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Play Overview
Hack 'n' Slash (2014) is a puzzle adventure game where you tinker with the properties of game objects to explore dungeons and fight enemies. Using your USB sword on enemies hacks them so you can change their game-code and behaviour. It combines a standard dungeon adventure with coding in a way that doesn't feel educational like more heavy handed learn-to-code games.
As you explore, you encounter an evil wizard that has taken control of the kingdom. To stop him, you solve puzzles and defeat the enemies he puts in your way. But unlike other adventures, along with the hitting and dodging you can use your USB sword to change their underlying code. For example, you could make a fire-spitting dragon shoot fire away from you, or make its fire harmful to other monsters, or even switch its fire off.
The game is divided into acts of increasing coding complexity, starting with basic yes/no arguments and ending with total manipulation of every byte in the final act. With this level of access to the game's code, some changes can result in game corruption, but if Hack 'n' Slash, crashes are seen as harmless game over screens. This means that you can experiment with code without fear of ruining a game's code forever and making it unplayable.
The result is a humorous adventure that uses coding in a light-hearted and innovative way. Lack of thorough tutorial encourages a trial-and-error method to move through puzzling sections, which can be frustrating for some. Despite this, the characters' dialogue adds charm and laughs to a sometimes challenging coding game.
Our examiner, Joe Eaton, first checked Hack 'n' Slash 20 months ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 9 months ago.
As you explore, you encounter an evil wizard that has taken control of the kingdom. To stop him, you solve puzzles and defeat the enemies he puts in your way. But unlike other adventures, along with the hitting and dodging you can use your USB sword to change their underlying code. For example, you could make a fire-spitting dragon shoot fire away from you, or make its fire harmful to other monsters, or even switch its fire off.
The game is divided into acts of increasing coding complexity, starting with basic yes/no arguments and ending with total manipulation of every byte in the final act. With this level of access to the game's code, some changes can result in game corruption, but if Hack 'n' Slash, crashes are seen as harmless game over screens. This means that you can experiment with code without fear of ruining a game's code forever and making it unplayable.
The result is a humorous adventure that uses coding in a light-hearted and innovative way. Lack of thorough tutorial encourages a trial-and-error method to move through puzzling sections, which can be frustrating for some. Despite this, the characters' dialogue adds charm and laughs to a sometimes challenging coding game.
Our examiner, Joe Eaton, first checked Hack 'n' Slash 20 months ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 9 months ago.
Too complex for your family? There are lots of games similar to Hack 'n' Slash. Here are some easier younger-rated games:
Play Style
This is a Brain Game and Traversal game with Adventure, Creative and Puzzle elements. This is a single-player game.
You can play this game in the following styles:
Benefits
Age Ratings
Skill Level
10+ year-olds usually have the required skill to enjoy this game. Although quite young children may enjoy the game, they need either a high degree of logic and programming, or an adult to help them. Also, because there is minimal tutorial you need to be willing to experiment and persevere when stuck. Younger players may struggle with the more complex coding content found in later parts of the game.
Costs
Game Details
Release Date: 09/09/2014
Out Now: Mac and PC
Skill Rating: 10+ year-olds
Players: 1
Genres: Brain Game, Traversal (Adventure, Creative and Puzzle)
Accessibility: 0 features documented (Tweet Developer )
Components: 2D Overhead, Pixels and Text
Developer: Double Fine (@DoubleFine)
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