Of Orcs and Men

 PC
User Score
6.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 214 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 103 out of 214
  2. Mixed: 66 out of 214
  3. Negative: 45 out of 214

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  1. MontSta
    Jan 6, 2013
    7
    Great unique main storyline with side plots and quests that inter-twine. I will explain the game play for you to give you an idea.... At a battle scene, you select your character, out of Arkil (Big guy) or Styx (little guy) then, in kind of a slow motion sequence select which of the combatants you want to engage. You then select a myriad of different attacks that do straight up damageGreat unique main storyline with side plots and quests that inter-twine. I will explain the game play for you to give you an idea.... At a battle scene, you select your character, out of Arkil (Big guy) or Styx (little guy) then, in kind of a slow motion sequence select which of the combatants you want to engage. You then select a myriad of different attacks that do straight up damage or stun type effects on enemy. Then its back and forth changing player and attacking or defending depending on what strengths you have upgraded when you level up. Game play is a bit mechanical but once you get used to it, it flows pretty good. Wish there had of been more inventory items to find/buy and upgrade though. Well worth a look :)… Expand
  2. Klewer
    Jun 6, 2015
    7
    Interesting game this. Looks good and had a very good story line, which pulls you through and makes this a good play. However the acctual combat let's this down and becomes extremely boring quickly. Still worth it for the story.
  3. Diswin
    Jan 8, 2013
    6
    Game is not even close to perfect, but it's worth to waste 7-10h to complete a story. "Strange" stealth system, pretty annoying resurection system (normal potions would be a way better), boring battles, dragged out absolutely linear dungeons in 1st half of a game. Still I like this game.
  4. Zonzai
    Dec 30, 2012
    6
    Story: 9 ---------------- Original and interesting but imperfectly implemented
    Visuals: 7 ------------- Good enough to for a last gen engine but doesn't go the extra mile
    Sound: 5 -------------- Decent music, mixed voice acting, some acceptable, some terrible, none great Controls: 3 ----------- Like it's Cousin Cyanide game Game of Thrones, they are clunky and boring Game Design: 4 ---    Story: 9 ---------------- Original and interesting but imperfectly implemented
    Visuals: 7 ------------- Good enough to for a last gen engine but doesn't go the extra mile
    Sound: 5 -------------- Decent music, mixed voice acting, some acceptable, some terrible, none great
    Controls: 3 ----------- Like it's Cousin Cyanide game Game of Thrones, they are clunky and boring
    Game Design: 4 --- RPG character development is decent but short linear levels hold it back
    Fun Factor: 6 -------- You will have to suffer through the game to enjoy a great story
    Overall: 6 ----------- Barely above average    … Expand
  5. gjp1981
    Dec 26, 2012
    5
    Looks great, and some great concepts (playing as the Orc rebels vs humans, a 2 character RPG system, a combination of stealth and combat). Completely let down by unimaginative level design, tedious and frustrating combat and lengthy cut-scenes. Not a bad game, but a big case of style over substance and a real missed opportunity.
  6. Spiralyguy
    Jan 3, 2013
    6
    This game is maybe worth a once through if you like Orcs. We're talking Warcraft 3 "orcs of honor" here, they're basically Klingons lol. The story isn't too bad, fairly typical, but not bad. However the combat in this game is frustrating as hell. Not enough control over the toons, and some very non-intuitive abilities. Also between the orc's enrage mechanic and the bad guys stuns,This game is maybe worth a once through if you like Orcs. We're talking Warcraft 3 "orcs of honor" here, they're basically Klingons lol. The story isn't too bad, fairly typical, but not bad. However the combat in this game is frustrating as hell. Not enough control over the toons, and some very non-intuitive abilities. Also between the orc's enrage mechanic and the bad guys stuns, you're often not in control of anything for significant periods of time. Some of the dialogue, especially the cussing in the intro, is pretty forced but does seem more natural as the game goes on. I played all the way through, after the intro I immediately felt, this game sucks. A few hours in it was starting to get better. About halfway through until near the end it just got worse, combat became more frustrating, it didn't seem like my toons were getting any stronger but the baddies were. Then toward the end, last 4ish levels you get some new powers and it's largely easy mode and more fun after that. I think this game would have felt better if you got those powers a bit earlier.… Expand
  7. taygor
    Nov 2, 2012
    6
    Game is ok, it's got good graphics and was fun for awhile. However, I got board with the way the missions were set up. You essentially started at one end of a map and moved to the end through a pre-determined course, battling enemies of increasing difficulty until your 'Boss' fight at the end. Just lost interest in the same type of content.
  8. lucido
    Oct 28, 2012
    7
    When I first emerged into a sunlight valley, with the story of Orcen persecution by the hands of ambitious, yet cruel men as a backdrop, I knew I was in for a visual and emotive storyline worth sitting through. However, almost jarringly intertwined with the story was an uninteresting combat system and rather unfinished loot system.

    The clans of powerful orc warriors are in chaos after    When I first emerged into a sunlight valley, with the story of Orcen persecution by the hands of ambitious, yet cruel men as a backdrop, I knew I was in for a visual and emotive storyline worth sitting through. However, almost jarringly intertwined with the story was an uninteresting combat system and rather unfinished loot system.

