An Examination of Exanima

An in-depth look at Exanima and it's mechanics.
Twitch: / clu_snake
Discord: / discord

[@clu_snake]

Consider this video outdated! A major update to the game was released fairly recently that fixes some some of my criticisms with the game. I do plan to take a 2nd look at it, but I have a lot of other projects I'm currently working on, so it might be some time.

[@fammud1192]

I think there's a lot more coming soon to that effect. A lot more dialogue, more NPCs, in game maps, the story is supposed to kick off properly (though I think it's already really good if you follow it closely enough), the magic system, alchemy...

[@BrecMadak]

I think its even better to wait for the next major patch [Thaumaturgy to be added] to update your video just to ensure that is gonna worth your time for %666.

[@pooshpoosh9232]

Don't forget that exanima is just a "beta" for another game called sui generis

[@sicknastyflipmaster7]

clu Yes please!

[@sicknastyflipmaster7]

Subbed

[@davidc6262]

A.I trying to learn Exanima? that would be nice to watch

[@rattled4806]

What's Examina?

[@davidc6262]

@@rattled4806 a honest mistake i didn't bother correcting till now

[@frankzhao421]

Seriously man, you got a GREAT VOICE. And as a game designer I realy do like how clear your demonstration are that is rarely find on youtube. Keep work on it you may achieve something.

[@sudabdjadjgasdajdk3120]

Totally agreed one of the very few YT videos I have found bearable today, I have been sold on this game.

[@abbotjackson8738]

Cool video.. I think this game is ahead of its time.. Might spark a new genre..

[@LurkerDaBerzerker]

Longwittyusername It does, all you have to do is head into the options menu, disable "checkpoints" then, voila.

[@TheRealSamPreece]

expand beyond just the defensive/ offensive mechanics to other interactions, gestures, map and rule design; is there open-source material?

[@h3iberg456]

I wouldn't say its ahead of it's time, but sure it took front of one of gaming aspects, towards realism. So I would say it's on it's own course. Even when its been years since the industry bets on "low graphics but fun" games, realism will aways be a thing, a goal to reach and surpass. graphic, physic, movement possibilities and control, interaction... we just see these aspects isolated between games and genres, where each runs to perfect it.

[@jimmini8951]

There are only checkpoints in early levels, that act as a sort of tutorial. After that tutorial there is no way to return to life.

[@lolpop241]

@St. Petersberg Really late with this comment but if you see this great. Exanima is only the "Beginning". Exanima is sort of the working structure for a larger game the team is developing. Lots of different elements that aren't in Exanima at all will be part of a new game. Way more RPG type elements, a story, and a regular outside world and not just the dungeon. While they perfect the fighting system they released Exanima and update it.

[@thror1709]

I personally really liked the level design. Knowing your way around the entire map is a challenge, but it can really help in future playthroughs. I prefer exploring everything, before going on to the next level. I guess not everyone likes that as much...

[@adrianloko2011]

This video... is actually very good, I hope you the best of luck to keep rising ur views

[@Demki]

I personally never had problems navigating the levels... well except the last one available, but I won't spoil it here.

[@DiegoAlanTorres96]

I played the whole game using manual saves through hidden files. It desperately needs a traditional saving system and a SEPARATE true hardcore mode. It turns out it's really fun that way.

[@KingSlimeProductions]

agreed, sometimes i love the feeling that i could die at any time and lose everything, but other times i just wanna chill out and explore some rooms without fear of losing all of my progress. Luckily the later you progress the harder it tends to get to die, as you’ll be wearing plate armor and finding more healing salves.

[@zacapoo]

Holy hell, you're so confident in your words, even with such a small channel, you definitely put me at ease when I was feeling a little nervous and concerned that I had spent my money on this game, so thanks for that, easy sub for you my dude

[@gil6681]

“It’s midnight and I’m trying to sleep, and here you f-ing are...”

