aesthetics, the art design. The whole package. The game is short, but it is also supplemented with a really fun challenge mode. This title is certainly a bright beacon for the future of indie development. The fact that it comes packed with Steam achievements and the promise of DLC in the future only exacerbates the fact that this was one of the best game purchases I've made so far this year.… Expand
  27. DonCanardo
    Jan 18, 2012
    9
    Great atmosphere, great FPS melee combat design, great monsters and characters. Way too short (3h) ! Thank god, they added a challenge mode where u'll end up spending more time that you will in the campaign, but still, some multiplayer or some challenge editor would have been great. All in all, great game.
  28. CooterPatooter
    Apr 2, 2012
    9
    If H.R. Geiger got high on peyote and did the production design for The Dark Crystal, it would look exactly like Zeno Clash.
  29. LoadedWeapon
    Feb 16, 2012
    9
    Very strange, to be honest, I thought someone dosed me with something, I had to ask and confirm with other people that this game was real. The gameplay at its heart is a first person brawler, with a healthy mix up of shooting here and there. but the story, woa ho ho.... man. imagine a world that was generations deep with inbreeding, as well as cross breeding with chickens andVery strange, to be honest, I thought someone dosed me with something, I had to ask and confirm with other people that this game was real. The gameplay at its heart is a first person brawler, with a healthy mix up of shooting here and there. but the story, woa ho ho.... man. imagine a world that was generations deep with inbreeding, as well as cross breeding with chickens and pigs, and not the cute jrpg way, but more of a demented master blaster way. This is the world you're going to get into with this game.

    I did not like the melee combat at first, but the story kept me playing, and I ended up finding that the parry hit and run knee to the face smash tactics to be, well....... really good. and by the end of the game I found myself actually wanting to toss my guns down and put my fists up. It's short, but left me satisfied. I hope we see more of this twisted world.    … Expand
  30. 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
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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 »