Zeno Clash
{{Short description|2009 video game}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2016}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Zeno Clash
| image = ZenoClash cover.png
| caption = North American Windows cover
| developer = ACE Team
| publisher = {{Unbulleted list|Windows|{{Video game release|WW|ACE Team (digital)|EU|Iceberg Interactive|NA|Tripwire Interactive}}|Xbox 360|Atlus}}
| engine = Source
| released = Windows
{{Video game release|WW|21 April 2009 (digital)|EU|16 October 2009|NA|7 February 2010}}Xbox 360
5 May 2010
| genre = Beat 'em up
| modes = Single-player
| platforms = {{cslist|Windows|Xbox 360}}
}}
Zeno Clash is a first-person fighting video game with elements of a first-person shooter. It is the debut game of developer ACE Team and uses the Source engine. It was released for download through content delivery service Steam on 21 April 2009. The Xbox 360 version, entitled Zeno Clash: Ultimate Edition, was released 5 May 2010 and contains additional features not found in the Windows version. The game is set in the fantasy world of Zenozoik, and follows Ghat, a young man who is on the run from his vengeful siblings, and Deadra, his female companion, as they travel through strange and exotic lands.
Critics praised its strange yet robust setting and unique character designs. It was a finalist for Excellence in Visual Art at the 2009 Independent Games Festival, and was named 2009's Independent Game of the Year by PC Gamer, and PC Game of the Month by IGN in April 2009.
Gameplay
In the main story mode, players assume the role of Ghat and progress through the world of Zenozoik, visiting various locations in a linear sequence. Gameplay is presented in a first-person perspective, with occasional cutscenes in a third-person perspective. When the player enters certain areas, it triggers a scripted sequence, initiating a battle in which the player must defeat all enemies to proceed. Ghat is proficient in martial arts, and can dodge or counter enemy attacks. While there is a strong focus on unarmed combat, Ghat can also obtain unconventional melee and ranged weapons by several means, such as disarming enemies. Intermittent segments of gameplay happen similarly to a linear progression shooter.{{cite web | title=World Exclusive: The Zeno Clash Review | url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/world-exclusive-the-zeno-clash-review | last1=Gillen | first1=Kieron | last2=Meer | first2=Alec | last3=Rossignol | first3=Jim | last4=Walker | first4=John | date=19 April 2009 | website=Rock Paper Shotgun | publisher=Gamer Network | access-date=14 February 2023 | archive-date=14 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214230021/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/world-exclusive-the-zeno-clash-review | url-status=live }}
In addition to the single-player story, Challenge Mode allows the player to defeat enemies while climbing a tower or descending into a pit. The results are ranked through Steam every time the player beats a tower floor's final boss.{{cite web | title=Zeno Clash's Survival Mode | url=http://blogs.aceteam.cl/zenoclash/index.php?showentry=18 | last=Bordeu | first=Andre | date=25 February 2009 | website=ACE Team | access-date=5 November 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222200239/http://blogs.aceteam.cl/zenoclash/index.php?showentry=18 | archive-date=22 February 2012 | url-status=dead}}
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Plot
File:Zeno Clash - Father-Mother.jpg