[@yeyeyyeyy-yeyeyeyeyeyeyeye561]

4:22 lmao I can't

[@lowek7773]

that guy is butthurt af

[@aspiringtosomething2023]

This is a super well-made video. Surprised you don't have more subscribers.

[@MaQuGo119]

I rather have 10 good levels than 100000000 copypasted shiet.

[@LinkMorganM]

I watched the intro and had a mild heart attack at the fact that you only have 1300 subscribers

[@rumproast8643]

I'm so glad you made this video, this is one of my favorite games of all time despite it's unfinished state. It's such a hidden gem that deserves so much more recognition

[@jimmini8951]

Overall a quite good 'examination' of Exanima. I appreciate you mentioning things like atmosphere, music, story etc., as most people focus solely on the combat. May I ask how far you've played the game though? All footage seems to be from the beginning of the first level. The first few levels are meant more as a tutorial and an opportunity to gear up. The game will change drastically afterwards, especially once the remaining content has been added (there are currently 5 out of 15 planned levels in the game). The game in general is currently barely representative what it will be when finished. There are many more scrolls, old parchments and books to get a better picture of the lore in the areas deeper down. However, the fact that the whole plot isn't presented to you on a silver platter is very much intentional. Not only is it much more believable that there isn't constantly something around to force feed you the story, but it's also the reason why many players gather on the forums to discuss all their different interpretations of what they have learned so far. 'Interpretations' is the keyword here, since everything you find is subject to the authors' intentions, opinions and their own interpretations they had when writing it. You may never know the whole story, and what you know may be nothing but lies (which is actually an important topic in the story itself). I don't know if you noticed, but the environment is a very important part of the story telling. Every character, room or corpse you find tells a piece of the story. Everything was placed with careful consideration. In future, there will also be dialogue and ways to more actively participate in the story. The physics are certainly an important part to make the world feel real, and to make gameplay more interesting and dynamic, but I definitely wouldn't say it's what the game is about. Combat is also not the focus of the game, even though it's not surprising that players think so, since it's very well made and a lot of fun, even after hundreds of hours. There will soon be a very extensive update, containing a remade and extremely complex AI system, better combat behaviours of NPCs, two new levels, remastered early levels, natural terrain, dialogue, a companion, much improved character balancing, 50+ pieces of armor and weapons, graphical enhancements, and lots of general tweaks, improvements and fixes.

[@clu_snake]

Thank you very much for the constructive criticism! To answer your first question, I have played to level 4. In hindsight, I certainly should have mentioned this in the video since it is unfair for me to criticize some of the game's elements without actually finishing the game , but I will definitely think about that factor in the next examination video I make, as this is the first of a planned series. And as far as only showing footage from level 1, I wanted to spoil as little as possible, so I decided to leave out any following levels. That, and admittedly I'm not the best at the game, so I died many times trying to record footage. As for story telling, I completely understand that it is intentional for there not to be a direct presentation of the story, but I still believe that a bit more could be given to the player. Of course, I recognize that the game is still being developed, and the addition of dialogue will make me much more happy. But, I also have no issue with anyone being fine with the story in it's current state, as my dislike for the story is based mostly on my personal taste. I'm incredibly excited to see what is going to come to the game, but at the same time I am of the firm belief that a game being sold should be judged regardless of development status. Early access shouldn't be an excuse to release a game with minimal content. I don't look at Exanima this way however. In fact, it is one of the few early access games I have played and been completely satisfied with the state of the game. But until any of the new upcoming content is added to the game, my opinion of the game will not change. I will play through the game again, and attempt to actually complete all currently available levels while paying more attention to the things you mentioned. Maybe this will make me look at certain aspects differently, but either way, I certainly plan to revisit the game in a future video.

