Hammerwatch

When I first picked up Hammerwatch I was expecting it to scratch the Diablo itch, but it ended up scratching an itch I didn’t even realize I had. The wonderfully crafted campaigns present both fun and challenging tasks that can be tackled in a number of different ways depending on which of the seven classes you choose. It’s likely that the game will run thin before really messing around with all the classes, but the soon to launch online mode could help elevate that feeling.

Hammerwatch carries the torch for Gauntlet with aplomb. It takes its concept and magnifies it into something richer and more thought-provoking than Ed Logg could’ve ever imagined. It can be played and enjoyed by anybody, from the lone adventurer to ale-soaked mates and everything in between. Those looking for a game that properly ends may be disappointed in its initial simplicity, but those who enjoy challenging themselves with speed runs or complex rules with find a good time.

Hammerwatch can be a good time, but only really if you play it with friends. For the $9.99 price point, it might be a little too simple to play it alone. But for a larger group, it can be a frantic party game as you and up to three other friends fight through onslaughts of monsters. I say if you are going to play it with others locally, then dive in. Otherwise, wait for the online update.