The story takes place in a fictional fantasy world called Zenozoik, and begins in a town called Halstedom. The game begins with Ghat, the game's protagonist, regaining consciousness after setting off an explosion which kills Father-Mother, an ostensibly hermaphroditic creature, which has raised a large and influential family. Ghat is one of Father-Mother's children, who turned on it after discovering its secret.{{cite video game | title=Zeno Clash | developer=ACE Team | date=21 April 2009 | level=Return | quote=Golem: It is by chance and not virtue, that Ghat discovered a flaw in Father-Mother. After that both Ghat's an Father-Mother's reaction was irrational and violent.}} Ghat runs away from the town,{{cite video game | title=Zeno Clash | developer=ACE Team | date=21 April 2009 | level=Return | quote=Golem: After Ghat fought Father-Mother he ran away.}} chased by his brothers and sisters seeking to kill him, and is banished from his family. He is accompanied by a female companion named Deadra who has saved Ghat from apathy.{{cite web | title=Zeno Clash. Interview with Carlos Bordeu | url=http://playhard.ru/Article.aspx?id=3218 | author=Unicorn | date=23 April 2009 | website=PlayHard | access-date=5 November 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120421200651/http://www.playhard.ru/Article.aspx?id=3218 | archive-date=21 April 2012 | url-status=dead}}{{cite video game | title=Zeno Clash | developer=ACE Team | date=21 April 2009 | level=Return | quote=Golem: And you, Deadra, were most kind, saving him from apathy and searching for safety with him.}}
During their travels away from Halstedom, Ghat explains to Deadra through partially interactive flashbacks the events that led up to his attempt on Father-Mother's life. One of the first things that is mentioned is that he lived for a time with the Corwid of the Free, the insane residents of the forests of Zenozoik.{{cite web | title=New Zeno Clash trailer | url=http://blogs.aceteam.cl/zenoclash/index.php?showentry=25 | last=C | first=David | website=ACE Team | date=9 April 2009 | access-date=5 November 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222200314/http://blogs.aceteam.cl/zenoclash/index.php?showentry=25 | archive-date=22 February 2012 | url-status=dead}} While he has turned away from his past life as a Corwid, his brothers and sisters still consider him as one. Ghat still harbors a sense of admiration for the single-mindedness of Corwids. Regardless, when he encounters them a fight ensues.{{cite video game | title=Zeno Clash | developer=ACE Team | date=21 April 2009 | level=The Corwid of the Free}}
Later on, Deadra and Ghat reach a large desert area. When Ghat returns from hunting rabbit-like creatures, he discovers a blind mercenary known only as the Hunter, who points a rifle at Deadra's head while she sleeps. The Hunter reveals that he was sent after them by Ghat's family, and was instructed to kill both him and Deadra. Ghat pleads for her life, and the Hunter agrees to let her live if Ghat will come to a secluded area with him to fight. Ghat manages to defeat the Hunter and then leaves with Deadra.{{cite video game | title=Zeno Clash | developer=ACE Team | date=21 April 2009 | level=Hunter Hunter}} Ghat and Deadra eventually reach the end of the world. It is there that they meet Golem, an ancient being placed there by an unknown group of people to wait there until he was needed.{{cite video game | title=Zeno Clash | developer=ACE Team | date=21 April 2009 | level=Return | quote=Golem: I had a duty to stay there. To watch, to wait. Long before you were born, I was there. .. The people who put me there were wise.}} Golem has a complete knowledge of Ghat and Father-Mother's conflict, which he says he will end, along with all other conflicts.{{cite video game | title=Zeno Clash | developer=ACE Team | date=21 April 2009 | level=Throne}}
Upon Ghat's return to the city, he is confronted by his angry brothers and sisters once more. After this confrontation, a heavily wounded Father-Mother reveals itself, showing that it is still alive. It declares another fight with Ghat to end the strife once and for all. A ferocious battle ensues, in which Ghat defeats Father-Mother once more. With Father-Mother at his mercy, he decides neither to kill it, nor reveal its secret. However, Golem discloses the secret anyway—that Father-Mother is actually a male creature that steals babies from their families. It is revealed that Ghat, upon inadvertently learning this, was chased out of town by Father-Mother in an attempt to protect his secret. The game ends after Golem makes several cryptic statements about their world and family.{{cite video game | title=Zeno Clash | developer=ACE Team | date=21 April 2009 | level=Family Reunion}}