[@jimmini8951]

Ah, not trying to spoil the content is obviously a good reason, especially in this game since exploration is a very important aspect. The developers themselves try to avoid them like the plague, which sometimes frustrates some players, since they don't get to see screenshots while they wait for updates lol. I can see why someone would like a more direct approach to the story telling, and I can certainly accept that, but just for completeness' sake I would like to mention another important reason why it is this way (which I seem to have forgotten to do in my previous post). The game is designed to not be player-centric, which is something that not only applies to the story telling, but to the game in general - be it world design, combat, sight, dialogue, or anything else. This means nothing is done to explicitly accomodate the player, and everything that applies to the player must also apply to non-player characters and vice versa. This is an extremely important fact and something the developers are very passionate about to adhere to, and is the opposite of what is being done in most games. In terms of scrolls, for example, this means there will only ever be one if someone had an actual reason to write it and leave it there, and the content may not even tell the truth. Also, in case you haven't heard of it yet, I'd also like to mention Sui Generis, which is the developers' actual goal to make. It'll be very similar to Exanima, but much bigger in scope. That game is also the reason why they spent almost a year developing the new AI system, which will be totally overkill in Exanima.

[@jimmini8951]

I'm just another fan. How long it will take until it's finished is nearly impossible to tell. There are still quite some features missing, and two thirds of the content (though levels are relatively easy to create). I'm fairly certain it won't be this year though.

[@lrmcatspaw1]

WHen dark souls is too easy....

[@MrKlayVFX]

I'm still holding out for Exanimas' physics implemented into a Project Zomboid type survival horror. Being able to physically block doors/windows, create road barricades, makeshift base build by pushing heavy objects. Exanima is really ahead of its time.

[@MaitreMechant]

the thing I love with this game is that you really feel every hit. It's really brutal

[@grey8771]

You should've called this Exanimation of Examina xD

[@TheHipClip]

Video game journalists would say it's more Souls-like than Dark Souls :)

[@bruhSaintJohn]

This game is a Dark Souls of Dark Souls game. That is also Dark Souls. The rooms are dark, and enemies probably have souls, so you should feel bad for killing them, Therefore, Dkark Solus.

[@Minkais]

This is a really good video, explains the game really well, my only gripe with it is that you're talking about it as if it's a 100% finished and released game. You only mention that's it's unfinished once, towards the very end of the video. I feel like this might misguide some people into thinking that it's a bad game. Other than that, I really liked it :) The Arena mode is my favorite part of the game. The dungeon is cool, but it's too spooky for me. :D Like you said, it's so satisfying to level up your fighters, and the higher lever you get, the more intense the fights are, because you could lose all your progress with that fighter. You say there is no real goal for Arena, and while there may not be a "VICTORY" screen at the end (although, I don't know about that, I've never gotten max level in Arena,) I think the goal is pretty obvious. You work your way up, and try to become the ULTIMATE FIGHTER :D

[@clu_snake]

Thank you for the feedback! The point you made about me treating the game as finished, I understand where you're coming from, but I have a bit of a strong opinion on early access games. And that is that no matter what the state of the game is, if it is being sold for money, then it can be judged fully. The only early access games that I give some slack are ones that I personally find worth the money in their current state, and I also see genuine and reachable potential in. Exanima falls into that category. I think that it is worth every penny I spent and we still have more updates coming. That being said, the game still has many flaws, which Bare Mettle seem eager to improve upon. Considering the amount of failed early access games we've seen in the past few years, it's great to see a game like Exanima do it right (even if progress is slow). But aside from that, thanks so much for the comment!

[@fetlix]

I'm addicted to this game, sooo many hours the past week..

[@manoogianation]

about blocking, it's actually really effective if you move the cursor over the striking point and obviously, bigger shields mean less required precision. blocking attacks and counter attacking is extremely effective at getting in clean blows.

[@xavier6486]

you are very eloquent and deliver the review confidently! this is a great video. :)

[@manoogianation]

also, as you continue to play and figure out the mechanics, the zombies will be nothing but cannon fodder to you. I used to not be able to complete the first level, now I can get to at least the fourth level without taking any red damage at all. I could probably get all the way to the 6th level boss without taking damage if I bring Derrin with me and avoid a certain boss type character in the midway of the current game.