    The clans of powerful orc warriors are in chaos after years of relentless assault by man. Many of your brethren lay enslaved, many more lay dead. In an effort aptly described as suicide, you are tasked with finding the emperor and killing him to delay potential alliances with the dwarves and elves.

    The backdrops for missions help convey the sense of desperation and hatred between the two races. Scared peasants cower at your large bulky stature, mercenaries attack without repent. You will be drawing blood in lavish towers, fighting in mines which have broken the will of many strong orcs, and sneaking around the brush on tropical islands. Although linear in their paths, the scenery more than makes up for the set direction.

    You    … Expand
  9. Ciraaxx
    Feb 8, 2013
    6
    This game definitely had a lot of potential, and I enjoyed all of the 12 hours I spent playing it!
    That said, it has barely any replay value, which hurts its score.

    If this was made as an open world game, with more gearing options, it would've had at least 2 more points from me!

    End Verdict: Nice try.
  10. AllAroundGamer
    Dec 23, 2012
    6
    The Plot=Great, the Gameplay=Mediocre and confusing, there is a huge learning curve required. Really, I was disappointed at this game. I expected much more.
  11. EtaYorius
    Oct 16, 2012
    7
    I was doubtfull about this game, but after playing it i have to say its GREAT, the great narrative and occasional wacky scenes made it worth my while, a must for all Fantasy RPG lovers.
  12. Masmun
    Mar 31, 2013
    6
    Interesting and more than decent story but the clunkyness of the controls made it difficult to play and turned me off of the game as a whole. Really wanted to like it too.
  13. zanz
    May 9, 2013
    6
    A very very very average game, the few good points (unusual story perspective, and err that's it) are all counterbalanced by plenty of negatives (terrible controls, horrible voice acting, bad npc models). Once in a while this game comes up for sale on steam for like $12 and for that price (it's like a meal at the food court) it's actually acceptable. Wouldn't pay a cent more though...
  14. SuperkenGaming
    Feb 6, 2017
    7
    Of Orcs and Men…
    Thankfully its interesting…
    Of Orcs and Men is an action RPG game about the struggle between Orcs and men… Its humans vs green skins… Here you play as 2 characters… Arkail who is a warrior brute from the legendary Bloodjaws as well as his Goblin companion Styx who offers ranged and stealth gameplay who’s job is to help Arkail get to where he needs to go on his mission    Of Orcs and Men…
    Thankfully its interesting…
    Of Orcs and Men is an action RPG game about the struggle between Orcs and men…
    Its humans vs green skins…
    Here you play as 2 characters…
    Arkail who is a warrior brute from the legendary Bloodjaws as well as his Goblin companion Styx who offers ranged and stealth gameplay who’s job is to help Arkail get to where he needs to go on his mission to kill the emperor and change the course of the war…
    The story and characters are the best part of the game…
    I laughed out loud numerous times thanks to the loudmouth Styx having no filters when talking to Arkail and other characters.. And the story is full of twists and turns that this 12 hour game is genuinely enjoyable and surprising…
    You even get to make choices to change minor story outcomes
    and the level design here is great...
    This is a very linear game... but areas feel open and theyre crawling with enemies and equipment…
    Where the game is held back though is its combat itself…
    Here you can play as either Styx or Arkail... and you can switch back and forth instantaneously…
    Styx, who was my favorite to play as can go into stealth mode and clear some or all of the enemies out before progressing to prevent as few combat situations as possible which is ideal..
    Because the combat is just no fun...
    Basically both characters are on autopilot…
    You put attacks in their commands list from different fighting stances and let them do their thing...
    you really don’t even have to touch the controller until late in the game if you don’t want to…
    because of this put in commands combat system, you never truly feel in control…
    You don’t feel like you’re using strategy to win...
    just that youre desperately running around with styx throwing knives and healing Arkail so you don’t have to start again... neither of the 2 have strategy programmed into them… if you leave styx he automatically goes into close range when he has considerably less health than arkail… so hell die almost instantly…
    Its almost like you really have no choice but to use him
    In some instances youll get into fights after messing up a stealth kill or being seen and arkail is just standing there looking at you instead of running to help…
    As you do complete battles youll level up so you can balance the characters in areas theyre weak or make them stronger in areas there already strong in.. So the juggling act isn’t as annoying…
    And you can unlock new skills and upgrade them with a choice of a perk to suit your gameplay style…
    but it’s a bad sign when playing your game is the worst part of your game...
    its an alright time and worth experiencing..
    Especially for the story, level design, and being introduced to these characters…
    It’s just rough to get through…
    I give of Orcs and Men
    A 6.5/10    … Expand
  15. Panica3643D
    Jun 16, 2018
    7
    Неплохая игра, в которой есть как много достоинств, так и недостатков. Механика боёв понравилась, как и сама история. А вот RPG составляющая тут хромает на обе ноги (как и во всех играх от Spiders).
  16. Mobile
    Jan 16, 2018
    6
    ENG