Development
While Zeno Clash was ACE Team's first original game, they have been developing game modifications since the 1990s.{{cite web | title=Old ACE Team Games | url=http://blogs.aceteam.cl/zenoclash/index.php?showentry=30 | last=Bordeu | first=Edmundo | date=30 April 2009 | website=ACE Team | access-date=5 November 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222200327/http://blogs.aceteam.cl/zenoclash/index.php?showentry=30 | archive-date=22 February 2012 | url-status=dead}} Their last project, Zenozoik, was far larger in scope than Zeno Clash, and attempted to incorporate the disparate elements of shooting, role-playing, melee combat and sandbox gameplay. ACE Team later realized that it was too ambitious for a small independent studio, and decided to make a more focused game. Zeno Clash is what emerged—player exploration is linear, and role-playing elements were excluded altogether. The game was initially conceived as a total conversion modification using the Source engine. ACE Team showed a demo version to Valve, the creators of the engine, who were impressed by the game's quality. The two companies then negotiated an engine licensing and distribution deal.{{cite web | title=Unknown Pleasures 2009: Zeno Clash | url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/unknown-pleasures-2009-zeno-clash | last=Walker | first=John | date=30 January 2009 | website=Rock Paper Shotgun | publisher=Gamer Network | access-date=14 February 2023 | archive-date=14 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214230023/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/unknown-pleasures-2009-zeno-clash | url-status=live }}
In an interview, the developers have stated that they consider the game to be a "First-Person Fighter (with some shooter elements)". They also likened it to "Dark Messiah meets Double Dragon", and stated that they have drawn a lot of inspiration from traditional fighting games—this includes "versus screens" sliding in before combat is initiated.{{cite web | title=ACE Team – Game development at World's end | url=http://www.zillionmonkey.com/?page_id=209 | website=ZillionMonkey | access-date=5 November 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091028071805/http://www.zillionmonkey.com/?page_id=209 | archive-date=28 October 2009 | url-status=dead}} Regarding the art style, they cited Hieronymus Bosch's paintings and John Blanche's "punk fantasy" illustrations as visual inspirations. They stated that publishers were unsure if consumers could relate to the art direction, but nonetheless stuck to their vision, creating a game that looks unlike anything else on the market.{{cite web | title=Postmortem: ACE Team's Zeno Clash | url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/audio/postmortem-ace-team-s-i-zeno-clash-i- | last=Bordeu | first=Carlos | date=8 October 2009 | website=Game Developer | publisher=Informa | access-date=14 February 2023 | archive-date=14 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214235733/https://www.gamedeveloper.com/audio/postmortem-ace-team-s-i-zeno-clash-i- | url-status=live }} To get their desired organic look, they used static props exported from 3D Studio Max with pre-rendered lighting instead of using brush-based geometry that Source was specialized for.
In October 2009, ACE Team announced that they partnered with Atlus to release a port of the game for Xbox Live Arcade.