[@KingZealotTactics]

man this game is more like a taste of what is to come, their real game that is just like examina is called sui generis looks like we'll have a bit of magic to play around with.

[@Thorcar123]

Wait, is examina and sui generis the same game or we gonna have to buy both separatly?

[@manoogianation]

exanima is a prelude game, bought separately, but it's very inexpensive at 15 usd. Sui genesis seems to be a long ways away.

[@bladechild2449]

Sui Generis was Kickstarted 5 years ago and all they've achieved so far is Examina, an ongoing tech demo that gets updated every 18 months. Sui Generis will never see the light of day

[@KingZealotTactics]

lmfao so I guess late stage development footage and devs making videos doesn't pass for progress? guy just because you don't hear too much of something doesn't mean it's not being worked on with diligence. as far as examina goes it's just a sneak peak of what they are mainly working on, the day will come mark my words.

[@LurkerDaBerzerker]

DrinkEnemyBlood The Thaumaturgy system will be present in Exanima, but it will only be possible to get to full potential in Sui Generis. (On the full potential, that is not a certain, but the Thaumaturgy system is definitely going to be present.)

[@bard5510]

great job!

[@roberttauzer7042]

This is the future of gaming. Buy this game, it's fuckin phenomenal. Difficult, demanding, utterly atmospheric and immensely satisfying when mastered.

[@FranP25]

Also it has a good lore (my opinion)

[@Kromatt]

this game plays like DIE BY THE SWORD (1998

[@Diaghre]

never saw this game before and just because of this video i'm buying it. Thank you for the awesome review on it.

[@PixelatedKarl]

Exanimation

[@Teal_.]

0:38 no joke human fall flat is actually a fun game me and my friends where surprised we enjoyed so much after getting it in a humble bundle

[@icecreamdaycatlin8896]

if anyone that truly enjoys this game would like an arena save with 3 master level characters/ 2 experts/ and a couple of new hirelings then give this a like and ill update it with a link to a download page. each character has color coded gearsets to make them each unique with different weapon types to differ them even more. although this will ruin the feeling of playing the arena for yourself it has alot of rare armors that you would have to play forever to find. this save also contains around 60k gold. drive.google.com/open?id=1lsYbMA0bqJadBy2W1UUOXG6YmKKqpnrd

[@The_Great_Gernzo]

You REALLY need to do a RE Exanima-zation after the newest update, enemies are much different so is combat.

[@A_Simple_Neurose]

This was a very good analysis or, dare I say it, exanimation. I know where the door is, peace.

[@musilicks]

Does ANYONE out there have any insight into how they are actually accomplishing such nice looking physics based movements? I've heard mention of procedural animations and/or motorized joints that follow predefined animations, but haven't ever found anything solid. Any idea any1?

[@LurkerDaBerzerker]

If you have yet to get your answer, you could try asking the devs on the public Discord. They should have a link in Exanima's steam forum, but it's been awhile since I've visited.

[@rootbowy825]

Just got to level 2 filled geared up with Daron. No scratches yet so let’s pray

[@edk.2045]

2.5k subs? You deserve at least 2.5 mil! You just earned a new sub, bud.

[@acle_]

thanks to this vid, i bought this game. what a spectacular project. the combat is so satisfying and surprisingly intuitive once you get the hang of it. beautiful engine. im going to donate more $ just to see the devs get everything they need. i really want this to succeed and grow

[@John-uw2je]

Yeah, its like one full time lead developer and 6 other people helping about. Pretty small team, but I can tell they will do great if they keep it up.

[@brodie9099]

Oh shit XboxAhoy is back just american

[@7rICk]

Dude I've been following this game for years now, stoked to get the July update ! One of the most satisfying combat systems ever, once you master all the weapons it's pure bliss.