    I would call this game Stiks and people or Styx and his adventures. As the character pulls the entire game. If taken as a whole, it is more interesting to listen to play for him, run in stealth mode and in General this character is so intact. But with regard to his companion Arcila, on the contrary, he is a complete zero in boevka with idiotic rage mode, which is not only annoying, it    ENG
    I would call this game Stiks and people or Styx and his adventures. As the character pulls the entire game. If taken as a whole, it is more interesting to listen to play for him, run in stealth mode and in General this character is so intact. But with regard to his companion Arcila, on the contrary, he is a complete zero in boevka with idiotic rage mode, which is not only annoying, it prevents (especially in the beginning), and just looks silly. I'm somewhere to the middle of the game thought that will turn out to make him a tank, a walking threat, but all the even. Interesting and really useful skills from him, not even the Styx, one-on-one against Orc and it will come faster than winner. Now about the game itself: the most I have in these games is annoying tactical battles (or elements pause) , although in this game they fit, at least in the beginning, don't think so, the main claim to developers is the number of waves of enemies that silly spawned throughout the game, especially at the end, well, just with the surplus. In General, not to say that the game is tight, if you play on easy then you can pass for 7-9 hours, a lot of chatter, but the benefit is a function of the skip. And lastly I want to mention that starting with 3 chapters in the game you can see it is not a bad place, and even be called beautiful, not just corridor location underground or in the sewers. Hosted the game for a week, than it got me hooked and I wanted it back, so that is commendable.
    RU
    Я бы назвал эту игру Стикс и люди или Стикс и его приключения. Так как данный персонаж вытягивает всю игру. Если брать в целом, то его интересней слушать играть за него, бегать в стелс режиме да и в целом этот персонаж получился целым. А вот, что касается его спутника Аркаила, то здесь все наоборот, он полный ноль в боевке с идиотским режимом ярости, которая не только раздражает, мешает (особенно в начале), так и просто глупо выглядит. Я где то до середины игры думал, что получится из него сделать танка, ходячую угрозу, но все четно. Интересных и действительно полезных навыков у него нет, даже Стикс один на один против орка и то выйдет быстрее победителем. Теперь про саму игру: больше всего у меня в таких играх напрягает тактические бои (ну или элементы паузы) , хотя в эту игру они вписались, хоть по началу так не кажется, главная претензия к разработчикам, так это количество волн противников, которые глупо спавнят на протяжении всей игры, особенно в конце, ну прям с излишком. В целом не скажу что игра затянута, если играть на легком то вообще можно пройти часов за 7-9, много болтовни, но благо есть функция скипа. И на последок хочу отметить то, что начиная с 3 главы в игре можно увидеть вполне не плохие места и даже назвать красивыми, а не просто коридорные локации под землей или в канализации. Прошел игру за неделю, чем то она меня зацепила и мне хотелось в нее вернутся, так что похвально.    … Expand
  17. Mpbpl
    May 3, 2021
    7
    I am recommending it yes, but with a warning. Final boss fight is luck based and with a safe strategy unwinnable.
    With that out of the way, I can safely understand why the Styx series continued on, the setting of the game is a not so new but different take on the orcs, elves, dwarves and men fantasy trope. But what really takes the cake is the characters but specially Styx and Arkhail.    I am recommending it yes, but with a warning. Final boss fight is luck based and with a safe strategy unwinnable.
    With that out of the way, I can safely understand why the Styx series continued on, the setting of the game is a not so new but different take on the orcs, elves, dwarves and men fantasy trope. But what really takes the cake is the characters but specially Styx and Arkhail. Both of them steal the show and since they are the main characters you are never not engaged on what will happen. The story had some cool twists and some predictable ones too but overall very enjoyable.
    The music and sound effects are nice but not at all special aside for a few ones here and there, the graphics are great for the time period. To maintain graphics like that, the design of stages is extremely linear to a detriment.
    The combat is the only thing that is a pure negative, not a true turn base system, not a only action base one, is a mish mash and nobody is satisfied... a lot of the fights are luck based depending on your build so dont buy it if you can't digest it and enjoy everything else.    … Expand
  18. Nick7000
    Mar 9, 2023
    7
    Крайне необычная игра,во многих моментах очень спорная, но все же оставила, скорее, приятные впечатления.

Awards & Rankings

86
#86 Most Discussed PC Game of 2012
90
#90 Most Shared PC Game of 2012

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. PC Master (Greece)
    Feb 6, 2013
    72
    An interesting experiment of an “intellectual” action game, with unique protagonists, a story with strokes of magnificence and dilemmas. Alas, its launch is badly-timed (many blockbusters around this time of year). Of Orcs and Men is not for everyone, but at least all fantasy fans should have a peek. [December 2012]
  2. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Nov 30, 2012
    60
    Action adventures with orc and goblin in leading roles aren't too usual. Unfortunately, there is not much to offer – gameplay is flat and eye-catching visuals can't save it all. [Dec 2012]
  3. GameSpot
    Nov 13, 2012
    70
    Of Orcs and Men's few design issues don't prevent it from being a fun, table-turning take on the age-old conflict.
    Read full review
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