{{cite web | title=Zeno Clash: Ultimate Edition for XBLA announced | url=http://forums.aceteam.cl/index.php?s=1a5d1dcf4f9954fd980b21008bcc295e&autocom=blog&blogid=2&showentry=38 | last=Bordeu | first=Carlos | date=1 October 2009 | website=ACE Team | access-date=14 December 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707010205/http://forums.aceteam.cl/index.php?s=1a5d1dcf4f9954fd980b21008bcc295e&autocom=blog&blogid=2&showentry=38 | archive-date=7 July 2011 | url-status=dead}} This version of the game dubbed Zeno Clash: Ultimate Edition adds new game modes and features such as cooperative gameplay for tower challenges in both offline and online games, new attacks, new weapons, a new voice actress for the character Deadra,{{cite web | title=New voice acting for Deadra? | url=http://forums.aceteam.cl/index.php?s=&showtopic=1159&view=findpost&p=8693 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120709031351/http://forums.aceteam.cl/index.php?s=&showtopic=1159&view=findpost&p=8693 | url-status=dead | archive-date=9 July 2012 | last=Bordeu | first=Carlos | date=10 March 2010 | website=ACE Team | access-date=14 December 2010 | quote=Yes, correct. Deadra's voice was completely re-recorded. She has a new voice and sounds a lot better now.}} a character gallery and an awareness system.{{cite web | title=New full Trailer - GDC Awards tomorrow | url=http://forums.aceteam.cl/index.php?s=1a5d1dcf4f9954fd980b21008bcc295e&autocom=blog&blogid=2&showentry=43 | last=Bordeu | first=Carlos | date=10 March 2010 | website=ACE Team | access-date=14 December 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707010218/http://forums.aceteam.cl/index.php?s=1a5d1dcf4f9954fd980b21008bcc295e&autocom=blog&blogid=2&showentry=43 | archive-date=7 July 2011 | url-status=dead}}{{cite web | title=Zeno Clash: UE, finally out on May 5th | url=http://forums.aceteam.cl/index.php?s=1a5d1dcf4f9954fd980b21008bcc295e&autocom=blog&blogid=2&showentry=44 | last=Bordeu | first=Carlos | date=28 April 2010 | website=ACE Team | access-date=14 December 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707010325/http://forums.aceteam.cl/index.php?s=1a5d1dcf4f9954fd980b21008bcc295e&autocom=blog&blogid=2&showentry=44 | archive-date=7 July 2011 | url-status=dead}} Zeno Clash: Ultimate Edition was released on Xbox Live Arcade on 5 May 2010.{{cite web | title=Zeno Clash assaults XBLA on May 5; new trailer now | url=https://www.engadget.com/2010-04-29-zeno-clash-assaults-xbox-live-arcade-may-5-new-trailer-now.html | last=Hinkle | first=David | date=29 April 2010 | website=Engadget (Joystiq) | publisher=Yahoo | access-date=14 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100501022442/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/zeno-clash-assaults-xbox-live-arcade-may-5-new-trailer-now/ | archive-date=1 May 2010 | url-status=live}}
In July 2009 the SDK of the game to allow easier modding was released by the developer.{{cite web | title=Zeno Clash devs release source code to all | url=http://www.thatvideogameblog.com/2009/07/29/zeno-clash-devs-release-source-code-to-all/ | last=Redaja | first=Jonathan | date=29 July 2009 | website=That VideoGame Blog | access-date=15 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090801021358/http://www.thatvideogameblog.com/2009/07/29/zeno-clash-devs-release-source-code-to-all/ | archive-date=1 August 2009 | url-status=dead}}
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Marketing and release
The game was first released for download through Valve's content delivery service, Steam, on 21 April 2009, and is available for purchase either directly through Steam or via Direct2Drive. It was published for retail by Noviy Disk in Russia,{{cite web | title=Zeno Clash | url=https://www.giantbomb.com/zeno-clash/3030-22011/ | website=Giant Bomb | publisher=Fandom | access-date=14 February 2023 | archive-date=14 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214235737/https://www.giantbomb.com/zeno-clash/3030-22011/ | url-status=live }} and by Iceberg Interactive in Europe.{{cite web | title=Iceberg Interactive announces 2009 UK Q4 Line-Up | url=http://www.iceberg-interactive.com/index.php/news-mainmenu-33/1-latest/104-iceberg-interactive-announces-2009-uk-q4-line-up | date=10 September 2009 | website=Iceberg Interactive | access-date=5 November 2009 | archive-date=23 November 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091123210246/http://www.iceberg-interactive.com/index.php/news-mainmenu-33/1-latest/104-iceberg-interactive-announces-2009-uk-q4-line-up | url-status=dead}} In October 2009, Tripwire Interactive announced that it planned to publish the game for retail in North America "soon".