Graphics and Audio

Zeno Clash uses the Source Engine from Valve, so many of the common effects we’ve seen from Source-based games make an appearance. While we give Valve and ACE credit for updating Source to keep it as relevant as possible, the engine still lacks the texture clarity and rendering capabilities of current engines. This is especially apparent when looking at foliage and grass, which is still rendered as a 2D plane. Textures and objects lack depth from proper shading and ground formations lack a natural flow, jutting wildly from the ground at odd angles.

Character animations are excellent however, as each NPC you encounter moves in a natural and very humanistic manner. However, I’ve always thought that the ragdoll physics in Source were a touch on the ludicrous side and this is very apparent in Zeno Clash. Kicking an enemy across the maps sends them flying all over the place, with unintentionally hilarious results.






ACE seems to have embraced the Source engines’ failings in way of designing the world as over the top and silly as possible. Let me assure you, this is a compliment in the highest regard. Everything from characters to objects is designed to play up over-exaggerated silhouettes, such as your trainer’s ridiculous single man-boob. Trees are a combination of simple shapes and rocks are almost uniformly rounded off.

The audio presentation in Zeno Clash is fairly well done, although the voice acting could’ve used a bit of work. Quite a few of the actors tend to say their lines lifelessly for the most part. Frankly, it sounds as if they are as confused as to what’s going as the player can be, as their lines can be stilted and wooden. Other audio effects are pretty well done, as each weapon is distinctive and unique. The Source engine’s excellent surround sound is put to good use here with enemy calls and attacks vividly coming from its requisite direction, giving the player plenty of time to anticipate onslaughts. Melee attacks however, sound excellent, as each landed five-knuckle sandwich delivers a gruesomely satisfying smack or thud.