[@Allups]

games like this don't need a story in fact id rather them hold off on it and add it in later if it means gameplay can be more polished.

[@tatertot4224]

This game is more comparable to Gothic 1-3 than DarkSouls when it comes to combat in my opinion.

[@toozigooti]

This is the kind of artstyle and graphics that I wish was present in Diablo 3. :O

[@touchingisjustthefirststep]

Dark Souls isn't even hard a fucking casual can beat it.

[@theali8oras274]

a multiplayer game like this d be the shit. me and my friends dueling each other or making a party fighting side by side

[@TavinUndertaker]

One thing to point out, about the shield, the more you learn skills about it, the better your character handles it, it still is kinda wonky sometimes tho.

[@RayTC]

unforgiving game with swords? must be dark souls

[@TheRealSamPreece]

multiplayer; would be super dope in a lobby lol

[@Evanz111]

Seems like a sweet cross between Darkwood, Resident Evil 7 and Superhot. I know this is the most popular video on your channel, but I only came to it from the Killing Floor 2 video and then the game worlds being too but video. What I’m trying to say is: I really like your channel. I’m surprised you’re not more popular.

[@generic_name4570]

I guess you could call it an EXANIMAtion

[@Baldoxxx4000]

is the game complete yet? Im more exited for this game than Monster Hunter or Darksouls 3

[@jimmini8951]

It's not.

[@greenlyyy]

You should've called it an exanimation of exanima

[@lucasbird6367]

A good phisics but very bad receipe for a game.

[@1993alik]

Imagine with diablo 2 this graphics

[@uruburus5203]

just wait for release it got update like a month ago reworking entire system....

[@alexmorrison9863]

Blue bar does something now!!!

[@Kazumo]

How come you have just 2.4k subscribers? This video is absolutely amazing and it's very professional. I absolutely love how well you recorded yourself and the knowledge you have. Keep up the amazing work, you're awesome!

[@alterego6236]

I can't belive you've only got 120 subs, the quality of your vids are top notch PLEASE upload more

[@clu_snake]

Thanks! I've got some new videos coming in the near future.

[@capocuoco192]

very well put together video idk if you already do but a really good idea for a series where you examine odd games that are gems

[@clu_snake]

Capocuoco I'm planning on covering some lesser know games in the near future for my examination series. Though I might make a new series as well. Still deciding on these things since I only started consistently uploading recently.

[@BelegornHK]

this game looks like pure gold

[@kpjlflsknflksnflknsa]

This is the dark souls of examina reviews

[@DeusEx3]

Great production and voice, and content is on point. I can see this channel having a big-ass growth spurt (ass-growth? Spurt-ass? This channel will definitely have the biggest butt) if you keep up the good work✌️

[@heinnz37_]

this is better than other ign reviews holy cow

[@Notd0not]

You've got a sub dude, really great video.

[@blastingsound]

ohh soo it slike dark soulss

[@UCmDBecUtbSafffpMEN3iscA]

An Exanimation of Examina

[@mistry6292]

Top tier content right here, subbed.

[@_redprince_]

Fair enough. Nice review.

[@yugen]

One of my favorite early access titles.

[@hlemuel]

Woah, awesome video

[@filiplahoda248]

Reminds me of Die by the sword

[@clickpause8732]

What's next, an examination on Tion?

[@aurelius8977]

nice voicing subscribbed

[@spassstoepsel3398]

Unbelievable! I randomly found this game and your video was a recommendation. As i watched you talk really professionally about the game i expected you to have a couple hundred subscribers but im honestly shocked to find out you are this small. You use clean and simple but effective editing and you do great voice over with an amazing voice. You defintly found a new fan. Keep up the good work.

[@SmurkMerc]

Just purchased a copy of this game and watched your video, boi you deserve more subs, also amazing game.