{{cite web | title=Tripwire Brings Zeno Clash To Retail | url=https://kotaku.com/tripwire-brings-zeno-clash-to-retail-5374615 | last=Fahey | first=Mike | date=5 October 2009 | website=Kotaku | publisher=G/O Media | access-date=14 February 2023 | archive-date=14 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214235733/https://kotaku.com/tripwire-brings-zeno-clash-to-retail-5374615 | url-status=live }} Atlus announced that they would be bringing an Ultimate Edition of the game to the Xbox 360 as an Xbox Live Arcade download in March 2010.{{cite web | title=Zeno Clash: Ultimate Edition Coming to Xbox Live | url=https://kotaku.com/zeno-clash-ultimate-edition-coming-to-xbox-live-5371627 | last=Good | first=Owen | date=30 September 2009 | website=Kotaku | publisher=G/O Media | access-date=14 February 2023 | archive-date=14 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214235736/https://kotaku.com/zeno-clash-ultimate-edition-coming-to-xbox-live-5371627 | url-status=live }} ACE Team continued to provide support post-release, releasing character models for use with another Source engine game, Garry's Mod,{{cite web | title=The Zeno-Garry Collective | url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-zeno-garry-collective | last=Meer | first=Alec | date=12 May 2009 | website=Rock Paper Shotgun | publisher=Gamer Network | access-date=14 February 2023 | archive-date=14 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214235734/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-zeno-garry-collective | url-status=live }} several new Challenge levels as free downloadable content,{{cite web | title=Zeno Clash Gets New DLC, Goes On Sale To Celebrate | url=https://kotaku.com/zeno-clash-gets-new-dlc-goes-on-sale-to-celebrate-5302313 | last=Plunkett | first=Luke | date=24 June 2009 | website=Kotaku | publisher=G/O Media | access-date=14 February 2023 | archive-date=14 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214235733/https://kotaku.com/zeno-clash-gets-new-dlc-goes-on-sale-to-celebrate-5302313 | url-status=live }} and a software development kit.{{cite web | title=Punch! Biff! Zeno Clash SDK Released | url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/punch-biff-zeno-clash-sdk-released | last=Walker | first=John | date=29 June 2009 | website=Rock Paper Shotgun | publisher=Gamer Network | access-date=14 February 2023 | archive-date=14 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214235733/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/punch-biff-zeno-clash-sdk-released | url-status=live }}
Zeno Clash received some press for its developers' reaction to copyright infringement. ACE Team member Carlos Bordeu left comments on many torrent sites saying that ACE Team did not intend to stop the unlicensed downloading of Zeno Clash, but rather implored downloaders to purchase the game if they enjoyed it.{{cite web | title=Zeno Clash Dev Tries Reasoning with Torrenters | url=https://kotaku.com/zeno-clash-dev-tries-reasoning-with-torrenters-5237036 | last=Good | first=Owen | date=2 May 2009 | website=Kotaku | publisher=G/O Media | access-date=15 February 2023 | archive-date=15 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215002437/https://kotaku.com/zeno-clash-dev-tries-reasoning-with-torrenters-5237036 | url-status=live }}{{cite web | title=Game Developer Flirts With Pirates on BitTorrent Sites | url=https://torrentfreak.com/game-developer-flirts-with-pirates-on-bittorrent-sites-090427/ | last=Maxwell | first=Andy | date=27 April 2009 | website=TorrentFreak | publisher=Lennart Renkema PhD | access-date=5 November 2009 | archive-date=16 December 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091216052750/http://torrentfreak.com/game-developer-flirts-with-pirates-on-bittorrent-sites-090427/ | url-status=live }} ACE Team later claimed that their unique approach, while probably not changing the minds of potential infringers, accidentally generated press which helped to market the product.
