Of Orcs and Men

 Xbox 360
Metascore
64

Mixed or average reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 17
  3. Negative: 1 out of 17
  1. Eurogamer Sweden
    Oct 11, 2012
    80
    Of Orcs and Men aims to twist the roles around – the human empire is the big, bad beast. Arkail, the most badass of Orcs accompanied by the Styx, the talkative, Tourette-stricken goblin is on a desperate quest to stop the human empire for eliminating their races. What I really like is that the action-focused role-playing game becomes more of a buddy movie with some really good set pieces and dialogue. It's not perfect, but Of Orcs and Men delivers a thought-provoking twist on classic fantasy plots.
  2. Eurogamer Italy
    Oct 10, 2012
    80
    Of Orcs And Men has not had a great marketing campaign, and this is the reason it will be considered a surprise by many. Though there is a certain lack in interactivity, it presents a strong storyline with a dynamic duo that will be remembered.
  3. Pelit (Finland)
    Nov 15, 2012
    79
    Of Orcs and Men might seem like a traditional role-playing game, but it turns the roles of heroes and villains upside down. Orcs and goblins are oppressed while humans enjoy the good life. The game gets a bit repetitive towards the end and the AI is downright awful, but it is still a worthwhile play. Highly recommended to players who are sick and tired of knights in their shining armor running the show. [Nov 2012]
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  5. 4P.de
    Oct 26, 2012
    77
    The two greenskins going to war to end the human tyranny are good for some entertaining hours, but you have to have a soft spot for uncommon heroes and situations.
  6. Console Monster
    Oct 31, 2012
    70
    It is no Elder Scrolls but is perhaps worth a look for RPG fans who want to keep themselves busy over the coming months. It is just a shame I can't recommend it to those new to the RPG genre as it fails to live to its full potential.
  7. MondoXbox
    Oct 28, 2012
    70
    A nice take on the usual RPG formula, with a great story and good graphics even if the the gameplay and combat system fail to fully persuade.
  8. Gamer.no
    Oct 27, 2012
    70
    Big orcs and tiny goblins make for unlikely and enjoyable heroes. The juvenile language may dampen the story at times, but the interesting setting and challenging combat make up for it.
  9. Impulsegamer
    Oct 17, 2012
    70
    'Of Orcs and Men' is a flawed game, to be sure, but it also holds your attention and actually challenges you, unlike many hand holding releases of late.
  10. SpazioGames
    Oct 12, 2012
    70
    In an effort to offer the player a fresh and different experience, Of Orcs and Men ends up being a mix of elements that works quite well and others that influence the product in a very negative way. The narration is good as it is the combat system, but then the progression is just too linear and the title ends up being repetitive.
  11. Everyeye.it
    Oct 11, 2012
    67
    The game has an interesting storyline and the setting is quite evocative, but the battle system is boring and there is no freedom at all during the progression.
  12. GameSpy
    Oct 16, 2012
    60
    Keep in mind that this isn't an everyman's game -- its linear levels, the absence of bundles of loot, and even the quirks of its combat whittle down its potential audience -- but there's a lot to love about how this RPG sings the glories of the underdogs.
  13. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    Oct 11, 2012
    60
    There's no doubt that there's a push towards narrative and mechanical innovation at its heart. This won't earn plaudits for what it achieves, but what it attempts is another matter - it might be destined for the bargain bucket, but it's worth picking up once it gets there.
  14. AusGamers
    Oct 29, 2012
    56
    Combine the linear environments, combat mechanics and cut-scenes and it feels more like watching an animated show or even reading a book about it all. If you can get past all this and even find the right stride with the combat mechanics it does make for an interesting storyline and the game gradually expands slightly.
  15. Multiplayer.it
    Oct 13, 2012
    55
    A very linear action RPG with muddled combat system, technical glitches and nasty script, Cyanide game never manage to entertain. Maybe is not time yet for Orcs glory, just leave this duo alone.
  16. X-ONE Magazine UK
    Dec 1, 2012
    50
    This isn't a good game, but it's one that will grow on you after a few hours. [Issue#91, p.89]
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  17. Hyper Magazine
    Nov 14, 2012
    50
    There's an interesting idea at the core of Of Orcs and Men, but the muddled delivery and presentation make it very forgettable. [Dec 2012]
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  18. GameOver.gr
    Nov 1, 2012
    40
    You could say that Of Orcs and Men reminds us of games of the distant past, but we can't remember RPGs of the old days being so bad. Despite its surprisingly fun and interesting story, Of Orcs and Men is a game that struggles and fails to achieve mediocrity.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
5.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 73 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 73
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 73
  3. Negative: 28 out of 73
  1. CaptainShniffle
    Oct 12, 2012
    9
    It's obvious that there has been a Troll attack on this game. I mean, how come that on the 207 negative reviews there are no comments ?It's obvious that there has been a Troll attack on this game. I mean, how come that on the 207 negative reviews there are no comments ?

