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Eisenhorn: XENOS, initially announced in 2014 as a mobile action game, eventually found its way to PC in late 2016 after several delays. Developer Pixel Hero Games promised a polished experience, leaving many to wonder if the extra development time truly elevated the game to its full potential. This review explores the strengths and weaknesses of Eisenhorn: XENOS, highlighting its captivating narrative while acknowledging its significant shortcomings.

Eisenhorn: XENOS in action

A Narrative Triumph Rooted in Warhammer 40,000 Lore

The undeniable strength of Eisenhorn: XENOS lies in its compelling narrative, closely adapted from Dan Abnett’s acclaimed XENOS novel, part of the Eisenhorn trilogy set in the grim darkness of the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Abnett, a prolific author within the Warhammer 40,000 setting, masterfully crafts the story of Gregor Eisenhorn, an Inquisitor of the Imperium of Man, a figure akin to a futuristic Sherlock Holmes.

Gregor Eisenhorn, the Inquisitor

The game faithfully reproduces dialogue and plot points from the novel, immersing players in the rich lore and intricate world-building of Warhammer 40,000. From the opening lines, Eisenhorn: XENOS draws players into its narrative web, delivering an experience that feels remarkably close to an interactive novel. The game successfully captures the atmosphere and intrigue of the source material, allowing players to feel like active participants within this iconic universe.

Gameplay and Technical Shortcomings

Despite the narrative excellence and the extended development period, Eisenhorn: XENOS suffers from significant gameplay and technical flaws. Beyond the captivating story, the game struggles to offer a rewarding experience.

Disappointing gameplay

The gameplay lacks depth and replayability, offering little incentive for players to explore beyond the main narrative. The absence of compelling mechanics and engaging side content diminishes the overall experience. Furthermore, the game’s soundtrack fails to capture the epic scale and grandeur typically associated with the Warhammer 40,000 universe.

Perhaps the most disappointing aspect of Eisenhorn: XENOS is its technical presentation. The graphics are dated and underwhelming, particularly the character models and animations. The stiff and lifeless movements of characters, especially Eisenhorn himself, detract significantly from the immersive qualities of the narrative.

Stiff animations and dated graphics

The PC port feels unoptimized, with limited customization options that offer little benefit to players. The game’s technical shortcomings suggest a rushed port from the initially intended mobile platform, failing to capitalize on the potential of the PC hardware.

Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity

Eisenhorn: XENOS presents a compelling narrative experience deeply rooted in the rich lore of Warhammer 40,000. However, the game’s significant technical and gameplay flaws ultimately hold it back from reaching its full potential. While the story shines, the lackluster gameplay, dated graphics, and unoptimized performance make it difficult to recommend Eisenhorn: XENOS to anyone but the most dedicated fans of the source material. The game ultimately serves as a missed opportunity to deliver a truly engaging Warhammer 40,000 experience.