[@shrap8]

great examination of the game

[@GyroDelToro]

Another Great Video Raycevick. Also when are you gonna stream a way out with A Viscous Walru-- I mean Clu?

[@TheCloucs]

Great Video, you definitely deserve a larger community on this channel! Where was this game earlier in my life? I just bought it right after the video.

[@BilsonBoi]

Just earned a sub! I loved your break down of the game and put it on my wishlist right away. The video was excellent can't wait for that 2nd part.

[@Cosm1c_69]

It is cool. Always wanted to see physics based combat where no animations for swing are played that go through enemy and instead of splitting him apart (from what animation looked like enemy should be split... sword went thriygh his body lol) there is only some damage. Here there is bounce back of strike if it was blocked and weapon dont go through the enemy!!!

[@israhh6711]

No one talks about Toribash :P

[@uruburus5203]

it was not really psychics based i mean it was a mess

[@israhh6711]

It's fully physics based, in fact you control a ragdoll, It is very hard tho

[@uruburus5203]

yeah i've seen what people can do with them like do parkour and stuff like that but this game is like an animation more than a game you just change body parts functions , and watch them go

[@israhh6711]

@@uruburus5203 There are two ways you can play it, more like an animation like you said or a competitive way, like the official modalities where you have to take down your opponent and make him touch the ground with your own moves

[@hades2cool]

If I had that voice I'd be the king of Ardent by now! But in all seriousness, good stuff! :D

[@LurkerDaBerzerker]

hades2cool i watched this video explode, (I remember seeing it at like 236 views, and now he has over 50k). *Whistle*

[@hades2cool]

Nickolas Holmes yeah it’s gotten some well deserved publicity:D

[@LurkerDaBerzerker]

hades2cool Yes, and if you read the comments, there are quite a few people who believe Exanima, and BM, are complete piles of....yeah.... (Obviously, they couldn't git gud, like us. 😎)

[@ilyyama8893]

Your format is glorious.

[@Monumentum616]

Went on the hunt for some new footage since the update is imminent and happened upon your video. Really great insight into one of the most special games I've played in years. Enjoyed your dulcet tones as well. Subbed and glhf

[@InMaTeofDeath]

+clu If you've never heard of counterstrike surfing you absolutely have to take a look as it's some of the hardest physics gameplay you can find. The channel Ksfrecords or just searching Surf_it_omnific would be a good place to start.

[@ALEXGAYMAR2312]

You just lost the oportunity of calling the video "exanimation"

[@maciejocicki2492]

This video get yourself a new sub. I don't know why but your voice and style of this reviews is hypnotizing

[@veagervictory4747]

Odd question but would you or the makers of Exanima be willing to part with a key to the game for a lets play series? ~Daniel

[@manoogianation]

it's 15 usd.

[@veagervictory4747]

Thank you man!

[@edobiesz11]

What's the video with the dude complaint about trying to sleep and your talking about dark souls

[@Kneeco69]

This is incredible! When I found your channel, I thought you would have hundreds of thousands of subscribers. This channel will grow. I know it

[@Firenmage433]

subscribed, very nice

[@pharaoh9257]

The cool thing is this game is just tech made for the future game

[@Thor.Jorgensen]

Which was promised to be delivered 5 years ago, even after a successfully funded Kickstarter. Thus far there are no news about the future game and nothing from the feature list has been completed over the course of an at least 7 year development time.

[@rachun8746]

you sound like Ahoy

[@Vball2718]

you spelled the title comletely wrong. its exanimation

[@jaaguptamm7419]

quality review!

[@wizardgragas1001]

The story is about a Necromancer that experimented on people and every floor makes up for residents the highiest is the villagers and lowest are the noble ones.

[@manoogianation]

I'm not sure that's the story actually. Have you gone deeper past the third level?

[@wizardgragas1001]

manoogianation yeah I have finished crossroads the last newest level but i cant best golem president golem level boss, but I have slain sir a lvl 5 boss.