    Anyhow, even though it has some issues, the games has a solid background story, nice graphics and an interesting gameplay. I'm having a good time playing it.    … Full Review »
  2. zornsthorne
    Oct 12, 2012
    10
    I have seen a lot of trolling on many fronts because of the gameplay not being a hack and slash. The gameplay is like dragon age origins forI have seen a lot of trolling on many fronts because of the gameplay not being a hack and slash. The gameplay is like dragon age origins for anyone who is interested and plays as smoothly and balanced as it. Although word of warning due to only having the tank and rogue archetypes it is somewhat simplified, they have replaced the healer class with skills that gradually regenerate health for several seconds. There has also been a lot of trolling due to the fact that the orcs are the heroes although anyone who has actually played the game will know that just because you play an orc and a goblin; this does not mean that all the orcs in the game are good and not all humans are evil. The storyline is simple and the maps are linear but I am having a blast playing the game and "HIGHLY" recommend it to anyone who enjoys old bioware rpg's, it may not have as much depth as them (not very many games do to be honest) but it will satisfy your taste buds. The game deserves an 8/9 out of 10 but I am giving it a 10 to do what I can to counter-act the massive negative trolling that has emerged on the user score "BEFORE THE GAME WAS EVEN RELEASED"… Full Review »
  3. SuperkenGaming
    Feb 6, 2017
    7
    Of Orcs and Men…
    Thankfully its interesting…
    Of Orcs and Men is an action RPG game about the struggle between Orcs and men… Its humans vs    Of Orcs and Men…
    Thankfully its interesting…
    Of Orcs and Men is an action RPG game about the struggle between Orcs and men…
    Its humans vs green skins…
    Here you play as 2 characters…
    Arkail who is a warrior brute from the legendary Bloodjaws as well as his Goblin companion Styx who offers ranged and stealth gameplay who’s job is to help Arkail get to where he needs to go on his mission to kill the emperor and change the course of the war…
    The story and characters are the best part of the game…
    I laughed out loud numerous times thanks to the loudmouth Styx having no filters when talking to Arkail and other characters.. And the story is full of twists and turns that this 12 hour game is genuinely enjoyable and surprising…
    You even get to make choices to change minor story outcomes
    and the level design here is great...
    This is a very linear game... but areas feel open and theyre crawling with enemies and equipment…
    Where the game is held back though is its combat itself…
    Here you can play as either Styx or Arkail... and you can switch back and forth instantaneously…
    Styx, who was my favorite to play as can go into stealth mode and clear some or all of the enemies out before progressing to prevent as few combat situations as possible which is ideal..
    Because the combat is just no fun...
    Basically both characters are on autopilot…
    You put attacks in their commands list from different fighting stances and let them do their thing...
    you really don’t even have to touch the controller until late in the game if you don’t want to…
    because of this put in commands combat system, you never truly feel in control…
    You don’t feel like you’re using strategy to win...
    just that youre desperately running around with styx throwing knives and healing Arkail so you don’t have to start again... neither of the 2 have strategy programmed into them… if you leave styx he automatically goes into close range when he has considerably less health than arkail… so hell die almost instantly…
    Its almost like you really have no choice but to use him
    In some instances youll get into fights after messing up a stealth kill or being seen and arkail is just standing there looking at you instead of running to help…
    As you do complete battles youll level up so you can balance the characters in areas theyre weak or make them stronger in areas there already strong in.. So the juggling act isn’t as annoying…
    And you can unlock new skills and upgrade them with a choice of a perk to suit your gameplay style…
    but it’s a bad sign when playing your game is the worst part of your game...
    its an alright time and worth experiencing..
    Especially for the story, level design, and being introduced to these characters…
    It’s just rough to get through…
    I give of Orcs and Men
    A 6.5/10    … Full Review »
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