Reception
{{Video game reviews
| PC = true
| X360 = true
| na = true
| MC_PC = 77/100{{cite web | title=Zeno Clash for PC Reviews | url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/zeno-clash/critic-reviews/?platform=pc | website=Metacritic | publisher=Fandom | access-date=5 November 2009 | archive-date=20 August 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100820111500/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/zeno-clash | url-status=live }}
| AVC_PC = C{{cite web | title=Zeno Clash | url=https://www.avclub.com/zeno-clash-1798216392 | last=Teti | first=John | date=4 May 2009 | website=The A.V. Club | publisher=G/O Media | access-date=15 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110208221809/http://www.avclub.com/articles/zeno-clash,27470/ | archive-date=8 February 2011 | url-status=live}}
| Destruct_PC = 7/10{{cite web | title=Destructoid review: Zeno Clash | url=https://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-review-zeno-clash/ | author=Aerox | date=21 April 2009 | website=Destructoid | publisher=Gamurs | access-date=15 February 2023 | archive-date=15 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215170659/https://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-review-zeno-clash/ | url-status=live }}
| Edge_PC = 8/10{{cite magazine | title=Zeno Clash | author=Edge staff | magazine=Edge | publisher=Future plc | issue=203 | date=July 2009 | page=101}}
| EuroG_PC = 8/10{{cite web | title=Zeno Clash | url=https://www.eurogamer.net/zeno-clash-review | last=Pearson | first=Dan | date=22 April 2009 | website=Eurogamer | publisher=Gamer Network | access-date=15 February 2023 | archive-date=15 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215010234/https://www.eurogamer.net/zeno-clash-review | url-status=live }}
| GI_X360 = 8/10{{cite magazine | title=Zeno Clash: The Ultimate Edition [sic] Review | url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/zeno_clash_the_ultimate_edition/b/xbox360/archive/2010/05/07/a-strange-mystical-world-of-incredible-oddities-also-punching.aspx | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100513083207/http://gameinformer.com/games/zeno_clash_the_ultimate_edition/b/xbox360/archive/2010/05/07/a-strange-mystical-world-of-incredible-oddities-also-punching.aspx | url-status=live | archive-date=13 May 2010 | last=Kollar | first=Phil | date=7 May 2010 | magazine=Game Informer | publisher=GameStop | access-date=15 February 2023}}
| GamePro_X360 = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite magazine | title=Downloadable Games Round-Up: May 11th Edition | url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/215152/downloadable-games-round-up/ | last=de Matos | first=Xav | date=11 May 2010 | magazine=GamePro | publisher=GamePro Media | access-date=15 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100514051532/http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/215152/downloadable-games-round-up/ | archive-date=14 May 2010 | url-status=dead}}
| GameRev_X360 = B{{cite web | title=Zeno Clash Ultimate Edition Review | url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/46183-zeno-clash-ultimate-edition-review | last=Reboucas | first=Eduardo | date=13 May 2010 | website=GameRevolution | publisher=CraveOnline | access-date=15 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929075148/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/zeno-clash-ultimate-edition | archive-date=29 September 2015 | url-status=live}}
| GSpot_PC = 6.5/10{{cite web | title=Zeno Clash Review | url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/zeno-clash-review/1900-6208973/ | last=Todd | first=Brett | date=30 April 2009 | website=GameSpot | publisher=Fandom | access-date=15 February 2023 | archive-date=15 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215010238/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/zeno-clash-review/1900-6208973/ | url-status=live }}
| GT_X360 = 7.9/10{{cite web | title=Zeno Clash: Ultimate Edition Review | url=http://www.gametrailers.com/gamereview.php?id=12417 | year=2010 | website=GameTrailers | publisher=Viacom | access-date=15 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100603061358/http://www.gametrailers.com/gamereview.php?id=12417 | archive-date=3 June 2010 | url-status=dead}}
