Kenshi
" Immersive action RPG with deep emergent gameplay and sandbox freedom but steep learning curve "
Kenshi Review
Kenshi is a unique and unforgiving open-world sandbox RPG that challenges players to survive and thrive in a harsh, post-apocalyptic environment. The game emphasizes emergent storytelling and player-driven experiences without handholding or explicit guidance. Players start as vulnerable characters and through hard work, strategic planning, and perseverance, can evolve into powerful leaders or factions. The world is hostile and indifferent, featuring permanent limb loss, enslavement, and brutal combat mechanics that contribute to its gritty atmosphere.
While the game boasts a massive map, deep mechanics, and a strong modding community, it suffers from technical issues such as bugs, crashes, and an outdated UI. The grind can be tedious, and some gameplay elements feel unpolished or inconsistent. Despite these flaws, many players find the challenge and freedom deeply rewarding, praising its emergent gameplay and the satisfaction of overcoming adversity. Kenshi remains a cult classic for those seeking a hardcore, sandbox RPG experience.
Highlights
Players praise Kenshi's deep and emergent gameplay mechanics, where survival depends on skill, strategy, and persistence rather than narrative handholding.
The game's open-world sandbox nature allows immense freedom, enabling players to build bases anywhere, engage in trade, or form armies.
The unique setting and environmental storytelling create a dark, immersive atmosphere reminiscent of games like Dark Souls.
Strong mod support enhances replayability and improves many aspects.
Many enjoy the feeling of gradual progression from weak to powerful, emphasizing the game's hardcore and rewarding challenge.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include the steep learning curve and lack of tutorials, which can frustrate new players.
Technical issues such as frequent bugs, crashes, poor pathfinding, and UI scaling problems detract from the experience.
The game can feel grind-heavy and tedious, especially when training stats or gathering resources.
Some gameplay mechanics lack polish or internal consistency, such as unrealistic weapon weights or incomplete crafting systems.
Audio design and immersion are considered lacking by some, with minimal background music and awkward sound triggers.
Pros
- • Deep emergent gameplay with player-driven stories and freedom of choice.
- • Massive open world offering exploration and base building anywhere.
- • Gritty, immersive post-apocalyptic setting with strong environmental storytelling.
- • Highly rewarding progression from weak character to powerful leader.
- • Robust modding community and official mod tools enhance replayability.
- • Unique combat mechanics with permanent consequences like limb loss.
- • Multiple species with different playstyles and faction interactions.
Cons
- • Steep learning curve with minimal in-game guidance or tutorials.
- • Numerous bugs, crashes, and technical issues hinder smooth play.
- • Outdated UI and poor pathfinding frustrate many players.
- • Grinding for stats and resources can become tedious over time.
- • Some gameplay mechanics feel inconsistent or unpolished.
- • Audio design and background music are sparse and sometimes awkward.
- • Base building is buggy and sometimes crash-prone.
Rating Criteria
A free-roaming squad based RPG. Focusing on open-ended sandbox gameplay features rather than a linear story. Be a trader, a thief, a rebel, a warlord, an adventurer, a farmer, a slave, or just food for the cannibals. Train your men up from puny victims to master warriors.
