Hood: Outlaws and Legends is developed by Sumo Digital and published by Focus Entertainment. The game is available on Xbox Series X/S and One, PS5/4 and PC. The game was originally released in May 2021.
Reviewed on Xbox Series X.
Synopsis
We are all Outlaws… but some of us will become Legends. Faced with a merciless, unchecked state, rebels and rogues battle to claim their place among legends. To win influence with an oppressed people, rival gangs compete in daring heists to hit the wealthy where it hurts. Folk hero or gold-hungry outlaw, only the best will escape with hard-earned riches. Two teams of 4 players compete to execute the perfect heist, in medieval environments patrolled by deadly AI guards. With the unique skills and mystical abilities of each character, moving in stealth to steal treasures unseen or dominating through loud and brutal combat.
Blood will be spilled. Riches will be stolen. Legends will be reborn.
• Outplay opponents in intense PvPvE multiplayer heists
• Experience a violent medieval world where mysticism competes with man-made power and corruption
• Claim your loot and invest in perks, weapons and bold new looks
• Post-launch support with new maps, characters, game modes and events.
Review
I’ve always liked a good heist game, especially ones that encourage co-op play, Hood: Outlaws and Legends does this but in a different way by introducing a more medieval setting. The game leans more to the old folk lore of Robin Hood as you plan to steal from the rich and giving it to the poor, with the main protagonist looking very similar to a Mr Hood and for once a game that not only looks great it focuses on the gameplay.
From your crew hub you plan the next big heist either 4 players working as a team or go all out in 4 on 4 combat to capture the riches, utilising your characters to the best abilities for example Hood is in the style of a sniper and John is more of an all out old school brawler (my favourite character) creating a more balanced gaming experience.
The game offers different modes with the main focus being on stealth, yes you can just go running in but you will quite quickly be surrounded by guards making a difficult situation for you to get out of, fear not however you can get revived by your fellow team members so it’s not quite an instant death.
It can be difficult to not raise the alarm and keep fully stealth but it does certainly add to the intense atmosphere as you strategically plot your heist with communication being a key tool your success.
Overall the game does start off a bit on the difficult side but once you get used to the whole mechanics and gameplay it becomes a really immersive and intense experience.
Verdict
On the whole a great looking stealth game with great co-op mechanics. A game that centres around team play and encourages you to work together. It can work playing with randoms in the matchmaking but works far better when getting a group of friends together. Would definitely recommend if you love co-op gameplay.
⭐⭐⭐⭐