​Hob Review

By Kevin Mitchell  |  Posted: October 2, 2017

Runic Games is best known for developing one of the best action RPGs ever created not named Diablo. When the developer announced they were no longer working on an MMO based on the Torchlight IP, many wondered what would come next. The stylish and often awe-inspiring action-adventure platformer Hob was certainly not what I expected, but I quickly fell in love with it. Over the 15-20 hours you'll spend exploring its blend of natural and robotic landscapes, you'll solve environmental puzzles and prove yourself capable in combat.

Presented without a single line of text or dialogue, Hob's opening sequence is powerful, set in a world consumed by corruption. You take on the role of a small robot with glowing blue eyes, shrouded in red cloth. Without revealing too much, you awaken with a massive glove attached to your body, granting you abilities for both exploration and combat. As you progress, you'll discover underground dungeons that provide access to upgrades and opportunities to reactivate ancient machinery spread across the world. While your first ability lets you break apart cracked walls and floors, you can also punch enemies for massive damage and tear away their protective armor. Eventually, you'll possess a full arsenal, offering multiple ways to handle any encounter, from dodging attacks to grappling down cliffs.

As mentioned, the world appears corrupted, represented by deadly, bubbling purple goo that permeates throughout - a substance that must be avoided at all costs. The journey is undeniably dangerous, but the world is cleverly designed, and its painterly quality is alluring. By reactivating the technology that once powered this realm, you must transform and restore the planet. Using a fixed isometric camera angle, Hob showcases truly art-worthy scenes, framing the world perfectly. There are even spots where you can sit down and admire the view. However, this fixed perspective can become problematic when attempting precision jumps.

When you're not leaping over deadly pits or solving puzzles, you'll engage in combat using rudimentary combos. While all upgrades enhance your offensive capabilities, fighting remains simplistic throughout the entire game. Considering Runic Games' pedigree with the Torchlight series, I expected more depth, but Hob clearly prioritizes the puzzle-solving elements that reshape the world before your eyes.

Simply Put

Hob is a beautiful puzzle-action adventure game with an engaging sense of discovery. Bringing the world back to life by solving dungeons proves consistently rewarding, and the painterly visuals are a genuine treat. The game emphasizes exploration over combat, so the mechanics may feel lacking compared to other games in the genre. There are plenty of hidden secrets for you to discover once you complete the main narrative.