Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Enclave offers a classic level-based action RPG structure, blending melee combat, ranged shooting, and environmental puzzles into each mission. Players choose from twelve distinct characters—six aligned with the forces of Light and six under the banner of Darkness—each wielding unique weapons and abilities. Knights and Huntresses on the Light side rely on swords and bows, while Assassin and Sorceress characters on the Dark side employ daggers and arcane spells. This variety ensures that every run feels fresh, whether you’re cleaving through hordes of twisted creatures or sniping foes from a distance.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

The combat system is straightforward yet satisfying: melee swings connect with weighty feedback, arrows thwack into armor, and spells burst with vibrant effects. Shields can be raised to block incoming blows, and a handful of potions grant temporary boosts to health or stamina. Encounter pacing alternates between intense skirmishes and slower puzzle-focused segments, where levers, pressure plates, and hidden switches must be manipulated to open gates or activate platforms. These puzzles rarely feel obtuse, but they add a welcome break from constant hacking and slashing.

Character progression is light but effective: armor and weapons found in chests or purchased from vendors can drastically change your build, encouraging exploration of side rooms and secret corridors. While there’s no deep skill tree, the act of swapping from a two-handed sword to a rapid-fire bow or trading your helm for enchanted robes can dramatically alter your playstyle. Die-hard RPG fans might crave more customization, but for those who enjoy straightforward action with occasional strategic choices, Enclave’s gameplay loop hits the mark.

That said, the camera can occasionally be stubborn, especially in tight dungeon corridors or during large crowd battles. A few targeting quirks may lead to frustrated swings at unseen enemies, but these hiccups never derail the core enjoyment. Overall, the blend of melee, ranged, and puzzle-solving elements forms a cohesive experience that feels both nostalgic and engaging.

Graphics

Enclave’s visuals embrace a colorful medieval fantasy aesthetic, with lush outdoor vistas contrasting sharply against the gnarled, shadowy realms of the Dark side. Stone bridges arch over swirling abysses, moss-covered castles loom on distant hills, and glowing fungi cast eerie light in caverns. While the game’s age shows in some low-resolution textures, the overall art direction remains charming—each zone feels carefully crafted to reinforce the Light-versus-Dark dichotomy.

Character models are detailed for their era: plate mail gleams on knights, robes flutter on wizards, and the twisted forms of goblins and liches bristle with sinister design. Spell effects pop with colorful flares, and critical strikes on enemies trigger satisfying shatters or dismemberment animations. Though modern titles boast higher polygon counts and dynamic lighting, Enclave’s straightforward shaders and fixed lights still deliver a distinct medieval ambiance.

Performance is generally smooth on contemporary systems, with few slowdowns even when dozens of combatants fill the screen. Load times between levels are brief, allowing you to jump back into the action quickly. Some texture pop-in can occur when sprinting through corridors, but it rarely detracts from the overall visual experience.

In bonus terms, the user interface is clean and intuitive: health and mana bars sit unobtrusively at the corners, and inventory screens are laid out with clear icons and text. While there are no ultra-realistic ray-traced reflections or dynamic weather effects, Enclave’s graphics serve the gameplay and narrative well without ever feeling dated.

Story

The narrative of Enclave unfolds against the backdrop of a longstanding war between Light and Dark in the land of Celenheim. A great rift divides the world—a bottomless abyss shielding the Enclave from twisted invaders. On the Dark side, foul creatures grow in power, scheming to breach the barrier and plunge the realm into chaos. This setup provides a classic good-versus-evil framework that fans of medieval fantasy will instantly recognize and enjoy.

Each character’s journey adds a personal touch: the Light’s Knight seeks redemption for past failures, the Dark’s Lich hungers for forbidden knowledge, and side missions delve into individual motivations. Dialogue sequences and short cutscenes punctuate the action, revealing key plot points and world lore. While the main story is relatively linear—progressing from one stronghold to the next—the character-specific banter and optional quests offer small but meaningful diversions.

Though the writing occasionally dips into standard fantasy tropes, it remains engaging thanks to solid voice acting and atmospheric music. Themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and ambition emerge naturally through mission objectives: protect the heart of the Enclave, rescue trapped villagers, or infiltrate enemy fortresses. The climactic confrontations deliver satisfying payoffs to build-up side-quests, ensuring that your actions feel impactful within the broader war.

Enclave doesn’t attempt to reinvent fantasy storytelling, but it does what it sets out to do—immerse players in a battle-torn realm with clear stakes and relatable heroes (and villains). For gamers who prioritize action and exploration over deep narrative complexity, the story strikes a perfect balance between context and momentum.

Overall Experience

From the first swing of your blade to the final incantation of a devastating spell, Enclave delivers a polished action RPG experience with a medieval-flavored twist. The mix of character classes, weapon types, and level objectives keeps gameplay varied, while the puzzles add thoughtful breaks between combat encounters. Despite minor camera issues and a straightforward progression system, the game remains engaging from start to finish.

Visually, Enclave’s world of Celenheim feels alive and distinct, with light and darkness clashing not just in story but also in art direction. Smooth performance and an intuitive UI make for an accessible package, and the balance between melee, ranged, and magic combat ensures players can find a playstyle that suits them. The absence of an overly complex skill tree is a plus for newcomers, though veterans craving deep customization may find the system a bit light.

The narrative, while not groundbreaking, is bolstered by solid voice work and well-paced missions. Character-specific quests and cutscenes give personality to both sides of the conflict, and the overarching plot delivers a classic fantasy tale of war, betrayal, and heroism. Whether you choose to defend the Enclave or invade it, the story provides sufficient context to care about the outcome.

Overall, Enclave is an engaging blend of action, exploration, and puzzle-solving that stands the test of time. It offers strong replay value for those wishing to experience both Light and Dark campaigns, and its balanced mechanics make it accessible to a wide range of players. For anyone seeking a nostalgic, action-packed RPG with medieval flair, Enclave remains a compelling choice.

Retro Replay Score

7.2/10