| GB_PC = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite web | title=Zeno Clash Review | url=https://www.giantbomb.com/reviews/zeno-clash-review/1900-147/ | last=Shoemaker | first=Brad | date=27 April 2009 | website=Giant Bomb | publisher=Fandom | access-date=15 February 2023 | archive-date=15 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215230022/https://www.giantbomb.com/reviews/zeno-clash-review/1900-147/ | url-status=live }}
| IGN_PC = 8.4/10{{cite web | title=Zeno Clash Review | url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/04/24/zeno-clash-review | last=Ocampo | first=Jason | date=24 April 2009 | website=IGN | publisher=Ziff Davis | access-date=15 February 2023 | archive-date=15 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215010234/https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/04/24/zeno-clash-review | url-status=live }}
| OXM_X360 = 6/10{{cite magazine | title=Zeno Clash: Ultimate Edition | magazine=Official Xbox Magazine | publisher=Future US | date=July 2010 | page=84}}
| PCGUS_PC = 84%{{cite magazine | title=Zeno Clash | magazine=PC Gamer | publisher=Future US | volume=16 | issue=7 | date=July 2009 | page=78}}
| rev1 = Teletext GameCentral
| rev1_X360 = 6/10{{cite web | title=Zeno Clash: Ultimate Ed. (360) | url=http://www.teletext.co.uk/gamecentral/features-reviews/551a4efc06264f86a43e0755da506190/Zeno%2BClash%2BUltimate%2BEd%2B%28360%29.aspx | last=Hargreaves | first=Roger | date=May 2010 | website=Teletext GameCentral | publisher=Teletext Ltd. | access-date=15 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100513013323/http://www.teletext.co.uk/gamecentral/features-reviews/551a4efc06264f86a43e0755da506190/Zeno+Clash+Ultimate+Ed+(360).aspx | archive-date=13 May 2010 | url-status=dead}}
}}
Zeno Clash received "generally favourable reviews", while the Ultimate Edition received above-average reviews, according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.
In January 2009, Zeno Clash was a nominated finalist in the Independent Games Festival yearly competition, in the category of Excellence in Visual Art. It was one of five games to be selected for this award, from a total of 226 participating titles.{{cite web | title=2009 Independent Games Festival Winners | url=http://www.igf.com/02finalists.html | website=Independent Games Festival | access-date=15 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091127183034/http://www.igf.com/02finalists.html | archive-date=27 November 2009 | url-status=dead}} It was named PC Game of the Month by IGN for April 2009. It was praised for its originality and "satisfying sense of combat."{{cite web | title=Game of the Month: April 2009 | url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/04/30/game-of-the-month-april-2009 | author=IGN staff | date=30 April 2009 | website=IGN | publisher=Ziff Davis | access-date=15 February 2023 | archive-date=15 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215002437/https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/04/30/game-of-the-month-april-2009 | url-status=live }} It was a finalist in the category of Best Debut in the Tenth Annual Game Developer Choice Awards.{{cite web | title=Uncharted 2, Flower, Assassin's Creed II Lead Finalists for the Tenth Annual Game Developers Choice Awards | url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/uncharted-2-flower-assassins-creed-ii-lead-finalists-for-the-tenth-annual-game-developers-choice-awards-82054972.html | date=19 January 2010 | website=PR Newswire | access-date=31 January 2011 | archive-date=9 September 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190909143057/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/uncharted-2-flower-assassins-creed-ii-lead-finalists-for-the-tenth-annual-game-developers-choice-awards-82054972.html | url-status=live }} It also won PC Gamer{{'}}s 2009's Independent Game of the Year.{{cite magazine | title=Independent Game of the Year 2009 | magazine=PC Gamer | publisher=Future US | volume=17 | issue=3 | date=March 2010}}
The gaming website Rock Paper Shotgun reviewed the game two days before its release, giving it four out of four thumbs up and highly recommending the title.
The unique visual design and story received high praise from most critics. The reviewers of Rock, Paper, Shotgun stated that while the art of the game was "really unusual to look at" they felt that the visuals were "something of a reward". Eurogamer{{'}}s Dan Pearson called the PC version's environments "lushly crafted and massively colourful". Jamin Smith, reviewer for VideoGamer.com, felt that the Ultimate Edition{{'}}s "narrative that was (probably) conjured up during an intense drug induced trip."{{cite web | title=Zeno Clash Ultimate Edition Review | url=https://www.videogamer.com/reviews/zeno-clash-ultimate-edition-review/ | last=Smith | first=Jamin | date=21 May 2010 | website=VideoGamer.com | publisher=Resero Network | access-date=15 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120926170055/http://www.videogamer.com/xbox360/zeno_clash_ultimate_edition/review.html | archive-date=26 September 2012 | url-status=live}} He went on to call it world "incredibly cohesive" and stated that the story provided a perfect complement to the atmosphere. Jason Ocampo of IGN remarked in his review that "thanks to smart design and storytelling, it feels refreshingly original and completely compelling."
Reviewers were divided on gameplay aspects. 1Up.com{{'}}s Scott Sharkey felt that the first-person fisticuffs were convincing when combined with camera motion; he compared such aspects to Mirror's Edge.{{cite web | title=Zeno Clash XBLA Review | url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/zeno-clash-xbla-review | last=Sharkey | first=Scott | date=5 May 2010 | website=1Up.com | publisher=Ziff Davis | access-date=15 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312200534/http://www.1up.com/reviews/zeno-clash-xbla-review | archive-date=12 March 2016 | url-status=dead}} Eduardo Reboucas of GameRevolution felt that the trigger-based controls of the Ultimate Edition took some getting used to and that some encounters with enemies can occasionally become frustrating. Ocampo felt that the hand-to-hand combat was "a bit clumsy, but wholly satisfying at the same time." Brett Todd of GameSpot was less favorable, calling it "simplistic" and "monotonous," citing its lack of variety in gameplay.
Sales for Ultimate Edition are reported as being significantly lower than the PC version.{{cite web | title=PC crowd "more open" to weird games | url=https://www.eurogamer.net/pc-crowd-more-open-to-weird-games | last=Purchese | first=Robert | date=29 July 2010 | website=Eurogamer | publisher=Gamer Network | access-date=15 February 2023 | archive-date=15 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215010238/https://www.eurogamer.net/pc-crowd-more-open-to-weird-games | url-status=live }} It did, however, place eighth in sales the week of its release.{{cite web | title=LIVE Activity for week May 3rd | url=https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2010/05/12/live-activity-for-week-may-3rd/ | last=Hyrb | first=Larry | date=12 May 2010 | website=Xbox.com | publisher=Microsoft | access-date=15 February 2023 | archive-date=15 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215030913/https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2010/05/12/live-activity-for-week-may-3rd/ | url-status=live }}
{{clear}}
Sequel
{{main|Zeno Clash 2}}
On 19 May 2009 the developers announced that a sequel to Zeno Clash was in the works.{{cite web | title=Punch! Kick! Zeno Clash 2! | url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/11853 | last=Walker | first=John | date=19 May 2009 | website=Rock Paper Shotgun | publisher=Gamer Network | access-date=15 February 2023 | archive-date=15 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215030910/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/11853 | url-status=live }} Ghat reprises his role as the protagonist, and several characters such as Father-Mother and Golem return.{{cite web | title=New Trailer & news about the sequel... | url=http://blogs.aceteam.cl/zenoclash/index.php?showentry=34 | last=Bordeu | first=Carlos | date=19 May 2009 | website=ACE Team | access-date=5 November 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222200250/http://blogs.aceteam.cl/zenoclash/index.php?showentry=34 | archive-date=22 February 2012 | url-status=dead}} ACE Team expressed a desire to incorporate elements of role-playing games that were present in their previous abandoned project, Zenozoik.
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- {{moby game|id=/windows/zeno-clash}}
- {{moby game|id=/xbox360/zeno-clash-ultimate-edition|name=Zeno Clash: Ultimate Edition}}
{{ACE Team}}
Category:Iceberg Interactive games
Category:Single-player video games
Category:Source (game engine) games
Category:Tripwire Interactive games